Kiss Me Slowly

Erika Kelly

Contents

Titles by Erika Kelly

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Epilogue

About the Author

KISS ME SLOWLY

Erika Kelly

ISBN-13: 978-1-955462-07-5

Copyright 2021 EK Publishing, LLC

All rights reserved

This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are used fictitiously or are a product of the author’s imagination and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Cover design and Formatting by Serendipity Formatting

Editing by Kristy DeBoer

Titles by Erika Kelly

The Calamity Falls series

KEEP ON LOVING YOU

WE BELONG TOGETHER

THE VERY THOUGHT OF YOU

JUST THE WAY YOU ARE

IT WAS ALWAYS YOU

CAN’T HELP FALLING IN LOVE

COME AWAY WITH ME

WHOLE LOTTA LOVE

YOU’RE STILL THE ONE

Rock Star Romance series

YOU REALLY GOT ME

I WANT YOU TO WANT ME

TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT

MORE THAN A FEELING

Wild Love series

MINE FOR NOW

MINE FOR THE WEEK

Sign up for my newsletter to read IF I NEVER MET YOU, the next EXCLUSIVE novella for my readers only! You'll get 2 chapters a month of this super sexy, fun romance! #rockstarromance #fantasybecomesreality #dreamscometrue Also, get PLANES, TRAINS, AND HEAD OVER HEELS for FREE! I hope you’ll come hang out with me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads, and Pinterest or in my private reader group.

Praise for The Calamity Falls Small Town Romance series

KEEP ON LOVING YOU

“I adored this book! It is exactly what I love in a second-chance romance. The characters are so vibrant and real, I was rooting for them with every page.” – USA Today Bestseller Devney Perry

“KEEP ON LOVING YOU is such a fun and sexy second-chance romance that I didn’t want it to end. Their connection is a swoony blend of tender first love and sizzling heat, and Erika Kelly delivers a highly entertaining and sigh-worthy romance that shouldn’t be missed.” – Mary Dube, USA Today

WE BELONG TOGETHER

“I loved every sweet, heart-wrenching, crazy, mixed-up minute of this book. It was an emotional journey from the first chapter to the last. This is Erika Kelly at her best, and this is a not-to-be-missed book!” – Sharon Slick Reads, Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

“Erika Kelly damn near pulled my heart from my chest with Delilah and Will’s story. It’s so well-written that you feel everything. My heart got tugged so hard! I honestly cried at a few moments in the book. I fell all the way in love with ‘Wooby.’ It’s hard not to, really.” – Ree Cee’s Books

THE VERY THOUGHT OF YOU

“Wow, THE VERY THOUGHT OF YOU was simply OUTSTANDING! This second chance, friends to lovers romance is enchanting and entertaining.” – Spellbound Stories

“I just finished this story, and I want to start all over again. Or maybe at the start of the series. To once again feel the events, the emotions, that brought these amazing characters together. To hear the banter and the arguments, the sorrow, the loss and the happiness that brought a family together and closer.” – Nerdy, Dirty, and Flirty

JUST THE WAY YOU ARE

“An alpha cowboy and a smart, sassy princess collide in JUST THE WAY YOU ARE in Erika Kelly's latest, and it was fabulous! I was cheering for Brodie and Rosalina with every page. If you love stories with heart, steam, and plenty of swoon, don't miss this one!” – USA Today Bestselling Author J.H. Croix

“With the Calamity Falls series, Kelly doesn't shy away from charming. She captivates with delectable characters that wrap themselves around a heart. From the first hello to the final goodbye, Rosalina and Brodie are a match made out of the unpredictable but the sweetest kind of heaven. JUST THE WAY YOU ARE is the perfect example of why I am hooked on this series. SWOONWORTHY READ!” – Hopeless Romantic Book Reviews

IT WAS ALWAYS YOU

“This book was full of every emotion you could ever feel. Gigi and Cassian proved you can conquer anything with true love.” – Cat’s Guilty Pleasure

“I could not put this book down! Erika Kelly always delivers a great love story and never disappoints! I recommend this book for romance lovers looking to get lost in a great love story.” – Reading in Pajamas

CAN’T HELP FALLING IN LOVE

“I love everything about this emotional and sexy second-chance story. Erika Kelly writes a story that makes me feel like I’m right there with the two main characters, Beckett and Coco. It is a slow burn, passionate story with lots of underlying tension. I not only enjoyed this story, but I found it impossible to put down.” – Cocktails and Books

“I loved everything about this book. I loved all the characters, from Beckett, ‘I don’t believe in love,’ to single mom, small business-owning, closed-off Coco, to a fairy-believing five-year-old who will steal your heart! I cannot gush enough about how spectacular I thought this book was.” – Bookcase and Coffee

WHOLE LOTTA LOVE

“BRILLIANT! This book was incredible, I could not put this book down, that is how good Lu and Xander’s story was. I fell in love with these two characters instantly.” – Harlequin Junkie

“Whole Lotta Love was absolutely perfect! You will instantly love this couple and their journey to find happiness!” – Just Love Books

YOU’RE STILL THE ONE

“You’re Still The One is an absolute must read! Kelly has fast come to be a must-read author for me, and the Calamity Falls Series will always have a special spot in my heart! This is one second chance romance that you do not want to miss!”— Harlequin Junkie Book Reviews

“WOW! WOW! WOW! Welcome to all the feels! I ADORED Stella and Griffin’s story. I was completely lost in this book and didn’t want to put it down. I FELT everything, and I can’t tell you how much I loved it “ – Books According to Abby

This book is dedicated to the romance writing community—I couldn’t write books without the most amazing support of so many author friends. Thank you all for lifting me up!

Chapter One

“You’re not going out like that, are you?”

McKayla Lewis looked up from the computer to catch her mom’s disbelieving expression. “Like what?” She glanced down at her jeans, battered Dr. Marten’s, and blouse.

“For goodness’ sake, you’re getting engaged tonight.”

A strange mix of excitement and mortification rushed through her. “Mom.” Giving her a warning look, she pressed a finger over her mouth and tipped her chin to the client in her mom’s salon chair.

Because, seriously, what if he didn’t propose? What if she was reading too much into a dinner reservation, and it turned out all he wanted was to shake things up and do something different?

“Oh, come on,” the client said. “You two been running around since middle school. You think anyone’s gonna be surprised you’re tyin’ the knot?”

Here we go. The news would spread everywhere. “I don’t know that he’s proposing, so please, please, please, don’t talk about it.”

“He’s gonna do it.” The older woman gave a firm nod. “Joanie said she saw him comin’ out of Taylor’s Fine Jewelry. He’s askin’.”

He is, isn’t he? Giddy, Micky turned back to ordering the semi-permanent hair color. But adrenaline charged her system, making her shaky, and she tapped the wrong keys. Focus. The sooner she finished, the sooner she could leave.

“Let me at least fix your hair, make you sparkle.” Her mom had big blonde hair like Dolly Parton, wore form-fitting clothes and gold belts that cinched her waist and accentuated her bust, and Micky would rather get a buzzcut than sit in that salon chair.

“If I didn’t already sparkle, you think a guy like Carson would stick around?” She meant it as a joke, but as their high school’s wide receiver, her boyfriend had always been the talk of the town. Gorgeous, hot, and kind down to his bones, everyone loved Carson Wheeler.

“You need a little oompf.” The client made a circling motion around her head.

“And by ‘oompf,’ you mean big, teased-out hair. I’m on to both of you.” Finished ordering, Micky logged out and shot a quick text to her boyfriend.

Micky: Done for the day! See you soon.

Flipping through the pile of mail, she sorted the bills according to due dates. She always paid close attention, so they never got charged late fees. “Okay, I’m going.”

“Can you at least change your clothes?” her mom asked. “You probably smell like beer.”

She’d catered a luncheon for the VFW Auxiliary Post, so she probably did. “Of course. All right, bye, ladies.”

“Bye, honey,” her mom said. “I want pictures!”

With the salon housed in their garage, all Micky had to do was climb two steps to be in the kitchen. The blaring television meant her mom had another client waiting. She dumped some cheese puffs into a bowl, brought it out to the living room, and set it on the coffee table. “Hey.”

“Hey, hon.”

“You need anything?” Micky asked.

“No, I’m good.” The realtor reached for the bowl and set it on her lap. Muting the TV, she asked, “Tonight’s the night, huh?”

“Oh, my gosh, stop. My mom has the biggest mouth.” She headed for her bedroom. “You want me to make your next appointment now?”

“No, you go on. I’ll text you tomorrow. Hey, where’s he taking you?”

“The Primrose.” Which was why she thought he might propose. After ten years together, they didn’t really do date nights, and they certainly couldn’t afford expensive restaurants. Something’s up. They were twenty-six, and they’d known since their first kiss in middle school that they’d have a future together.

What else could it be but a proposal?

“Put on a nice dress,” the woman called. “And a little perfume wouldn’t hurt.”

“Got it.” She opened her bedroom door to find her best friend laying on her back, scrolling on her phone. “Hey.”

“Finally.” Della sat up, swinging her legs off the bed. “I got in.”

“Are you serious?” Micky unbuttoned her white blouse and tossed it on top of the pile of dirty clothes. “They finally said yes?”

Della’s grin was answer enough.

“I’m so excited for you.” Micky stopped what she was doing and turned to her friend. “Oh, my God, I can’t believe you’re leaving me.” They’d been inseparable since first grade.

“Well, first, it’s only for five months, but technically I’m not leaving you because…you’re coming with me.”

“Della, no. What did you do?”

With her short, platinum blonde hair, vivid blue eyes, and what their friends joked was her sex goddess mouth, Della Swanson turned heads everywhere she went. “I applied for you, too.”

Squatting, Micky untied her shoes so she could pull off her jeans. “You can’t do that.”

“Too late.” Della showed her the screen of her phone. “You’re in.”

“I’m getting engaged tonight.” Yeah, she’d said it. That’s how sure she was. Excitement spun in her chest, throwing out fiery sparks. Instead of planning other people’s events, she’d be planning her own wedding. Hot damn. “I’m not moving to Wyoming.”

“Oh, for God’s sake, Micky. You’ve been with one guy, lived in one town your whole life. For five measly months, shake things up. Do something different. See something other than cactus for a change.”

“I hear what you’re saying, but as fun as it sounds, the timing’s wrong.”

Della stood up, hands on her pin-up girl hips. “This is the only time. You have to go before you get married and start popping out babies.”

“Whoa. Can we not fast forward that far? I don’t even want to think about kids.”

“The point is that we need to flip our worlds upside down. And if you don’t want to live without Carson for five months…” She flashed a devilish grin. “I applied for him, too. He’s in. God knows, he needs it more than we do.”

Guilt drove Micky into the closet, where she scanned the familiar offerings. The black dress, the gauzy skirt, the row of flannel shirts. She wasn’t hugely into fashion. Sure, she liked to look nice…she just didn’t obsess over clothes.

Carson does need to get out of here, though. They’d stayed in Bixby, Arizona so Micky could live at home and pay down her student loans. Well, and also because her mom needed her. A single mother, Franny Lewis had given her daughter a life filled with love, laughter, and community. Her “girls,” as her mom called her clients, regardless of whether they were four or eighty, were loyal to her business, even if Franny wasn’t the most cutting-edge stylist in town.

Franny loved her customers, loved styling hair and doing makeovers, but she couldn’t handle technology. And since everything from keeping the books, to ordering supplies, and managing the calendar was all done online, Micky happily stepped in.

Which meant Carson was stuck in this small town with a drunk father who didn’t give a damn where his punches landed.

Well, that’s not entirely true. He’s here for his mom, too.

Yanking the black dress off the hanger, her heart swelled with affection for the boy who sacrificed so much to be with her and take care of his family. Throwing the dress on, she slid her feet back into the Dr. Marten’s and came back out of the closet.

Della watched her carefully. “You know you can handle your mom’s business stuff from anywhere in the world, right?”

She sat on the edge of the bed to tie her laces. “It’s more than ordering supplies, and you know that.” Her wealthy father had tried to turn Franny into a country club woman, but her mom hadn’t wanted anything to do with that lifestyle. She didn’t want her daughter raised in a soulless world where manners trumped character and tutoring replaced family time. Her dad only wanted his child support check to go to private school, cotillion, and fancy music lessons, basically turning Micky into a carbon copy of her snobby, uptight, bored grandmother, so Franny had cut ties. “I can’t leave her yet.”

“Oh, come on. Look at this place. It’s magical.” Della plopped down beside her, showing the images on her phone. “It’s got cobblestone streets, and the whole village is lit up with twinkling lights. Look at this Christmas tree. Have you ever seen one so big and pretty?”

“Not in person.”

“They have events all through December, so we’ll be there for the tree lighting and caroling and the winter market…” She grinned. “Every Thursday is night skiing, so I’m gonna get me some action with a hot mountain man in a gondola.”

“It sounds fun, and I’m happy for you.” Micky stood at her dresser, sorting through the earrings in her jewelry box. “But you know the employment situation in Bixby. If I leave, they won’t hold my job for me. Then, what would I come back to? It’s the only event planner in town.”

“Which brings us to the biggest selling point of all. Wild Wolff Lodge isn’t like other ski resorts, where seasonal workers get minimum wage and have to pay for their own housing. This one’s family owned, and they offer free room and board. Micky, we can sock away everything we earn. We’ll come back with enough money to start our own company.”

Micky’s gaze slid to her desk, to the business registration forms she’d picked up from the Chamber of Commerce. That was a good enough reason right there. She’d wanted to go out on her own for a while now.

Mountains, snow, a quaint village…it was tempting. Would Carson come with her, though? He’d dropped out of college to help his mom pay bills when his asshole father had lost his job because he’d shown up drunk one too many times, but now that Mrs. Wheeler was making more money, maybe Carson would feel more comfortable moving away.

“And the place is crawling with billionaires and celebrities.”

“Well, you just lost me. I don’t give a rat’s ass about either.” Her life was filled with riches. Her mom, Carson, Della, the whole close-knit community of Bixby.

People are so funny thinking money’s the solution to their problems. Happiness comes from the people we surround ourselves with.

“Van Claybourne’s got a place there,” Della said. “I’m going to bump into him, and he’s going to fall in love with me.”

“You’re going to clean his house. You’ll pick up his used condoms and wipe pee off his toilet bowl.”

“You can’t bring me down.” Della said it with a big grin.

“And I would never want to. Now, let me get pretty so I can look good in my engagement selfies.” She didn’t have a full-length mirror, but she could see her face and shoulders from the mirror on her dresser. She slid rose gold drop earrings in and turned back to her friend. “Okay, this is it. The next time you see me I’m going to be a real adult.”

“You don’t need a shiny ring to be an adult.”

Della had been adulting since her mom died of breast cancer. In a rush of affection, Micky reached for her friend and hugged her. “I’ll miss you so much, but I want this adventure for you.”

“Me, too. And if getting married is your adventure, then I’m rooting for you all the way. Just do me one favor, okay? After you have engagement sex, and you’re lying there all sated and relaxed, ask him if he wants to go to Wyoming. Tell him he’s already been accepted, and we can be out of here the first of November. You know he needs to get out of this town.”

Della was right. I can handle my mom’s business remotely and giving Carson a break from his family would be a gift. “I’ll bring it up, okay? Now, let me get out of here.”

“Isn’t he picking you up?”

“He’s supposed to, but I left my dress-up shoes at his place, and he’s not responding to my texts, so I’m just heading over there now.”

“Love you.”

“Love you more.” Micky grabbed her purse off the kitchen table and her keys from the hook by the door. Shutting off the TV, she wiped the orange crumbs off the couch and dropped them into the bowl, before heading out into the night.

Alone for the first time all day, she closed herself in her Honda and texted Carson.

Micky: Hey, don’t come get me—I’m on my way to you right now.

Not waiting for a response, she backed out of the driveway. Twilight was hitting earlier at the end of October, so it was getting dark at nearly six o’clock. Only when she got to the first stop sign did she notice he still hadn’t responded. She hoped everything was all right. What if he’d gotten into a car accident or something?

Carson wasn’t the most romantic guy—and she was totally okay with that. Because he showed his love for her every day of the week—like sending her random messages, always telling her she was pretty, thanking her for anything she did for him, even if it was just making him a sandwich. He listened to her—really listened.

And most of all, he stayed in a town with his ugly, drunk of a father.

She’d learned long ago to stop telling him to bail on his dad, because every single time the owner of the Copper Mine bar called and asked him to haul the asshole away, Carson showed up.

Maybe we should go to Wyoming.

Seemed like there were more pros than cons on this one.

We could even get married at the resort. A quick ceremony in a winter wonderland? How fun would that be? And then they could have a reception here when they got back in April.

We’re getting married. The thrill of it rocked her, and she couldn’t keep the grin off her face. He only lived a few blocks away, so as soon as she reached his apartment complex, she parked, lowered her visor for a quick check of her hair, and hurried off to his unit. With every step she took, excitement grew.

At the door, she knocked, and she couldn’t help wondering how he’d do it. Would he get down on one knee in the restaurant? Pull off at the vista on Old Highway 96 and do it under the stars?

When he didn’t answer, she checked her phone. Still nothing. He hadn’t even looked at her texts since three this afternoon.

What’s going on with him?

Worried, she found his key on her ring and let herself in. “Carson?” On the dining room table, she found a leather jacket that wasn’t his.

She heard voices, murmuring. What the hell? He has a woman in his bedroom? No, wait, that was water running. He’s in the bathroom with someone. She glanced around, looking for any kind of clue, and found his wallet and keys on the coffee table, like he’d tossed them there in a hurry.

She didn’t know what was going on, but she knew with absolute certainty that Carson would never cheat on her. He just wouldn’t.

And yet…he hadn’t responded to her in three hours, and now he was in his bathroom with a woman.

Heading toward the hallway, she noticed a pair of high heels kicked aside.

A wave of anxiety rolled over her, making her skin clammy.

The light from the bathroom spilled onto the beige carpet. If she was so sure he wasn’t cheating, why was she moving like a ghost? Why wasn’t she calling out to him?

Why did she think she might throw up?

She reached the bathroom to find Carson sitting on the toilet lid, while Sheri, the waitress from the Copper Mine, dabbed his lip with a wet washcloth.

They’d gone to school with her—and she’d always had a thing for Carson. Every time Micky showed up at the bar, she could count on Sheri hovering around him and flirting.

In spite of her fears, though, Micky wasn’t getting any kind of sexual feeling from the situation. She pushed into the cramped room. “Carson? What’s going on?”

But neither needed to answer. Carson’s eye had already begun to swell, and his lip was split.

Giving Micky a chin nod, Sheri tossed the cloth into the sink. “See you.” Somber, she left.

“That fucker.” Micky cupped his chin to assess the damage, but he jerked away. He was pissed, still shaking. She had so much she wanted to say.

Just because the bartender calls, it doesn’t mean you have to go get him.

He’s not your responsibility.

But it was a worn-out conversation, and now was not the time. “I’m sorry. He’s such an asshole.”

Irritated, Carson got up. His big body forced her to step back as he washed his hands in the sink.

She watched his reflection in the mirror. “You want to tell me what happened?”

“What’s to tell? Same old shit. I either pick him up or Dan calls the cops.” His gaze cut to her. “And don’t tell me I should let him go to jail. You know my mom will spend money she doesn’t have on bail. She won’t eat, she won’t sleep…she’ll spiral. And then I’ll have even more problems on my hands.”

In that moment, she’d never been more thankful for Della. “You can’t spend the rest of your life wrapped up in your parents’ problems. It’s not fair to you, and you’re only enabling them.” She touched his shoulder. “Carson, look at me. What if we left town?”

Watching her in the mirror, he gave her a guarded look.

“Della finally got a job at that resort in Wyoming, and her crazy ass applied for both of us. Let’s do it.” She stopped talking because there was a tortured look of guilt in his eyes that scared her. “What’s going on?”

He blew out a breath and lowered his head. They didn’t have secrets from each other, but he was holding something back. Something she could tell was going to hurt.

Each second that went by without him speaking ratcheted up her anxiety. “Please talk to me.” She said it on a whisper. “You’re scaring me. Did you hurt him, your dad?”

“I don’t want to talk about my parents, okay?” He stalked out of the room.

She followed him down the hall and watched him scrape both hands through his long hair.

He gestured to the couch. “Can you just sit down or something?”

“I can, but I’ve got to tell you, I really don’t want to. I feel like a jumping bean right now. Whatever you have to say, just say it.”

Instead of reassuring her, he let his arms fall to his sides. “Okay.” He paced toward the kitchen table, empty now of Sheri’s leather jacket.

“Micky…I love you.”

Oh. Switching gears, she went ahead and sat down. It’s happening. God, she wished he’d do it another night. Not when he had a bloody lip and was pissed about his family. But…okay.

“I love you, too.” A smile broke across her features, sending warmth and happiness streaming through her. “So much.”

He’s going to propose, and then we’re going to get out of here. If he doesn’t want to go to Wyoming, I’ll go wherever he wants.

He stayed for me, and I’ll leave for him.

She wanted to say it out loud, let him know he didn’t have to live like this anymore. She didn’t want their engagement marred by pain and anger from his family situation anyway, so she got up. “I don’t care about Wyoming. If you’ve got somewhere else in mind, I’m down for it. All I care about is being with you. You know that, right?”

But his anguish only grew worse. He looked sick with it.

“We’ll go wherever you want, and you never have to deal with your dad again.”

“Micky, stop.” His voice came out a plea. “I did something today.”

“What did you do?” Oh, my God. This can’t be happening. She backed away from him. “You and Sheri?”

“What? No. I’d never cheat on you. I love you. You’re the only happiness in my sorry fucking existence.”

Relief swept her legs out from under her, and she perched on the arm of the couch. “Then what’s going on?”

“I can’t do this anymore. I know everyone thinks I’m proposing to you tonight, but I can’t do it. I’m done.” He wagged a finger between them. “We’re done.”

His words scorched her heart and bones, turning them to ash. “What…why?”

He sucked in a breath. “I enlisted in the Marines. And I’m not coming back.”

Chapter Two

“He’s in boot camp.” Micky turned the phone around so Della could see the photo Carson’s mom had posted to social media. “Like, what the hell? He never talked about the military. Not once.”

While Della looked, Micky glanced at the table in the middle of the lively bar. All around them, everyone was letting loose—dancing, flirting, playing pool—nothing but smiles and laughter. But that table might as well have had a spotlight shining on it.

No, not the table. One man in particular. With his closely cropped blonde hair and broad shoulders, he was the hottest man she’d ever seen. His confidence drew attention to him like a magnet.

“Who do you keep looking at?” Della started to turn around.

“Don’t.” Because for some crazy reason the guy kept staring at Micky. “He’s looking.”

“What, are we in middle school again? Do you want to write a note on a napkin and have me to deliver it to him?”

“Hey, I never got to be that girl.” She grinned. “It’s kind of fun.”

“Newsflash, Micky, you and Carson broke up. You’re a thousand miles away from home, and you’re free for the first time in literally a decade. It’s time to experience new dick. And I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but the selection in this village is next level.”

“He’s not my type.” She wouldn’t normally be attracted to preppy guys. “It’s just weird that he keeps looking at me. I don’t know what he wants.”

“Really? Not a clue? Okay, you’ve been out of the game for basically your entire adult life, so I’ll answer the question for you. He wants to fuck you.”

A shiver tripped down her spine. “He could at least buy me dinner first. Jeez.” What would it be like to have sex with a guy like that, someone powerful and charismatic, with all those damn muscles? She’d bet he smelled fantastic.

Della rolled her eyes. “This is a bar. We’re supposed to have fun. And if we find someone we’re interested in, we hook up. These are the ways of our people.”

“Yeah, well, you keep your ways, and I’ll keep mine. I’m perfectly happy with my dorm room bed, a bag of Moose Crunch, and a really good book.”

Turning serious, Della reached for her hand. “I know this is hard for you, and that’s why I’ve left you alone the past three weeks. And I promise not to push you into something you’re not ready for. Because even though no one died, what you’re going through is still a form of grief. So…take all the time you need. Just know, it’s okay for you to want someone else, and it’s okay to bang someone you’re not actually dating.”

“I’m not hooking up with anybody.” Especially a guy like that. “He’s the homecoming king, the star quarterback, the big man on campus.” She wasn’t about to compete for his attention. And face it, everyone in this bar was shooting furtive glances his way. Some of the more brazen women tapped him on the shoulder and tried to strike up a conversation.

He’d been unfailingly polite all night, but he clearly just wanted to hang out with his friends.

“Again, this isn’t high school.” Della twisted around. It took her exactly two seconds to spot him. “Oh. Yes, ma’am. Now, that’s a tasty snack.” She waved at him.

“Oh, for God’s sake.” Micky sank lower in her seat.

He just grinned and waved back.

Della reached for her Jack and Coke. “Not to pressure you or anything, but if you don’t go for it with the prom king, I’m going to kick your ass.”

“I’m not ready for that.”

“Will you be ready in twenty minutes? Because that’s how much time I’m giving you before we head over to his table, and I offer to show him your tits.”

Micky burst out laughing—but more out of anxiety than humor. Because Della would do it. She absolutely would.

The first couple of weeks in Wild Wolff Village had passed in a fog. Micky hadn’t skied or ice skated or anything, leaving Della to hang out with other seasonal workers. Only now, in her third week working as a maid to the wealthy guests of the world-class resort, Micky had finally emerged from her cave. “The thing is, there’s a part of me that keeps thinking Carson’s going to walk through the door and go, ‘What the hell was I thinking?’” She placed her palms on the scarred wood table. “I just don’t know why he did this.” In a million years, she’d never have imagined he’d dump her. It was the permanence that was killing her.

No more Carson…ever.

Hard to wrap her head around that.

“I don’t think he saw another way out, you know?” Della said.

Of course, she knew. The guilt kept her up at night. “I should’ve left with him years ago.”

“But then you wouldn’t be here.” Eyes gleaming, Della leaned closer. “Do you know how lucky we got?”

Della had tried for five years to score a job at the resort. Given its exclusive nature, employees were screened heavily and had to sign non-disclosure agreements. The only reason she’d gotten hired this time was because of massive fires that had made it impossible for a group of Australians to get out of the country, and they’d needed to fill those jobs immediately.

“And I get that you don’t want to hook up with someone we work with, but everyone here is yours for the picking.” Della waved a hand around the bar. “No one’s from housekeeping.”

Seasonal workers not only couldn’t afford to drink in the lodge, but they couldn’t get trashed in front of the guests, so they went to other places in the village. This bar, in particular, seemed to draw the biggest crowd.

A woman approached the prom king as if she knew him. She threw her arms around his neck and tried to kiss him on the mouth. He deftly tilted his chin, so her lips landed on his cheek instead. Given his powerful build and the way everyone seemed to know him, Micky wondered if he was an athlete. The town of Calamity had an Olympic training center, and the region had the kind of winter sports that drew extreme athletes, so it would make sense.

No one famous would hang out in this bar, though, so maybe he was a trainer at the lodge. Or the tennis pro? Yeah, he totally looked like a tennis player.

She sighed and sipped her drink. “I mean, since when does Carson take Sheri’s advice? This was all her idea. Worse, he walks into a recruiting office with a bloody lip, and they just sign him up? Why didn’t he come to me first, let me know what he was thinking?”

Della reached for her hand and clasped it. “Micky, cut the shit. I’m not even kidding. Look, you’ve got to face a few facts here.”

She’d listen to her friend, but only because Della was thinking more clearly right now.

“Number one, Carson’s got no skills. He mows lawns, okay? He trims hedges. Enlisting is not only going to get him out of our town and away from his family, but it’ll give him a trade.” Della paused, looking at her expectantly.

Grudgingly, Micky nodded.

“Number two, you didn’t hold Carson back. He loved you, no question, but he stayed because he couldn’t bail on his mom. And also? Let’s be honest, he had nowhere to go. He didn’t have a clue what he wanted to do with his life.”

“You’re right. Everything you say is exactly right. I just wish he’d talked to me.”

“Well, guess what? He didn’t. And you can cry yourself to sleep at night, you can wallow in guilt and feel sorry for yourself—which, by the way, congrats on losing twenty pounds, but you really can’t stand to lose any more weight.”

“Hey.” Micky laughed. She had lost weight. But that had more to do with the lack of availability of snacks. In her mom’s house, they stocked up on food because they always had people over. They might not be able to afford much, but her mom didn’t hesitate to entertain.

“Or you can accept the fact that he’s gone. He’s got a four-year commitment. You can wait for him and rediscover your virginity or you can live. Micky, come on. You’ve been with one guy. And I know you loved him, but did you love him like a lover, or did you love him like a best friend? Don’t answer this question out loud, but was the sex volcanic or serviceable?”

“We—”

“La la la la. I said don’t answer. Carson’s my friend, too. Here’s my point. We’ve lived in Bixby our entire lives. And we finally got out. We’re here. In Wyoming, at this amazing resort. This place is awesome. It isn’t five-star…it’s ten-star. And every single activity is free for employees. So, if I have to pull someone’s crusty sock out of the sheets, that’s a price I’m willing to pay to experience all this.”

“You’re right. Okay, starting this minute, I’m with you one hundred percent.” Her gaze wandered back to the prom king.

He was looking at her again. This time, she didn’t break away. And then, as he held her gaze, a slow smile spread across his handsome features. Before she could stop it, sensation burst open in her chest, spreading warmth, happiness, and something that felt a lot like hope.

Like possibilities so fresh and new, she couldn’t even name them.

“You ready to put your honeypot where your mouth is?” So far, Della had slept with a cowboy from Montana, a wilderness guide from Banff, and a forklift driver from London. She’d been having the time of her life, all while Micky moped.

“With the prom king? No way.” Every time he lifted his beer bottle, the lights glittered on his expensive watch. He wore a pressed Polo shirt, and everything about him reeked class and money.

Guys in her world didn’t dress like that. Micky wore cheap clothes, had ink on her arms, and her idea of a fun night out was riding an ATV over the dunes. “We’re from different worlds. He grew up on steak and caviar, while I was eating Franny’s tuna casserole and Funyuns.” Her mom was famous for her cooking. Since she never followed recipes, she went with her gut, and most of the time that meant adding random ingredients until she either got the right consistency and flavor or just called it and said, Fuck it. Dig in.

“Oh, I’m sorry.” Della slapped the table. “I didn’t know we were looking for a husband. Should I text Franny and find out what your dowry is? I thought we’re here to have a good time?” She swiveled around and pointed her finger at the prom king. “And that man is good in bed. Every single person in this room knows it.”

“How?” She might’ve asked the question, but she didn’t really mean it. Pheromones billowed out of him, and he had an indescribable sensuality about him.

“One, he’s well put together but not prissy or vain. Two, he’s successful, and ambitious people are thorough and get the job done. Three, he’s working here, at the Wild Wolff Lodge in Calamity, Wyoming, the adventure capital of the world, so he’s not afraid to explore your wonderland. Four, and pay attention because this is the important one—he doesn’t look at you like you’re a sure thing.”

He doesn’t. She was right about that. “How does he look at me?” Desire churned and swirled, making her restless.

“Like he’s curious. Like he’s not sure you’ll hook up with him. And like before he fucks you, he’s going to lick every single square inch of your body.”

Growing warm, Micky tugged on her T-shirt. Her vision narrowed to him, his sexy smile, the sparkle in his eyes, and the smooth skin of his muscled arms. “I see that.”

“So, what’re you going to do about it?”

Micky glanced back at her phone, at the image of Carson looking so serious at the airport on his way to boot camp, and her heart twisted. He had a look of determination in his eyes she’d never seen before. And right then she understood how badly he needed this new opportunity. Away from his family. Away from Bixby.

Away from me.

She clicked out of the page and picked up her drink. She’d loved him so much, would’ve happily married him…

But Della had nailed it. He was her best friend.

And ten years with the same guy…had dampened passion to affection.

She couldn’t remember the last time they’d torn off each other’s clothes.

And why did that thought make her immediately imagine the prom king’s naked body? She wanted to run her hands over that bronze skin, those toned muscles…that hard cock.

A shock of awareness had her practically jumping out of her seat.

She’d only ever been with one man. She’d only ever lived in one town.

It was time to have a little fun.

If she dared…

Chapter Three

“Hey, baby. Sorry I’m late.” Micky swooped in, forcing the trio of women vying for the prom king’s attention to scatter. “Missed you like mad.” He had a blonde on his lap—bedecked with diamonds and wearing subtle but expensive make-up—and Micky ignored her, kissing him right on the mouth.

When he didn’t resist—not even for a moment—a thrill coursed through her. Empowered, she licked the seam of his lips and slipped her tongue inside. A big hand grasped the back of her head, and he kissed her like the world was on fire, and this was their final moment of pleasure.

She loved it—loved the way his tongue tangled with hers, the lovely softness of his mouth. Loved his scent—all fresh mountain air, the hint of pine, and something that conjured imagines of clean sheets and hot, naked bodies.

And it all felt so new, so exciting, she could hardly catch her breath.

“Dude,” one of his friends shouted on a laugh.

Another said, “Get it.”

The sensual kiss kicked up a notch, turned carnal, as his hand fisted in her hair. When she cupped his cheeks, she accidentally elbowed the woman on his lap. Hissing, the blonde made a dramatic show of getting up.

He slowed the kiss then, the tension in his hand easing, his tongue savoring her, like he was licking frosting off a cupcake. Finally, he pulled away and gave her a sexy grin. “Babe, this is Iona.” He never even looked at the woman dripping in diamonds. “Her parents have a place here.”

Straightening, Micky placed one hand on his shoulder and held out the other to the beautiful, glittery woman. “So nice to meet you, Iona.”

The woman gave her an appraising look, starting at Micky’s Dr. Marten’s boots, up her skinny black jeans, to her cherry red T-shirt, and lingering on the cute little solar system inked on her inner arm and the delicate chain bracelet tattooed around her wrist.

Iona turned back to the clean-cut prom king with an arched brow. Really? “You must work with her. In any event, I only stopped by to see if you’re coming to the party tonight.”

His eyes lit with devilish delight. “Can’t.” He reached for Micky’s hand. “I’ve got other plans.”

Iona stared pointedly at Micky’s chest. Smiling like she got it—boys will be boys—she patted his shoulder. “You have fun now. When you’re done with your plaything, you know where to find me.” She left with a sway in her hips rivaled only by women getting bills stuffed into their G-strings.

Fuck that noise. “I need a drink.” Still rocked from that kiss, Micky started for the bar, but he followed, caught her wrist, and tugged her up against his chest.

“Are you a doctor? An EMT? Because I think you just rescued me.”

“Actually, with all the eye-fucking you’ve been giving me tonight, you’re probably ready for a nap.” She didn’t like how cheap Iona had made her feel. At home, her mom might run a salon out of their garage, but they were respected and well-liked.

She might be a glorified waitress at the events she catered, but no one ever treated her like the hired help. Here, she cleaned hotel rooms—and that was okay. She didn’t love the work, but she had no problem earning a living while experiencing this stunning mountain town.

But Iona had just tried to put her in her place, and Micky was having none of it, so she yanked out of his grip and continued through the crowd.

He caught up with her, a teasing glint in his eyes. “Hey, after a kiss like that, you can at least buy me a drink.”

“No, thanks. I prefer men who save themselves—not the ones who need rescuing.” Oh, wow. Wow. The truth hit like a shovel. Isn’t that what Carson did? If he’d talked to her or anyone inside his bubble, he’d never have broken free. He’d have stayed for her or his mom.

He saved himself.

Finally, she got it. And it cleared her head and her heart, freeing her.

“What does that mean?” He had to shout over the music and roar of conversation.

“All night, you’ve had women preening around you, and you clearly didn’t want the attention. You don’t even like Iona, but you just smiled and chatted as though you’re great friends.”

“I can’t be rude to the guests.”

She couldn’t argue with that. If the wealthy people whose rooms she cleaned had come to this bar and flirted with her, she’d have been just as phony. Why? For the fat tips they left in an envelope on the dresser. “You’re right.” And then, since it wasn’t his problem that she was such a mess about being away from home for the first time and having just broken up with her one and only boyfriend, she tried to lighten the mood. “Besides, it’s not your fault you’re so good looking.”

“Right? We should start a support group for winners of the genetic lottery.”

Oh, Lord, he was hot. That mischievous grin, the gleam in his eyes. “Us, huh? Thanks for including me in that rare pool.” Her breathing turned shallow, and her knees went weak. She gestured around them. “But I’m not the one with the flock of admirers.”

“Turn off that neon sign, and they’ll flock all around you.”

“What sign?”

“The one that says, ‘Back off.’”

“What? I’m the nicest person you’ll ever meet.” Then again, she’d only ever seen herself through the eyes of people who’d known her all her life.

“Oh, I have no doubt.” He leaned in so close, his breath brushed her cheek. “When you first sat down, you let your friend go on and on about something. Don’t know what it was, but she was excited, and even though you were obviously sad and wanted to be any place but here, you listened to everything she said, even asked questions. You showed up for her.”

She could feel the heat rising off his body, and she had to fist her fingers to keep from touching those hard muscles. He made her jittery and unsure of herself, and she absolutely loved it. “How do you know I’m sad?”

Someone jostled him, and he cupped her elbow, leading her to a quiet corner. “I saw your expression when you looked at your phone. Looked like you got some bad news.”

“Well, it wasn’t bad news so much as me accepting my new reality.”

His interest sharpened. “Is it a good new reality? Or bad?”

She liked his eyes. They were a warm hazel, but they held secrets and intelligence, and the way he looked at her—like she was the most interesting woman he’d ever met—was waking her up. “I’m starting to like it. A lot.”

She knew he took the comment as an invitation, because his nostrils flared, his pulse fluttered in his throat, and he stepped closer. “What do you like best about it?”

“It has snow.”

The tension broke, and he chuckled, brushing a lock of hair off her forehead. “Is that it? Just the snow?”

The simple gesture set off a hum deep inside her. “It’s got really hot guys.”

“They don’t have hot guys where you come from?”

“No, they do. But not fuck-hot. Not like you.”

He did it again, gave her that slow grin that made her feel like the sexiest, more desirable woman in the world. “You want to know something funny about me?”

“That’d be good,” she said. “Knowing you’re weird would definitely make it easier to talk to you.”

“I don’t notice beauty. That’s not what attracts me to someone. It’s more like…I get a vibe from people.”

“Did you just say ‘vibe?’”

This time, he laughed. And it was like a burst of sunshine on a chilly, gray day. Dimples appeared at either side of his mouth. This man hit all the buttons she didn’t know she had.

“I did. I don’t know how else to describe it. Like Iona? She’s seduction and big energy, but all I get from her meanness.”

“And yet she was attractive enough for you to sleep with her.” Oh, whoa.

Why did you say that?

The warmth in his eyes banked, went cold. “That was a long time ago. And beer goggles block vibes.”

She reached for his arm. “I’m sorry. That was mean.” She’d let that nasty woman get to her—making her feel like a dirty hookup, whereas Iona was the kind of woman he’d end up with. “Let’s start over. Hey, I’m McKayla Lewis. My friends call me Micky.”

“Rhys. Yes, like the peanut butter cup. It’s nice to meet you.” But he’d lost his playfulness.

Dammit, she’d been a dick. “Okay, to be honest, you’re a little intimidating, and Iona’s more in your league, so I guess I just got uncomfortable and lashed out.”

He looked surprised at her admission, so she just let it rip. “I come from a small town, and I’ve never been around rich people before. Well, I mean, my dad’s rich, but we don’t see him.” Stop talking. “But none of that’s an excuse. I was a dick, and I’m sorry.”

“See, that right there? That’s the vibe I’m talking about. You’re real, you’re honest, and I like you.” His gaze traced her features, lingering on her mouth. “And that kiss…” He tipped her chin, his thumb stroking across her bottom lip. “Do you want to get out of here?”

“More than anything I’ve wanted in a very long time.”

Pressed against the wall on the first floor of the lodge, Micky had never felt so utterly out of control. His hard body, the scent rising off his skin, the urgency of his kiss…it just enveloped her until she was lost inside it. In everything that was him.

The sound of muffled laughter coming closer had him jerking away. His big hands gripped her ass and lifted her, on the move again. She wrapped her legs around his waist, drove her fingers into his silky hair, and sucked his tongue into her mouth.

Desperate for more, she ground herself against him. The pulse between her legs demanded relief, and her breasts felt heavy, achy with need. Leaning her against a door, he propped her on his knee, as he dug out his key, opened it, and stepped inside.

Immediately, he slammed her against the wall, bent his knees, and surged up. The heavy press of his cock sliding over her clit made her body sizzle.

Shaking with excitement, she practically clawed at the back of his neck. Her legs tightened around him, and she pumped her hips, needing more friction. He groaned, and then he was carrying her across the living area and into a dark bedroom.

Awareness flickered through her—a single moment to wonder why he got to live in the lodge—maybe he really was a pro, and they got more luxury accommodations? And did he have a roommate—surely, he couldn’t live alone in a place this fancy? But then he dropped her onto the mattress and his big, warm body settled over her, and she fell back under his spell.

Her hands went under his shirt, lifting it over his head, and sending it flying. She caressed the smooth skin of his back, traced the ridges of his abs, and wandered down the happy trail until she pushed beneath the waistband of his jeans and clasped his big, hard cock.

He groaned, tearing his mouth away and lowering his head to her shoulder. “Fuck.”

“Oh, yes, please. Let’s do that.” She barely had a moment to marvel at her comfort with this man—a total stranger—that enabled her to feel so uninhibited, before she was pushing him away to strip out of her clothes.

Finally naked, they fell onto the bed, and she reveled in the weight of his hard body, the soft rasp of his stubble, and those powerful muscles. Cupping her breast with a warm hand, his wet mouth closed over the tip. Electric heat washed through her, so intense, she arched her back. She clasped the hard globes of his ass, drawing him tightly to her.

Her legs parted, and he settled right there, the broad tip of his erection pressing into her. It felt so good—better than anything—and she shimmied her hips to get him in deeper.

“Condom. Fuck.” He sat up. “I might have one in the bathroom.”

“I’ve got one.” Leaning half off the bed, she felt around for the purse she’d flung. Finding the strap, she dragged it toward her, reaching into the inside pocket and pulling out the packet.

Tearing it open with her teeth, she had every intention of unrolling it over his cock, but the light from the living room enabled her to see him in all his magnificence. Those broad shoulders, the strong chest tapering at the waist. And that erection, so thick and long, it made her sizzle with desire.

“I want you in my mouth.” But she didn’t know if he’d been with someone recently, and she was so new to this hooking up thing that she just rolled the condom onto him and then pushed on his chest. “Lay down.”

Straddling him, she set her palms on his abs and glided them up to his shoulders, smoothing down to his biceps. She squeezed. “How can one man be this hot?”

He winced, his hips bucking. “You’re killing me.” Reaching for his cock, he lined up at her opening. “You ready for me?”

She was going out of her mind, so instead of answering, she lowered herself onto him. Sitting up, she shifted until she had him fully sheathed. “God.” She’d never felt so full. Moving slowly, she took the time to savor the electrical impulses lighting her up as he slid in and out of her. “So good.”

He held the weight of her breasts in his big hands, before pushing them together and pinching her nipples. A firebolt shot right to her clit, making her move faster, harder, until she was slamming down on him. His hands went to her ass, lifting her, taking control of her movements. Perspiration gleamed on his forehead, and the look of raw lust in his eyes made her wild.

Her body went hot, and she lost herself to the frenzied pleasure of fucking this gorgeous man. But it wasn’t enough. She wasn’t getting the friction she needed, so she reached back to brace her hands on his thighs.

“Jesus, look at you.” In one fluid move, he reared up and flipped them over. One hand sliding under her, he rammed back inside, powering into her like he’d lost his mind. His body went hard, his jaw rigid.

With a tilt of her hips, she hit the perfect angle for him to caress her clit with every fevered stroke, and she clutched him as if she could somehow get closer, feel him deeper. And there it was—that quickening, the heightening of sensation that warned her a spectacular release was on its way.

And this one was going to blow her mind, she just knew it. Heat bloomed, spreading through her. Delicious. Her back arched, her hips slamming up to meet his. And then it happened. Stars burst behind her eyelids, and she writhed under him, twisting her hips, while soaring in a state of perfect, erotic bliss.

Punching his hips, he drove into her. The frantic slap of skin, the groans turning to desperate cries. Ramming in hard, he swiveled his hips and threw his head back. “Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.” Tremors wracked his body, and he pummeled her with hard, short thrusts. Finally, his body relaxed, and his pace slowed, turned languorous.

And then he crashed beside her, breathing heavily.

She couldn’t keep from smiling. That was so good. She felt freer and happier than she had in ages.

She was so glad she’d listened to Della and come to the resort.

And this guy—he could be so much more than a hookup. For all his extravagant good looks, he was sensitive and sweet. He made her feel beautiful and sexy and so alive.

This could be the start of something really fun—she had five months here, why not spend it with him?

Just as she started to roll towards him, right as her hand slid into his damp hair, she heard the rustle of clothing.

Aware of a presence beside the bed, she sat bolt upright.

A little girl with gobs of pretty hair stood beside her. “Are you gonna be my new mommy?”

Chapter Four

“Thank you for meeting with me.” Micky knew asking for a job change would be risky, but what choice did she have?

Working in housekeeping made her sick. Unless they wanted to change their products, she had to switch.

The HR woman gave her a dull look. Yeah, yeah, she’d clearly heard every story in the book. Micky got it. She knew how hard it was to get people to show up and meet their responsibilities.

But still, it had to be done. She couldn’t keep going on like this. “I’m very grateful to have this job, but I’m pretty sure I’m allergic to the cleaning supplies. They’re making me light-headed.”

The woman smirked like she’d heard this excuse many times before. Who wanted to clean toilets? Change filthy sheets? Getting a glimpse of the luxury life had to make it harder to clean up after wealthy guests.

But Micky worked her ass off. She was never late. No matter how sluggish she’d been feeling, she showed up to work on time and never left early. Plenty of the housekeeping staff stole things—a single bottle of booze while restocking the minibar, a jar of the spa essential oils that smelled like a bouquet of wildflowers—but Micky didn’t. So, if she had a legitimate problem, she’d damn well ask for a change.

“I’m sure you’ve heard it all. Honestly, my mom owns a hair salon, and I’ve worked in event planning for ten years, so I know all about the excuses people make. I can promise you, though, this is real. I don’t know what it is about the products, but they’re making me sick.”

The woman perked up. “You’ve catered?” Turning to her computer, she clicked with intense focus on the screen. “Events, Inc.” She frowned. “Why was this not flagged?”

Flagged? Did that mean something was wrong? No, that doesn’t make sense. “Anyhow, if you speak with my bosses, I’m sure they’ll confirm I’ve got a good work ethic. I’m never late, and I don’t normally complain, but I’ve been here six weeks, and I keep thinking it’s going to get better, and it’s just not. If you don’t have any other openings, if you need me to stay in housekeeping, I’ll absolutely do that. But if anything comes up, if someone leaves, or you find you need help in another department, I can literally do anything. My boyfriend did landscaping, and I helped him all the time. I’m not afraid to get dirty, and I can haul bags of mulch with the best of them.”

The woman clicked away, not listening.

Should she wait? Nah, she’d made her pitch. Just go. “All right, well, thank you for your time.” She stood. “Please keep me in mind if—”

“Hang on.” A moment later, the printer started up. Once it spit out the papers, the woman grabbed a pen. “I’ll need you to sign a new contract and, since you won’t be in the lodge anymore, you’ll need another NDA.”

“Oh, I’m not working here anymore?” She didn’t understand.

“You are. Just a different department.”

Micky stood there uneasily. She’d gotten what she wanted, but what if the new job didn’t include room and board? Had she just screwed herself over? “Not to be difficult, but can you give me some more details?”

“The Wolff family owns the entire village, and they’ve divided the management of it into three departments. Real estate, which includes restaurants, bars, and shops—the buildings are leased. Grounds, which not only includes landscaping but outdoor activities. And Resort Management. Anything to do with the lodge itself falls under that umbrella.”

“I had no idea a single family owned all this.”

She nodded. “They were some of the original homesteaders in the late eighteen-hundreds. With such harsh conditions, they couldn’t make a living off the land, so they turned it into a dude ranch. And then, about twenty years ago, Mr. and Mrs. Wolff turned it into a five-star resort.”

“That’s a pretty interesting history.”

“They’ve been training their children to take over. The oldest handles real estate, one of the brothers oversees outdoor operations, and the youngest will eventually run the resort and hospitality.” She peered at her over the rim of her glasses. “That’s where you’ll be.”

“So, nothing changes as far as my benefits package?”

“The only thing that changes is your work location. Instead of the guest rooms, you’ll be working in the events office.” She shook her head with disgust. “I don’t know why my team didn’t flag your resume. You should never have gone into housekeeping. Such a waste this time of year. We’ve got events all through December, and anyone with experience is invaluable to us.” She gestured to the documents. “Go ahead and sign. The sooner we get you on board, the sooner you can start helping.”

Events? Oh, hell, yes.

Micky expected a big, bustling office filled with artistic types, desks covered in tape and staplers, swatches and random tools. Instead, she walked up to the lone receptionist and said, “Hi, I’m McKayla Lewis. I hope I’m in the right place. Margaret Simmons from HR assigned me here?”

A few cubicles made up the center, with larger offices framing the room. Not a single person in sight.

The man set down his breakfast sandwich, and the smell of bacon and fried egg filled her senses. Her stomach churned. Not again, dammit.

“Oh, thank God. Opening day was two weeks ago, and if you’ve ever been here before, you know that’s like the starting bell. It’s total mayhem here till January.”

“Where is everyone?”

“Conference room. But we’re slammed right now because five of the temps were from Australia and couldn’t get out because of the fires.”

“That’s terrible.” She set her papers down. “Well, just point me in a direction, and I’ll get busy.”

The young man smiled. “I like you already.” He stood up and pointed to the back of the office. “See those desks right outside the conference room? You can have your pick.”

“Thanks so much.”

“You’re welcome. Oh, and jump right in. It’s all-hands-on-deck around here.”

As she made her way across the office, she wished she’d had some time to get briefed on the activities they hosted so she wasn’t going in blind. She didn’t want to just sit there in the meeting like a lump. She wanted to participate.

With a light knock on the door, she walked right into the conference room and came to an abrupt stop. Three men and two women stared at her like she was an intruder. Which, she supposed, she was. “Hi. I’m Micky. Margaret Simmons in HR sent me to help.”

When no one said anything, when they looked at her in shock, her body went hot, and the back of her neck prickled. She knew she’d done something wrong, but she didn’t know what. So, she ran with her go-to response and smiled, pulling out a chair. “Please, carry on. I’ll catch up.”

“Okay.” The door on the other side of the room burst open and…Rhys walked in.

What the hell? The world pitched, and she grabbed the table to keep from tipping over. What in the world is he doing here?

She worked to unscramble her thoughts—had they talked about their jobs? She hadn’t seen him since their hookup three weeks ago, and she didn’t remember much more than his daughter walking in on them having sex.

The memory engulfed her like a flash fire.

The asshole had a two-bedroom unit in the lodge because he had a kid. Is he married?

Fucking fucker.

Except…hadn’t the little girl asked if Micky was her new mommy?

Ugh. I have no idea.

“Micky?” Rhys looked floored. “What’re you doing here?” When she didn’t respond, he turned to the others for an explanation.

Well, fuck him. He wasn’t going to ruin this new job for her. Straightening, she smiled tightly and said, “I’ve been assigned to events, and I see I’ve interrupted. I’ll just sit here quietly and listen in. Just know, I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and work.”

Everyone’s attention turned back to Rhys, so she sat down. It only took a moment to notice the three empty seats between her and the nearest person. Should she move closer? She didn’t want to make herself an outsider.

Oh, for goodness’ sake. Pull yourself together. Don’t let that cheating bastard fluster you.

Focus, so you can contribute.

In the tense silence, Rhys gazed down at the papers in his hand before shaking his head and transforming into a leader. “Right. So, back to the market. We’ve got seventy-five vendors this year and…” He glanced at Micky. “Ah.” He strode over to her and set one of the papers down. “This is the schedule of events for the holiday season.”

She didn’t want to look at him. If she did, he’d see how badly she wanted to punch him in the balls. She wanted this job too much to jeopardize it, so she just said, “Thank you.” And with all eyes on her, she had no choice but to look up at him.

Big mistake. He watched her with a world of regret and remorse and a whole lot of other emotions she was absolutely not going to acknowledge. Not when she could feel herself softening, remembering…

Hushed voices, caressing hands, squeezing, groaning…ecstasy.

Nope. Not going there. As they continued their conversation, Micky read the list. Parade of Lights, cooking classes, concerts, ice skating shows, night skiing, Night with the Stars at the Observatory, gingerbread contest. Oh, this sounds fun.

She pulled out her phone and looked up Wild Wolff Village events to get a little more detail on each event. Oh, wow, Olympic figure skaters came for the shows. And holy shit, Blue Fire was playing here New Year’s Eve?

You’ve got to be kidding me.

She was all over this. Except…the more she read, the more confused she became. Sure, they had celebrity guests, but the events themselves weren’t all that exciting. Who wanted to see local chefs compete in a gingerbread contest?

“Excuse me.” She’d taken advantage of a break in the conversation, so she didn’t know why they acted like she was an annoying child. “Just looking for some clarity here. You’ve got great performers and fun ideas, but it doesn’t look like there’s anything interactive. Are there liability issues I should know about?”

“What do you mean?” the woman nearest her asked.

“Well, people watch the tree lighting, they watch a concert and the Olympic skaters…but is there anything for them to actually do?”

“Of course,” one of the suits said. “The cooking classes, the winter market…” His tone said, What’s your problem?

The woman took in Micky’s choppy hair and inked arms. “This is an exclusive resort. Our guests don’t want face-painting and cookie decorating.” She didn’t say it meanly, just stated it as fact.

“Well, their children might. But that’s not what I meant. How many people come to watch chefs make gingerbread houses?” Micky asked.

“It’s a fundraiser,” one of the men said. “The money goes to the Women’s and Children’s shelter in Calamity.” He turned to Rhys. “Can we get back to the marketplace? I’ve got another meeting to get to. If you’re looking for more funds, I can probably come up with another twenty K.”

“What’re you thinking?” Rhys focused on her.

“It might be fun to turn the grand ballroom into a gingerbread house-making event. We could set it up by age groups. And then, since it’s a fundraiser, we could sell the finished products. People will buy if they know where the money’s going, and the kids will want something like that as a decoration in their rooms. Right? I mean, they’re choosing to spend their holidays in your village, so the more you let them participate, the more it’ll feel like home”—she cut a look to the woman closest to her—“yet in the context of a luxury getaway.”

“I like that.” Rhys looked impressed, and that made her feel good. “What do you think, Elena?”

“It’s too late to change things now,” the woman said. “We can talk about this for next season.”

“No, hang on. I think we can pull this off.” Rhys scrolled through his iPad. “We can get the ballroom, that’s no problem. But is it too late to get people to sign-up for it? Can we get the supplies?”

“That’s the easiest part,” Micky said. “We’re not talking chef-quality gingerbread. I can order everything we need and have it overnighted it here. The only thing we’d need is the royal icing, and if your chefs can handle that—”

“Yes. The kitchen can make as much as we need.” He tipped his chin to her. “What else have you got?”

The others in the room looked irritated, and Elena was clearly put-out, but Micky just ran with it. “Well, what about opening up the rink after the ice skating show? Have some instructors out there to teach.”

“They want to free skate,” the suit said. “That’s what we’ve always done.”

“Right, well, I only know how I felt as a kid after watching the winter Olympics, and how I begged my mom for ice skating lessons. It might be fun to get people out on the ice right away, have the instructors dressed as elves or something cute like that so no one’s expecting real lessons. They can give them tips, have some fun with it. I’m assuming all these events have hot cocoa and mulled cider and things like that?”

“Of course.” Elena sounded affronted.

Micky backed off. She was the newcomer, and she’d offered enough.

“All right, I’ve got to go.” Once the suit stood up, the others followed.

No one addressed Micky, so she figured she’d just plop herself down at an empty desk. If someone wanted her to order supplies, they’d let her know.

Before leaving, she glanced at Rhys. Elena was over there, talking to him, so she could only assume he was the events manager.

Which made him her boss?

Fucking hell. She had to get over her issues with him, put the past behind her, because she was absolutely keeping this job. Anything was better than picking used condoms off the floor of guest suites.

Go talk to him. The moment he’d sprung out of bed to take care of his daughter, she’d dressed and booked it out of there. Hadn’t talked to him since. She’d tell him she was glad to be on the team and that she’d consider the past the past.

Finished talking, Elena gathered her phone and tablet and then, just as Micky started to move past her, the woman said, “It’s not your fault. Lance, the receptionist, should have explained that your job is to sit at your desk and wait for me to give you instructions. Your job has nothing to do with the executive suite.”

A rush of mortification sped through her. “Oh, my God.”

Elena’s features softened. “Like I said, it’s not your fault. But in the future, run your ideas by me first.”

“Of course. I’m so sorry. I was told I was on the events team. I thought that meant…”

Elena shook her head. “We’re the permanent staff, and every year we have a stable of seasonal employees to help execute our ideas.”

“I’ve never worked in a resort before. I didn’t know. At home, we’re such a small operation that we all pitch in equally. We’re all—” She stopped herself before she said equals, because this place had a clear hierarchy. Here, she was just the help. “Sorry. Got it.”

“Let me get myself organized,” Elena said. “And then I’ll get you going on some projects.”

“Perfect. Thank you. Again, I’m very sorry.”

When Micky didn’t leave the conference room, the woman gestured for the door.

“Oh, I want to talk to Rhys first.”

“Rhys?”

What, lowly employees weren’t allowed to speak to the manager? “Yes, I want to apologize for breaking in on the meeting.”

The woman let out a sigh of frustration. “I will handle Rhys, okay? You sit at your desk and wait for me to give you instructions. That’s it. Are we clear?”

“Of course.” And this is why I could never work in the corporate world. Just as she started out the door, she heard a deep voice—the same one she’d heard in her ear saying, “Fuck,” as he came hard inside her.

“Micky. Hang on.”

And it rang like a bell throughout her body.

Pissed, Elena stormed out of the room, leaving Micky alone with her one and only hookup.

Standing so close, he seemed taller and even more shockingly handsome in the light of day. His short blond hair was perfectly groomed, his jaw clean shaven, and those eyes—God, those hazel eyes had a way of looking into her depths. Whatever she’d intended to say went up in a puff of smoke.

“Thank you for your suggestions.” He seemed uncomfortable, with so much still unspoken between them.

“You’re welcome. Though, I apologize for barging in on your meeting. I misunderstood what was expected of me.”

Plus, you might a cheating asshole. So, there’s that.

“I’m glad you did.” In the awkward silence, he shifted his weight from one leg to the other. “I’d like to get going on the gingerbread contest.”

“Uh.” She pointed to the door. “I’m supposed to wait for instructions from Elena.”

“Here’s the thing. We’re short five support people in this office right now. So, you’re going to be working with me. Not Elena.”

“I don’t think that’s going to go over well.” Not for Elena, and definitely not for me.

“Elena will be fine. The higher priority is keeping things fresh for our visitors and, frankly we’ve been rolling out the same events for years. Which is good because our returning guests count on them, but not good when they’ve grown stale. We need some new ideas. And I like yours.” He gave her a smile she could interpret as shy, and while a tiny part of her started to thaw, another part remembered that she’d slept with a little girl’s dad.

And she wanted no part in cheating.

But she wanted this job, so she had to behave. “I’d like to start out on the right foot, so I think it’s best if I go sit at my desk like Elena told me to. And then one of you can just give me instructions on what you’d like me to do.”

He cocked his head. “I’m not sure you understand. I run this department. Elena works for me.”

“Maybe you’ve never been the lowest person in the hierarchy, but I have, and I can tell you that if I bypass Elena and work for you, she’s going to make my life hell.”

“Elena’s going to send you on errands. She’s going to have you print out flyers and upload images. I want to hear your ideas and have you implement them.” He pulled out his phone and typed something. “There, you’ve just been given a raise.”

She didn’t know why her skin prickled like a creepy man had just grazed her ass with his hand, but she was having a hard time tamping down her anger. “Do you want to check with your baby mama first? Before you hire the hookup to work with you?”

“What?” He took a step back. “I’m not seeing anyone.”

“I met your daughter, remember?”

“I’m raising her on my own. And she was supposed to be sleeping at my parent’s house that night. She’s very strong-willed and took off in the middle of the night. Fortunately, security found her right away and brought her to me.” He softened, looking genuinely apologetic. “I’m sorry about that. It was awful for me, so I can’t imagine what it was like for you.”

Talk about letting the wind out of her sails. “Doesn’t sound like it was your fault. I guess I had a lot of things wrong.”

“What else?”

“I thought you were the tennis pro here.”

“Tennis? Where’d you get that idea?”

“I met you in a bar full of seasonal workers, so I just assumed you were one of us. And given your whole…” She waved a hand down the length of his body. “Clean-cut, athletic ‘vibe,’ I assumed maybe tennis pro. In a million years, I wouldn’t have put you in events.”

“It’s temporary.” He lowered his voice, as if someone could hear them. “And, frankly, the better I do, the sooner I can move onto the next job.”

“Okay.”

He seemed happy. “Come to my office and let’s get started.”

“I need to talk to Elena first.”

“Let me do that. The most important thing is getting the supplies ordered so they get here in time, so while you’re doing that, I’ll meet with her.”

He led her across the conference room to a door that opened to a whole other suite of offices. With the high-end desks and fancy, padded chairs, the plush carpet and dark wood paneling, these were a whole other level of elegance.

They passed a staff room that smelled of rich coffee and warm, baked goods.

“Hey, Rhys, there’s only one cheese danish left,” a gorgeous woman called.

“Yeah?” He stopped, peering in.

“And it’s mine.” Laughing, she pulled it from a pink bakery box and set it on a plate. “You snooze you lose.”

“Dick,” he called after her.

“Dork,” she said right back.

He turned to Micky “Can I get you some coffee? A muffin?”

“Uh, sure. Thanks.” The moment she came into the room, though, the scents grew so pronounced her stomach roiled.

His back to her, he grabbed two mugs. Scents wafted from the pink box, and nausea wrenched her stomach.

Breathe through it.

That’s what she’d been doing, breathing through it. But, Jesus, this reaction was so much stronger than the one she got from the lavender she sprayed on the linens.

He glanced over his shoulder. “Cream? Sugar?” And then he reached for a croissant, and saliva spilled into her mouth.

There was no stopping it this time, no calming exercises would quell it.

Micky ran for the garbage bin and threw up.

Chapter Five

Micky couldn’t get the image of double blue lines out of her head. “I’m pregnant.”

On the other side of the bathroom wall, club music pumped. People were laughing, dancing, drinking…totally carefree.

A vise tightened around her skull, and her skin went clammy.

Holy shit. How is this happening?

How is this my life?

“Well, hang on. It could be a faulty test.” Della gave her an encouraging look. “Let’s take another one.”

“No, I know. I don’t have any allergies, my breasts are super sensitive, and I threw up in the break room. I’m pregnant.”

Obviously, she’d considered it, but she was on the pill. She’d used a condom. And she’d never once had a scare with Carson. “Where’d you get the rubber?”

“They came from the employee locker room. You saw me grab a handful with your own eyes.”

When they’d first gotten here, Della had joked about getting laid. The best way to get over a guy is to get under another one. When Micky said she wasn’t ready for that, her friend had stuffed condoms in her purse, her jeans, and in her nightstand.

“I can’t believe this.” Micky snatched a few sheets of paper towels out of the dispenser and dried her hands. “The one thing my mother didn’t want me to do. God, she’s going to kill me.”

“Your mom is the least of your concerns.”

Fear drove a stake into her chest. “My job.” She wheeled around. “Do I have to quit? Go home? Oh, my God, I literally don’t know what to do.” Shock started to wear off, leaving her buzzing with anxiety.

“Hey.” Della grabbed her arms and gave her a shake. “Listen to me. This is a story as old as time. You got knocked up. You’re having a baby. Or not. You have choices. If you choose to have it, you’re not even going to show for three or four months. It won’t affect your job. In fact, you want to keep the job, so you’ll have some money set aside.” Her hands smoothed down until they clasped Micky’s. “I’m here for you. You know Franny’s going to be there for you. We got this. I promise you, we got this.”

The warmth, comfort, and confidence in her friend’s eyes drew a sting of tears. “Yeah, okay.” She did have all the support in the world. She’d have childcare galore. Della, her mom, even her mom’s clients would step up. Her whole community would. “I never imagined having anyone else’s kids but Carson’s.”

“I know.”

“Talk me through this. I need a game plan.”

Della nodded. “Let’s get out of here.” She led her out of the bathroom.

Her mind was already filled with chaos, so the loud music was unbearable. Making their way around the perimeter of the room, happy people jostled her, their conversations full of laughter.

Keeping her head down—she didn’t want to make eye contact with anyone, couldn’t bear running into someone she knew—she got a funny prickle at the back of her neck. When she looked up, her gaze unerringly landed on him.

Rhys.

Standing near the stage, a beautiful redhead hanging on him, he held a beer low at his waist. He tracked her movements.

Did he know? Suspect? Why else would a woman he’d slept with three weeks earlier throw up at the smell of coffee and danish?

Her stomach lurched, and she looked away. Get out of here.

Frantic, she overtook Della and wove through the crowd. A cold sweat broke out on her forehead. Her palms hit the door, and she pushed outside into the brisk cold.

God, Rhys. Did she have to tell him? Could she just go home to Arizona and leave him none the wiser? She headed straight for the coffee and cocoa kiosk, closed this late at night.

Della showed up a minute later, shoving her parka at her. “Put your coat on, you knucklehead.”

Stabbing her hands into the sleeves, Micky shrugged it on.

“What happened in there?” Della tipped her head toward the bar.

“Rhys. He’s there. He saw me.”

“Okay, well, we’re not on the lam. He lives here, and he’s your boss. He can see you.”

“I’m a mess.” Tipping her head back, she blew out a breath and gazed up at the stars. “I’m a total fucking mess.”

“Of course, you are.” Della zipped up her coat. “Believe me, I would be, too. But until you wrap your head around it, I’m going to be your voice of reason, okay? I’m not the one who’s pregnant—”

“You’re pregnant?” The deep voice shattered the cold, brittle air.

“Fuck,” Della whispered. Slowly, she turned to him. “We’re not ready for this conversation. Can you please wipe that word from your brain and give us a little more time?”

But Rhys pushed past her, bristling with intent. “Is it mine?”

Micky let out a shuddery breath. “I’m going to bed, okay? We’ll talk in the morning.”

“You’re not going anywhere until you answer me. Is it mine?” He wasn’t cruel. He wasn’t mean. He wasn’t ugly. He was firm and insistent.

“Look…” Della moved to insert herself between them.

But Rhys blocked her with his powerful body. “If the answer’s no, I’ll go back into the bar. You’ll show up for work tomorrow, and it’ll be wiped from my brain. If the answer’s yes…” He looked Della right in the eyes. “Then, this is between me and Micky.”

Her friend gave him the kind of fierce expression that made men cower.

Rhys wasn’t that man. He turned back to Micky, but he didn’t say a word.

She submitted to the inevitable. “Yes. It’s yours.”

“Micky.” Della’s tone held warning. “You don’t know that for sure.”

“Yeah, I do. Carson and I…” Her exhalation came out in a gusty white fog. “We haven’t slept together since Halloween.”

“You know the exact night?” Della sounded surprised.

“I’d like a minute alone with Micky.” Rhys maintained his composure, his grace, but the tendons in his neck had gone rigid.

Della checked with her, and Micky nodded. “It’s fine.”

“You be nice to her.” Della poked his chest, before walking back to the bar.

They stood there in silence, as her friend opened the door to release the sounds of music and chatter. The cobblestone street was empty at this time of night in the village.

“How do you feel?” he asked.

Oh. Everything in her softened at the kind question. “I’m totally freaking out. I’ve been on the pill for ten years, and I’ve never had a single scare. My mom raised me by herself, and the one thing she drilled into me was to never be careless with birth control.” She dropped her face into her mittened hands. “I can’t believe this. I just can’t believe it.”

“Tomorrow morning, I’d appreciate it if you’d get to the office an hour early. We’ll meet with my attorney and hash out the details.”

Fear pinched her nerves. Slowly, she looked at up him. “Details?”

He gave her a look that said he saw right through her. “There won’t be room for negotiation, but we’ll give you enough to live comfortably. You’ll never have to work again, but I will require you to sign away your maternal rights.”

Chapter Six

“Are you out of our freaking mind?” Micky’d had a full eight hours to calm down—but nope. The anger hadn’t diminished. Not even a bit. After a sleepless night, she’d woken up, grabbed a power bar and water bottle from the cafeteria, and headed to the office to have a private chat with fuckface.

She’d stormed right into his office and taken him off guard. “You want to buy my baby? I know this place looks different from Arizona, but what planet am I on right now?”

Rhys sat at his desk with a stony expression, none of the warmth and mischief she’d seen in him during their one blissful night together. “We had sex. Once. You said you were on birth control, and you just happened to get pregnant?”

“Thanks for the recap and, yes, that’s exactly what happened.”

“You provided the condom.”

“I don’t even want to be in the same room with you right now. You think I stuck a pin in a condom so I could get pregnant from some random guy…and what? Make money off him? You work events at a ski resort—you’re not exactly a prime target. Who even does that?”

“Adelaide’s mother.”

Jarred, she went stock still. “I don’t understand. Your daughter’s mom got pregnant on purpose?”

“She conceived at the end of the season. Came back three months later with a big surprise for me. Claimed she had no means to support a child, so we made a trade.”

“Wow, you’re good.” She made a circling motion around her face. “You pull off the whole human thing incredibly well. I had no idea you were actually a cyborg until you heard I was pregnant.”

“You’ve been with the same guy for ten years, but you just happen to conceive after one night with me?”

“Okay, I’m done here. Guess what, fuckface? I don’t want anything from you. Not one single thing.” Grabbing a pen off his desk and a piece of paper from his printer, she scrawled a note.

I release you from all obligations.

McKayla Lewis

“There you go.” She started for the door, but his chair snapped back, and he whisked around his great big desk and grabbed her arm.

The cyborg was replaced with a fiery, livid man. “I’m sorry, okay? What the hell am I supposed to think? It was one night. I can’t…Jesus, I can’t have another kid.”

“You’re not. I am.” She wrenched her arm free. “Let me make something very clear. I have the best mom in the world. The best friends you could ever know. The best community. I was supposed to have Carson’s babies, not yours. So, I’m going to pretend I never met someone so disgusting they would offer to buy my baby and go home to Arizona and figure things out on my own.”

“And you’ll just leave your bank account information so I can drop a monthly check into it?”

As surreal as the last twelve hours had been, one thing broke through. This man had gotten a woman pregnant before—and she’d traded cash for her baby. So, on some level, she could see where he was coming from. He didn’t know her. Didn’t know her family. She needed to set herself apart from the other woman. “Even without a single dime of child support from you, this child will grow up with more riches than anything you can even imagine. I don’t need a damn thing from you.”

“Okay.” He lowered his head. “Okay. My gut told me you weren’t like that, but after Cherie…” When his gaze swung back up to her, his eyes held so much pain. “She played me for months.” He sat on the edge of his desk. “She kept saying she didn’t know if she was going to keep ‘it.’ Adelaide. My daughter. I was going out of my mind. We didn’t know for sure if the baby was mine, but the idea of losing her…” He shook his head. “I looked it up, the size of the fetus. At three months, it’s as big as a domino piece.” He cupped his palm, as if he could see his little girl curled up there. “I told her I’d support them, no matter what. I asked her to live here. She said she had no hope of a career back in England, but she just kept playing me. Finally, my dad told me to wake up, that all she wants is cash.” He looked anguished. “She sold me our baby. And you have to know…Adelaide’s the most amazing human being I’ve ever known.” He drew in a sharp breath and wiped his face clean of emotion. “I’m sorry for my reaction. I just thought…”

“Seasonal worker, one night, my condom…I get it. But listen, it’s too soon for me to sign papers or make plans. I need to go to the doctor and confirm it. I need…time. So, we’re going to have to table this discussion.”

“That’s not possible.” A man stood in the doorway. “We won’t be tabling anything.” In worn jeans, a shirt with pearl buttons, and cowboy boots, he held an air of authority unlike anything Micky had ever seen. He stepped into the room, giving Rhys a look so fraught with rebuke, it was a wonder Rhys didn’t collapse into a heap of shame.

Instead, her baby daddy gestured to the imposing man. “Dad, this is McKayla Lewis. McKayla, this is Matthew, my father.”

Oh, it’s McKayla now, huh? If he’s trying to elevate me in his father’s eyes, he can just forget about it. I am who I am. “Hello. It’s nice to meet you. I work with Rhys in Events.”

The dark-haired man shook her hand, holding it a moment too long as he appraised her. “I’m aware.” He cut a look to his son. “Warren got me up to speed.”

Rhys let out a huff of breath.

“You didn’t think he’d keep this from me, did you?” his dad asked.

“Of course, I did. Talking to you is a breach of my client-attorney privilege.”

“This is a family matter. We’re all raising Adelaide, and we’ll raise this one, too. So…” He clapped his hands together. “Warren’s waiting for us in his office. Let’s get down to business.”

“Business?” Micky pressed her hands on her flat stomach.

“We need to make sure all parties are protected,” Matthew said.

He dressed like a cowboy, but he wore a big, expensive watch, and everything about him reeked of wealth. In fact, he reminded her very much of her own father. But since she didn’t take crap from her own dad, she sure as hell wouldn’t take it from Rhys’s.

She looked him right in the eyes. “I don’t need or want your protection. And if you’re looking for protection from me, here you go.” She picked up the note she’d just written. “That’s the only signature of mine you’ll be getting.”

Chapter Seven

She needed Della.

But her friend would be cleaning rooms right now, and she couldn’t risk getting her in trouble.

Still running on adrenaline from quitting her job, packing up, and finding a motel room, Micky’s hands shook as she unzipped her suitcase. Grabbing her toiletry bag, she dumped it on the bathroom counter before finally letting out a breath.

She had one month’s pay in her bank account, plus she’d get paid again this Friday—not that it amounted to much.

And don’t forget you’ll be spending a chunk on a plane ticket home.

Should she call her mom? She had to talk to someone.

She took in her reflection in the mirror. What have I done?

It’s not enough to find out I’m pregnant, but then I find myself in a soap opera world of evil fathers and psycho exes.

She needed to go home, get back to the world of decent people.

Mostly, she needed time to come to terms with this next chapter in her life.

The worst part was…it’s not Carson’s baby. She let the loss swamp her until it became impossible to remain standing under the heavy weight.

This wasn’t a mistake she could come back from. Heading across the room, she glanced out the window. The Dare Devil Motel sat right on Highway 191 but still had the most amazing view. Not hard to do in Calamity. In any direction, the imposing snow-covered mountains rose jagged and majestic, thrusting straight up from the earth.

As she took in the snowy landscape, she reminded herself that she could handle anything. She’d get her job back in Bixby, and she could work all the way up until the baby was born. She’d live at home, of course. An image popped into her mind, bouncing a child on her knee as she ordered supplies in the garage salon.

It calmed her. Life wouldn’t have to change much at all.

A knock at the door startled her. “One second.” Running her fingers through her hair, she peered through the peephole. It took a moment to make sense of what she was seeing. She’d expected someone in a housekeeping uniform—not a tall, fit man.

She threw open the door. “What’re you doing here?”

“Hey.” Rhys looked somber. “Can I come in?”

“Well, that depends on what you want.”

“I want to talk. Just you and me.”

“Are there any lawyers lurking in the hallway?” She stepped out, making a big show of checking left, then right.

“No lawyers, no parents. Just us.”

“Fine.” She stepped back to let him in.

“I’m sorry about my dad. Wait.” He held up a hand. “First, I’m sorry about me, the way I reacted. And I’m also sorry about the way my dad inserted himself into our problem.”

She still didn’t trust him, so she just said, “Okay.”

“I’m obviously more than the Director of Events Management, and I’m sure you can understand that a family like mine wears a target on its back. Several times a year we get hit with something.”

“A family like yours?” She wanted to say, Assholes? But she’d give him a chance.

He sharpened, giving her an assessing look. “We’re the Wolffs.”

“What?” She took a step back, bumping into the dresser. Wild Wolff Village…hadn’t that HR woman said it was family owned?

“Rhys Wolff.”

“You own the lodge…the whole village?”

He gave a curt nod. “Yes, my family does.”

“Holy shit. I had no idea.” She gave it some thought. “Then, what the hell were you doing in the Last Call bar? That’s for workers.”

“I’m friends with a lot of people, and I hang out where they are. It doesn’t matter where they go.”

“Or you target seasonal workers?” Suddenly, it all made sense. Cherie, me… “That’s what you do, isn’t it? We’re easy prey, so you hook up with us.”

“No, not at all. Some friends texted, asked me to hang out, so I met them there.”

“I’m so confused right now. If you own the place, what’re you doing working in events?”

“My parents don’t let us just take over. We do rotations within the departments we’re going to run one day. We work each of the jobs, so we understand the problems and the way things work. And the reason I’m doing events at twenty-six is because…” He ran hand through his hair. “It’s a long story.”

She sat on the edge of the bed and folded her arms. “I’m listening.”

“I’m the screw up. Was the screw up. I’m the youngest, and I never took anything seriously. I was wild and out of control. All through high school and college I basically drank and snowboarded with my friends.”

She uncrossed her arms and said softly, “And then Adelaide happened?”

“Exactly. I used to fuck around with the seasonal workers all the time. Had a blast. Cherie was just one of many. You’ve been here long enough, so you know the culture.”

She nodded. Everyone hooked up with each other. It was a fun, frat-like environment. Hell, Della was doing it. She was having the time of her life.

“So, when she came back to town to tell me she was pregnant, I was thrown. But I didn’t get it, not till I held Addi. I looked into those brown eyes, touched that tiny hand, those delicate fingers, and I knew my entire world had flipped upside down. I had to be a better man for her.” He glanced at her, more vulnerable than she’d ever seen him. “All I’ve ever done was disappoint my family—and knocking up a girl from housekeeping? Who only wanted to shake us down? That was the…”

“Cherry on top.”

“Yeah, something like that. So, I stopped partying and took the night manager job at the lodge so I could spend my days with her, and since then I’ve been on the right track.”

“Well, I mean, you slept with me.”

“I couldn’t resist you.” He said it so plainly, so sincerely, it made her cheeks heat.

But she didn’t want him to see her reaction. “Oh, please. We met in a bar. We barely had a conversation.” She sounded breathy and not at all herself, and she hated how he affected her. She wanted to hold onto her disgust, but he made it impossible.

“I don’t know how to explain it, but it was more than attraction. I felt something on an intuitive level. It was a lot of things. You’re strong and confident, and even when you were down, you rallied for your friend. And when you laugh…Jesus.” He held a hand over his heart. “I didn’t know I’d been going through the motions in life, until you smiled at me.”

Every ounce of anger in her melted like candle wax. Her heart pounded, and a sense of rightness formed in her core. But her mind…her mind was a detached unit. It didn’t want to trust him. She got up. “I don’t know what to make of you. You say all the right things—until you tell me you’re going to buy my baby.”

He winced. “You didn’t deserve that. It was a knee-jerk response, thanks to Cherie.” He cupped her elbows, bent his knees, and looked into her eyes. “I’m sorry. You’re nothing like her. You’re nothing like anyone I’ve ever met.” He tipped her chin. “Do you forgive me?”

“It depends on what happens next.”

“What do you need to happen?”

“First, I need to confirm the pregnancy, and then I need to get past the first trimester.”

“So…just to be clear…you’re keeping our baby?”

Our baby. This man knew just how to get to her. She’d had a lot of dark, scary hours last night, where she’d freaked out about her choices, her job, her future, but with every second that passed, it became more real. I’m going to be a mom. “I’ve got a good support system, so…yes, it’s happening.” One thing bothered her, though, and she needed to address it. “So, just to be clear, banging the seasonal help isn’t a thing for you? It’s not, like, how you blow off steam?”

“What? No. Not at all. And I haven’t slept with an employee since Cherie. That’s a rule my family takes very seriously. The only reason I still have a job is because I didn’t know you were an employee when we slept together.”

“They’d have fired you?”

“Absolutely.”

She had a hard time believing that. “Even though this place is your legacy?”

“Yes.” His tone was resolute.

“Okay.” She would trust him until she had a reason not to. “I believe you.”

“Look, your job is still open, if you want to come back.”

“Hah. No, thanks.”

“After the way we treated you, I understand. So, what’re you going to do?”

“I’m going home.”

“Please don’t do that. If you go, I won’t be part of the process. I won’t get to go to doctor visits and see sonograms.” He genuinely looked upset about that. “Tell me what you need to feel safe here.”

Good Lord, this man. She could feel herself falling for him. But then it struck her… “How did you even find me?”

“Keith told me.”

“Keith?”

“The taxi driver who brought you here.”

“You know the name of the taxi driver?”

“Yeah, and I know Tracey, the valet, who saw you get into his cab.”

“Oh, my God. This place. Other than the whole snow thing, I guess your world’s not much bigger than my small town. Just, you know, a whole lot ritzier.”

“We get a million tourists here every season, but the base population isn’t that big, so we pretty much all know each other.” He looked anxious. “Look, have you bought a ticket home yet?”

“No.” But what else could she do? “Why do you look like a man with plan?”

“Because I’ve got one. The good news is that it’s ski season, so all the hotels and lodges are at capacity. I’ve got a friend who runs a big resort not far from here, and he can get you a job as a nanny.”

“A nanny?” Not something she’d ever considered before.

“It pays well.”

“Does it come with room and board?” Because that was essential.

“No, we’re the only resort around that does that.”

“Then, I can’t do it. The only reason I came here is to sock away some money. Without it, I need to go home and move back in with my mom.”

“I know you’re close with her, and you barely know me, but I want to be there for you. If you’re sick, I’ll bring you crackers and Ginger Ale. If your back aches, I’ll give you a massage.”

“All that for a sonogram picture?” She said it teasingly, but he barely cracked a grin. He was so much more invested than she’d imagined. “I mean, I can email them to you.” She didn’t know what to say.

“I wish you’d reconsider coming back to the lodge. I’ll make sure my dad stays out of our business.”

“After the way he talked to me this morning, I have a hard time believing that.”

“That’s fair, but he’s not a bad man. He’s trying to protect his family, but I’ve got this. I do. I won’t let him interfere.”

She’d much rather work in events than be stuck in babysitting children but not if it meant being around his dad. “I’m sorry, Rhys. I can’t go back there.”

“Fine.” There he went, getting all resolute again. “Let’s go.” He started for the door.

“Go where?”

Hand on the doorknob, he stopped and looked at her. “I’ll take you to the Owl Hoot resort and make sure you get room and board.”

“You just told me they don’t offer that.”

“Right, but I’ll make sure it’s included in your package.”

Just when she’d started to trust him… “Hang on. You’re not going to pay for it, are you? Because I don’t…” He needed to understand something. “After what’s happened between us—you offering to buy my baby, and your dad inserting himself in the ‘negotiations’—I hope you can understand that I’m not comfortable with you paying my way. I don’t…I don’t want to be in a position where I owe you anything.” This was an uncomfortable conversation, so she needed to just spell it out. “If we’re going to be in each other’s lives, we need to stand on equal ground, okay?”

He took a moment to contemplate, and she appreciated that about him. “I get what you’re saying, but I wasn’t going to pay for anything. I may be a Wolff, but I only get paid a salary for my job. I’m not a shareholder yet.”

“Oh. I didn’t realize that.”

“I know the Bowies, though, so, if it’s all right with you, I’m going to leverage my connections to get you a package that’s not unreasonable. But there’s something you need to understand.” He let go of the door. “Our child isn’t growing up with a dad who lives a thousand miles away, with a half-sister he’ll never know. And if that means I need to find the right situation to encourage you to stay here, that’s what I’m going to do.”

“I get you.” She said it quietly because she was in awe of this man. Her impression of him had shot around like a pinball—she’d liked him in the bar, hated him last night, and now she respected the hell out of him. He was a good, strong man.

Which meant she had to decide what was best for all of them, not just her. Going back to the lodge required trusting him, and she was so much more comfortable going home.

And yet…she could give him a chance, couldn’t she? She could see how things worked out, and if his dad pulled another trick like this morning, she could walk out the door.

He reached for her hands. “It would mean a lot to me if you’d let me do this with you. Will you let me?”

“Yes.” Energy came roaring in, and her pulse pounded. She liked him. She believed him. She was going to trust him. “I’ll go back to the lodge with you.”

“Seriously?” His smile filled her soul like sunlight, making her skin tingle. “Thank you. I’ll handle my family, and they won’t bother you again.” As he held her gaze, that beautiful smile faltered, desire blooming across his features. “You’re so beautiful.” Cupping her cheeks, he kissed her. It started sweet, but the attraction between them was hot and electric. His mouth opened, his tongue explored, and soon they were pressed up against each other.

She loved the hard planes of his body, the solid muscles. She loved the smell of him—like fresh, crisp air the morning after a big snow—a hint of woodsmoke. But it was the trace of baby shampoo that melted her heart. He was a good guy and a great dad. Her instincts about him weren’t wrong.

But wait, how would this work? She pulled back. “What about Addi? How will this affect her?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, the woman carrying your child is working with you…” Confusion had her taking a step back. “I don’t want to lie to your daughter, but I don’t want her—or anyone for that matter—to know I’m pregnant yet. From what I’ve read, I won’t even show the whole time I’m working here.”

“I don’t have all the answers, but no one will know you’re pregnant until you decide to tell them.”

“And us? What are we?”

“I’m whatever you need me to be. If working for me becomes uncomfortable, we’ll find another job for you. I’d like to spend time with you outside of work. I’d like to get to know you better, but I’ll follow your lead on that.”

She leaned into him, slipping her arms through his and resting her cheek against his chest. “You’re a good man, Rhys.”

He held a hand at the back of her head. “We’ve got this. I promise you. Now, let’s head back to work. We’ve got a lot to do if we’re going to implement your ideas.”

“Thank you.” It only took a minute to put her toiletry bag back into her suitcase and zip it up. Rhys lugged it off the bed and together they headed for the door.

“You okay with all this?”

Warmth spilled into her bloodstream. “I’m very okay.” She was excited to spend time with him and get to know his daughter.

Addi was, after all, going to be her child’s sister.

His grin turned almost shy and boyish, and he pressed a kiss on her mouth. “Then, let’s do this.” He swung the door open to find his dad standing there, fist raised, ready to knock. A gorgeous woman had her arm linked with his “Dad? Mom? What’re you doing here?”

With her buttery blonde hair and smooth skin, the woman looked maybe early forties. She pushed past them, entering the room, and Rhys closed the door behind them.

“Hello, I’m Helena Wolff, this young stallion’s mother and this knucklehead’s wife. I understand we have a situation, and I’m here with a solution.”

Micky discreetly wiped her clammy palm on her jeans before reaching to grasp the offered hand. “I’m Micky Lewis. The one who got knocked up.”

His mother smiled at her son. “First of all, I want you to know we’re very proud of you, sweetheart. You’ve done an outstanding job at the resort and with Addi.” She elbowed her husband. “And, secondly, your father regrets interfering this morning.”

“I don’t regret it.” Mr. Wolff looked sternly at his son. “I’m disappointed as hell in you. There’s no greater responsibility than bringing a child into this world and getting another woman pregnant is just not acceptable. That said, I acknowledge all the changes you’ve made since Addi was born.” Then, he turned to Micky. “What I do regret is coming at you so hard. I shouldn’t have done that. I’d like to start over.”

Whew. Thank God, the man was normal. “I can do that.”

“That means a lot to me, Dad. Micky’s done nothing wrong. I like her. I don’t think I’ve ever liked anyone as much as her. And I want you both to get to know her, and that won’t happen if you see her as having bad intentions.”

“Fresh start?” Helena asked with a warm grin.

Micky felt so relieved. “Absolutely. Fresh start.”

“Excellent,” his mom said. “Now, let’s get you two married.”

Chapter Eight

“Can you believe these people? A bunch of whack jobs.” Micky sipped her hot chocolate in front of a crackling fire in the Owl Hoot Resort and Spa. “First, the dad tells me I’m signing my rights away to my own child—”

“He can fuck right off with that.” Della blew gently on her hot toddy.

“Then, his mom says we’re getting married.” Micky still couldn’t get over it. “She said it like she was suggesting we all go out for ice cream.”

“I love that you walked out on them like that.”

“Well, I was already packed, and my luggage was right there at the door. Otherwise, it might not have had the same punch.”

“No, not nearly the same badassery.” Della swirled the cinnamon stick. “What about Rhys? Did he just let you walk away?”

“Oh, hell, no. He followed me.” She cupped the mug, the warmth reassuring. “The thing is, he’s made it clear he’s going to be involved in this baby’s life. And no matter what, this is his child, you know? I can’t move home and carry on like nothing happened. And that means I’ll have to deal with the nutjob parents in some capacity.”

“You set boundaries. If they want to know their grandchild, they’ll have to play by your rules. Never forget that you’re the mom. And if you need a reinforcer…I’m right here.” Della flexed her biceps.

“Intimidating.” She grinned. “Thank you.” As much as she loved Della’s support, she knew her friend couldn’t do anything other than listen and offer her perspective.

“I left my plane ticket open-ended, so I can come home whenever you need me.”

“What do you mean open-ended?” Micky had planned on flying home the day her job ended. She’d been thinking of expenses and not wanting to spend money on hotels, using every penny of savings on starting her own business.

Now, all that money would go to taking care of a baby.

“I had this idea of making a whole bunch of friends, maybe we’d rent an RV together or something and go see Yellowstone, Seattle, LA.”

“That sounds amazing. You never told me that.”

“Hey, I was just trying to get you to come with me. Between your mom and Carson, it was hard enough. I wasn’t going to tack on a month. You’d never have gone for it.”

“No, probably not. My mom needs me.”

“Micky.” Della’s tone commanded her attention. “Your mom doesn’t need you.”

An uneasy feeling wriggled down her spine. “What’re you saying?”

“You and your mom are super close, and that’s great. But you’ve tied yourself to a small, dead-end town with this notion that you owe your mom something. You don’t. Your mom made a choice not to take money from her baby daddy and to raise you by herself, and that’s cool. She lives her life on her own terms. And now…” Della rolled a hand, as if the answer was just sitting there.

But it wasn’t. Micky couldn’t see it. “Now what? Just say it.”

“Now, it’s time for her to stop raising her child. It’s time for her to live her life. Just like it’s time for you to live yours.”

“Micky?” a deep voice called. Calm, confident.

She turned to see Rhys standing with a bunch of big, fit men, all of them gorgeous. He turned back to them—and there was some handshaking and backslapping—before he left them and came towards her.

“Damn.” Della stretched the single syllable out for days. “That man is straight fire.”

Every single person in the lobby stopped talking to watch his confident stride, his strikingly handsome features, and the flex and pop of his muscles in the worn jeans and well-fitting Henley.

But he only had eyes for her, singling her out like she was the brightest light in the night sky.

He sucked up gravity, making her feel weightless, suspended in time and space. Her heart thundered, and her skin went hot.

“Hey.” His concern for her made her go all melty. “How’s it going? You get settled in?”

“Yes. Thank you for arranging the job.” She’d come here with the intention of applying for a nanny job herself, but by the time she’d arrived, she’d found they were expecting her. She was grateful to him, so why did she sound so terse? He’s not the one who’d suggested marriage.

Della set her mug down on the table and got up. “I’m going to catch the next shuttle back to the village.” She looked between them. “Unless you need me to stay?”

Rhys turned to her, all intensity and good manners. “We’ve never formally met. Rhys Wolff.”

“Yeah, I’m Della Swanson. Her friend. And in case you and your family think she’s here all alone and vulnerable, she’s not. I’m here, and I stand with her. In fact, she’s got a lot of people with her. So don’t think for one second your money can buy you the outcome you want. Poor people use whatever resources they have.” She leaned in. “Translation: we fight dirty.”

His demeanor never wavered, and his expression revealed nothing. “She stands well enough on her own, trust me. She’s both impressed and intimidated my parents.” He turned back to Micky. “But I don’t stand with my parents. I’m my own man, and what’s happening is between us and only us.”

Della cracked a smile. “You’re all right, Richie.”

“It’s Rhys.”

Della reached for her and pulled her into her in her arms. “I’m here for you. You want to go back to Arizona, say the word and we go. No questions asked.”

“I’m not going to make you leave. You love it here but thank you. I love you.”

“Babe, it’s a job. You’re my people.” She let her go and took off.

“Can I sit with you?” He gestured to Della’s empty seat.

“Sure.”

“Look.” He sat on the edge of her chair, elbows on his knees. “You don’t have to worry about my parents, okay? They don’t have legal authority over me and Adelaide, and they can’t interfere in any of the choices we make about our baby.”

It hit her again—that wallop of dread. I’m having a baby. With Della, she could talk about things in a conceptual way. With Rhys, it became very fucking real.

Her mom was going to flip when she found out Micky had done the same thing she’d done twenty-seven years ago. Had a fling with a rich guy. “Here’s what I know. Rich people think they can do anything they want. It’s a mindset, and I get it. You can buy anything, including people who need money more than they need their integrity.” She leaned in. “But we’re not like that.”

“I know you’re not. And believe it or not, my parents aren’t like that, either.”

“I’ve had two interactions with them, and both times they were most definitely like that. Let me explain something to you. My father’s not in my life, and it’s not because he doesn’t want to be. And it’s not because he’s wealthy. It’s because of how he looks at the world. My mom didn’t want me raised by people who put money over humanity. His parents wanted me to grow up just like he did, with cotillion and country clubs and an MBA. And my mom’s values are different. She’s all about giving me the freedom to find my own way in the world. She cared less about teaching me which fork to use and more about making me feel loved and cherished and valued.”

“And she did a great job. Micky, I don’t want to change you. I just want to be part of our baby’s life. I know it all seems heavy-handed, but that’s all my parents want, too.” He drew in a breath. “But they’re driving you away, and I won’t tolerate that.”

“What did you do?”

“I can’t get to know you if they keep interfering, so after you left, I told them if they pulled another stunt like that I’d quit.”

“What? We’re talking about your career. You’re the heir to the Wild Wolff dynasty. You can’t just walk away from that.”

“You know my priorities. I don’t want to do it, but one more strike, and I’m out.”

“You’re crazy. You have Addi to think about it.”

“I’m the one thinking clearly. They’re the ones who need to check themselves. So, listen, Calamity’s not that big of a town. Owl Hoot is just a short shuttle ride from the village, so we can still spend time together.” He grinned. “Addi’s spending the night with my parents, and I’d like to take you out for dinner.”

“I’d like that. Just to be clear, though, the resort is giving me room and board? Because I’m not taking a dime from your family. Gifts like that are never free. That’s just a way for them to keep—”

“Micky. Stop. Those guys I was talking to? They’re the Bowies. They own this place. They have no problem offering you employee housing. It’s all good.”

“Okay.” She smiled. “I’d like to say I’m overreacting, but your dad wanted to buy my unborn child, and your mom was ready to slip a ring on my finger.”

He didn’t smile. “I know they haven’t presented themselves well—and there are reasons for that—but they’re not like your dad’s family. They’re not going to insist on boarding school and etiquette lessons. I promise you. As I told you, family’s everything to them. They felt threatened—”

“Because of Cherie.”

“Not just because of her. You can’t imagine the shit they get hit with. But what happened with Cherie was tough on all of us. And it’s not that she shook us down for money. It’s the fact that she doesn’t want to know her daughter. Right now, Addi’s five. Old enough to know her mom’s not around. But what the hell are we going to say when she asks why? When she gets on social media and finds pictures of her mom with another kid, how am I going to explain that to her?”

Now she was beginning to understand his insistence on staying in her—and this baby’s—life. “That’s awful. I can’t even imagine.”

“Addi’s this perfect little girl. She’s grown up with love and family, but the day she figures out her mom abandoned her…it’s going to change her in a way there’s no coming back from.”

In that moment, Micky understood what Della had been trying to tell her. All along, she’d given her friend lip service about living in a bubble, being sheltered. But right then she got that her life experiences were limited to her mom, Della, and Carson. Well, and the tiny exposure to her dad. But the Wolff family wasn’t like anyone she’d ever met, and she needed to stop lumping them in with her father. She put a hand on his knee. “I’m sorry. It breaks my heart to know that day’s coming for her.”

“So, maybe you understand us a little better.”

“I do. I really do.”

“You’ll give me a chance? Can we do this?”

She sat back. “Do what? Because I’m not marrying you.”

“What if we downgraded it?”

“To what?”

He lifted her hand and brought it to his mouth. “Micky Lewis, will you date me?”

Chapter Nine

She shouldn’t feel so nervous.

He’s seen me naked.

I think I can handle a date.

But he hadn’t seen her naked, not really. The bedroom had been pretty dark, and it had all been frantic and wildly passionate.

Using a hand towel, Micky wiped the steam from her shower off the mirror. Her cheeks were rosy, and her eyes held an excitement she hadn’t seen in years.

I’m sorry, Carson, but it’s true.

If she weren’t pregnant, if Rhys’s parents hadn’t been crazy cakes, she’d be having the time of her life here in Wild Wolff Village.

Come on. Get going. She dropped her towel and reached for the lotion. The couple she’d worked for today had been two hours late, so instead of having some time to herself to nap, read, and get ready, she was racing around.

Thing is, she still hadn’t told her mom. Yeah, because she’s going to flip out. And she really needed to make that call. It was just that their situations were so damn similar. Her father’s family, listed on The Forbes 400 as one of the wealthiest in America, lived life on their own terms. Her mom could remember countless times she’d gotten all dolled up for some fancy event, only to have his mother criticize her hair, her clothes, or chastise her for not using the right fork. They were soulless people obsessed with decorum, manners, and etiquette.

She swiped on mascara and combed her hair—she’d had to wash it since the tips had fallen into a pot of finger paint. Then, she quickly headed to her closet. Rhys hadn’t told her where he was taking her, but she hoped he hadn’t made a reservation at a fancy restaurant. Not my style. Not only wasn’t she a formal person, but she didn’t like fussy food.

She hadn’t brought many dressy clothes with her, so she figured she’d just wear jeans and a sweater, and if he showed up in a suit, she’d just change. It never took her long to get ready, so no big deal.

She was just transferring her wallet, lipstick, and room key into her messenger bag when she heard a knock. The rush of anticipation hit her so hard, she got rattled, and she quickly threw the strap over her head and hurried to let him in.

And…oh.

Every time she saw him, he knocked the breath right out of her lungs. Gorgeous, tall…those broad shoulders… he was confident, powerful, and just so damn impressive.

But that wasn’t it, was it? No, it was the essential goodness in him. That’s really what got to her, the warmth and kindness in his eyes.

He stood there with a cardboard tray loaded with four potted plants. “Hey.”

“What do you have there?” She stepped back to let him in.

As he headed for the low dresser, she felt relieved to see him in jeans and boots. But the sight of his tight ass and powerful legs got her body humming with desire. She could just feel those hard globes in her hands, his thighs between hers, as he drove into her slick heat. A searing sensation ran along her nerves.

He set the box down and caught her staring. He grinned. “If you play your cards right, you might get some of this after dinner.”

“Oh, shut up.” She came close enough to get a whiff of the laundry fresh scent of his clothes and the fancy soap from the Wild Wolff Lodge. “What is all this?”

“In case you got homesick, I brought you some cactus. Or I guess it’s cacti.”

“Are you serious?” This man was so sweet. “Where did you find succulents in Wyoming?”

“I ordered them.”

“You ordered me plants?” She gazed up at him, touched by the vulnerability in his eyes. He wasn’t sure she’d appreciate his gesture. “I love them. This is absolutely the sweetest thing anyone’s ever done for me.”

Color flooded his cheeks, and he lifted a pot. “This one’s octopus agave. It comes in a bunch of varieties, but when I saw octopus, I was all over it. This one’s tiger aloe.” He skipped over the more recognizable Christmas cactus. “And this one’s Mexican honeysuckle. I thought it would make your room smell nice, but it turns out it’s not the same honeysuckle I’m familiar with. Anyhow, just thought you might like something that reminds you of home.”

“Thank you, Rhys. This makes me really happy.”

“So, you ready to go?”

“Yeah, just let me get my coat.” In the closet, she pulled her parka off the hanger and found him right behind her. He took it from her, holding it up so she could slide her arms through the sleeves. “Thank you. So, where are we going?”

“Well, it’s the Festival of Lights in the village if you want to go.”

Heading for the door, she faltered. I don’t want to see his parents.

“There are thousands of people who come from all over to see it, so the odds of running into my family are low.”

“No, it’s all right. It’s not like they’re gangsters. They’re not going to put a hit out on me.”

“No.” He gave her a wistful smile. “I wish they’d handled things better, because they’re the most fiercely loving and loyal people you’ll ever know. And I hope one day you will know.”

She wanted to believe him. She really did. “Okay, sure, let’s go.” As they headed down the carpeted hallway, she asked, “How was work today?”

“Good.” He seemed excited. “We ordered the supplies for the gingerbread house event. Sign-ups go out on Monday. Since it’s short notice, we’re giving away backstage passes to the Blue Fire concert as incentive to participate.”

Her heart twisted. As happy as she was that he’d liked her ideas, she was sad not to be able to see them through. “That’s great.”

They were on the first floor, so the hallway led them from the back of the hotel into the grand lobby. The Bowie family had turned the ghost town of Owl Hoot, once the original settlement of Calamity, into a living museum, so costumed actors wandered the streets and businesses. The resort staff wore bustle dresses and three-piece suits, while cowboys in chaps populated the bar.

As they headed out into the cold night, he said, “For what it’s worth, my parents love all your suggestions.”

“I’m happy to hear that.” At some point, she’d need to get along with them. Not only for Addi’s sake but for her baby’s. They’d be in her life a very long time. “Maybe one day, the four of us can go for coffee or something.”

He hit his keypad and his taillights flashed in the darkness. Cupping her elbow, he guided her down the icy steps of the boardwalk and over to the passenger side of his black SUV. “That means a lot to me. Thank you.”

“I don’t want to cause a rift in your family. I believe you when you say they’re good people who have a history of being shaken down. I’d like to get to know them better.” From a distance. But she didn’t need to say that.

He opened the door but didn’t release her. “You have no idea how happy that makes me. My immediate family has to be my top priority, but my parents come in a close second. I love them. And going forward, promise me that instead of running, you’ll talk to me about the things they say that you don’t like. This is a new situation for all of us. We’re going to need to figure things out together.”

Lord, did she like this man. “I promise.”

“Now, just for tonight, let’s focus on us. Nothing else.” His gaze traced her every feature, heating her up. “Let’s start that learning right now.” He leaned in until their noses touched. “I like you, and I want to get to know you better.”

“You’re not so bad yourself.”

He grinned and kissed her on the mouth. “Get in. And I hope you know how to ice skate, or you’re going to make a big fool of yourself.” He shut her door and swung around to the driver’s side.

Once he got in, she said, “I’ve never skated in my life.”

The engine roared to life, and he shook his head. “This is going to be a shit show.”

She smacked his shoulder. “Hey, this is a date. You’re supposed to wine and dine me.”

He’d just twisted around to back out but stopped to take in her expression. “Is that what you wanted? A fancy dinner? Because I thought about what to do tonight and didn’t think you’d like that.”

“I wouldn’t. I was just kidding. I want to see the lights, and I want to ice skate with you. It’s the perfect first date.”

Happiness spread across his features, as he backed out and headed to the highway. “How was your first day as a nanny?”

“It was great. It’s a little sad because before the parents left, the kids were all quiet and subdued. I got them doing stuff they’re normally not allowed to do, and that helped open them up and let loose.”

“Uh, Micky? Not sure that’s a great way to keep your job.”

She laughed. “We didn’t light up a fatty and shotgun some Buds. I’m talking about finger paints, which come on, isn’t all that wild. But you should’ve seen how much fun they had when we made a blanket fort and had a picnic lunch under it. It was great.”

For a long moment, he didn’t say a word. His fingers flexed on the steering wheel. The streetlamps on this stretch of road were dimly lit and bathed his features in a soft, golden glow.

Sometimes—not very often—people looked at her like she was dangerous because of her ink. Did he think that? That she’d raise their child to be wild and out of control? “Everything was cleaned up by the time they got home. Well, two hours before they got home actually since they were so late. I didn’t lead them streaking through the hotel or anything.” She didn’t like that he’d judge her that way.

“You’re going to be a great mother.”

Oh. Well. That’s not what she’d expected. But it’s really nice to hear.

“Believe it or not, my mom was like that with us.” He gave a soft smile. “And she does all that stuff when she watches Addi.”

“That puts her in a whole new light.” She pressed her hands together. “I’ll be honest with you. I don’t feel pregnant at all. This whole thing is so surreal.”

“Are you scared?”

“I’m terrified.”

“I was, too. I remember walking out of the hospital, looking around, and wondering why the hell they’d let me leave with a newborn infant. My mom gave her the first bath, and I just stood there watching, frozen. But when I saw how perfectly helpless Addi was, all the fear got replaced with resolve. I guess…all my life I’d been at the bottom of the pyramid, the youngest out of the five of us. But in that moment, for the first time, I realized I was on top. That little girl relied on me for everything.” He cut her a look. “Sorry. That probably made it worse.”

“Maybe, but it also helps me understand you better, so it’s okay. The good news is that I have a really good role model for being a single mom.”

“Except, unlike her, you’ll always have my help. And you’ll never have to know which fork to use with shrimp to get it.” He turned down the lane that led to Wild Wolff Village.

She smiled. “That’s a relief.”

Up ahead, a million brilliant lights—white, red, and green—flickered and flashed, and it was an astonishing sight, considering the village was surrounded by the darkness of the sage meadow at night. She sat up. “It must be so much fun planning these events.”

“Like I said before, Elena’s done things the same way for two decades, and so it’s nothing but hauling out the same lights, hiring the same vendors, and setting up the same booths. But thanks to you?” He grinned. “Things around here are going to be a lot more fun.”

“I’ve been planning on going out on my own for years, but this…this would be my dream job.” Wolff Village at night was magical. The wreaths, the bright red bows, the garlands strung from one iron streetlamp to another were stunning. But tonight? It was off the hook. “You need Disney princesses walking around in red velvet gowns. The kids would go nuts.”

“Disney?”

“Not literally. But like snow fairies and toy soldiers. Elves, Mrs. Claus.”

“I like that idea.” He eased into a reserved parking spot.

“You always seem so proud when you talk about this place.”

“I am proud. My parents created all of it.” He reached for the ignition, and she clasped his hand.

“I never want to take you from it.” It scared her that his parents might do something to drive her away. “But I can’t see the future. I don’t know what will happen after my contract here is up.”

He cut the engine. “Hey, tonight’s about us. Let’s not let anything else in, okay?”

“You’re absolutely right.” She got out and met him in front of the car. He reached for her hand, and they headed toward the parade. The air smelled of cinnamon and pinecones, and up ahead steam rose off food stalls that sold candied apples, crepes, and hot drinks.

“You hungry?” he asked.

“Starved. I haven’t had anything since lunch.”

“Then, let’s do this.”

For tonight, they’d forget their problems and just enjoy each other.

“Turn up the heat. I’m dying.” Micky held her hands in front of the air vents.

After a dinner of delicious crepes and hot cocoa, they’d glided around the rink. It had been her first time, so after a hard fall, he’d kindly held her hands, skating backwards to guide her.

She’d never had so much fun and could hardly believe she’d known him such a short time. When their touches had turned too risqué for a family event, they’d raced to his car and made out so passionately they’d steamed up the windows.

But the cold had crept in, so he’d started the engine, and now they were heading back to Owl Hoot. His features looked strained, and he palmed his dick.

“You doing okay there?” she asked in a teasing tone.

“No, I’ve got blue balls.”

“Well, I could blow on them, warm them up for ya?”

He groaned.

Laughing, she said, “Well, I had a blast tonight.”

“Yeah?” He glanced over at her and smiled. “Good.”

“It was the best date I’ve ever been on.”

“I have to put it out there…just because we’ve already had sex doesn’t mean I expect it again. There’s no cost to this date.”

God, he’s cute. “You want to go slow?” As if that were possible. They couldn’t keep their hands off each other. They were combustible. But she liked teasing him.

“I want to get to know you at your pace, okay?”

“Cool. I appreciate that.” She caressed his thigh—slowly, sensuously, dipping between his legs. “So, basically, you’re saying, I call the shots?”

He nodded, and when her knuckles grazed his cock, he sucked in a breath.

“If I did this…” She unbuttoned his jeans and pulled him out of his boxers, glad she’d warmed her hands in the vents. Stroking his hard length, she circled her thumb around the head. “I wouldn’t be going too fast for you?”

“Fuck, Micky. Do whatever you want. I’m yours.” He eased the truck off the road, the wheels bouncing on the rocky meadowland. Jerking the gear into Park, he pushed his jeans lower.

“I like the sound of that.” She unhooked her seatbelt and shifted closer. Licking him from the base of his cock to the tip, she gripped him in one hand let her tongue do lazy zigzags.

Arms taut, expression pained, he groaned. His thigh muscles strained against the fabric of his jeans. She sucked him deep into her mouth, and his hips punched up, his ass lifting off the seat. With one hand pumping him, she let her tongue play as she worked his cock, before taking him to the back of her throat.

She swallowed, and he cried out, reaching for the back of her head. Fisting her hair, he drove his cock into her mouth with wild abandon. “Holy shit, Micky. I’m not going to last.” His cock thickened, and she could taste him on her tongue.

As she tightened her grip, her tongue sucking harder, pulling him deeper, he cried out, “Jesus…I’m coming.” His legs trembled, and his hand held her in place, as he thrust into her again and again, coming in hot, thick blasts down her throat.

Finally, his ass hit the seat, he loosened his grip, and his thighs relaxed. “Jesus.” He glanced in the rearview mirror. “Let’s go back to my place.”

“Oh, no. No way. I’m not going to be caught by your daughter a second time.”

“Not possible.” Buttoning himself up, he got the car on the road, heading back toward the village. “This is her weekly sleepover with my sister. It’s sacred girl time. They do facials and manicures and tea parties. There’s nothing on this earth short of a nuclear blast that would interfere with Auntie Sloane time.”

Desire streamed through, and Micky arched back, only coming awake when she felt the hard cock rocking between her thighs, the tip rhythmically sliding over her clit. Rhys nuzzled her neck, sucking gently, lazily, one hand closed over her breast, two fingers tweaking her nipple.

“You’re so fucking sexy.” His early morning voice was a growl in her ear.

“This is the best way to wake up ever.” They’d had sex three times last night. Each time they’d tried to go to sleep, their hands would start roaming, and they’d be back in each other’s arms.

“I don’t know what it is about you. You drive me crazy. You smell like…” He seemed to have lost his train of thought, as he slid two fingers into her slick heat and started pumping.

“Like what?”

“Like…mine.”

“Yes.” He was driving her out of her mind. Sensations billowed on a warm wind, lifting her, sending her swirling. She closed her eyes, losing herself in the sweetest, purest ecstasy.

A click snapped the erotic haze.

“Daddy, daddy, daddy. Guess what? Auntie Sloane’s gonna have a baby. I’m gonna be a auntie.”

Chapter Ten

“No, sweetheart.” That voice…that was Rhys’s mom. “Let’s not go in there.”

Oh, my God. Micky scrambled to cover her body with the sheet that was tangled up with their legs.

“And you’re going to be a cousin, not an aunt. Rhys?” Mrs. Wolff called. “We’re home. Do you need a minute?”

Mortified, Micky whispered, “I left my clothes out there.”

“I’ll take care of it.” He pressed a kiss to her mouth. “Don’t freak out. I got this.” He rolled out of bed and grabbed a pair of gym shorts off a chair. “Hang on,” he called. “Just getting dressed.”

“Whose shoes are those?” Addi asked. “Those aren’t Daddy’s.”

“No, they’re not. You know what? While Daddy’s dressing, we’ll go down to the restaurant and get some croissants and cocoa. Daddy will meet us down there.”

“No.” Clothes rustled, and it sound like Addi was struggling with her grandma.

“Sweetheart, let Daddy get dressed.”

“Let me go. Daddy?” Addi sounded upset.

And then she burst into the room, coming to an abrupt stop when she saw Micky in the bed. She shifted her gaze to her father in a look that called him out as a traitor. “That’s the lady who draws on herself.”

“Hey, sweetheart.” Rhys went to pick up his daughter, but she jerked away. Still, he remained casual. “This is Micky. She’s my friend.”

“No, she’s not. Friends don’t get naked. She’s your girlfriend. And Grandma hates her.”

Micky’s stomach pitched, and she wanted to be anywhere but in this situation all over again. Only worse because this time Grandma had barged in on her.

And the woman hates me?

What did I do?

She doesn’t even know me.

“Addi, stop that,” Mrs. Wolff said. “I don’t hate anyone, and I’ve certainly never talked about your daddy’s friend. Where did you ever get that notion?”

“You won’t let me draw on myself. I tried, and you said it’s dirty.” Addi pointed to Micky. “You’re dirty.”

“I did not use the word dirty. You were drawing on your skin with permanent markers, and I said you were making a mess.” Mrs. Wolff gave her son a foul look, as if this problem was all his fault.

“Okay.” Rhys threw on a shirt. “First of all, Micky doesn’t draw on herself. She goes to an artist to have the work done. And just so you know, tattooing is one of the greatest and oldest forms of artistic expression. There’s nothing dirty about it.” He clapped his hands. “Now, let’s go downstairs and get that cocoa, and you can tell me all about Aunt Sloane’s baby.”

But Addi was watching Micky. “Is she going to stay here? In your bed?”

Oh, hell, no.

But I can’t get up right now because I’m butt naked.

“Nope, but if we leave her alone to get dressed, maybe she’ll meet us in the restaurant so we can all get to know each other better.”

Ushering the girl out of the bedroom, his mom barely spared them a look.

“I’ll be down in a few minutes.” Rhys followed them into the living room, closing the bedroom door to give her privacy. “We’re just going to grab some showers first, okay?”

Micky waited, not willing to get out of bed until she had her clothes. Fortunately, the place went quiet, and Rhys came back in with them.

“I’m sorry about that.” He sat beside her, smoothing the hair off her face. “Will you come with us for breakfast? You can say no, and I’ll understand, but I’d like you to get to know my daughter.”

When she hesitated, he grew more serious. “Addi’s never seen me with a woman—not on a date and definitely not a sleep over—so the fact that she’s barged in on us twice, and I’m not concerned…tells me how much I want this—us. And since my daughter’s part of the package, I’d really like you to get to know my family.” He scanned her features. “But if you’re not ready for that, it’s cool.”

And there it was. The big question. Did she want a relationship with this man?

She’d been in Wyoming for nearly eight weeks. In that time, she’d gotten pregnant, held two different jobs, and was developing real feelings for someone who wasn’t Carson.

It had a been a whirlwind from the start, and she still hadn’t stopped spinning.

Rhys brushed the back of his hand across her cheek. “I think you’re amazing, and I’d like my daughter to get to know you. I want more of you. Please?”

But deep inside the tumult bloomed a real and powerful desire for him. For this new life they could make together. She nodded. “Let me take a quick shower.”

That powerful, confident man looked at her like she was made of pure delight, and it made her heart soar. He smiled, leaning in to give her a kiss. “Thank you.”

She suspected he was thanking her not just for Addi but for the willingness to give his mom a chance.

His smile left her reeling, and she didn’t know if she was scared or excited or a combination of both, but she was going to take the plunge and see where this relationship went.

After breakfast at the fine dining restaurant in the resort hotel, his mom went off to run errands. She, Addi, and Rhys had gone swimming in the indoor pool, playing a fun game where they pretended to be out for a walk and didn’t notice that the sidewalk dropped off at the end of the diving board. It was hilarious, and Addi had laughed so hard at their goofy expressions of shock, she could scarcely catch her breath.

When they’d gone back to his room, Micky had made play dough from a recipe she’d found online. They’d formed snowmen and candy canes, and Rhys had created a sled. She and Addi molded gift boxes to set in it.

“Next time, I’ll get some food coloring so we can make different batches of red, green, blue, and yellow.”

“Purple. That’s my favorite color. Can we make that?”

“Absolutely. We’ll mix blue and red food coloring until we get the exact shade of purple you like.”

Addi seemed satisfied. “What’s that mean?” She pointed to the ink on Micky’s forearm, a flower in full bloom. The word fanciful led into the thin, green stem.

“Have you ever heard of a lotus?” Micky asked.

Addi looked to her dad, and Rhys gave her a gentle shake of his head.

“It’s a special and unique flower because its roots grow in mud. Every night, the flower gets submerged in water, and the next day it blooms all over again. So, every day it gets a fresh start.”

“What’s that mean?”

“It means that we all make mistakes. Sometimes we make big ones—like we lie or take something that’s not ours—and sometimes they’re smaller—like we say something mean to someone when we’re angry. I don’t like how I feel when I mess up, but it helps to know that no matter what I’ve done, when I wake up the next morning, it’s a whole new day. The mistakes I made yesterday don’t count today. So, that’s what the lotus means to me, that every day is a fresh slate to be a better person.”

“My grandma doesn’t make mistakes.”

Rhys laughed. “Sure, she does.”

“Nuh uh. Grandma says she lives her life, so she doesn’t do anything bad.”

“Actually, she says she tries to live her life in a way that makes sure she won’t have regrets,” Rhys said. “But that’s not possible.”

“Life’s messy,” Micky said.

“I’m not messy. Auntie Sloane’s not messy.”

“Well, I am,” Micky said. “I like to dig in the dirt and plant flowers, and I like to stick my fingers in pots of paint. I don’t mind when I make mistakes because that’s how I figure out what path I want to take in life, and who I am and what I like.”

“I know what I like.”

“Yeah?” Micky smiled. “What do you like?”

Fingers covered in bits of dough, Addi gave it some thought. After a moment, she shrugged. “I don’t know.”

“Do you like cocoa?” Rhys asked.

With her big brown eyes, the little girl nodded solemnly.

“What else?” he prompted.

After a moment of consideration, Addi hunched her shoulders.

“Well, you like dance class,” Rhys said.

“No, I don’t. I hate it.”

“What? I thought you liked it.” He seemed surprised.

She shook her head hard.

“What about soccer? I know you like that.”

“Soccer’s stupid. All we do is run up and down the field.”

“You’ve never said anything. I thought you liked it.” Rhys looked concerned. “You like your music lessons, though, right?”

Dance, soccer, music lessons, preschool…ugh. Did this little girl have any free time?

“Mr. Chen’s mean.”

“Mean how?” Rhys turned fully toward his daughter. “What does he do?”

“He makes me play the same thing over and over and over and over, and I hate it. It’s boring.” She tapped Micky’s flower. “What’s that word?”

“It says fanciful, and it means unrestrained imagination.”

“How do you be fanciful?”

God, this girl was adorable. Curious, smart…just darling. “You try a lot of things, and you don’t care if you fail or if you wind up not liking it. You just go for it, see what works for you until you find the thing that makes you happy.”

She turned to her dad. “Can I try something new?”

“Of course, you can. Is there something you want to do?”

She smashed a snowman with the palm of her hand. “Can I play art?”

“You absolutely can. I’ll find some classes for you.”

“Know what else is cool about the lotus flower?” Micky asked. “It has a super strong will to live. If you happen to find a seed lying around in a drawer—even if it’s two hundred years old—it’ll still grow. It’s magical.”

Her eyes went wide, and she peered up at her dad. “Can I have one?”

“I don’t know.” He looked to Micky. “Can she?”

“You can, but it takes a lot of work. It needs to be exposed to water all the time. So, it’s a real commitment.”

“We’ve got a lot going on,” Rhys said. “I’m not sure we have time to take care of it.”

“You don’t have to own a lotus plant. I don’t have one.” She felt bad that this little girl had to take classes she didn’t like—and no one had thought to ask her about it. They were just chores she did, like brushing her teeth or taking a vitamin. “I have a tattoo, but you know what you can do? We can get a really pretty picture of one and put it inside a locket.”

“What’s a locket?”

“Let me show you.” As Micky pulled out her phone to look it up, the little girl crawled onto her lap. She smelled of baby shampoo and buttery sugar, and it made her heart squeeze with affection.

A knock startled them. Rhys got up and opened the door. “Hey, Mom.”

Mrs. Wolff’s smile flattened. “What’s going on?” She looked to her son. “She’s not ready to go.”

“Yeah, sorry. We had breakfast in the village, and we came back here to hang out.” He looked at his watch. “We lost track of time.”

“Well, come on, Addi, let’s get you dressed.” Mrs. Wolff started for the little girl. “We can’t miss brunch with the Phillips.”

“I don’t want to go.” Addi snuggled deeper into Micky’s lap.

Uh oh. She couldn’t get involved in this. “You know what? I’m good friends with your dad, so I’m going to be around all winter. We can play together soon.”

“I’m not going.”

“I’m sorry, sweetheart.” Mrs. Wolff remained firm. “But we can’t cancel at the last minute. That would be rude.”

This poor kid and her schedules. This is exactly what Mom didn’t want for me.

“Come on, baby, let’s get washed up.” Rhys reached for her hand.

“I want to stay with Micky.”

“You can play with her later,” Rhys said.

“No. She’s showing me something.” Those dark eyes gazed up at her.

“Okay, it’ll just take a second.” Micky quickly found images of lockets. “See? This is what they look like. We’ll put the lotus picture in here.”

“They’re pretty. I want one.”

“Then, we’ll get you one. How about this afternoon, when you come back, we can look for pictures of lotuses, and you choose the one you want?”

She cut a glance to her grandmother, who had a very no-nonsense look about it. “Okay.” The little girl sounded put-out, but she got up.

While Rhys carried her to the sink and washed her hands, Mrs. Wolff picked up a snowman and handed it to Micky like she was helping clean up, but it seemed an excuse to whisper, “Thank you. I’m glad to see her having fun with you, but she really can’t miss this brunch.”

“It’s fine. We had lots of good time together.”

Mrs. Wolff regarded her. “How are you feeling?”

“I still get some morning sickness, but it’s pretty mild.”

“Have you seen a doctor yet?”

“I haven’t been on the resort’s payroll long enough to get benefits yet. But I’m taking prenatal vitamins.”

When Addi joined them, Mrs. Wolff said, “Please change your clothes, sweetheart.”

She looked to her dad with the timeless expression of, Do I have to?

He nodded.

Once she’d gone into the bedroom, Mrs. Wolff turned to them. “I know we got off on the wrong foot, but I want to explain something to you. I’m certain Rhys has told you about Cherie, but she’s not an isolated incident.”

“I told her,” Rhys said. “She gets it.”

“It’s unfortunate,” Mrs. Wolff said. “But as owners of this village there’s a big target on our backs and after a while, after enough lawsuits and blackmail and everything else you can imagine, we’ve developed an auto-response to everybody and anything that challenges us.”

“I can’t say I understand your experience, but I do get what you’re saying. I just need you to understand that I was raised very differently. My values are based in family and community, and the only thing I want is for my child to feel loved and safe, and to find his or her way in the world outside of my own expectations.”

Mother and son wore matching expressions of surprise, and she didn’t blame them. She’d gotten a little worked up there. But after hearing about Addi’s overscheduled life—a five-year-old dragged from one activity to another that she didn’t even like—it had awakened the mama bear in her. I don’t want that for my child.

“Your mother sounds like a wonderful woman,” Mrs. Wolff said. “In any event, I read your resume and spoke with your former boss. And from what I hear, you added immediate value in events, so we’d like to offer you your job back. Now that we’ve come to know you, we promise to mind our own business and let the two of you figure out things on your own. Also, that offer includes a room at the lodge, so you can continue to grow your relationship with Rhys and Addi.”

“I’m ready.” The little girl came back wearing a floral skirt, a striped sweater, red leggings, and bunny slippers.

“Sweetheart, let’s get you changed.”

Rhys stepped forward protectively. “Mom, she’s fine.”

“She needs her boots.” Mrs. Wolff ushered Addi back into the bedroom.

The minute they were alone, Rhys pulled her close. “You okay?”

“Yeah, I am.” In the shelter of his arms, breathing in his clean cotton shirt, Micky relaxed.

“What do you think of coming back to the village?”

“I love event planning, and I trust that she’ll back off, so, yes, as long as it won’t mess things up for the Bowies, I’d like to come back.” She’d love to be part of the changes they were already making in the village.

“Yeah?” He looked utterly relieved. “I’d like that.”

“What about the Bowies? Won’t they be annoyed?”

“Not to diminish the awesomeness that’s you, but they don’t have trouble hiring. You won’t be leaving them in the lurch.” He brushed a kiss over her mouth.

Addi came out of the bedroom in clothes that matched, and Micky felt a tug of disappointment. She didn’t like seeing this child’s independence and creativity squelched.

Mrs. Wolff must’ve seen it because she said, “There’s a holiday party there today with other children.”

Micky crouched to get on Addi’s level. “Have a great time. I had fun with you.”

“Me, too. Can we find my lotus when I get back?”

“You bet we can.”

After they left, Rhys and Micky collapsed on the couch. “I’m never having sex with you again.”

He wrapped an arm around her. “That’s highly unlikely.”

“Oh?”

He scooped her up and hauled her onto his lap, kissing the sensitive spot beneath her ear. Gently, he sucked her earlobe into his mouth and flicked his tongue. “You can’t keep your hands off me.”

Goosebumps bloomed along her arms. “You might be right about that.” She curled into him, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him. “But we’re not doing it here. Only in my room from now on.”

He swatted her ass. “Let’s go get our stuff.” With her still in his arms, he stood up and set her down. “Our new life begins right the fuck now.”

With her luggage in hand, they stepped away from the check-in desk. It was like being with royalty, the way everyone acknowledged Rhys.

“Afternoon, sir.”

“Rhys, my man, how’s it going?”

“Hey, Rhys, when you get a minute…?”

They strode across the glossy wood floor, past the groupings of leather chairs and couches, and underneath the massive antler chandelier.

“Micky?” a deep voice called.

Her stride faltered, and she nearly toppled forward. She turned in the direction of the second most familiar voice in the world to her.

He stood by the check-in desk, ball cap in hand.

“Carson?”

Chapter Eleven

Her ex-boyfriend looked so different. His once shoulder-length messy hair was now cut short, and his body had turned lean and hard.

“Oh, my God.” Micky ran to him, throwing herself into his arms. “Carson.” She pressed her cheek to his T-shirt, expecting the familiar scent of him, the perfect fit of their bodies.

But he didn’t smell the same, and he certainly didn’t feel the same.

“What’re you doing here?” She gazed up at him, unused to his cleanly shaven jaw.

“I came for you.” His gaze was trained somewhere behind her.

Pulling away, she turned to see Rhys giving him a hard look. He let go of her luggage and offered his hand. “Rhys Wolff.”

“Carson Wheeler.”

They gripped a little too long, as they sized each other up.

Carson let go first, accusation in his eyes. “What’s going on?”

“It’s a long story. How about I get settled in my room, and then we can go talk somewhere?”

Instead, he reached for her suitcase. “How about I help you get settled, and you can tell me as we go?” His tone didn’t allow for discussion.

Well, shit. She cut a look to Rhys to find the muscle in his jaw bulging. Uh oh. “Sure, let’s do that. Silly to leave you standing here in the lobby. Come on.” How was she supposed to explain her situation in front of Rhys?

So, crazy story…about three weeks after you dumped me, I hooked up with this guy and guess what? I got knocked up!

Yep, I’m preggers.

On the way over to the resort, Rhys had told her he’d gotten them adjoining rooms—how was she going to explain that?

But once again, he surprised her. “Hand me your key, I’ll take this to your room.”

When she hesitated—it didn’t seem right to act like they weren’t dating—Rhys cupped his hand and flicked his fingers. Let’s go. “I’ve got to get to work. You’re welcome to take the afternoon off, but I’ll expect you in the office at eight tomorrow. We’ve got some issues with the Winter Market.”

He was letting her pretend he was nothing more than her boss, and she couldn’t let him do that. Pulling her key card out of her back pocket, she handed it to him with a gentle smile. In his eyes, she could see an uneasy battle between fear and the need to fight for her, and everything in her softened. With a hand on one cheek, she pressed a kiss to the other. “Thank you.”

Relief nearly unhinged him, and she didn’t miss the rush of color pinkening his skin.

“What the fuck’s going on?” Carson asked.

“I’ll leave you to it.” Stuffing her card into his pocket, Rhys grabbed the handle of her suitcase and strode off for the elevators.

Leaving her alone with a hostile ex-boyfriend.

“Are you fucking him?” He sounded more surprised than angry.

“Carson, please.” She glanced around. She worked here. She couldn’t create a scene. “Do you have a rental car?”

He nodded tersely.

“Let’s go. There’s a cute coffee shop over in Calamity. It’s not far.” She couldn’t stay in the village and risk running into Adelaide or her grandparents.

Heading outside, their boots crunched on hard-packed snow, and Carson kept his head down as they made their way to his car. She’d always been the kind of woman who scoffed at the patronizing gesture of men opening doors for women, but in this moment, she could appreciate the gallantry. When Rhys did it, she felt…well, all sorts of things, really. She felt excited by his nearness and warmed by the feeling of respect.

It didn’t feel like he was going through the motions or that it was a power move.

When Carson didn’t do it—as wrong as it sounded—it made him feel like a buddy, a sibling.

Once inside, she rubbed her arms. “Can you believe how cold it is? Look at my breath.” She blew out a cloud of air.

“Cut the shit. Are you with that guy?”

Well, here we go. “Yes. We’re dating.”

Those two words, simply stated, seemed to puncture his anger, and he deflated. He let out a shaky breath. “I fucked up so bad.”

She didn’t know what to say to that. On the one hand, he did. She’d been devastated, utterly bereft. But now? She really loved where she was. “How’s it going? I guess you finished boot camp?”

“It’s good.” He ran a hand over his head. “I know it sounds crazy, but I like it.” Instead of starting the car, he threw open his door. “I don’t want coffee. I don’t want to drive in the snow. I just need to talk to you, okay? Can we go to your room? Have some privacy?”

“Of course.” Good thing she’d taken two key cards when they’d checked in. They headed back into the lodge, not saying a word until they got to her hallway. “Can you believe this place? Never thought I’d live in the lap of luxury.”

“Yeah.” But he clearly didn’t notice a thing. “You like working here?”

“I love it.” With each step closer to her room, anxiety grew. Please don’t be there, Rhys. Please have that adjoining door locked.

“Housekeeping, though? Figured you’d get fired the first week. ‘I’m not picking up that shit.’”

She smiled at the way he so perfectly mimicked her tone. “I might’ve felt it, but I never said it. I mean, look at this place.”

“How can you afford digs like this?”

“The lodge is family-owned, and they want the best team possible, so they offer really good amenities. That’s how they keep the same employees for years.”

“What’re you saying? Employees live in the lodge?”

And here it comes. The unraveling of the past they’d once assumed would weave into their future. She slowed as she neared her room. “No, they have a dorm-style building for the staff. I was there at first, but…things changed, so I’ve been moved here.”

Outside her door, she closed her eyes for a second and hoped to God Rhys wasn’t in her room. She opened it to find it empty, her suitcase on the valet stand.

“Nice.” It took Carson all of five seconds to notice the adjoining door. He jiggled the handle, only to find it—thankfully—locked. “So.” He set his ass on the low dresser and gave her a look of remorse. “I fucked up, and I’m sorry. I never should’ve broken up with you.”

“I’m sorry, too.” For so much. “I’ve missed you terribly. Those first few weeks…well, as Della put it, I was grieving.”

“I felt it, too, only worse because I’m the one who ended things.”

“I notice you didn’t say you never should’ve enlisted.”

“I don’t regret that.” He pushed off and wandered across the small but fancy room. “Before I left, I had this sense of hopelessness. Every morning, I’d lay there, dreading getting out of bed. And then when my dad lost his shit in the bar, it felt like Groundhog Day. You know that movie?”

She nodded.

“It was like I was re-living the same day over and over again. I was going out of my mind. I know it’s crazy, what I did, enlisting, but all I know is that the Marines give me a purpose. I know, the kid who spit in the face of authority is now standing at attention and making his bed. I was miserable, Mick. I can’t say I hated my life because I had you, but I…”

“You hated yourself.”

He turned sharply. “That’s right. Every time that fucker punched me, and I went back for more, it stripped another layer off my self-worth. Every time I showed up to mow Mr. Babcock’s lawn, and he gave me five bucks? It wasn’t the money. It was the way he used it to tell me I’d done a shit job, that I wasn’t worth anything.”

“I get it. I just wish you’d told me. You never said anything.”

With a pained expression, he cupped the back of his neck. “I don’t think I knew what I was feeling until I stopped feeling it in boot camp.” He came over to her, a plea in his eyes. “I had to do it, Mick. You have to understand, it was my only way out.” He reached for her. “Babe, if I’d come here with you, I’d be working in landscaping or waiting tables and, yeah, I’d save up money…but for what? To start my own business in Bixby? I can’t do it. I can’t go back there. I don’t know what I want to do with my life. The only thing I know is you’re in it. You’re my future. Whatever I do, I need to do it with you.”

Oh, God. She needed to tell me about the baby. But how? It would destroy him.

“I know four years seems like a long time, but I get leave. We’ll be in touch every day, and when I get out, we’ll have a life together. I’ll have a career—not just some lame job. I love you. I’ve never loved anyone but you.”

“Carson, we love each other like best friends, like close family. But we’re not in love.”

“That’s not true, and I feel like shit for making you feel that way. I was drinking too much, getting wasted, but I’ve stopped all that now. I need you to understand—”

“I’m pregnant.”

The words hung in the air between them, sparking like a live wire. But she couldn’t let him go on blaming himself. Choices they’d both made had led to this situation.

His jaw hung open, and his body had gone rigid. “Pregnant?” She could see him doing the mental calculation of when they’d last had sex.

“It’s not yours.”

Anger flared in his eyes. “That guy in the lobby named after a peanut butter cup?”

She nodded. “Yes, it’s his.”

“Are you together?” Spinning away from her, he scraped his hands through his short hair. “How did this happen? What the fuck?”

“We hooked up. It was my one and only one-night-stand.”

“Fucking Della. She made you do it.”

“Nah, it was me. I was sad and lonely. I’d been here for three weeks and hadn’t left my dorm room. Like I said, I was grieving. And then, my first night out…” She shrugged.

“Jesus, Micky.”

“I know. Believe me, I’ve had a hard time wrapping my head around having a baby that’s not yours.”

“How far along are you?”

“Only six weeks.”

He looked relieved. “So, you’re not going to keep it?”

“What?” How had he drawn that conclusion? “No, I am.”

“Okay, okay.” He paced away from her, then came back. “So, what does this mean? It was a hookup…but wait. I saw the way you looked at him in the lobby. Are you together?”

“We’re dating.”

“You’re dating the father of your kid?” She gave him the time he needed to let that sink in. “You love him?”

Everything had moved so quickly, and they’d had so much drama, she really hadn’t had a chance to contemplate her feelings. But hearing that word—love—the way it uncorked something warm and fizzy…she couldn’t deny the very real possibility that she was falling in love with Rhys Wolff. “I have feelings for him, but it’s new.”

“A baby.” A battle of emotion played out across his handsome features. And then…resolve gripped him. He dropped to a knee. “Micky, I’ve loved you my whole life.”

Oh, no. No, no, no. Her body went hot one moment, and then cold the next. Dread wrenched her stomach.

“You’re my best friend, the one person in the world who makes me feel whole and loved and accepted. I had to get away so I could see things differently, and I did. When I stripped everything away, I saw that I didn’t need anything from my past but you. Only you. Micky, I’m so sorry I bailed on you like that, but I’m back now. From this moment on, I promise to be there for you, to love you, and to raise this kid as if it were my own.”

“Okay, no. Stop.” She yanked on his arm, tugging, but he wouldn’t budge.

He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a ring box. “Micky Lewis, will you marry me?”

Chapter Twelve

“No.” Micky let him go and took a step back. “I can’t marry you.”

With a fire in his eyes, Carson stood up. “You have to forgive me. I messed up, but we can fix this.”

“I’m having a baby. Rhys’s baby.”

“So, I can raise it with you. We’re in this together, no matter what happens.”

“No, Carson. I love you—I’ll always love you—but you’re not the only one who needed perspective. Coming here has changed me. It’s like I’ve woken up, and the world feels fresh and new to me. Do I want to be pregnant? God, no, but I do want to stay here in Wyoming. I love this job, and I love the village.”

“And Rhys?”

“I like him, Carson. I don’t want to hurt you, but I have to tell you the truth.” With him, it’s a whole other level of love and attraction.

And I’m hungry for more.

“You’ll change your mind. He’s a rich kid. Just wait till his family tries to control you.”

They already have.

“There’ll be some big society event, where you have to wear a fancy dress, and just watch.” He came at her, reaching for her arm. “They’ll make you cover your ink.”

“You may be right, but we’ve talked about it.” But, boy, did he know the exact right button to push. She could absolutely see Mrs. Wolff suggesting exactly that in her pleasant but commanding way. She’d already have hired someone. A make-up artist would be waiting in another room. Micky could see it clear as day. “They don’t control him.”

But they do. He works for them, and they’re very involved in raising his daughter.

Dammit. She’d made the decision to trust Rhys, to give him and his family a chance. She had to stay strong. “He’s a good guy.”

“I’ve got a few weeks off. What if I stay here with you? We can hang out. It doesn’t make sense for me to walk out that door and never see you again.”

“You can’t stay in this room with me.” Rhys and Adelaide are right next door. “And you can’t afford to rent a place.” But that isn’t the issue, is it?

“Mick, we’re supposed to be together. Let’s spend time together. We owe it to ourselves to see if we can get back what we had. It was just two months ago.”

“The only thing I owe you is the truth. I will always love you, but I’ve moved on. I don’t want you to stay here. I work full time, and I’m dating Rhys. I want to date him, Carson.”

“Fuck.” The word came out like air rushing from a balloon. “I can’t believe this. We’re done?”

She touched his arm. “We’re done.”

The door between their rooms flung open, and Rhys burst in. “Is he gone?”

Uncurling her legs from the chair, Micky blew her nose and tossed the tissue into the garbage bin. “First of all, you can’t just barge in here whenever you want.”

He immediately looked chastised. “You’re right. I’m sorry.” He glanced around the room. “He’s gone?”

Tears flooded her eyes. She hadn’t felt a whole lot of emotion while Carson was with her, but as soon as he’d left, she’d collapsed on the bed and cried—huge, wracking sobs.

He drew in a sharp breath. “Micky.” He moved toward her—a man on a mission—and gathered her into his arms. “I’m sorry.”

She sank into him, giving him all her weight. So much emotion ran through her—the pregnancy, the finality of her relationship with Carson, a future that looked so vastly different than what she’d once envisioned. It all hit her at once, and she let it out in the safety of his embrace.

She felt so different around this man. In the very best way. When she pulled back, she gazed up at him. “He’s gone.”

“He found out about the baby and ran off?”

“No, the opposite. He proposed. He said he’d raise the baby, and our lives could go back to normal.”

Rhys’s jaw hardened. “Is that why you’re crying? Because you’re torn? I know you loved him. I know he’s important to you. And maybe we barely know each other, but it doesn’t feel that way to me. I can’t explain it, but when I saw you in the bar that night…something clicked inside me. On some level I can’t understand, I knew. And the more I get to know you, the more convinced I am.”

“Convinced about what?”

“That you’re the one for me.”

“The one?” Why did that thrill her? It was too soon—it should scare her.

But it didn’t.

Not at all.

“It might sound crazy, but it’s true. I could tell you all the things I like about you—that you’re strong, beautiful, confident, funny—but it’s not about words. It’s a feeling. A rightness.”

He closed his eyes, just for a moment, and then tightened his hold. “I would never tell you what to do, but Micky, I’m so sure about us that I’m going to ask you to wait before you make a decision like that. To give me a chance.” He tipped her chin. “Do you love him?”

Pulling away, she sat up. “I mourn him. I mourn the life I thought we’d have together. I mourn who I once was, the woman who took care of my mom’s books and ordered her supplies and put out snacks for her clients, the person who’d surprise Carson on a job and help him mow lawns. The woman who thought she had the whole world in the palm of her hand.”

“And now what do you see as your future?”

“I know you want me to say you, but I can’t do that.”

His features fell with painful disappointment.

“I’m too scared right now to see ahead, and that’s because of the pregnancy. But right here and now, I’m really happy. I love everything about this place. The village…it’s like living in a fairytale.”

“Including my parents in the role of the evil villains?”

She laughed. “They’re not villains—they created you, after all—and I do understand why the things they’ve done have been a little over the top.”

“What about us? Me?” His honesty, his willingness to expose himself, was one of his best qualities.

“I love the way I feel around you.”

“But?”

“But you’re from a whole other world. Well, more specifically, my dad’s world, and I’m scared.”

“That you won’t fit in?”

He’d said the absolute wrong thing, and she pulled away. “No, Rhys. I don’t want to dress like your mother. This is me, okay? I’m a jeans and T-shirts kind of woman. I don’t want to get chauffeured around. That’s not who I am. I like driving. I feel free and badass behind the wheel of a truck. I like every single piece on my body, and I’m not covering it up for anyone. I’ll never wear high heels, and I’ll never have spa days with your mother and sister.”

“Sweetheart, I fell for you exactly the way you are. I wouldn’t buy you a diamond if you begged me for it.” He grinned. “And in spite of what you think, you’ve got the wrong impression of my family. You met my dad. You saw the jeans and cowboy boots. He’s as far from your father as you can get. My dad still drives his old Ford 150.”

“Please. You guys are rich.”

Rhys got up, pointing out the window. “This land we’re standing on was so unusable, the government once offered parcels of it for a hundred and sixty dollars. And when they still couldn’t get people to settle here because the winters are too harsh and the dirt’s too rocky, they threw more acreage into the bargain.”

“It’s so beautiful, and real estate’s so expensive…I had no idea.”

“The gold rush didn’t hit here, the beaver trade lasted maybe fifteen years, but my great, great, great-grandparents toughed it out. In the early nineteen-hundreds, my family turned the land into a dude ranch, and that’s how it remained until forty years ago when my parents got married and started making changes. This resort? It hasn’t even been around twenty years.”

She couldn’t believe it. “I lumped you in with my father’s family. They’re ‘old money.’”

“My people are ranchers. They’re hard-headed, stubborn, independent sons-of-bitches. We have money now, but we’re not—and never will be—country club people.”

“Okay, maybe I have a tiny chip on my shoulder.”

He cracked a smile. “In any event, the only thing that matters is us. You said no to Carson, right?”

She nodded.

“Thank Christ for that. Then, I’m going to put it right out on the table. I’m falling in love with you, Micky, and I want more. As much of you as I can get.”

She wrapped her arms around his neck, got up on her toes, and kissed him on the mouth. “You’re a good man, Rhys. If I had to get pregnant from a hookup, I’m glad it was you.”

“Yeah?” He tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “I couldn’t have chosen a better seasonal worker to knock up.”

She laughed. “You make me happy.”

“Good. It kills me to see you crying.”

“I needed it, though. I needed to let go of my past so I could grab hold of my future.”

“I hope like hell that future includes me and Addi.”

“I’m falling for you, too, so I very much hope so.” She kissed him, meaning to keep it sweet. It had been such a stressful day, and they had so much work to do, but his hands slid down her back, cupping her ass and squeezing, and his tongue licked into her mouth.

He took control of the kiss, turned it hot and carnal, and she couldn’t keep her hands from sliding under his shirt, up the hard, smooth planes of his stomach. God, he was so sexy.

She pulled the shirt over his head, loving the way he swooped in to reclaim her mouth, as if the momentary break had been unbearable. He lifted her, carrying her to the bed and dropping her onto the mattress. Wasting no time, she sat up to unbutton his jeans and pull down his boxer briefs. She grasped him, holding his gaze as she drew him deep into her mouth. He smelled so clean, and his cock was so hard, so thick, it turned the pulsing between her legs into a sharp ache.

“Get up on your knees and turn around. Gotta have you, Micky. Right the fuck now.”

Scrambling off the bed, she peeled off her clothes, tossing them aside, and took her place on the mattress. Forearms pressed to the blanket, back arched, she lifted her bottom, and he groaned.

“Look at you.” The words came out gritty and rough. And then he grabbed her hips, lined himself up, and slid inside. “Fuck. You feel so good.” He took his time, moving slowly in and out, as if savoring every thrilling sensation. “I never want this to end. Let’s stay just like this forever.”

Hope flared inside her, a fierce desire for Rhys and Addi, a life here with them. Could she really have it? His family worried her, but he’d stood up to them again and again, so she trusted him.

He thrust in deep, holding himself tightly inside her and grinding. “So good.” He pulled out and slammed back in, his pace picking up. Her body went hot and electric, and her fingers fisted in the blanket. The sound of their bodies slapping, his grunts, and the way he drove into her as he lost control, set her heart thundering.

Every time with him was so good. He made her feel alive, wanted, sexy.

Gripping her hips, he slammed her back on him. “Fuck me.”

She gave him what they both wanted, meeting his powerful thrusts, and each time their bodies connected, sparks shot through her. Reaching between her legs, he rubbed her clit with one hand, while the other cupped her breast and squeezed. He swept his palm from one nipple to the other, moving faster as they fucked harder and deeper.

Her body tightened, sensations heightening, and then he released her breast to grab onto her hip, as he drove in and out, pounding her so hard she fell forward onto the mattress. “Fuck, fuck.”

His finger swirled faster, and then her neck arched as euphoria burst inside her core, shooting her into a weightless universe filled with exploding stars.

He slammed into her, held her hard up against him, and swiveled his hips. “I’m coming. Oh, fuck. Jesus.” His pumps slowed, and his grip relaxed. And then he stretched his body across her back and nuzzled her ear. “I love you.”

Three simple words had the power to fill her soul with pure, unadulterated happiness.

Joy.

I love him.

I do.

His phone buzzed, and he pulled away. “I’ve got to check that. Might be Addi.” As he read the screen, his features softened. “My mom wants to take you shopping for the Christmas Eve party.”

“Why? Is it formal?”

“Yeah, but she says to make sure you know she doesn’t care what you wear. She just doesn’t want you to feel you have to use your own money for a party we throw.” He smiled. “She says she’ll take you anywhere you want to go.”

Just the mention of his mom dampened her spirits. She wanted to believe her. She did. But she’d seen the way she’d manipulated Addi into changing her clothes.

And Carson’s words echoed inside her mind.

There’ll be some big society event, where you have to wear a fancy dress, and just watch. They’ll make you cover your ink.

All she knew was that she had to give the woman a chance. Because she couldn’t have a relationship with him without his parents. Maybe if he didn’t have Addi it would be different.

But he did.

So, she’d go shopping with his mom.

And hope with all her heart that the woman didn’t steal this glimpse of happiness from her.

Chapter Thirteen

After hogging a table in a very crowded Calamity Joe’s coffee shop, Micky gathered their empty mugs and plates and set them on the counter. Returning to her friend, she dug into her purse, pulled out the wrapped gift, and handed it over. “Merry Christmas.” They’d been catching up for nearly two hours, so they’d yet to exchange presents.

“It’s so small.” Della shook it, listening. “So much for the maracas I begged you for. Why did you get me a silent gift? Where’s the fun in that?”

“Open it, you cow.” Micky laughed, as Della handed over a small, flat box. “Great. Socks again.”

Della lunged across the table and nudged her shoulder. “There are barefoot people all around the world who would kill for a pair of fuzzy socks, you ingrate. One day, I’m actually going to get matching socks for your whole family so you, Rhys, Addi, and my little bean can wear them in your Christmas card.” As she talked, her friend unwrapped her gift. She pulled out the seven handwoven bracelets Micky had bought at the winter market. “This is amazing. Are they attached?”

“No, you can wear them together or just wear the ones you’re feeling that day.” Micky reached across to show her the small brass tokens embedded in each one. Each had a different power word or symbol.

“I love them so much. Thank you.” Her chair scraped back, and Della came around the small table to hug her. “Love you.”

Micky missed her friend, but the great benefits of the job came at a high price—long, hard hours with little time off. “Love you more.” They sat back down. “When I came here, I thought we’d be hanging out all the time. Instead, I got knocked up and spend most of my free time with the Wolffs. I feel bad about that.”

“Don’t. As much as I miss you, I think you’re handling everything like a champ. I love that you got out of housekeeping and that you met a really great guy. The point of coming here was to shake up our lives, and you knocked it out of the park.” She tipped her chin at Micky’s present.

Opening it quickly, she found a simple design on a piece of paper. A heart—outlined in tiny dots that led to a dangling lariat in the shape of a cross—connected to a heartbeat was attached to the word sisters. Micky looked up. “Ink?”

“For both of us.” Della motioned to her forearm, just above the wrist. “I’ve booked the appointment for next week. You and me, side by side.”

“Oh, my God.” Once again, Micky met Della at the side of the table and hugged her. “In every way that matters, you’re my sister.”

They held each other tightly, as love for her best friend crashed over her. Micky was a mess of emotions—so much love for her friend, but also the very real fear of the future she’d lost control of. It felt like the closer she and Rhys got, the further she drifted from home.

When they sat back down, she wiped the tears from her eyes. “I love it here. I can totally see myself staying, but I’m also scared because what happens with you and my mom? If I have my baby in Calamity, if I move here permanently, the people I love most in the world won’t get to watch her grow up.”

“Well, I’d like to say Van and I will see you all the time because of our second home here, but since I haven’t met him yet, I can’t.”

“The bastard.”

“I know, right? Why’s he playing me like this?” Della slid all seven bracelets on.

“Well, it’s the holidays, so he’s probably with his family but just wait. He’ll be here after New Year’s. You’ll see.”

“I’m going to hold you to that, because if our kids are going to grow up together, he better a plant a baby in my womb ASAP.”

“I want that more than anything.”

“No, you want Rhys’s dick more than anything. Us having babies at the same time comes in a distant second.”

“I can’t argue with that.” Micky set the design back in the box and tucked it into her purse. “As much as I hate to leave you, I can’t be late.” They’d had coffee in town because Mrs. Wolff was taking her shopping at a nearby boutique.

Della gathered up their wrapping paper. “Stay strong, girl. Don’t let her get you in high heels, and whatever you do, don’t let her talk you into covering that gorgeous ink.”

“Not a chance.”

Well, she’d gone and done it. Micky stood there in the expansive living room of the Wolff family home in her high heels and fancy dress.

Since she didn’t know the first thing about shopping in Jackson Hole, she’d let Mrs. Wolff choose the boutiques. After a couple hours of not finding anything she liked—that was affordable, mind you—Micky had finally caved and bought a dress.

She couldn’t wear her Chucks or Dr. Marten’s with it so, of course, the clerk had brought over a bunch of shoes—all glittery high heels. So, there you go. I fit right in. Her tattoos were the only thing that set her apart from the other guests at the Christmas Eve party.

Addi came racing over and shoved a book at her stomach. “Read this one, please.”

“You got it.” She collapsed on the couch, relieved to finally kick off the heels, and waited for the little girl to settle on her lap.

“Stocking time,” Rhys’s sister called.

“Oops.” Micky closed the book. “Guess we’ll have to read later.”

“No, now.” Those big brown eyes gazed up at her. “Please?”

“Come on, sweet pea.” Rhys joined them. “Micky’s already gone through five books tonight.”

“I like how she reads them, Daddy. She uses funny voices.”

“I know but don’t you want to see what’s in your stocking? Go on and grab yours, and we’ll read more later.”

“Okay.” Addi scampered over to the fireplace, where the family stockings—all homemade and personalized—were lined up and hanging off shiny brass hooks. She got up on her toes to reach hers, but her fingertips barely brushed the bottom, so she jumped up and down until her grandpa unhooked it.

Earlier, they’d had an open house, and the gorgeous home had been crowded with hundreds of people. After everyone had cleared out, leaving only immediate and extended family, they’d gathered for their holiday traditions.

It was time for Micky to go, so she slipped her feet into her heels.

“What’re you doing?” Rhys tucked her under his arm.

“Heading back to the lodge.”

“Why?” His hand went to her non-existent baby bump. “You don’t feel well?”

“I feel great. But this is family time.”

“Our baby makes you family, and we’d like you to stay.”

Addi came racing back, loaded down with three stockings. She shoved one at her dad and another at Micky.

“Oh, no, honey, this isn’t mine.” But when Micky lifted it, she saw her name embroidered in white thread. Tears filled her eyes, turning the room into a kaleidoscope of reds, greens, and twinkling whites. This family had welcomed her with open arms, and she felt terrible for mistrusting them.

“Everyone dig in and open your gifts.” With a stuffed stocking in her lap, Mrs. Wolff seemed more excited to watch everyone else’s reactions.

Growing up, Micky’s holidays had been less about opening presents and more about visiting with friends. It had been about food and games and music. She’d never had a family gathering or a massive tree bursting with presents under it. As foreign as all this hoopla was, she had to admit it was nice.

Mr. Wolff hooted with laughter as he held up a big, shiny belt buckle. “It says Wild Wolff Lodge, and it’s got my face on it. I look like a used car salesman.”

“Do you remember when I took that picture, Dad?” Sloane Wolff, the oldest sibling sat on the ottoman, smiling while she opened one of her presents. “You were leading the trail ride—”

“And you shouted at me that you were pregnant.” Mr. Wolff shook his head with a soft expression. “I remember.”

Sloane pulled out a gray and navy onesie. Her hand flew up to cover her mouth, and her husband wrapped his arm around her. She tucked her face into his chest. “Thank you, Rhys.”

“You got that for her?” Micky whispered. “That was really sweet.”

“Look,” Addi said. “This one’s from Micky.” She ripped off the wrapping, and her little fingers struggled to open the box. Rhys helped her, and her eyes went wide as she took out the necklace. Her gaze swept up to her dad’s, her rosebud mouth hanging open. “It’s a locket.” She said it with reverence.

He nodded, having been there when Micky had put the picture inside. “Open it.”

Prying it apart, Addi sucked in a breath. “It’s a lotus.” She threw herself at Micky. “Thank you so much. I love it. It’s my favorite present ever.”

Micky embraced the little girl, breathing in her candy cane and baby shampoo scents. “You’re so welcome.” She was falling hard for this little girl.

Will I give her a sister? A brother?

Every day, the reality of having a baby became more intensely real.

And it was equally thrilling and terrifying.

“I’m never going to take it off.” Addi ran over to show it to her grandma.

Everyone peered at it, held it in their hands, as Addi explained the meaning of the lotus, and Micky felt like a rock star. These people seemed to genuinely like her. On the outside she might not fit in but maybe in the ways that counted…she did.

Rhys cupped the back of her neck and kissed her on the mouth. “Thank you. You’re amazing.”

Micky glanced up to see if anyone noticed the public display of affection and found everyone watching them with big grins.

“Go on, Micky.” Mrs. Wolff looked excited. “Open yours.”

“I feel so bad.” Why hadn’t she thought to pick up a few things for everyone? “I didn’t get the rest of you anything.”

“You’re giving us the greatest gift of all.” The woman smiled warmly. “Start with the green box. And, Rhys, open the envelope on top of your stocking at the same time.”

As Rhys reached into his, Micky pulled a small box out of hers. Jewelry? After the way Rhys had joked about never getting her any diamonds, she’d laugh if his parents had gotten them for her. Although, looking around the room, the other women didn’t seem to be wearing anything fancy, either.

But instead, she opened it to find a key.

What? It was an ordinary house key.

“Holy…” Rhys shot a look to his parents. “Are you kidding me? Is this the Sundance Chalet?” He hurried over and hugged them. “I can’t believe you did this.”

Joining them, Micky held up her key. “I don’t understand.”

He showed her the deed. “My parents bought us a house.”

“What do you mean a house?” How could they buy us a house? We’re not married.

“You know on our way over here, there’s that one place that isn’t decorated? I told you it’s always been a favorite of mine? Well, it just came on the market.” He turned to his parents. “And they bought it for us.”

Everyone was watching her with expectant smiles. They wanted her to be deliriously happy. But…a house? “You mean for you and Addi?”

“No, Micky.” Mrs. Wolff said. “It’s for you. Your family.”

Me and my mom?

No, God. They meant for this family—the one with Rhys, Addi, and her unborn child.

They all watched her, the weight of expectation putting a strain on their smiles when she didn’t give them the reaction they wanted.

They’d bought her a house. To share with Rhys and his daughter.

But we’re not a family. We’re not engaged.

We’re dating.

What’s wrong with these people?

And yet it was a wonderful gift, a generous gift. They needed her to say thank you, but the words wouldn’t come out of her mouth.

They needed her to be elated, but she was horrified.

Her skin felt too tight, the room too warm. She wanted to be anywhere but here.

But there was a little girl gazing up at her, and she had to pull herself together. For Addi’s sake, she had to handle this moment like a champ. “Thank you for such an extraordinary gift, but it’s too much.”

“Nonsense,” his mom said. “The baby will be here in August, and that house hasn’t been updated in twenty years. It needs new appliances, a nursery….” Awareness lit her features. “And of course, we’ll cover all those expenses and make it just how you want it.”

She thought Micky was afraid of the costs involved in renovating a house. These people didn’t get it at all. She was dating Rhys. That’s it. Getting to know the father of her baby. Did she hope it would grow into something more?

Yes. God, yes.

She loved him. He made her feel sexy and adored and….and happy.

But to give her a house? When she had no idea where she’d live after her contract expired? They’d made the assumption she’d stay here. They hadn’t given a thought to Micky’s mom.

Why did everything with this family always go haywire?

Picking up on the tension, Sloane led Addi out of the room. “Come on, punkin. Let’s get you some cocoa.” The rest of the family followed, leaving just Rhys, Micky, and his parents.

“What’s going on?” Rhys used his body to block her from them.

How could he even ask? “We’re not ready for a house.”

“No, of course not, but I can’t raise Addi in the lodge, and no matter what happens with us, I’m going to have two children under my roof on a regular basis.”

“So, the house is for you? The presumption isn’t that we’re getting married, and I’m moving here permanently? Because I got a key. In my Christmas stocking.”

“I thought things were going well,” Mrs. Wolff said. “Are you not together? You two seem very much in love, and Addi adores you.”

Micky stepped around Rhys to face his mother. “We’re dating. We’re getting to know each other. But even if we were engaged or married, a house is a big deal. It’s something Rhys and I would buy together.”

“You can’t afford a place in the village,” Mr. Wolff said. “It’s too expensive. And with us watching the kids when you’re working, we need to be nearby. These winters are harsh. The roads shut down, isolating you from work and shopping.”

“Then, we won’t live here. Or we’ll rent a condo. And we’ll put the kids in daycare. That’s all something we have to figure out on our own—if we even get that far.” What about my mom? Where did she figure into their plans? These people were erasing her. Erasing Micky’s past.

She felt awful, stomping all over their holiday and their unbelievable gift, but she couldn’t pretend it was all right to choose the home—the location—where she’d raised her family.

“You guys, this is an amazing, generous gesture, but it’s presuming I’m raising my child here, and that’s not a conclusion I’m anywhere near reaching.” His parents looked confused and crestfallen, and Rhys just stood there. “My mother and I are very close. I can’t imagine raising my baby a thousand miles away from her. I don’t want to ruin your night. You have lovely traditions, and I never should have imposed on them. Thank you so much for a wonderful evening. Goodnight.” Flustered, she rushed to the door, letting herself out into the icy cold December night.

“Micky, wait.” Rhys followed her, dropping her coat over her shoulders. “You can’t just walk away.”

But she had to. And through her confusion, she knew it was the right—the only—choice. “I can’t stay. I’m ruining their holiday.”

“Well, that was a strange reaction to someone giving you a Christmas present.”

“This is your world, and it’s all you’ve ever known, so you don’t get how aggressive it is to buy a house for someone your son is dating.”

“We’re not dating. We’re having a child together, but that’s not the point. This isn’t about trying to manipulate you. There’s very little turnover here, so when a house I’ve always liked came on the market, they bought it before it sold to someone else. That’s it. There’s nothing more insidious going on.”

“Isn’t there? It’s not pressure for me to move here? To slide right into your lives without giving me any choices in the matter?”

“No, you have choices. You have all the choices.”

“Except where I live. What if I want to live in Calamity? Or a cabin in the mountains?”

“Are you going to be a stay-at-home mom?”

“No.”

“Then, we not only going to need to be close enough to get to work in the winter, but we’ll need their help with the kids.”

“My child is not going to be dragged from one class to another every single day of the week.”

“Really? You think Addi would be better off in daycare than with my parents?”

“Rhys, stop. This is crazy. You want me to slide into a ready-made life, and I can’t do that. This isn’t me. We either build our own lives together, or I can’t be part of it. This baby”—she placed a hand over her stomach—"and I are going to figure things out as we go along. I’m not going to become invisible, while your mom puts her in pretty dresses and takes her from piano lessons to soccer to cotillion.”

“I don’t want you to. I like you just the way you are.” He flung an arm toward the house. “They gave us a gift, Micky. It’s nothing more than that.”

“I’m sorry. I don’t want to offend or hurt anyone but can’t you see how wrong it is to give me a house when I haven’t even decided if I’m staying here? And if you can’t understand how buying me a home—without taking me house hunting, without asking what kind I want, where I want to live—is outrageous, then that tells me the kind of life this baby is going to have with you.”

“What the hell does that mean? I’m a good father to Adelaide.”

“You are. But you don’t question anything. You just go along with your mom’s plans. And that’s not going to work for me. God, you made her go to that stupid brunch. She was having fun with us, but God forbid she miss the weekly Sunday brunch.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“You didn’t even know she hates her piano teacher.”

“I’m a single father who works long hours. If I had her in daycare, I wouldn’t get to see her when I have breaks during the day. She wouldn’t get to nap and bake cookies and hang out. Those activities you keep talking about are a way to socialize her, give her something to do. And that brunch is not about food. It’s speech therapy. We decided not to tell her she has a problem because we don’t want her to be self-conscious. Instead, she sees Mr. Phillips once a week to get the guidance she doesn’t even know she needs.”

She couldn’t talk to him anymore. He would never see her point. She headed down the steps, desperate to get back to the lodge.

“Where are you going?”

“Home, Rhys.”

“You’re leaving me?”

She heard the panic in his voice, but she kept on walking. “Yes. I can’t do this anymore.”

Chapter Fourteen

“Hey, Mom. Juanita’s here for her three o’clock.” Micky sat down at her desk in the garage to continue filling out the order form.

“You got plans for New Year’s, honey?” her mom’s client asked from her chair.

“Oh, yeah, big plans. Mom and I are going to eat a trough from the Screamery.” She smiled—until she noticed the way the client caught her mom’s gaze in the mirror, the momentary discomfort. Pushing her chair back, Micky got up. “What?”

Uh oh. Her mom was the most honest, forthcoming person she knew and couldn’t lie or deceive to save her life, so the fact she couldn’t look her daughter in the eyes meant something.

What was Micky missing? “You don’t want the trough? I don’t care what we eat.”

The client looked down at her lap, hands clasped on the big black cape.

“Cut it out, you guys. Just tell me.” An uneasy feeling sprang up. “Did you have other plans? Mom, it’s okay. You weren’t expecting me to come home.”

“She has a date.” The client flicked her gaze up to Franny.

“Hey,” her mom said with a warning look. “I’ve got scissors in my hand.”

“You have a date? Mom.” Her mom had casually dated over the years, but she didn’t like to be tied down, so she’d never had a boyfriend. “Why didn’t you tell me? Do I know him?”

“It’s Jerry Allen.” Her mom went back to snipping. “It’s not a big deal.”

“Jerry? The butcher? You’re dating?”

The client peered up. “They’ve been dating for a while.”

Franny lifted the scissors and made wild snipping motions.

“No, Mom, it’s okay. You can tell me if you’re dating.” But Micky didn’t get it. “Why wouldn’t you?”

“Because you’re upset,” her mom said. “You’re pregnant, and you don’t know where things stand with your baby daddy. Who cares about New Year’s Eve? It’s just a night like any other.”

“Mom, seriously, don’t worry about me. You should go.” Her thundering heart made no sense. She was safe here. Everything was good.

“We’re ordering the trough,” her mom said. “And that’s that.”

“Well, does Jerry want to hang out with us?” But something didn’t feel right. In fact, something felt really wrong, and if she could just clear the noise in her head, she could figure out what it was.

Again, her mom and her client exchanged a weird look in the mirror.

Micky came closer. “What? Would you just tell me what’s going on?”

“He’s taking her to Scottsdale for a long weekend.” The words rushed out of the client’s mouth, as her eyes went wide, and her eyebrows popped up.

“Oh, my God, Mom. You’re going. Of course, you are.” Her pulse beat out of control, and panic set in. “That sounds fantastic, and you need a break.”

“I can go to Scottsdale any time. I’m staying in with you.”

“When was the last time you went to Scottsdale?” the client asked.

“She’s never gone.” That was all it took for clarity to hit, that simple acknowledgment. “You’ve been taking care of me for twenty-six years, so you’ve never gone anywhere or done anything. You’ve never even dated.”

“We’ve been taking care of each other,” her mom said softly.

Micky had made a terrible mistake when she’d imagined living here and raising her baby, assuming her mom would babysit while she went out on dates and hung out with Della.

All this time, Micky had figured she would run off to Scottsdale to give herself a break from parenting.

And if she’d let her, her mom would’ve done it. Micky would have consigned her to a lifetime of raising another child.

That’s just wrong. She went back to the desk and grabbed her mom’s cell phone. Shoving it at her, she said, “Call Jerry. The plan’s back on.”

“Oh, go away and let me finish.” Her mom swatted the air. “Juanita’s waiting.”

“I’m not going anywhere until you call.” In that moment, it all came crashing down on her. She’d have to move out. Her mom had done her time raising a child. She needed her freedom, and Micky would never hold her back.

I’m fine raising this baby alone. I can do this.

An image dropped into her mind, Rhys and Addi reading a book before bed, the little girl snuggled up against his big, muscular body, the way she tipped her head back when her daddy used a different voice…the sparkle of joy in her eyes.

Her heart squeezed. He was such a good dad. He’d be the same way with their baby, only Micky wouldn’t be around to see it. Because she’d chosen to lead separate lives. To share their baby. One Christmas with Micky, the next with Rhys.

Oh, God, that hurt.

Because she wanted to be with him. She wanted to be a family.

She loved the way he made her feel—strong, confident, beautiful, sexy…loved. Rhys Wolff cherished her. She knew it down to her bones.

And she’d discarded him.

But she’d made the right choice to leave his controlling family. To live on her own terms. She could raise a baby without Rhys, without her mom. Without anyone.

Rhys. Why did she want to crumple to the floor every time she thought of him?

She missed him.

But he came with that nutty family, and she just couldn’t do it.

She waved the phone at her mom. “Call him.”

Anyone could see how conflicted her mom was. How very much she wanted to go to Scottsdale.

“You can make the call, or I’m going to send him a text right now.”

“Do it,” her client said.

Micky swiped the screen and shot off a text.

Franny: Scottsdale is on! I love my daughter with all my heart, but it’s time for her to grow up and live her own life. I’ve given her everything I have, and now it’s my time to be free. Can’t wait to see you!

Her mom grabbed the phone. “What did you say?” Tears glittering, she read the screen. “No, no, no. That’s…no, I want to be here for you.”

“You have, Mom. You’ve been with me every step of the way my entire life. And now it’s your turn. I want you to be free. I want you to fall in love. You deserve it, Mom. Take it.”

Her mom set the scissors down and pulled Micky into her arms, hugging her hard. “Baby, I love you. And I’m going to be here for you. Nothing’s going to change just because I’m seeing Jerry.”

“I love you, too, Mom, but everything’s going to change because it should. You deserve to be on your own, to find your own happiness. You’re done raising me, and I’m not afraid to be a single mom. You know why? Because you’ve been the best role model in the world. I’m not scared about my future.”

Along with the stark relief that relaxed her mom’s shoulders, there was a hint of guilt. “I’m still going to be here for you.”

“You’re going to be the best grandma in the world—but you’re not going to be her babysitter.”

“What’re saying? Are you moving away? Are you going back to Wyoming?”

“No way. My child’s not going to boarding school. She’s never going through cotillion.”

“You never mentioned those things before. All you said was they bought you a house and were going to make her take ballet and soccer. Did the Wolff kids go to boarding school?”

“No, but the parents are controlling, and my baby’s not going to be overscheduled and doing things she hates just because her grandparents want her to.”

Franny shifted into that familiar stance that meant Micky was about to get a good reaming. “You sound like me twenty years ago. But, hon, you’re not me. And Rhys is nothing like your father. From everything you’ve told me, his family might be misguided, but they’re open to change. Your father’s family was not. It was their way or the highway.”

Micky opened her mouth to shoot back a reply but found she had no words. Her mom was absolutely right. Every time she’d talked to them, they had backed off.

“You need to have a conversation with him, Micky. Your father would only pay child support if the money went to private school. He wouldn’t give me money to buy you clothes. He’d only send the kind of dresses and frilly things he believed a little girl should wear. I don’t get the impression the Wolff family works that way.”

“Well, no, not exactly.”

“Then what the hell are you doing here?” Her mom sounded exasperated. “Use your words, girl. Set boundaries. Tell them, ‘No, thank you, I’d rather choose my own house when I’m ready,’ and go on about your life. Don’t let them bully you but don’t go running off like a child throwing a tantrum. You’re about to be a mother. You’re in the driver’s seat now. Take the wheel, honey. This is your ride.”

Micky held up her glass of seltzer and adjusted the elastic of her party hat. Alone in her mom’s house, she had four hours before midnight.

Touching her still non-existent baby bump, she said, “Here’s to you and me, kid. We got this.”

As hard as she tried to accept her future, nothing felt right.

Her mom on a date with Jerry…well, that felt right.

But me as a single mom when this baby could have Rhys Wolff for a daddy?

Her stomach plummeted.

All wrong.

It would take her a while to get her event planning business off the ground, so it wasn’t like she could afford to visit him. She had to rely on him coming here.

Why did her heart hurt so much just thinking about it?

Because I miss him.

So much.

When she and Carson had spent time apart, she’d never felt this kind of deep ache. With Rhys, it was like an essential part of her was missing.

But she couldn’t worry about that. She had a future to plan. Next week, she’d start looking for a place to live. She’d talk to Della, see if she wanted to go into business together.

Yes, that’s good. Me and Della, the dream team. That, at least, felt right.

Considering nothing else did.

She couldn’t help thinking how her decisions impacted Rhys. He absolutely didn’t want to be a long-distance father. He couldn’t bear the idea that Addi had a mother in England who didn’t care about her, and soon she’d have a sibling in Arizona who didn’t know her.

I don’t want that, either. I want Rhys but not his family.

So, what’s the solution?

Well, she could start by having a conversation with his parents. Like her mom said, she could set some boundaries. If she did that, she could get her job back working events at the Wild Wolff Resort—oh. Happiness came roaring back in.

Here, she’d be competing with a well-established company. And, let’s face it, the jobs in Bixby didn’t compare to what she could do at the Wild Wolff resort, planning the parade of lights, the village walking tour, breakfast with Santa, the New Year’s Eve gala…yes, please. The idea thrilled her.

But she didn’t have to do anything tonight other than eat her trough and herald in a new year. Just me and my embryo.

The knock on the door got her moving. It was eight o’clock, and her ice cream platter was right on time. She opened it to find Larry, the delivery guy, and she was shocked at the way her mood crashed.

“Everything all right?” Larry asked, obviously picking up on her disappointment.

She threw on a big smile. “You bet.” Because it wasn’t his fault she’d harbored some stupid hope that someone else would be standing there.

Someone like Rhys.

And where had that thought come from? Of course, he’s not coming to Bixby, Arizona.

You kicked him to the curb.

You did the very thing he asked you not to do—leave Calamity and make him an absentee father.

Larry handed over the Styrofoam cooler and peered behind her into the empty living room. “What time’s everybody getting here?”

“Oh, it’s just me.”

He didn’t hide his surprise. “You’re eating the whole trough by yourself?”

Thirteen scoops of ice cream and a whole variety of toppings did seem over the top—even when her mom had been joining her. “Yep. All for me.”

“Where’s Della?”

A car slowed in the street, its taillights glowing red. “She’s still in Wyoming.”

“Well, okay.” He seemed hesitant to leave her alone with forty metric tons of ice cream. “Well, you have a good night.”

The car edged past her house, braked, then reversed. She handed Larry a twenty-dollar bill. “Happy New Year.”

“Happy New Year, doll.”

Just as she was about to close the door, the car pulled into her driveway.

Oh, dammit, Mom. Please tell me you didn’t make Jerry bring you home because your knucklehead daughter’s having a hard time cutting the apron strings.

She would totally do that. She would feel so guilty about leaving Micky alone, she wouldn’t enjoy her weekend away with Jerry.

But no, when the door opened, a big black boot hit the asphalt, followed by a jeans-clad leg. Rhys. “Hang on, sweetie, let me get you out of that contraption.”

That voice…deep, kind, confident…made her heart flip over.

He swung around to the back of the rental car and unbuckled his daughter. And then the two of them walked up her driveway, hand in hand.

Addi saw her standing there and her face lit up. “Micky.” She raced up the walkway and threw herself into Micky’s arms.

The familiar scent of baby shampoo and apple juice…that fragile little body…Micky just crumpled. She’d been fighting so hard to not miss them, to convince herself she’d made the right choice in leaving, but she’d hated every second apart from them. “What are you guys doing here?”

“We’re moving to Airzona,” Addi said.

“You’re what?” She carried the little girl inside, and Rhys followed.

“Can I have a party hat, too?” Addi asked.

“Of course.” Fortunately, she’d bought a whole bag of them. “Come here.” She started for the kitchen.

But Rhys caught her wrist. “They’re right there on the kitchen table, sweetheart. Go on and get one. Get one for me, too.”

Addi took off, leaving them alone to face each other. Micky’s heart thundered, and electricity arced between them.

“I miss you.” He kept his arms at his side, but she saw the tension in his body.

“I miss you, too. What does she mean, you’re moving here?” Hope beat so loud and strong, she vibrated with it.

“I can’t date you from a thousand miles away. So, we’re here.”

“You’re moving to Bixby? Right now? Tonight?”

“I want to start the new year right. I want to usher out the old, and ring in the new.”

“Rhys.” The vulnerability in his eyes melted her into a puddle of sweet joy. “I can’t believe you. You’re totally serious about us, aren’t you?”

“I am.”

“But you hardly know me.”

“I know you. The moment our eyes connected that first night in the bar, I felt this…pop of recognition. I don’t know how else to explain it. And the more time I spent with you, the stronger it grew. I know you. I like you. I want you and…” He sucked in a sharp breath, swallowing. “And I love you.”

“Rhys.” Tears blurred him, but she reached for him. “I love you, too.”

He pulled her up against him, burying his face into her neck. She could feel the tremble in his body.

This. Nothing felt as right as being with this man. “I’m so scared.”

“I’ve got you. I promise.” Arms still tight around her, he pulled back. “You hear me? You come first.”

“I hear you. God, you’re the most amazing man I’ve ever known.”

“Micky, what do you want for the new year?”

And just like that her future became perfectly clear. “I want to be with you. I want to be a good mom to Addi and our baby. I want us to be a family. What do you want?”

“I want you. I love you, Micky. And it’s not because you’re pregnant. It’s because you’re strong and independent. You’re great with Addi, and I think you could help her grow into an amazing woman who thinks for herself. And because when I’m with you, I…” He gazed off, looking like he was struggling to hold back emotion. “I’m a better man.”

Oh, God. Every word spun the air around her into a wind tunnel of excitement.

His gaze collided with hers. “And if you’re here, then we’re here.”

“But you can’t take Addi away from her grandparents.”

“People move all the time. And I’m either going to visit you, or I’m going to visit them. I don’t think I could stand to be away from you that long, so I’ll take her to see them as often as I can, and they’ll come here to visit. Look, Micky, I know the house was too much, and my parents feel terrible about it. They didn’t mean to make you feel invisible. Honestly, very few houses come on the market in Wolff Village, so when that one did, they snatched it up, thinking they were doing something nice for us.”

“It was nice.”

“But they took away your choice. They made assumptions, and they’re sorry about that.”

“You can’t move here. There’s no job for you.”

“Then, I’ll start my own business.” Lifting both her hands, he brought them to his mouth and kissed her knuckles. “Micky, I can make a living anywhere, but I can only make a family where you are.”

She flung herself at him, holding him in a grip so tight it told him she never wanted him anywhere but in her arms. “I overreacted, and I’m sorry. I should’ve talked to your parents, should’ve explained how I felt. I never should’ve run.”

“I think we started in extreme conditions, and everyone’s reacted a little over the top. But maybe we can all reset. And we can start by talking to each other, knowing that we all want the same thing, and the best way to get there is to be honest, to communicate.”

“I’d like that.”

“I love you, Micky Lewis.”

“I love you, Rhys. And I love Addi. So much. And I’m sorry for running.”

“We’ve got a hotel room in town, and I don’t think she’ll make it till midnight, so maybe we can celebrate New Year’s Eve a little early?”

“You don’t have to stay in a hotel. My mom’s gone for the weekend, and you can both stay here. But Rhys?” She gazed up at him, her heart overflowing with love and gratitude.

“Yeah?”

“Tonight, I’m standing in Arizona, where I grew up and lived the first part of my life. But tomorrow, I’d like to be in Wyoming, where I’m going to live the next part. With my family.”

Epilogue

“I love it here.” In the quiet darkness, Micky breathed in the pine-scented air and imagined this framed structure as a home. She could see a pile of boots in the mudroom, a whole row of them sized from Rhys’s thirteens down to an infant’s booties. She could see a playroom stacked with wooden blocks, bins of Legos, a play kitchen, and a box stuffed with musical instruments.

She could see it all.

More importantly, she could feel it. The love, the happiness, the sense of absolute rightness. And how strange is that? She’d moved to Calamity just six months ago—six little months—and yet being with Rhys was undeniably home.

Today, the contractor had completed the framing of their new home, so she and Rhys had come by after work to check it out. Now, they lay side-by-side on blankets, gazing up at a sky blazing with stars, and talking about nothing and everything.

It was chilly, but the heat from his big, muscular body warmed her. God, she loved this man.

“I was telling my mom about the Wilderness Explorer class I signed Addi up for this summer, and she got really sad. I think she’s regretting taking this trip with Jerry.” The two had become inseparable, and now they were taking a three-month vacation around Europe. They’d timed it so they’d be home in time for the baby’s August arrival.

Rhys seemed quiet tonight, so she continued. “But I told her to enjoy herself, and that she’ll have plenty of time to get to know Addi and your family.” Her mom had visited Calamity a couple of times, but she couldn’t leave her clients for long. “I’m pretty sure she’s going to retire soon. I can’t even remember the last real vacation she took. She was never willing to risk losing her clients. Hey.” She reached for his hand. “You okay?”

“Couldn’t be better.” His voice sound thick with emotion.

Yeah, she felt the same way. A baby on the way, a house being built…and the love of her life by her side. “I have a feeling she and Jerry will move here. I know she doesn’t want to live so far from her grandchild. And that makes me wonder about Della, you know?” Her friend had stayed in the village a month after her job ended. This morning, she’d left to go home. “I begged her to stay, told her she could work with me in Events now that you’re moving up to the executive suite. She just seemed so bummed, you know? And I don’t know if it’s because she’s going home to a Bixby without me and Carson or that she never got to meet Van Claybourne.” Della had joked a lot about him over the years but cleaning his house for six months had really confirmed it—he was the man for her. Even though she’d never met him.

But that was Della. She went with her gut, and it had never steered her wrong.

It wasn’t like Rhys to be so quiet. When she squeezed his hand, she noticed it was clammy. “You’re not all right. Here I am babbling on and on, and something’s wrong. Talk to me.”

Fear struck like a snake. She hiked up on an elbow. “You don’t want to live here? You can tell me.” After looking at countless places—in town, in the village, down in Jackson—they’d chosen a property just outside of Wild Wolff Village, walking distance to work and his parent’s house. The moment they’d seen this lot in the mountains, they’d both just known.

Well, she’d thought they’d both had the same reaction. Not only because it gave them the best of both worlds—privacy and proximity—but it was a project they’d work on together, with enough land to expand the house as their family grew.

“No, I love it. I do.” He rolled onto his side, giving her a tug.

She settled in beside him. “You look like you’re about to tell me something bad. Just do it. I’m the rip-the-Band-Aid-off type of person.”

He smiled. “I know. I know who you are, and I love everything about you.” He slid a hand into his pocket, and the darkness exploded. The entire structure lit up with fairy lights.

Micky gasped and settled onto her back to take it all in. “What have you done?”

But he was gone, heading behind the space where the hearth would be. When he came back, he carried a picnic basket. Setting it down beside her, he pulled out champagne, two glasses, and…

She burst out laughing, taking the lemon meringue pie from him. “You’re crazy.” At six months pregnant, she didn’t really have cravings anymore. But yeah, the only thing she’d really wanted for some reason was pie. Not the crust, not the meringue…just the lemon custard filling. “This looks so good. Did you get it from Harley and Lu Emporium?”

He nodded, still not the confident man she was used to. Pulling out silverware wrapped inside linen napkins, he set up a little spread for them. When she noticed his hand shaking as he poured the champagne, she took the bottle and set it down.

“Okay, stop. Talk to me. I know something’s wrong.” She cupped his cheeks. “You can tell me anything. You know that, right? We’re building a life together, and we’re bound to make a wrong turn here and there. If you’ve changed your mind about building this house, if you feel I pressured you—”

“Stop.” He let out a shaky laugh. “Everything’s good. We’re good.” He kissed the palm of her hand. “I love you. I love us.” Pressing his hand on her swollen belly, he gave her a sweet but powerful kiss. “I’m nervous because I’ve always been a few steps ahead of us. I fell for you while you were still missing your ex. I knew you were the one while you were wrapping your head around being a single mom.” He grew intense. “I’ve known from the beginning that you were the only woman for me, but we’ve had so much to adjust to. Getting to know each other, OB visits, figuring out where we wanted to live…”

“You think you’ve been waiting for me to catch up?” Her heart swelled to bursting. “Rhys, I knew. I always knew. It scared me, and it didn’t make sense, but I knew.”

He grinned. “Addi scared you shitless when she asked if you were her new mommy.”

“Oh, yeah. That was…something. But Rhys, you’re the love of my life. You’re the man who gets me, who excites me…you’re the man who gives me the freedom to become the woman I’m meant to be. You’re the only man for me.”

His eyes lit up with a burning, intense desire. “McKayla Francis Lewis, I want to wake up to your face every morning for the rest of my life. I want to make you happy, and I want to make you feel safe and loved and wanted. I want to hold you when you cry and laugh with you till our stomachs hurt. I want us to be a family, and I want us to build a life just like we’re building this house: together. You and me, inventing things as we go along.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a stunning ruby and diamond engagement ring. “If you marry me, I swear to God, my life will be complete, and I will make it my mission to make you the happiest—”

“Yes. Yes, yes, yes.” She hurtled toward him, and he caught her, and even the big belly between them didn’t stop his arms from circling her and pulling her in tight to his body. “I love you so much. I never dreamed I could be this happy.”

Their baby stirred and kicked, and they pulled apart, laughing.

And then he slid the ring on her finger. “Thank you,” he said. “For making me the happiest man in the world.”

She’d had a good childhood—no question. But the rest of her life with this man?

It was going to be off the hook.

“I am wildly in love with you, Rhys Wolff.”

Thank you for reading KISS ME SLOWLY! If you can’t wait to find out if Della gets to meet her rock star crush, subscribe to my newsletter right now! Her story is an EXCLUSIVE novella for my readers in 2021-2022! You'll get 2 chapters a month of this super sexy, fun romance! #rockstarromance #fantasyturnedreality #dreamscometrue

Need more Calamity Falls, where the people are wild at heart?

KEEP ON LOVING YOU

WE BELONG TOGETHER

THE VERY THOUGHT OF YOU

JUST THE WAY YOU ARE

IT WAS ALWAYS YOU

CAN’T HELP FALING IN LOVE

COME AWAY WITH ME

WHOLE LOTTA LOVE

YOU’RE STILL THE ONE

Have you read the Rock Star Romance series? Come meet the sexy rockers of Blue Fire:

YOU REALLY GOT ME

I WANT YOU TO WANT ME

TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT

MORE THAN A FEELING

Look for the next Calamity Falls Small Town Romance coming in February 2022! Grab a FREE copy of PLANES, TRAINS, AND HEAD OVER HEELS. And come hang out with me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads, and Pinterest or in my private reader group.

About the Author

Award-winning author Erika Kelly writes sexy and emotional small town romance. Married to the love of her life and raising four children, she lives in the southwest, drinks a lot of tea, and is always waiting for her cats to get off her keyboard.

https://www.erikakellybooks.com/

Facebook icon Facebook

Twitter icon Twitter

Instagram icon Instagram

Goodreads icon Goodreads

Pinterest icon Pinterest

BookBub icon BookBub