Donna Alward - Her Rancher Rescuer

She sighed. “That I could get away for a bit. Just somewhere different, to really think about what it is I want.”

“Where you won’t be influenced one way or the other?”

“Or fall back into comfortable habits.”

Her gaze met his as a kernel of an idea took hold. He had a problem, and she was restless. What if they could help each other out?

“Look, things around the shop are always slow after Christmas. What if...” She took a deep breath. “What if I came down and helped you out for a few weeks? I’m pretty sure I could handle the admin you need done. It’d give you some breathing room before having to hire someone new.”

“You’re serious.”

“Of course I’m serious. It would only be for a short time.” Her mom would be fine for a few weeks. It would be a good trial run.

He turned in the seat and faced her squarely. “I couldn’t officially pay you, you understand. Unless you have a U.S. work visa I know nothing about.”

He was considering it. She didn’t mind the work; she could file and type and answer phones and schedule things without blinking an eye. In return she’d have a few weeks in a Montana lodge, surrounded by snow and roaring fires and whatever else she could come up with. “It’d be like a vacation for me, I promise. You don’t have to pay me anything. I’ll do it in exchange for room and board.”

“You’re crazy.”

“I’m desperate.” She looked back at the house again. “Jack, I’ve felt stuck in this hick town for as long as I can remember.” She lifted a hand. “It’s my own fault, and I know that. You’d be helping me and I’d be helping you. Win-win.”

“I’m not sure desperation is the best motive here.”

Was he talking about her need to get away or the small matter of what had happened between them less than two weeks ago? They’d been all but plastered together on the dance floor and later in the parlor at the B and B. She wasn’t sure how to bring it up, but she felt one of them should.

“If you’re worried about there being atmosphere, don’t. That’s not why I’m going. I’ve sworn off men, remember?”

He laughed shortly. “I’ve heard that before.”

She put her hand on his arm. Even through his overcoat she felt the strength and warmth of it. There was no denying that Jack was strong and sexy as hell. No denying that her pulse had raced being held in his arms. But for once in her life she was focused on a goal. She wasn’t about to get distracted now. Not even by someone as amazing as Jack.

“It would be good experience for me. If I’m considering going into hospitality management, what better training could I ask for? If I like it I’ll be really sure. And it’ll be a good test run for my mom, too. It’ll take her some getting used to—being alone, that is.”

“So there’s nothing here at all?” He moved his finger back and forth, gesturing between the two of them.

She hesitated. “You want the truth or a lie?”

His lips twitched. “The truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.”

“The truth is you’re a nice guy and a great kisser, but I have bigger fish to fry at the moment. If you’re worried about me getting all clingy and having expectations or something...don’t.”

He sat back. “Brutal honesty. I like it.” He ran a finger over his chin. “It would give me some breathing room. I have to be in Vancouver for meetings right after New Year’s....”

“There, you see?”

He frowned. “This all seems rather convenient.”

She paused for a moment. Listened to the air blowing through the heater vents. Looked out at the street, awash in Christmas cheer.

“I don’t want to be this person anymore,” she whispered. “For years I’ve done exactly what my mother has done—accepted my lot in life and done a fair bit of complaining about it. It’s not enough. Rhys said I was the last woman in the world he’d want to date. I don’t want to be the last woman in the world for anything or anyone. I want to do something. I want to learn how. I would give anything to have the confidence and competence of someone like your sister. I’ve got to start somewhere. Please, Jack. I promise I’ll do a good job for you. You won’t regret it.”

Jack stared at her, his eyes dark in the dim light of the car. He wasn’t joking or smiling. Maybe that was what she liked about him. He didn’t make fun of her, even when she made it easy for him.

“Can you be ready early on the twenty-sixth?”

“You set the time and I’ll be waiting.”

“And you’ve got a passport?”

“I do.”

“Then you’ve got a deal. I’ll call you with the details.”

“Perfect.” A smile broke out on her face. She was really going to do this. Something spontaneous, maybe even a little daring—at least in her small world. “You won’t regret it, Jack,” she repeated. “You’ll see.”

“I’m counting on it. Now get going. I’ve got to get back to the house and spend some time with the family.” He held out his hand. “Should we shake on it?”

Amy peeled off her glove and put her hand in his. The moment their fingers touched sparks zinged up her arm and made her catch her breath. Her gaze rose to Jack’s and she saw the same electricity reflected in his pupils.

“It won’t get in the way,” she assured him.

He pulled his hand away from hers. “Boxing Day morning. I’ll pick you up on the way to the airport.”

“See you then.”

He didn’t get out of the car this time, didn’t go around to open her door or walk her to the steps. It was just as well. New boundaries had been set.

She hurried up the patio stones to the front door and turned just in time to see him pulling away from the curb.

He wouldn’t regret it. She’d make sure.

Now she just had to break the news to her mother and pack her suitcase.

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