So much for that.
“Let’s go see what this place still needs,” Lauren said, trying not to meet Kassidy’s eyes. Her friend would be able to see right through her, and she didn’t know what to make of the flip of events from last night to this morning. Part of her wished the snow hadn’t been cleared so she could talk to Walker about what those almost-kisses meant.
Chapter 16
“It’s been so long since we caught up. Are you back in Coldwater Creek for a while?” Kassidy asked.
Shrugging, Lauren frowned. They were in one of the upstairs rooms, and she was glad Kassidy hadn’t brought up the question about what was going on between her brother and Lauren.
“I’m not really sure what’s in my future yet. Since I quit my job and broke up with my boyfriend back in Fort Collins, things are pretty wide open at the moment. I’ve been helping Walker put up a bunch of the décor that came on a truck this morning.” Wrong thing to say. That just led Kassidy right where Lauren didn’t want to go.
Kassidy grinned, and something in her eyes made Lauren suspicious. The girl Lauren used to hang out with as a kid and a teenager leaned in and whispered, “So, is there anything going on between you two? I mean, I know how much you’ve always liked him, but it’s been a while. And he’s been through a lot over the past year. I’d like to see him happy.” She winked, and Lauren wished she could disappear into a corner. She just hoped Kassidy couldn’t see Lauren’s feelings for Walker written all over her face.
“Kass, I just got out of a long relationship. It’s probably not good for me to jump into another relationship so soon.” At least, that’s what she thought the sister of the guy she practically loved should hear right then.
Lauren turned to look at the windows, wondering if Walker had already ordered some kind of curtains. “What about you? What’s new in your life these days?”
“So nice of you to ask, my devoted best friend.”
Kassidy’s sarcasm made Lauren’s chest constrict. Yes, she’d been one of the worst friends ever since her mother died, but there was so much about Coldwater Creek that reminded her of her mother, including Kassidy, that it had been easier to stay away.
“The bank is still closed, so it’s a snow day for me. As far as guys, there’s no one in particular. I mean, it’s a small town. Not much of a chance to find a good guy around here.”
“So you’re not still pining over my brother?” Lauren asked with a wink.
Kassidy reached out and punched Lauren in the shoulder. “That was forever ago. I know we used to dream of being each other’s sisters through marriage, but I don’t think Preston knows I exist more than an occasional hello.”
Lauren nodded slowly, trying to get her brain onto the design track and off the handsome cowboy who was causing her insides to flip at every glance.
“Well, maybe we should just get a house and become old spinsters together. That’s about how well my life is going right now.” Lauren groaned, sad that all her dreams had come to this. She’d had so many a few years ago, but now that everything had failed, she didn’t know where to start over.
“Come on, girl. You’ll be fine. You just need to find something you love. I’m sure Walker could use some help. You’re already helping him do some designing. Maybe you could do something with that. Just don’t ask to be the chef.” Kassidy widened her eyes and rolled her lips in, trying not to laugh out loud.
Shaking her head, Lauren took her turn to punch her friend in the shoulder. “I know I’m not a good cook, or even a cook at all. But I think I could manage the day-to-day operations of the lodge. I mean, insurance isn’t even close to the hospitality business, but I went through enough junk at my last job to be prepared for quite a bit.”
“Then ask him, or apply or whatever. It wouldn’t hurt to try.”
Blowing out a breath, Lauren knew she wanted to, but would that be the best decision? If a relationship didn’t work out between them, she’d be left with the memory of two almost-kisses with the guy she’d been pining for longer than she cared to admit, all while having to see him every day.
“Yeah, you’re probably right. I’ll just ask and see.” After looking around the room, Lauren turned to Kassidy and asked, “Has Walker ordered any art or paintings for the walls?”
Shaking her head, Kassidy said, “I don’t think so. Are there any you can recommend?”
Turning on the art history major in her brain, she found she was a bit rusty, and nature paintings weren’t something she studied a whole lot of.
“None off the top of my head, but I can do some research and let you know. What about a local photographer? Doesn’t one of your brothers take pictures?”
“Yeah, Colter does. I haven’t seen any of his pictures lately, but I could ask.”
Lauren nodded. “I think some local pictures would be better than anything professional. And maybe we could boost him into opening his own business.”
Kassidy chuckled at that. “I’m pretty sure it will always be a side business. The rodeo takes precedence over everything for him.” She glanced around the room again and said, “Then again, I never pictured Walker owning and running a lodge. I’ll check with Colter and email some over, if he’ll let me look at them.”
“That would be great. I remember seeing some of his shots in high school, and he really had an eye for composition. A couple of proper frames would look amazing in the great room as well.” The lodge would be ready for guests in no time.
Her thoughts turned to the lodge as a whole and everything that must have gone into building it. As much as she wanted to stay, she needed to get home, clear her head, and figure out what to do with her life.
“I should probably get back to my parents’ house so I’m not bugging Walker anymore. Would you mind giving me a ride, Kassidy? I don’t think my car is in any condition to make it anywhere right now.” She bit her lower lip, her emotions jumbled inside her as she thought about leaving the lodge, and leaving Walker.
“I, uh, well, I’m not going home just yet, or I would. I have a few errands to run in Afton. But we’ll have to do lunch or something to catch up while you’re still in town. Are you coming to the NFR?” Kassidy asked, reaching in for a hug.
“I doubt it. Preston isn’t in it anymore, and I should probably figure out what to do with my life before my savings run out.” Lauren laughed, trying to remember the last time she’d watched her family compete at the National Rodeo Finals.
“Well, talk to Walker. A job here would be cheaper for you than down in Colorado. At least you’d save money on a place to live.”
“A place to live? What for?” Walker asked, walking in with a slight smile on his face.
“I’m trying to convince Lauren to give up Fort Collins and move home. You should hire her as your manager. She’d be able to keep everything in order for sure,” Kassidy said, looking around at the somewhat untidy room, causing Lauren to suppress a laugh. “Make sure to get Lauren home soon. I’m sure she’s sick of the slave labor around here.”
The grimace that crossed Walker’s face was like a punch to Lauren’s gut. Kassidy’s bluntness surprised her. She’d had some sass growing up, but nothing like she did now. She said goodbye and walked out the door, leaving a strange tension in the air.
“I’m-I, uh, well…” Walker ran his hand through his dark hair, more flustered than she’d seen him in a while.
Closing the distance between them, Lauren rested her hand on his arm, squeezing a bit to reassure him. “I promise I enjoyed every minute, and I didn’t feel like slave labor. It was nice to do something with design and something not involving insurance.” She smiled wide, making sure he saw it.
“You’re sure?” His uncertainty made her want to slip into his arms and hug him.
She hesitated before sliding her hands around his back and resting her head on his shoulder, feeling like they fit together like puzzle pieces. After several breaths, he relaxed and wrapped his arms around her, making her feel more safe an
d warm than she’d felt since she’d lost her mother.
She stayed there for several moments, listening to his steady heartbeat and breathing in the smell of his pine-scented cologne. She was sliding down a steep hill, and the more she tried to slow down the feelings inside her, the more the ground slipped beneath her feet.
He pulled back a few inches, and Lauren sighed, wishing the moment would have lasted a bit longer. “We’re working to finish a few things in cabin eight, and then I can take you home. Will you be all right?”
Lauren looked up into his eyes and then to his mouth, the temptation to kiss him almost too great. But the spell of the moment completely broke when his arms slid from her back and he took a step back, giving her a small smile.
Tucking a section of hair behind her ear, Lauren nodded. “I’ll be fine. There’s plenty to do in here to get you ready for your guests.”
Walker moved back to the door but stopped and turned halfway there. “Was Kassidy serious about you being the manager? Is that something you’d like to do?”
“I’ve never managed a hotel before, but I’m thorough and will make sure I know all about it if you give me the chance.”
A broad smile covered his face. “You’re hired. Just tell me what you need, and I’ll take care of it.” He paused a moment, appearing to wrestle with something before he nodded and walked out the door.
She was able to wait until several seconds after he’d left before cheering. She’d never been so excited about a job, and this one would be a good challenge for her. Plus, it would give her more time to be around Walker. Whether that was a good thing or not remained to be seen.
Now all that blocked her from settling back down in Coldwater Creek was her townhome in Colorado. If she could get everything moved back without running into Cory, her past would be officially behind her.
Chapter 17
Walker’s breath hung in large clouds in the gray light. The temperature had dropped several degrees already, but it was afternoon, and it would only get worse that night. After starting his older Chevy truck, he walked back into the house, meeting Lauren at the bottom of the stairs.
“Let me take that for you,” he said, taking the bags in one swoop without letting her protest. He went back to the mudroom door and set a bag down so he could hold the door open for her.
Preston had left a few hours earlier after several prying questions about what he and Lauren had been up to while snowed in. He’d also been ranting and raving about how Cory had been the worst thing for Lauren and that she really needed to get a new radar for guys.
What was a new radar supposed to look like? And would Preston think Walker qualified to be on it? Because more than ever, Walker hoped he and Lauren could figure things out and make them work. But he had time. He’d just hired her as his new manager, which felt so right. But at the same time, what if something went wrong?
With the direction of their conversation, Walker had never been so relieved to have his best friend called back to the farm for an emergency, and even with as much help as Preston had given him, Walker was grateful to see him go while Lauren was still busy inside, making it so Walker would have to drive her home.
“Thank you,” she said softly, moving in front of him to the truck.
He helped her in before sliding her bags under the flat top bed cover of the truck. Hopping into the driver seat, he rubbed his hands together. “Sorry, I thought it would be warm already, but this weather is already getting colder.”
“I’m actually quite warm.” Her cheeks reddened, and Walker wondered what she meant by that comment. If it had anything with their embrace earlier, then he was fairly warm still too. He’d thought about reaching forward and kissing her, but Preston’s words echoed over and over again.
The few-mile drive to the farm was quiet, the only sound a few of the country songs that came through on the two channels in this part of Wyoming.
“Uh, thank you again for all your help. It made things run a lot faster.” He glanced over at her and then back at the road, knowing he’d probably steer off the road if he stared any longer.
“Thank you for rescuing me. And letting me help out, cooking me amazing dinners. It seems like I got the good end of the bargain.” She chuckled, the sound causing him to breathe just a touch easier. He could probably listen to that sound every day for the rest of his life.
“So, boss, what time do you want me at the lodge tomorrow?” she asked.
Walker chuckled, laughing at the use of the word boss. He’d never been a boss over anyone, and for some reason, that made a zip of anxiety rush through him, settling into his chest. Would he be able to be the boss of several people, their paychecks depending on him? But that’s what he’d hired her for.
Breathing out slowly, he said, “Eight, nine, whenever. Do you want me to pick you up until you can get your car fixed?”
She reached over and touched his hand. “Thank you, but I know you have a lot to deal with there. I’ll borrow one of the ones at home or have a brother drop me off.”
He pulled into the driveway of the Burke home, viewing it in a new light after the past few days. He’d always seen it as the home of his best friend, but now he realized how much of Lauren had been shaped there. How many times had she mentioned her upbringing since she’d come to the lodge? It made him wonder why he’d never taken notice of her like he did now.
“Come in for a minute. I’m sure my dad will want to thank you.” She smiled at him before opening the door and jumping out.
The white snow with the warm yellow lights from the house made Walker smile. The Burke family was so much like his own that this was almost like coming home.
He helped Lauren up the few steps with her bags and onto the wraparound porch and then waited a few feet behind her as she knocked and rang the bell.
“Since when did they start locking things around here?” she muttered.
Walker bit his bottom lip so he wouldn’t laugh.
Footsteps sounded on the other side of the door, and it swung open, Mr. Burke taking up a good portion of the doorway. “Lauren! It’s so good to have you home.” He pulled Lauren into a crushing hug and stepped back, allowing them to enter the house.
Walker lifted the bags inside and stood up to see Lauren’s father staring at him.
“Thanks for taking care of our girl. We always think our kids will listen to us, but sometimes they just think they’re too big for our advice.” He turned his eyes to Lauren, shaking his head.
“Come on, Dad. It had been a rough day, and I was just hoping to get home so I could be with everyone. But at least I didn’t freeze to death out on the road.” Lauren tilted her head to the side as if ready to battle him out on the issue.
Her father turned to look at Walker again. “Come in and get something warm in you. It’s supposed to hit single digits overnight.”
Walker waved and took a step back. “Thank you, Mr. Burke. I’ve got a lot to get done over at the lodge still, so I’d better head back.”
“How’s that coming? I’ll be glad to have another restaurant in the valley again. Are you planning for it to be a steakhouse?” The man’s bushy eyebrows rose, causing him to look almost cartoonlike.
“That’s the plan. I just heard back from a chef this morning who has committed to coming, and I’m working to hire the rest of the staff and waiters and waitresses. So if you know of anyone who needs a job, send them my way.” His gaze lowered to Lauren’s, and he gave her a warm smile. “I already hired Lauren to be my manager.”
Mr. Burke gave his daughter the brightest smile Walker had ever seen from the man, the wrinkles around his eyes nearly swallowing them. “You mean you got my daughter to stay in Coldwater Creek? I don’t know how you did that, but I owe you, Walker. It’s an early Christmas present.” Her father shook his hand and thanked him again before Walker said goodbye and walked out the door and into the cold.
Lauren followed him and closed the front door almost completely behind her as she
stepped closer to Walker.
“Thank you again, for everything. I’ll see you tomorrow?” A sly smile stretched across her face.
“I look forward to it.” The words came out more breathless than he’d intended, but with the way she looked with her hair down around her shoulders and a smile accentuating her delicate features, he wasn’t sure he was actually awake.
She stepped down from the door and drifted closer to him, their breath mingling together in the gray light. “And let me know when I can take you to dinner to thank you for all you’ve done. I promise we’ll have someone competent enough to not burn everything.”
Walker laughed as he studied her face, his eyes moving back and forth from her eyes to her lips, all while his emotions lumbered between wanting to kiss her and wanting to stay as far away as possible from breaking his heart. He couldn’t go through that again.
“Let’s get some people hired, and then we can figure out a time. I’d like that.”
“That’s fair. See you in the morning.” She reached up on tiptoe and kissed his cheek.
Walker stiffened, surprised by the blossom of electricity that branched out from where her lips touched his skin.
Lauren pulled back with a smile and returned to the house.
His heart began pumping faster and faster in his chest. Maybe if they took things slow, a relationship between the two of them could work out. He just hoped it wouldn’t end like his last one.
After climbing into the truck, Walker sat immobile for several moments as he processed everything that had happened that day and the days leading up to it. He was twenty-eight, old enough to make a decision about who to like. He shouldn’t be worried about his best friend’s opinion of Walker’s feelings for Lauren. But this was all new and so much more powerful than he thought it could to be. And his relationship with Preston was one of the things that had gotten him through the last year.
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