Finn’s mug scraped the table as he set it down. He rolled his head on his neck and rubbed both hands over his face. “Okay, I’m ready to hear this. What’s your idea, Thia?”
She scooted forward in her chair and spread the papers in front of them. “Review these latest stats. Everything here points to a large contingent of business men in western Montana supporting a platform like yours.”
Finn glanced at the papers then drew them closer. “I haven’t seen this set before. What agency issues these?”
“I compiled them.” Thia gave an offhand wave. “I’ve cross-referenced election results on specific issues for the past three elections. If anyone’s memory goes back further, the time has arrived for another direction of the pendulum swing. See?” She leaned over and pointed at the paper. “On this county-by-county breakdown, I think the counties west of Powder and south to Beaverhead show the most potential.”
Vena watched as her sister waited for Finn’s acknowledging nod. His brow furrowed in thought as his gaze scanned the papers.
“My idea,” Thia continued, “is to plan an invitation-only dinner within the next ten days in Great Falls to test the political waters.”
“I like the idea.” Finn grinned and leaned back in his chair. “But slow down. No need to jump into this cold.” A hand running through his hair, he studied the pages filled with numbers. “You know, men in those areas are mostly cattle ranchers. Be tough to get them off their spreads and into town on such short notice.”
The direction of the conversation made Vena shiver. Finn sounded so upbeat about this idea. Was she mistaken about the reluctance he’d expressed for politics? Or maybe once she started envisioning their future, she’d stopped listening to his plans. She stood, walked to the sink, and emptied her mug. “Too bad you can’t go on the road and talk to each one of them.”
“Vena, you’re brilliant.” Thia jumped up and headed out of the room. “I’ll be right back.”
“What did I say?” Sometimes Thia’s mind worked on a totally different plane.
“You know how Thia is.” He approached the sink and ran his hand up her sleeve, cupping her elbow. “When she gets an idea, she goes off half-cocked. Kinda like another Fenton female I know.” He nuzzled the tender spot on the side of her neck.
Instinct took over, and she melted against him. “Finn, this is crazy.” Her words came out on puffs of breath. “Thia will be right back. We agreed, no affection in public.”
“I don’t remember agreeing.”
The heat created by his lips traveled down Vena’s neck, and she could feel her skin flush. The scratch of his whiskers raised goose bumps on her arms, and she hugged his waist. She tipped back her head and met his mouth in a hot kiss. His lips tasted of coffee and cream. At the first stroke of his tongue on her lips, she lost all logic. Unable to stop herself, she tugged the hem of his T-shirt from his waistband and ran her hands over his muscled back.
He pulled his mouth free, resting his forehead on hers. “Wait. Maybe you’re right. This is getting too crazy.” His eyes were closed as he breathed, his hands resting on her shoulders.
A knock sounded on the back door. “Hey, Finn, you up yet?”
Body taut, Finn’s head shot up. “Damn, I forgot Jared was dropping off that lumber.”
“So, let him in.” Vena rubbed her nose on his chin. “He’ll have a cup of coffee while you finish with Thia.”
“I can’t go to the door and greet him.” He glanced downward and then back up at her, waiting. “He’d never let me live this down.”
Vena followed his gaze to the front of his bulging jeans, and a thrill ran through her at the blatant result of their kisses. “I guess you can’t.”
“Go let him in, would you? And then get back here and be my shield.”
From the hallway, the click of Thia’s heels drew closer.
With a giggle, Vena dashed across the room to the back door and yanked it open. “Morning, Jared. Come on in and grab some coffee.” Trying not to be obvious, she hurried to stand in front of Finn who lounged against the kitchen counter.
“Hey, Jared. I’m in the middle of a discussion. But hang on for about five minutes, and I’ll help you unload the lumber.”
The tall blond man in jeans ripped at the knees and a faded Mountain Lumber Company T-shirt nodded. “Fine by me. I’m not due at the yard until eight.” He poured coffee and then sauntered to the table and pulled out a kitchen chair, turning it so he could straddle it backward.
Finn’s strong hands rested on her shoulders and began a gentle massage. “Thanks for the cover.”
“No problem, especially when the reward is a massage.”
Thia walked back into the kitchen. Her eyes rounded at the sight of a stranger at the table. “Am I…should I?”
Vena did a double take at her sister, who had actually sputtered. She watched Thia’s gaze rake over Jared and then flicker to her and Finn.
“Thia, this is Jared Rambert. He’s dropping off some lumber.” Finn’s hand waved between the two. “And this is Vena’s sister, Thia Madison, an old friend.”
After a slow glance that took in Thia’s body from head to toe, Jared lifted his mug in salutation. “Always glad to meet Finn’s friends. This morning’s a real pleasure, Thia.”
Her eyes grew even wider. “M-Morning. I didn’t intend— I mean, should we delay this discussion, Finn?” She shifted her weight from foot to foot, a frown wrinkling her forehead.
For just a moment, Vena savored the sight of a ruffled Thia. Her sister wasn’t often thrown off balance. “I’m sure Jared won’t mind if you and Finn finish.”
Finn cleared his throat. “I can listen from over here, while I get the kinks out of Vena’s neck. So, what was Vena’s brilliant idea?”
“Yes, that.” She cast a lingering glance at Jared before proceeding. “I remembered a recent magazine article, and I wanted to find it to be sure of the date. Here, read this.” She glanced at Finn’s occupied hands and back to the magazine she held. “Um, I’ll just paraphrase. The Montana Ranchers Association is holding its annual meeting this weekend in Great Falls.”
Dread attacked Vena’s stomach.
Thia looked up, eyes flashing. “They’ll all be together, in one place.” She laid the opened magazine on the table and pointed at the page. “The perfect place to host a cocktail party. What do you think, Finn?”
“Sounds too good. Can this be arranged?”
Vena heard the doubting tone in Finn’s voice, and she agreed. This weekend was too soon.
“Don’t agree to this, Finn,” Jared scoffed. “You’ll pay up the nose on such short notice.”
His hands stilled on her neck. “Thia, maybe we should consider what Jared’s—”
Thia lifted a hand to stop Finn’s response. Squaring her shoulders, she fisted her hands on her hips and faced the seated man. “You know this for a fact? I hardly think someone who works for a lumber company qualifies as a knowledgeable source. How many hotels have you worked with when arranging events?”
“Hotels here in Montana? One or two.” His green eyes flashed as he sipped his coffee.
She jerked her chin in the air and shrugged. “And why would I listen to your opinion? That’s not a solid basis for comparison.”
Oh, this could get good. Vena sucked in a breath and leaned forward. She knew Jared aced culinary school and had spent several years as a chef.
“Opinions need background facts? Hmm.” He took a long sip of coffee and shot her a crooked grin. “My basis, ma’am, is the six or seven five-star restaurants in New York where I was head chef.” He crossed his arms on the top of the chair and gave her a broad wink.
Thia’s mouth opened and shut twice before she turned to face Finn. “Is he for real?”
A male chuckle sounded behind Vena. “Yup.”
Vena’s tension deepened. She wasn’t ready to give up her and Finn’s idyllic time together. As if he knew what she was feeling, Finn’s fingers dug at the knots in h
er neck. She forced herself to give into his warm strokes and relax.
“Nothing to it. We’ll just reserve a meeting room, order some liquor and hors d’oeuvres, and then throw open the doors. Vena and I can serve as hostesses. The party will be a breeze.” Thia snapped her fingers for emphasis.
“That breeze.” Jared’s voice rumbled, and he glared at Thia. “Will put too big of a dent in Finn’s campaign budget.”
Thia stilled and crossed her arms over her chest, her toe tapping the floor. “I suppose you have a suggestion?”
Finn’s hands stopped. “Hey you two, quit dancing around each other’s ability. Jared, you still have any contacts in Great Falls?”
“I might.” Jared drained his coffee, stood, and walked to the sink. “I’ll get back to you tonight.”
Vena watched Thia’s gaze squint, then widen, as she gaped at Jared’s muscled physique covered with less-than-GQ attire. She had to bite back a giggle. If she wasn’t mistaken, her sister had been hit with a serious case of lust at first sight.
“So, Thia, when should we schedule the gathering?” Finn leaned until his chest pressed against Vena’s back. “Thia?”
Her head whipped around and she blinked. “Um, I’ll get a copy of the meeting agenda and check for a gap between events.” She paced, her heels clicking on the linoleum floor. “Or better yet, I’ll schedule it opposite a traditional event everyone goes to only because their attendance is expected. That’ll be a real test.”
“Wait. Let’s not offend anyone right off the bat,” Finn urged. “Show me a copy of the agenda before you reserve a room. Remember, we have to consult with Edwards and Burtell before we spend a dime.”
Thia waved a hand. “Yes, Finn, I know. Do I have the go-ahead?”
“Don’t finalize any arrangements until I see the schedule.”
“And until you’ve heard from the expert chef.” With a rustle of papers and a flip of her hair, Thia left through the hall, muttering comments that included “expert chef” and “five-star restaurant.”
“Whew, she does make dramatic entrances and exits. She sure didn’t like Jared speaking up.” His hands tugged her against his chest. “You got quiet. What’re you thinking?”
“Is it safe to move now?” Vena’s lips felt tight as she spoke.
Instantly, he released his hold.
Her throat ached from holding back her opinion. She stepped sideways to the counter. Grabbing the coffee carafe, she dumped the remaining few ounces and set it aside. She busied herself with filling one side of the sink with hot, sudsy water and gathering the dishes to be washed.
“What’s wrong?” Finn’s voice was close behind her ear.
“Nothing. Why?”
“Am I getting the silent treatment? I noticed your neck was tense again by the time Thia left the room. Didn’t you enjoy my massage?” He slid a curl from her stand-up lace collar, running a finger along its edge. “This is the most frustrating outfit you’ve worn. I want to touch you, but you’re too covered up.”
Vena attacked the coffee mugs and tried to piece together her jumbled thoughts. The arrangements for this cocktail party made his political plans sound definite. And she couldn’t live with that.
For the same reason, she couldn’t leave because this gathering might be the event that turned him away from that same future. She had to be here if that happened. Then he’d see they could plan their future together. At least, that’s how things would be if she were writing the script.
“Vena, are you going to answer me?” He leaned his hips against the counter and crossed his arms.
“Are you sure this cocktail party is a good idea?”
“I do. Mainly because you suggested it.”
What? Her eyes shot wide. “Me?”
“You’re the one who said we should take me to the cattlemen.”
She blinked to fight back hot tears. “Yeah, I did say that.” Me and my stupid big mouth.
****
Hearing defeat in her tone, Finn turned Vena toward him and examined her eyes. What was so wrong? Both hands cupped her face, and he gave her a gentle kiss. “Tell me.” He felt her strain to move away but held his grip firm, waiting for a response.
With a twist of her head, she broke off the gaze and glanced down.
He saw moisture along her lash lines and ached to know what she was feeling.
“This party scares me—”
“Vena, that’s—”
“Let me finish…please. You’ve seen me in front of a crowd. Saying I don’t do well is an understatement—I freeze up.” She shook her head. “How can I possibly act as hostess?”
“We’ll hire out the job.” He rubbed the back of his knuckles across her cheek.
“Why would you want me there? Every time you turn around, Finn, I’m messing things up for you.” Her head jerked.
He released her, but not because he wanted to.
Vena moved to the table and grasped the top of a chair. “You come here for peace to think through a decision. Instead, you get a friend who barges her way in and is suspected of being on the brink of a nervous breakdown. You ask for quiet, and I interrupt a meeting with your backers, throwing a pall over your All-American image. You listen to my problems with my museum work and end up bailing me out of jail. You drive me to a demonstration I’ve called—in a drunken craze, I might add—against police brutality, and you end up on the evening news supporting streetwalkers.” She paused to catch her breath. “Shall I go on?”
When she related the past week in that light, maybe the woman had a point. Since her arrival, she had turned his life upside down and backward. Something that, a month ago, would have bothered the hell out of him. But didn’t. “You left out the best one.”
“Really?” Her voice was disbelieving. “Which one was that?”
With long strides, he closed the distance between them. “When the reporter accused us of having an affair, pardon me—an illicit relationship.” He slid his hands around her waist and locked them. “We came back to The Shamrocks and started one. Always did figure I ought to be enjoying the rewards of whatever I was getting in trouble for.”
Raising her arms to his neck, she smiled. “That sounds like a real politician’s answer—sure to please anybody. Is it the truth?”
Rather than speak, he let a kiss be his answer. With his lips, he demonstrated the depth of what was in his heart. Being with Vena was easy, maybe because they’d known each other for so long. He didn’t have to act to meet someone else’s standard. He’d allowed himself to dream again about a life that included his passion for historic buildings.
His arms tightened and he broke off the kiss. “I want you there, Vena. You give me confidence. I need you.” He closed his eyes and inhaled the scent of her perfume, wondering when she’d become so important in his life. “Just stay close beside me and look beautiful.”
“I don’t know. That last part sounds like an impossibility.” She played with the edge of his shirt.
Tamping down the sensations her tickling fingers aroused, he lifted her chin with a finger and gazed into her eyes. Did the discovery of his true feelings show? “Stop saying that. I think you’re beautiful. Being there would mean a lot to me.”
“Only if you promise I won’t have to stand before the group and talk.”
“All right.” He lifted her by the waist and spun in circles. “This will be great. You’ll see, everything will work out. And I promise, no speeches.”
****
Two days later, Vena returned to The Shamrocks after a long walk through town. Her ideas for the vignettes had finally come together, and she’d created several scenarios. Once back in Los Angeles, she’d fill in the final clothing details from the museum’s selection of photographs.
Los Angeles…so different and so far from Dry Creek. Her stomach knotted, and she quickly shoved that thought far away. Leaving Finn was not something she wanted to consider.
Plans for the cocktail party cut into her private ti
me with Finn. Instead of faking enthusiasm for an event which threatened to divide them forever, she’d dedicated her energies to writing the vignettes. Passages from Minnie’s journal were pure inspiration. Vena had poured her concerns about their relationship onto the pages until her workspace disappeared under sheaves of typed copy. More scenes than she could possibly use for the museum project.
Vena opened the front door and stepped into the entryway. “Finn? You here? Thia?”
No one answered, so she tromped upstairs, booted feet clumping on the stairway runner. Her bedroom door was ajar, and she pushed it fully open.
Thia lay on the bed, reading the typewritten papers spread out on the antique quilt.
The scene was reminiscent of their growing-up years. “Hey.” Seeing Thia going through her things riled Vena, and she fought to keep her voice calm. “What are you doing?”
Thia sat up and shook the papers. “Elfie, did you write this?”
Elfie? Vena stilled, too shocked to answer. Her sister hadn’t used her nickname in years.
Thia scanned the top paper, her gaze skimming down the page, and shifted one sheet to the back. “What is this? A short story?”
With a snap, Vena recovered her wits and crossed the room. She grabbed the papers from the bed and the floor, stacking them any which way she could. “What are you doing in my room? This is private—” She hesitated, fighting to keep anger from tainting her words. Pulling the pages from Thia’s hands would be too rude. “Go ahead and laugh. Like always.”
“What do you mean like always?” Thia’s eyes widened, and her lips rounded. “When have I laughed?”
“When I hid in Nana’s attic and wrote stories.”
“That was ages ago. We were what…eight or nine?” She waved a manicured hand in the air. “You know kids can be mean.”
“Even sisters,” Vena whispered through tight lips. Maybe that behavior was only a childhood thing, but her reaction had continued into adulthood. She slumped into the chair and ran a hand through her hair. “I’m sorry I yelled. Maybe I’m not ready to show this to anyone.”
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