After the hike, Jack drives back into town to a little converted house called 9th Street Bistro. We sit outside at a table and share artichoke dip, and we each get our own salad. While we wait for our food, Jack reaches over and holds my hand. It’s a small gesture, but I love it.
Our relationship – if you can call it that – has been so unusual. With all our near misses, I made sure to give him my phone number when we first reconnected at the coffee shop. I never want us to be unable to reach each other again.
Our time here had that rocky start, so it was only two days ago – when we went to dinner for pizza – that we somehow crossed a line. We both seem to feel comfortable showing regular gestures of affection. I feel like something is unraveling inside me, like a knot I didn’t know had been bound up is now unfurling and blowing free. I’ve never had a successful relationship. Even though my parents doted on me, my romantic relationships have been a series of unfortunate events. Jack is so very different. I finally feel like I may have found my match.
“So I am still dying to know where we are going that requires I have a swimsuit with me.” I’m trying to pry the details out of him even though I love a good surprise.
“Wouldn’t you like to know? You will soon enough.” I actually love that he’s planned yet another perfect day and this time every detail is unfolding like unwrapping a present.
We drive from the bistro back toward the Gallat-Inn.
“This is the way back to my inn. Have you had enough of me and decided to take me home early?” I look at him with a little teasing in my glance.
“As tempting as it would be to take you to an inn, I am a gentleman, and I’m going to keep our relationship properly paced. I’m taking you somewhere in public, so I don’t do anything I ought not.”
Oh, my. I feel the heat flood my face at his words. I picture Jack taking me to my hotel room. Yep. A public place is good.
We pass the inn and end up at Bozeman Hot Springs. I’ve passed here plenty of times during my stay but never checked it out.
“The hot springs! I’ve been dying to come here.”
“Well, I’m glad I get to be the one to bring you first. Let’s get into our bathing suits in the dressing rooms and meet out by the pools.”
I step out of the women’s dressing room and see Jack waiting for me. Jack in a swimsuit does not disappoint, and from the way he slowly surveys me from my toes to the top of my head and back down again, I’m guessing he’s thinking the same about me. We make our way to one of the warmer pools, step in and move to a more private spot away from other guests.
As we slip down into the water, Jack suddenly pulls me onto his lap and gives me a soft kiss. Then, just as quickly, he lifts me off and sets me on the bench beside him, but he doesn’t stop touching me. He bends in and lightly moves his mouth against the skin just behind my ear, breathing softly along my hairline. He trails tender kisses down a sensitive area on my neck. Chills explode across my body.
I feel so treasured, like he’s taking his time to show me every feeling he can’t express in words. I close my eyes. I have never felt this kind of warmth and tingling and he’s not stopping. He slowly kisses my shoulder in a few places, lingering with each delicate kiss like he plans to do this all evening. Then his lips move back to my neck, the stubble on his chin causing goosebumps to raise in the wake of every spot he touches.
He slowly pulls away but leaves his arm draped around my shoulder. I feel simultaneously euphoric and disappointed. I know he’s restraining himself and I appreciate it. He has made me feel like the center of his world today. I lean back and let the steam rise around us. The jets soothe my muscles. Every place our skin touches, I feel electric. The current travels in tiny jolts through my body. I rest into him and we sit quietly letting the water evaporate all our tension.
After the hot springs, we change back into our clothes and meet at the car. Jack asks me, “Would you rather eat supper, grab ice cream, or both?”
I feel like a kid as I say, “Let’s have ice cream for supper!” We head to Main Street, as relaxed as I’ve felt in months after the hike and the soak, and all the sweet attention Jack has given me today. We get cones at Sweet Peaks on Main and walk around eating ice cream together.
“So, what’s your next shoot? Is it Yellowstone?” Jack steps closer to me as a couple passes us on the sidewalk.
“Yes, that’s next. We leave Monday. Then I’ll take a few days to hang at the inn to do editing and send some work to the publisher that is compiling a book of my photos. Then I have a trip to the Nez Perce Reservation to take some shots of the local tribe there at the end of next week and a few other minor shoots.”
“You stay busy, don’t you?”
“We do.” I lick my cone and smile at Jack.
“Well, I hope you have time to fit me in a little between all that.” He gives me a look full of unassuming desire that makes me want to cancel all my shoots and spend the next week with him.
“I’ll make time.” I smile up at him.
He leans in and kisses me when I say that. I plan to get very used to being kissed by Jack Anders.
chapter sixteen
Jack
Katrina and I drive back to the inn after our ice cream supper. I don’t hesitate like I did two days ago. Tonight, I feel an open invitation from Katrina. She wants this as much as I do. We get to the top of the stairs and I put my arm around her waist. As though we had practiced a dance, she automatically loops her arms around my neck. She stares into my eyes and as much as I want to kiss her deeply right then, I pause, drinking in the depth and calm reflecting back to me.
My voice is gravelly as I ask, “So, did I surprise you, Katrina Bradshaw?”
We’re still staring intently at each other, speaking volumes with our eyes. Her lips lift in that teasing way and she says, “Are you going to kiss me, or what, Jack Anders?”
I answer, “Always, Katrina ...” and I move in and brush my lips so lightly against hers it tickles and my lips buzz as I pull back. I drop my hand from her waist and say, “Goodnight. Katrina.”
She looks pouty and a little disappointed. I can’t help but laugh out loud, and she playfully swats my arm, “Jack, that was no goodnight kiss and you know it.”
“Oh, well then, why don’t you school me in a proper goodnight kiss?”
And she does. She steps forward and loops her hands behind my neck. When I bend a little toward her, she weaves her fingers through the hair at the back of my head and pulls me the rest of the way in. She kisses me with warmth and passion and everything she has.
She takes charge of this kiss and I know she’s telling me something. She’s not only breaking her man-fast. This goes deeper. Katrina is giving me her trust and a chance to prove she can have something other than the awful guys who have hurt or devalued her.
I respond. Taking over. Yes, her kiss leveled me and made me heady. I want her to know I hear her heart and I won’t take her for granted. My kiss assures her I know how to give her what she needs, and I will never take this precious, fiery, tender woman for granted.
I don’t know how long we stand on the porch kissing. We both look ruffled and content when we slowly separate. We gaze at one another with our eyelids hooded. My arms are still around her waist and her arms remain on my shoulders.
When I finally speak, I say, “Well, now. I consider myself schooled.”
“Mmm hmmm. Well, goodnight, Jack.” She gives me a drowsy and contented grin.
I lean over and place a light kiss on her temple. “Goodnight, Katrina.”
I take the stairs two at a time and turn around to wink at her as she heads back into the inn for the night.
We don’t seem to be dancing around the idea of what we have together anymore. I’m pretty sure her man-fast is ancient history. I felt like a different man today. I flirted and had fun with Katrina and was completely myself, but even more. And she fed off my flirting with a healthy dose of her own. If you could bottle the tension between
us it could be used to set off rockets. This day turned out to be all I had hoped for and more.
When I get home, I hatch a plan. I have to see Katrina again soon. Leaving her at the inn twenty minutes ago has me feeling an urge to jump in my car and go back for one more goodnight kiss, or even to just sit on the porch swing with her head on my shoulders as we look across the plains into the night.
Katrina told me she plans to go to Yellowstone on Monday and Tuesday. I’m thinking I can juggle my schedule and ask Bryce and Betty to manage things for me so I can tag along on Katrina’s trip. I’m going to text Katrina to make the suggestion and if she says it sounds good, I’ll contact Caleb to see if we can pop by once we’re in the area. He might be able to show Katrina around and give her tips on some less-known photo ops in Yellowstone. I won’t push my presence on this trip, but I really hope she says yes.
I am for sure going to let her know after we get back from Yellowstone that Ferris Wheel Coffee is mine. I live here now. I want to make what we have work – even if it has to be long distance. I am pretty sure from her reaction to me today that she is feeling the same as I am. If she is, ending this now won’t be an option. I’ll ask her out to supper Wednesday after the Yellowstone trip – after I close the shop early that day. Then I’ll reveal everything.
I pick up my phone to text her and ask what she thinks:
Jack: Hey, Katrina. Another perfect day with you. I hope you had as much fun as I did.
Katrina: It was wonderful. You surprised me in the best of ways. Any man who takes me to ice cream for supper has won my heart for good.
Jack: Wow. If I had only known sooner. ;) … and what do you mean any man?
Katrina: Okay, not any man. Just a certain man.
Jack: Do I know him? Is he tall, dark, handsome, and an amazing kisser?
Katrina: Sounds like you might know him. ;) He needed a little lesson in a proper good night kiss, but I took care of that.
Jack: You most certainly did. So, I was wondering, and feel free to say no ... You know I mentioned my brother is on fire patrol inside Yellowstone. I have things to do tomorrow and Sunday, but I could get time away to go with you to Yellowstone if it wouldn’t cramp your style. I’d really like more time with you. I’m sure Caleb could clue you in on some great places to get shots in the park. Plus, if we stop by his station you’ll be entertained for sure. Those guys are like visiting a frat house minus the kegs.
Katrina: … … … … … …
I’m sitting here watching those three dots on my phone screen wondering what Katrina is going to say. Maybe I was too forward. I can’t really back out. I hope I didn’t overstep and freak her out. I’m feeling so comfortable with her I have lost my usual caution and restraint. I don’t want to move too fast, but something about her makes me hit the gas pedal.
Katrina: Oh, Jack! Can you? Are you really available to do that? I would love to have you come. Plus, after all your funny stories about Caleb, I’m pretty sure I have to meet him now.
Jack: He’s going to love you. Just make sure you remember which brother is worth breaking a man-fast for – hint: it’s the older one. I’m glad you want me to come.
I’ll call Caleb now and get things set up. It’s fire season, so as long as he’s not out on a fire, we’re good to go. What time were you and Michael planning to head out on Monday?
If we add in a stop at Caleb’s we could work in lunch there. Firemen love to cook, and those men will want to impress you with their culinary prowess for sure.
Also, if Michael could text me details of the accommodations for Monday night, I’ll get myself a room in the same place you are staying if there are openings.
Katrina: Actually, Michael and I obviously always get our own separate rooms and his has two kings, so you can share his bedroom if you’re okay with that. He’s chill. I know he won’t mind.
Jack: Great. I’m going to be thinking of you this weekend. I especially might be thinking of how you looked with your head leaning back on my arm in the hot springs … or maybe I’ll be thinking of the view when I walked behind you on the trail … or maybe I’ll be hearing your laugh in my mind … or maybe I’ll fall asleep thinking of the way silence lingers in between us in such a comfortable way … I might have to review all the finer points of goodnight kissing … so many options. It’s like a Katrina playlist.
Katrina: Goodness, Jack. You sound like you need an antidote of some sort. You’re making me blush.
Jack: Another thing to add to the playlist: picturing that adorable pink flush growing across Katrina’s cheeks.
Katrina: Sweet man. I don’t even know what to say to you. Go take a cold shower and call your brother. You made my day so special. I’ll see you Monday. I’m grateful you’re reaching out to Caleb to help me arrange things.
Jack: Always, Katrina.
Katrina: Jack. You have no idea. I’d better go. I’m looking forward to Monday.
Jack: Missing me already? I could come over and kiss you goodnight, I had some lessons tonight and I think I’ve got this thing down pat ...
Katrina: Don’t tempt me. I have to get some sleep. I’ll see you after the weekend.
When we hang up, Katrina sends me a series of silly and serious selfies where she’s sitting in one of the chairs in her hotel room. In my favorite shot she’s slightly ruffled and her face looks content. She has the sweetest smile on her face. I have this thought that I want to see that look on her face every night before I go to bed for the rest of my life. I’m done for.
* * *
I arrive at the Gallat-Inn at 10 a.m. We should get to Caleb’s station around noon since it is right outside the entrance to the park. Michael opens the trunk of their rental car so I can stash my luggage. I hop in the back seat behind Michael so I can have a clear view of Katrina whenever she turns to talk to me.
Katrina waves her hands and bounces as she tells us, “I had the best idea!”
“What is it, Katrina?” Michael seems very accustomed to Katrina’s enthusiasm.
“It came to me last night! I can do a piece on Montana firefighters totally separate from the book project we’re working on. I can submit it to the Times or even the Bozeman Chronicle or any number of other sites. Otherwise, I’ll feature it on my website.” She sits back, contentedly.
A smile breaks across my lips. “That sounds great, Kat. I love how your mind works. Your job is so suited to your spontaneous creativity. I’m sure Caleb and the guys will be happy to do what they can. I texted him this morning. As far as they know, they’re not on a fire ‘til tomorrow.” I couldn’t be happier. Katrina’s exuberance fills every space with hope and a sense of adventure. How did I live before I met her?
I didn’t quite count on the way it would feel to travel with all three of us. I wouldn’t call it awkward, but I am missing the flirtation we share when we’re alone and the little glances we send one another. If it were the two of us, I’d hold her hand while I drove and rest our clasped hands together between us. I’ll just text her from the back seat because I don’t want to embarrass Michael:
Jack: Hey, beautiful. I’m sitting here thinking what I would be doing differently if it were just the two of us.
Katrina: Jack, that’s not fair to Michael ... but what would you be doing?
Jack: I like Michael. Just the things I would want to do would make him feel very left out.
Katrina giggles. Michael gives her a little look. She looks at him a little sheepishly, as though to say, “What?”
Katrina: You’re getting me in trouble up here.
Jack: Ok. I’ll behave. Let’s make plans for the next time I’ll see you after we leave Yellowstone.
Katrina: I’m meeting Mindy for a mid-morning brunch on Wednesday, and then I have to do some editing. The rest of the week is editing and other behind the scenes work. We’ll hang at the Inn to get that work done. Then I have a shoot at the Kootenai swinging bridge. What did you have in mind?
Jack: How about supper at the
Chinese place downtown Wednesday evening – around 6:00 p.m.?
Katrina: How can I say no to a man who took me out to ice cream for supper? It’s a yes.
Jack: She said yes! She said yes! … Oh, wait that text was for Caleb. ;)
Katrina: Ha. I will say yes to you whenever I can Jack Anders. Within reason, mind you.
Jack: Reason is overrated, Katrina Bradshaw.
Katrina: Says Mr. Reasonable. I’d better go. Michael is looking at me wondering why I’m texting and grinning … and the whole point of us texting is to not make him feel like the third wheel. I’m so totally looking forward to Wednesday night. I love looking forward to time with you, Jack.
Jack: I may just need some more of those lessons too …
Katrina: You are incorrigible.
I stop texting. She’s right. Michael is giving her some sideways glances. Having spent the last three years as wingman, third wheel, and obligatory plus one, I know how uncomfortable he could feel if we’re insensitive about our interactions around him.
Anyway, I achieved my goal. Katrina and I are having dinner Wednesday. I’m going to tell her about Ferris Wheel Coffee then. She needs to know, and we need to be able to plan forward together. The timing hasn’t been right, but I know it is now. At this point, I’d tell her on this trip, but with Michael here, we won’t really have enough time alone to have that conversation.
We’ll need more time than if I were simply sharing the facts with her. I want to navigate the details of what this means for us together. Before she came up here, I only wanted to let her know how she had inspired me. Now I want to make a relationship work with Katrina. That’s not something I can merely say in a few passing moments. We’ll have our date Wednesday. Then I can tell her.
We approach the fire station at lunchtime. The building is a bit older, looks like part of a summer camp. A bunch of firemen are out front kicking around a soccer ball. They stop when they see us pull in. Katrina steps out first. The guys take one look at her and it’s like someone hung a steak over the tiger exhibit at the zoo.
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