“We’re not. They’re swarming around Nicholas, my partner, like mosquitos. Can I have that car?”
“No. I’m not about to take a babe on a date in that piece of crap.” He nodded toward the tank. “Speaking of which, Emma is waiting. I’m outta here.”
Mel grinned and waved until Alex disappeared around a corner. As she headed out of town in the tank, she heard sirens in the distance and thought of Jordan. Lust churned through her so she tried not to think of him as she headed up the hill toward the cabin.
A blur of dirty light-colored fur shot out in front of her. She slammed on the brakes and skidded past it. The car stopped, and the motor died. A glance in the rearview mirror showed the creature motionless on the side of the road, hunkered down and staring at the car. The dog, probably a stray, remained motionless, but something moved down the road, and her heart sank. Another one?
She twisted to look out the rear window. Not another stray, a coyote. Two more slunk out of the woods, looking from the car to the dog and back again. She started the car, put it in reverse, and slammed on the gas. Alex’s pile of junk hiccupped. Finally, it started to creep backward.
“Come on,” she begged. “Hurry!”
The car rolled slowly down the hill. The coyotes watched and paced.
Afraid she’d be too late, she slammed it into park and jumped out. “Go on,” she yelled, waving her arms as she ran at them. “Get out of here!”
They disappeared into the woods, but she didn’t stop until she reached the dog. Doleful brown eyes stared at her. Mud covered its entire shaking body. The tail started to thump then it—she—rolled onto her back. Mel’s eyes watered. The dog had a run-in with a skunk. The poor thing was about four months old and looked part Labrador, and part everything else. She reached down, and the dog tentatively licked her hand.
“Come on. Let’s go.” She patted her leg, but the dog didn’t move. Mel walked backwards toward the car, calling and patting, but the dog only got to her feet. Whistling didn’t work either, so she grabbed the peanut butter sandwich she’d forgotten to eat for lunch and tossed half on the road. The dog snatched it and looked for more. Mel tossed the rest into the back seat. The dog jumped in and scarfed the sandwich, so hungry she didn’t even notice the car door closing.
The stench made Mel’s eyes water, so she rolled down the windows and drove to the cabin. She’d seen too many dogs dumped on the side of the road when she was growing up. Each one broke her heart. Why would people abandon them in the woods instead of taking them to the shelter? Maybe they thought abandoning them was more humane, but they didn’t see the poor things starving, or suffering from dehydration, or with a face full of porcupine quills.
As kids, they’d begged to bring each one home, but Mom forbade it. Mel couldn’t blame her. Not after an ugly Collie-mix attacked Sara when she was fourteen, knocking her off the neighbor’s horse. Mel had never seen Mick move so fast, but he pinned the dog before it got Sara. She thought of her niece and nephew, of the risks of an unknown dog. A glance in the rearview mirror showed the puppy, head out the window and her tongue lolling out in a doggy grin.
Mel turned the car around and headed back to town for peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap to make her mother’s skunk smell remedy. By the time she got to the grocery store, the dog was asleep on the back seat. Mel was sure she smelled almost as bad as the dog, but there was nothing she could do about it. She left the windows down and went inside.
While she was there, she stocked up on dog food, puppy toys, treats, and a dog bed. It was just her luck that she while she was stuck in the checkout line, and making everyone’s eyes water, Jordan walked in. Their gazes met, and he headed toward her, a determined look on his face. She could see the instant he caught a whiff of the stench, because he slowed, his face scrunched up, and he blinked rapidly.
“Can I help you?” The cashier, a young man she’d never seen, spoke rapidly, as if he wanted to get her out of the store as fast as he could.
Mel shook her head at Jordan, trying to tell him to stay away, and turned her attention to unloading her cart on the conveyer. Without looking back, she checked out and escaped to her car. The puppy had her head stuck out the driver’s side window, and when she saw Mel her entire face went into that happy, adoring look only puppies can manage. That alone made Mel feel the whole episode, including seeing Jordan while she stank to high heaven, was worth the embarrassment.
Back at the cabin, she unloaded her supplies, then carried the puppy into the bathroom and put her in the tub. Then she got in and bathed them both, while the puppy snapped at the bubbles and running water. Mel giggled as they played tug-of-war with the washcloth. It’d been a long time since she’d laughed like that.
Later, she let the puppy, now a creamy white, sleep on the new dog bed while Mel cleaned the stench from the car with a towel dipped in the skunk remedy. She didn’t know what to do with the puppy. When she bought the cabin, she’d been able to rationalize the decision because she could sell it. She’d have to fix it up, but she might even make a profit. It was a house. A residence. Something easily bought and sold. No strings attached. Not like a dog.
All sorts of messy emotions rose up inside her. Belonging to someone, having someone, even a dog, depend on her was daunting and a little scary. She glanced at her watch and realized how late it was. She’d have to decide what to do with the puppy later. Anna was due in ten minutes to help Mel figure out what to wear to the reunion.
She walked into the bedroom and sighed. The invitation said formal, dammit.
Julia offered to take her shopping, but that’d be as fun as having the flu so Mel declined. Julia swore she had a missing chromosome. Mel hated phony storefronts, irritating salespeople and beautiful clothes that never fit. The only fancy thing she now owned was a silky black dress that arrived from Denver with the rest of her stuff. Julia gave it to her last Christmas, and Mel had never mustered the courage to try it on. The neckline was low, the hem high. The slit in the back would reveal things best left hidden, but right now, Mel didn’t have many options. The thin spaghetti straps didn’t offer much support, but then she didn’t need it.
A knock sounded at the front door. Anna was right on time.
“Is this too revealing?” Mel asked as she pulled the door open. She tried to hike up the front since it barely covered her nipples.
“Absolutely not,” replied an amused, perfectly cultured, male voice.
Chapter Twelve
Mel froze and stared at the shiny black shoes. Slowly, she lifted her gaze to the expensive charcoal gray slacks and took in the matching jacket draped over an arm. A gray silk shirt slid over a slight belly bulge, and was topped with a maroon necktie, a smooth, shaved jaw, and familiar green eyes. Sebastian, the professional businessman she’d bailed out of trouble, had gained at least thirty pounds. The date she was counting on had also shaved his head. Not even a macho, tough guy kind of bald, because his head was flat on top. If she wasn’t mistaken, the edge of an intricate tattoo showed around the curve of his neck.
Oh, hell. She was going to have to sing, then move out of Cedar Valley.
“Just kill me now and get it over with,” she muttered.
“Nice to see you, too.” Sebastian’s perfect voice was filled with humor.
“You might as well come in.” When his gaze lingered on the low neckline of her dress, she clamped her forearm over her chest.
Sebastian smiled, his teeth shining white enough for a toothpaste commercial. “Happy to.” He followed her inside and closed the door behind him.
“What happened to your hair?”
He rubbed a hand over his hairless head. “A new look I’m trying out. What do you think?” With a grin, he turned just enough for her to see the head of a blue and red dragon tattooed on his neck.
“I think I’m screwed.”
“Sounds like fun.”
She rolled her eyes. “Forget it. What are you doing here? The reunion isn’t until tomorrow.”
“
I found myself in the vicinity. You look,” he paused, his eyes traveling from her shoes to the mismatched earrings she’d been trying to decide on. “Eclectic. I’ve never seen you like this.”
“I’ve been in disguise. Like you.” Why was he here? No one just happened to be in the Valley because I-90 went to Cedar Valley or Eastern Washington. It also led to hiking trails, but Sebastian wasn’t the outdoorsy type. He was the testosterone type, though, and from the gleam in his eye, she figured he planned to get lucky. Even with that ugly tattoo and shaved head.
How could she win with a date that landed somewhere between a business professional and a thug? Maybe she could go with a Mafia theme, or dress him up like a boxer, except he didn’t have enough muscle. She studied his shape, his face, and decided how to broach the subject of a wig.
With a little yip, the now wide-awake puppy sprinted toward them. Mel took a quick step so the puppy crashed into her instead of Sebastian.
“I’m allergic to dogs.” His top lip curled. “Can you get rid of it?”
“No, but I can put her in the bedroom. I’ll be right back.” While the puppy investigated the pile of clothes on the floor, Mel changed into navy blue sweats and wiped off her makeup. She came out to find Sebastian studying the walls with distaste.
“It’s a tribute to the disco era. What are you really doing here?”
“I said—”
“You lied. No one just happens to be in Cedar Valley.”
A sheepish grin spread across his face. “I wanted to see you. I know our date is scheduled for tomorrow, but I thought...” He gave an elegant shrug. It wasn’t hard to fill in the blank.
“Think again. Do you have a wig?” she asked. He looked horrified. “Crap. Never mind. I’ll figure out something.” She ran her fingers through her own hair and paced.
“What’s the big deal? It’s a high school reunion. Do you have anything to drink?” he asked.
“No.”
“Good thing I’m prepared.” A bottle of wine appeared from beneath his jacket. “I’ll pour.”
“Wine gives me a headache.”
“This won’t. You’ll love it.” He slipped around her to go into the kitchen. A minute later, he came out with two cups, one sporting Buzz Lightyear, the other Sponge Bob. “A shame to serve wine in these, but they’re all I could find.”
“They belong to my nephew.” She ignored the cup he held out. How could she get rid of him and still convince him to wear a wig tomorrow? She had a sinking feeling even that wouldn’t be enough to win.
A second later, the puppy raced out of the bedroom and right through Sebastian’s legs as he took a step. He stumbled. Buzz and Sponge Bob went flying. Wine splashed everywhere. Lurid red streams trickled down Sebastian’s shirt. He looked at Mel in shock, like she’d just said his latest investment was a complete sham. Topped with that smarmy self-confidence, bald head, and tattoo, the guy was a picture of contradictions. So much so, that Mel felt the giggle bubble up.
“Sorry,” she said with a muffled laugh. She looked at the puppy and could have sworn she saw a doggy grin. Right then Mel named her Charm, short for Good Luck Charm.
“I do not believe this.” He spat every word as he unbuttoned shirt.
“What are you doing?”
“This needs to be rinsed before the wine sets.”
When he took the shirt off, Mel couldn’t help but compare his chest to the version of Jordan’s she’d created in her head. Unlike the pasty white skin in front of her, Jordan’s chest would be tanned from working shirtless at his farmhouse, and sprinkled with dark hairs. Instead of barely-there mini-muscles, Jordan’s would be solid and strong.
“What do you have to remove the wine?” Sebastian held his shirt out.
Rather than take it, she tossed him the dishtowel she’d left on the table. “Soap.”
“If you don’t have club soda, soap will have to do.” With obvious effort, he pulled himself together. “By the way, did I tell you I won The Most Excellent Kisser Award?”
“Really? I’ve never heard of that.”
He smiled. “Just a little contest the ladies had at my new office downtown. Would you like a sample?”
“No. I don’t like kissing,” she lied. In her experience, kissing was the best part.
A knock sounded at the front door. Charm ran to it, barking furiously as she hopped back and forth.
“Come in,” she called, expecting Anna.
The door opened and Officer Roger Stone, in full cop uniform, stood in the doorway. Sebastian, still shirtless, walked forward with his hand outstretched and that smarmy smile on his face. Officer Stone took a long look and lifted an eyebrow before shaking hands. He looked so much like Jordan, Mel’s heart skipped a beat.
Roger stepped aside to let another officer come in, a young man with a square face. “Excuse us, ma’am, sir,” he said in a hesitant tone. “I’m Officer Cunningham. One of your neighbors reported a prowler, so we’re notifying the residents in the area. Have you seen anything suspicious?”
She thought about Mick and discarded the idea because he’d come in the front door. They stared at her, waiting for an answer. “No, I haven’t.”
“You have to love small towns,” Sebastian said. “Police still make house calls. How quaint.”
“Uh, yeah,” the officer said. “Call 911 if you see anything suspicious. Sorry for the interruption.” He went outside, pushed the puppy back inside, and closed the door.
“The police stop by often?” Sebastian asked as he followed her into the kitchen.
Leaning against the counter, she gave him a resolute look. “I’m not going to sleep with you, Sebastian. I made no reference to sex when I called, and I’m not offering it. You need to leave.”
“I’m not dressed.” He gestured to his bare chest.
“You brought a jacket. Wear it.”
His jaw tightened, stretching the skin on his bald head. Then he shoved his silk shirt in the sink and reached to turn on the faucet. As he touched the handle, she saw the rubber band. She jumped forward, ready to shout a warning, but it was too late. He turned it on and water shot from the sprayer onto his stomach.
“Shit!” He jumped back, arching away from the water. He slammed the handle down to shut it off, his stomach sucked in so tight she could see every one of his ribs. Water dribbled down, soaking the front of his pants. “What in the blazing hell is wrong with you?”
“I tried to warn you. My brother—”
He didn’t wait for her to finish. Face livid, he stormed out of the kitchen. The front door slammed. An instant later, she heard the spray of gravel.
Leave it to Alex, she thought as she peeled off the rubber band. He’d ruined any chance she had of talking Sebastian into going to the reunion. Or, maybe he’d saved her from disaster.
****
“You dumped Sebastian?” Anna’s voice squeaked, something Mel had never heard, even at eight in the morning. From the looks they were getting, neither had anyone else at Starbucks.
“I didn’t dump him. It was more like a series of unfortunate accidents.” She gave Anna the double-shot latte she’d ordered. “Here. Work on this while I explain.”
Anna didn’t say a word while Mel explained what happened.
“What black dress?” Anna asked.
“The one Julia gave me last Christmas. Silky and short, thin spaghetti straps.”
Anna looked confused then burst into laughter.
“What’s so funny?”
Anna laughed until tears trickled down her cheeks. “Oh, that’s worth being pulled out of bed at this ungodly hour. Even on a Saturday.” She leaned back in her chair, wiped her eyes with a napkin, and regarded Mel with an expression of combined pity and amusement. “It’s not a dress. Julia bought you a negligee.”
“You’re kidding.” Even as she said it, she realized Anna was right. No wonder it’d felt so good.
“I’m sure it could pass for a dress. In France.” Anna roared with laughter,
bending over and holding her stomach. When she could talk again, her expression sobered. “Now what?”
“I was hoping you might have an idea,” Mel said with her best wheedling look.
“What about the boss-man at your office?”
“He’s in Oregon. With his girlfriend.”
“Bummer. Would Sebastian would go if you begged?”
“Not a chance. And with the shaved head, I’d lose the bet.”
“What if you wore the black underwear? No,” Anna said, chuckling at Mel’s scowl, “I guess not. You should take Jordan.”
“No way.” With the lust running through her just at the mention of his name, she was afraid she might jump him on the way and they’d never make it to the reunion.
“Then we need help. Let’s meet at your place at ten. I’ll bring Julia. See if you can find Alex. Sara will be at the store, so after we’re done solving your problems, we can finalize the plans for the big surprise you’re planning.”
Mel smiled. “I hope we sell enough to make her head spin.”
An hour later, Mel leaned against the wall, scowling as Alex teased the puppy with cheese puffs. A few minutes later, Anna and Julia arrived.
“I need help,” Mel said.
“Give us the details.” Julia sat on the old couch. “We’ll come up with something.”
Mel paced while she recounted what happened with Sebastian. She left out the part about the black dress. “If I lose, I have to sing. And leave Cedar Valley.”
“No one can make you leave,” Julia said. “Not even if you lose the bet.”
“We’ll think of something,” Anna said. “Julia, do you have anyone she could take? Knock out body, witty, and all that?”
“I can think of a few people, but I’d have to check. What time’s the reunion?”
“It starts at seven.”
As Julia took out her cell phone, Anna continued, “Alex—”
“No,” Mel said. “Alex’s friends are dorks. Unless you have new ones?”
“Nope,” Alex shook his head. He wandered the room with the puppy trailing behind him, but his gaze never left Julia.
Through The Window Page 11