by Taylor Hart
Tears formed in her eyes, and she pulled away, running to the hotel. “It will never work!”
24
Walking out of the courtroom, Lily pushed all thoughts of what had happened earlier with Montana out of her mind. She’d been trying to push Montana out of her mind all day. On the plane ride to Billings and during the trial.
Brad took her hand and let out a whoop, lifting his laptop case into the air. “We did it!”
She nodded, a satisfied grin spreading across her face. “We did it.”
Jared Carter’s mother had been awarded full custody, and the courts had allowed only chaperoned visits with his father until Jared was eighteen. To top it off, the mother had to approve of the visits, so if the father didn’t behave, he didn’t get access to Jared. It was the best-case scenario. She felt good about that.
Brad tugged her toward his car. “I’ve made reservations at your favorite Italian restaurant downtown. How does that sound?”
“Perfect.”
They got to his car, and Brad held the door for her, gently kissing her on the cheek. “I’m glad you’re here.”
Lily slipped into the car and wondered if she should tell Brad what had happened. Honestly, she wasn’t sure about her own reaction to Montana, and she didn’t know how she would explain it.
Brad pulled out of the parking spot, glancing her way. “So you’ve had a good couple of days?”
It was obvious he was curious, but he wasn’t outright cross-examining her. Yet. She wondered when the lawyer would come out. She stared out the window. “Yeah.”
He cleared his throat. “I thought about what you said the other night. I pushed you into doing what you’re doing, so it’s not fair to get mad at you.”
Lily couldn’t focus on what he was saying. All she could think about was Montana softly kissing her forehead at the airport and telling her he’d see her in Vegas.
He’d been wearing Hawaiian clothes, a flowered shirt, khaki shorts, flip-flops. His hair had been gelled, so he looked like a complete tourist. Longing went through her, winding its way into her heart. It was strange that eight years later they’d be meeting in Vegas together.
Together.
Well, not really together, but she would be there with him.
But not really with him.
“Lily.” Brad pulled into the restaurant parking garage and rolled down his window to get the parking ticket. “Have you heard anything I’ve said?”
Turning to face him, she knew she had to be honest with him. “Brad, I’m sorry. I think you should just take me home.”
At her townhome, Brad didn’t handle the breakup well. Standing on her front porch, he pinched his lips. “You know we’re perfect together.” He clenched one fist. “I’ll quit the firm too.”
“Brad—”
Putting up his hand, he shook his head. “This is all my fault. I did push you into this. I should never have agreed with the partners on this. I should have fought harder against them.”
It was sweet and sad to see Brad worked up. There had never really been anything for him to fight for.
Her heart had always belonged to Montana. She may not have realized it, but it didn’t mean it wasn’t true. “It’s over, Brad. I’m sorry.”
He stared at her for a couple of moments. Then he turned and took the steps off her porch, whirling back at the bottom. “The only thing I’ll tell you, Lily, is he’s going to break your heart.” His lips trembled. “You’ve never been good at giving too much of yourself. I don’t know if that’s because of him, but I just hope he doesn’t break you completely this time.”
Now, as Lily tossed and turned in bed, all she could think about was Montana.
Her phone buzzed, and she reached for it.
It was from Montana. Can I send a plane for you early? Hot air balloon opening tomorrow morning.
Her heart pounded. It was strange. They were texting. Hesitating, she texted him back. Okay.
Be at airport at six.
Okay.
She leaned back on the pillow and let her mind go back to that fateful night.
They’d been with their group, celebrating their high school graduation. She’d been sitting by Montana, her head on his shoulder. The bonfire was in front of them. Jason had been nursing a drink on her other side.
A bunch of their peers from school and a couple of the girls begged Montana to play. He picked up his guitar, and he played a song she’d never heard before.
His eyes had been intense and only focused on her.
You gave me light, you brought life.
I promise I won’t ever leave you.
I was lost before you and now I’m found.
Take me, give me the rest of your life, and I’ll give you mine.
Every part of her felt the sincerity of his words.
He put the guitar down, and his whole face lit up. Others got up and walked to the cooler to get a drink, and even when they slapped his back and told him good job, he never broke their gaze.
Jason put an arm around her and his other hand on Montana’s shoulder. She turned to him and smiled. She was so happy. They’d just graduated. They had their list, and they were going to change the world.
Jason let them go and wandered off to talk to someone else.
Montana leaned over, kissing her on the ear. Warm chills rushed through her. “We’re going to have it all, Lil. Everything.”
Then she leaned over and kissed his lips, knowing her life would be amazing with him by her side.
When she’d gone home and found her father drunk, everything had changed.
It didn’t take much for her father to beat her. Usually after one good slap, he’d leave her alone, but he seemed especially angry that night.
He chased her, telling her it was her fault for breaking curfew.
Her mother screamed.
She’d run, but he’d grabbed her hair, fire screamed from her skull.
Out the front door, to the front yard, taking off his belt.
Then the pain started. He got her side and back.
Then he left.
Suddenly, she heard more of her mother’s screams.
Forcing herself to stand, she ran. Through the field to Jason’s house.
Quietly, she’d gone up the deck steps and directly to Montana’s room. She tapped gently on the glass.
Then he was there, tugging open the window, frowning as he inspected her face and insisting she lift her shirt and show him. Without saying a word, he’d taken her hand and told her he would beat the crap out of her father.
She’d been so afraid. She’d begged Montana not to do anything.
The look of anger on his face terrified her.
“Take me to the fort.”
Reluctantly, he nodded.
When she climbed behind him on the motorcycle, it was the first time all night she’d felt safe.
When they arrived, he’d held her, stroked her hair, and told her no one would hurt her the rest of her life.
She’d believed him. “Take me away forever, Montana … tomorrow.”
Going still, he’d nodded. “We’ll go to Vegas tomorrow morning and start the rest of our lives. Together.”
Getting up, she picked up her phone and pulled up the only picture she kept on it.
Staring back at her was the picture of a six-year-old little girl wearing a backpack for her first day of school.
Pain seared into her chest, and the crack that had reopened when she’d first seen Montana at his concert now erupted. Magma exploded out in epic proportions.
Her daughter.
She touched the screen.
Their daughter.
Her intense green eyes. Her long, dark hair and sweet crooked smile.
A tear fell down her cheek. Montana would change his mind when he knew about her. She knew it.
She had ripped away his flesh and blood. He’d never forgive her for it.
But he deserved to know.
25
Montana waited at the airport, grinning to himself. Lily was coming to Vegas to be with him.
Well, strike that. Not to be with him. She had a boyfriend. She’d made that perfectly clear.
But she was coming to Vegas, and they were about to do the second thing on Jason’s list. It was enough.
For now.
When he saw her get off his jet, her blond hair was back in a ponytail. She wore the yellow summer dress with cute black sandals and blue toenails. She didn’t have a lot of makeup on, but she didn’t need it. She was a natural beauty.
He got out of the car and went to her, pulling her into a hug.
At first, she felt tense. Then she relaxed against him. “Hey.”
He pulled back and stared down at her red lipstick. Immediately, he wanted to lean over and kiss it off, but he resisted. “How was the flight?”
Pulling out of his grasp, she grinned. “Awful. I mean, they ask, ‘Do you want water? Do you need a hot towel? Can we serve you a meal? What movie can we put on for you?’ I mean, seriously, Montana, your staff is too helpful. Fire all of them.” She waved a hand into the air.
He couldn’t lie: when he was with her, he was off his game. He nodded and opened the limo door for her. “You’re right. I’ll tell Kirk to pay them less. It will make them far less eager to please.”
She slipped in and flashed him a smile.
He got in next to her, once again feeling like that eighteen-year-old boy, wanting to beg her to marry him on the spot.
It was completely off-putting to him. It made him slightly crazy that the woman he loved was sitting beside him. She was the woman he’d always loved, and he still didn’t know if she would marry him or not.
“How was your flight yesterday?”
He’d flown directly to Vegas from Hawaii. He frowned. “Same problem, people are just too helpful.”
She laughed, and he couldn’t stop himself from taking her hand.
She looked up at him but didn’t take it away.
His cell buzzed, and he picked it up, seeing it was Kirk. He put up a finger. “Sorry, it’s my assistant. I have to get it.”
She nodded.
“Kirk.”
“Boss, got some news for you.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, remember that P.I. you hired to follow the girl?”
He felt the word “P.I.” echo through his brain. The one he’d hired before going to Billings. “I can’t do this right now, Kirk.”
“That’s fine. I just got a message that said he sent you some information to your email. Just letting you know.”
“Okay.”
“Sound check at seven, boss.”
“I’ll be there.”
“And boss.”
He sighed. “Yes, Kirk.”
“She’ll pick you. Don’t worry.”
He grinned and rolled his eyes. “Bye.”
She cocked an eyebrow. “What was that about?”
He shook his head, smiling at her. “Nothing that can’t wait.”
* * *
Lily didn’t know what to expect as they got to the open field outside of town, but she saw the big blue hot air balloon, and her heart fluttered. She turned to Montana. “It’s perfect.”
Montana got out and held out his hand.
She took it.
He looked at their hands for a second before dropping hers. “I know it makes you uncomfortable when I hold your hand.”
She gave him a once-over, her heart fluttering even more. He wasn’t his Hawaiian self, but he looked more normal. Not like his famous self. No cowboy hat, just boots, jeans, and a T-shirt. He looked like he’d always looked growing up, but he was a man now. He was built and firm in all the right places, and the way he was still growing out his facial hair made her want to touch his face, but she refrained.
The side of his lip tugged up. “Are you ready to do this?”
Giving a nod, she let him escort her to the balloon. They listened to the worker explain exactly how to operate the balloon. Her eyes widened, and she whispered to Montana. “Do you think we should just have someone go with us?”
Winking at her, he squeezed her hand. “I got this. I’ve been watching YouTube videos.”
She laughed. “Great, I feel so much safer.”
Ten minutes later, the workers released the ropes.
Her heart skipped a beat as they lifted completely up and into the clear Las Vegas sky. It was breathtaking. She couldn’t stop herself from leaning into his solid, steady body.
“All I can say is Jason was inspired. That’s for sure.”
She didn’t respond, sudden dread filling her stomach. She had to tell him soon.
They stayed that way as they watched the whole town of Las Vegas and the outlying areas come into view and eventually the Strip. The spicy scent of Montana’s cologne circled into her. It was sweet, spicy, and completely attractive. Bending down, he unzipped a small carry-on cooler.
Surprised, she moved out of his arms.
He grinned as he produced sandwiches for both of them. The aluminum foil wrapping had kept them warm. He even had little bottles of water for them.
Giggles burst out before she could stop them. “Wow.” She was impressed he’d thought about it.
The look on his face showed triumph, and he handed her the sandwich. “It’s my romantic side.” He cleared his throat. “I mean, my friendly side.”
Their eyes caught as they opened the wrappers and chomped a bite.
Then he was behind her again, pointing and showing her the mountains and telling her their names. “There’s the trail I take my motorcycles out on and ride. A friend of mine owns that part of the desert.”
She scoffed. “Of course your friend does. All your billionaire friends.”
He laughed. “Hey, I have an idea.”
“Okay.”
“A week from today is …” He trailed off.
“Jason’s birthday.”
“Right.” He paused, then continued. “I was thinking. What if we went to Devil’s Tower and climbed it on his birthday? Do the last thing and honor him at the same time.”
She grinned, loving the idea. “Sounds perfect.”
He took her hand. “It is perfect.” Then he looked down at their hands. “Sorry.”
“Montana, I ended it with Brad.”
Abruptly, he spun her toward to him, taking her sandwich and his and putting them down.
She giggled again, seeing the determined look in his eyes. His lips softly met hers, and she felt like a melting truffle—gooey and sweet and delicious.
Pulling back, he lightly traced the side of her cheek. “You’ve made me so happy. It’s the same as it used to be, Lil. But different. Everything is perfect now. We’ll make it perfect.”
“Montana, I can’t—”
He sighed. “Lil, I told you I wouldn’t ask about it, but is this secret holding you back from me?”
She hesitated, wanting to tell him.
“I don’t know what it is, Lil, but whatever it is, it doesn’t matter.” He let out a light laugh. “I mean, if you killed a man and need my help, just let me grab my shovel. Either that or I could gear up legally.”
This did make her laugh. “You’d be willing to defend me?”
The moment went slow and sticky. “I would do anything for you.”
Her heart rate went into overdrive. “Montana?” She chuckled.
“Oh, good, it’s not that.” He pulled her closer, snuggling into her neck. “I love you, Lil. I do.”
It wouldn’t suit to deny how much she loved the feel of him next to her. She closed her eyes, not wanting to resist this or him.
Seeming to be encouraged by her, he gently kissed the side of her neck. “Admit it, Lil, you can see yourself here with me. Forever. I don’t care what’s between us, what’s in the past, or what this big secret is. All I care about is the future. Us. Here. Now.”
She touched the side of his cheek, and he moved into th
e touch, taking her hand and turning it, bending and kissing her palm.
She giggled. “Have you noticed that you’re always trying to kiss me?”
Pulling her in again, he grinned. “Making up for lost time.”
They kissed, and she relished the sweetness of this man. The thrill of him. The sexy, happy way he touched and loved her. He took her breath away.
Coming up for air, her heart hammered into her chest. “Montana.”
“Yes.”
“I do have to tell you.”
“Your secret.” He said it with a pinch of distaste around his lips.
She was terrified. “Yes.”
“Don’t.”
“What?”
“Let’s just—be. Here. In this moment.” He searched her eyes. “It’s selfish that I just want to enjoy you. But I do. So let’s wait. Tonight, after the concert, you can tell me if you feel like you have to.”
Butterflies burst into her stomach.
“We’ll face it, whatever it is, together.”
26
Montana finished the sound check and stood by the rest of the band, waiting for pre-show fan meet-and-greets and whatever publicity things were lined up.
He was elated. It still felt like he was up in the air, his feet not touching the ground. Lil was here. She was single. She was coming tonight.
He’d bought a ring yesterday. Taken himself to the jewelry store and picked it out. He knew she’d love it. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled it out and inspected it. Princess cut. Two carat. Bigger than she’d want, but he figured he could buy her a couple of them. He hadn’t quite decided how to ask her again.
Shaking his head, he shoved the ring back into his pocket. This downtime between sound check and the show was always torture. It was even more so today, knowing he’d see Lil after the show. He pulled out his phone to distract himself for a few minutes.
The email and report from the P.I. came up.
As he read the details, his heart took off a million miles an hour. It all made sense.
Denver. She’d gone there to have a baby. Give one up for adoption.
Montana and Lily had a daughter together.
It felt like the ground shifted beneath him, and he stumbled back, nearly falling over.