Porter’s ice cream dripped from his spoon onto the counter as he stared at her with a bite suspended in midair. “The Love Who?”
Now it was her turn to grin. “The Love Doc. It’s a marriage and relationship advice website. I used to love reading it when I was struggling with… Tate.”
Porter’s brow furrowed and his grip tightened on the plastic spoon at the mention of her ex-husband.
“I started emailing The Love Doc, her name is Julie, and we developed a friendship. Julie helped me through some tough times, but she also started asking my advice on different questions she’d received. With her help I was able to go to school online and get a bachelor’s in marriage and family therapy. We worked together for a while then she turned everything over to me after my divorce was final and we knew Tate couldn’t take any of the money I made. Julie is retired now, raising her six boys, and The Love Doc is all mine.”
Porter’s spoon still hadn’t moved and there was a chocolate puddle on the counter. Missy pushed his hand back toward the cup of ice cream. He set the spoon down, still focused on her. “So you make money giving people advice on marriage?”
“I make lots of money giving people advice on marriage.” Missy said smugly. She’d never told anyone but her dad what she did to make money. Her mom assumed she’d gotten a settlement from Tate. As if she’d take anything from that loser.
“How?”
“Advertising spots on my site. Guest articles in newspapers and magazines.” She smiled at the dumbfounded expression on Porter’s face. It was so fun to reveal this secret to someone. The money was really nice and she loved her job. Someone could argue that a divorcee wasn’t the best person to give advice on marriage and family, but she not only had the training she had a knack for knowing how to help people. She had boxes of letters and emails she’d printed off from couples who claimed she’d saved their marriage. She liked to think since she’d gone through a heck of a marriage she could be empathetic and help to heal other families.
“That’s impressive, Missy. I’m proud of you.”
The look he gave her was full of pride and something else that had her quivering and thinking about that darn kiss again. “Oh, um, thanks, Porter.” She didn’t know why she couldn’t spit out a logical sentence, but she definitely needed to change the subject or risk asking Porter out on a date and forcing him to kiss her at the end. “When are Luke and Annie getting married?”
Porter stirred his chocolate shake that was quickly becoming chocolate milk. “First of May, soon as Kazlyn’s done with school. Did you know it’s a double wedding?”
“Oh, that’s great. Kazlyn’s fiancé seems like a good guy.”
“He is.”
“How do you feel about the double marriage?”
“Oh, no, Miss Love Doc, don’t you start psychoanalyzing me. I’m just fine losing every member of my family to marriage.”
Missy arched her eyebrows. “First of all, no calling me Miss Love Doc. That’s a secret between you and me.”
“Oh? I like that we have secrets.” He brushed his fingers over hers and sent a heat wave up her arm.
Missy blushed and continued, “And maybe I should psychoanalyze you. You kind of volunteered a lot of information that makes me think you are a bit jealous of your siblings finding love.”
Porter shook his head. “I’m happy for Luke and Kazzy, definitely not jealous.”
Missy laughed. “I think a therapy session is definitely in order.”
“I’ll take a therapy session… over dinner tonight.” Porter covered her hand with his and gave her a sly wink.
“Um, well…” Missy swallowed and studied their hands. His was so big and warm and why did she have those stupid tingles all over her body just from him touching her hand?
“Say yes, please.” Porter’s voice dropped and stinking heck if she’d ever heard such a sexy “please” in her life.
“Yes,” she whispered.
The door whooshed open, bringing the crisp spring air in and a squeal of, “Porter!” Two beautiful brunettes rushed to their table. Missy pulled her hand away and quickly stood. The women gave her a smile then sat on each side of Porter.
“Thanks for the shake,” she said, hurrying away from the booth, jealousy eating at her insides as the girl with the curly hair pushed her body against Porter’s.
Porter stood up, but he was trapped. “I’ll pick you up at seven,” he told Missy.
The girls stood also. The one with long, straight hair latched onto Porter’s arm. “You’re taking her out tonight? I thought you promised me dinner tonight.”
Missy strode out the door, grateful when she couldn’t hear the girl’s whiny voice anymore. Porter had promised that girl dinner tonight? Missy had just shared more with Porter than she’d ever willingly shared with anyone but her mentor, Julie. Her hair caught in the spring breeze and tangled around her face. She grabbed it with her hand and twisted it tight, wincing at the tug in her scalp.
The brunette could keep Porter. Missy had plenty to do tonight with responding to emails, writing a new post, and a guest spot for The Washington Post’s marital advice column. Plus, she was sure her mom had a long list of cleaning assignments. She’d never been grateful for cleaning before, but she would work tonight until she put Porter Wilson far from her mind.
Chapter Four
I
’ve got a date with her tonight! Porter texted to Annie.
Missy?
Of course, Missy. Who else?
There’s always a list Port.
That stung. Why did everyone make him out to be some womanizer? He’d been looking for someone amazing for a long time and everything he knew about Missy met the dreams he had of finding happiness like Luke and Kazlyn had found and his parents used to have.
I’m focused now, sis, He tapped out.
Okay, I’ll buy that. So what’s the plan?
I need to do something that really shows her that I care, that I’m different than she thinks.
Hmm. You’ve got to find something that she loves and use it. Do you have any inside sources?
Her brother, Jake, is a friend.
Perfect. Bug Jake and then get back to me.
Porter sent a quick text to Jake and then hurried to the kitchen to have a chat with his mom that he’d been putting off for a while. He felt invigorated today, ready to take on the world. Luke had agreed to do the evening chores so all that was left was to talk to his mom about the house he wanted to build and prepare for his time with Missy.
His mom was unloading the dishwasher.
“I’ve got this,” he said.
“Thanks, sweetheart.” She gave him a quick peck on the cheek then headed for the fridge.
Porter unloaded cups and bowls, finished with a stack of clean plates and turned to face his mother. She was already busy mixing up a fresh batch of Snickerdoodles. Big surprise. Not that he would complain; he loved any variation of her cookies. “Mom. I hate to do this to you, but I need my own place.”
His mom raised her eyebrows. “Did Luke already talk to you?”
“About what?”
“I’m leaving, Port.”
“Leaving?” He took a step back, shaking his head. This was huge. Why hadn’t she given any indication? Had he been too wrapped up in his work and life to notice she was pulling up roots and ditching them?
“As soon as the weddings are over. Pastor James has me set up on a six month humanitarian mission. I’ll be helping in an orphanage on Cozumel. When I’m done with that, I’ll travel. When I’m sick of traveling I’m going to live in that fancy retirement center in Billings with my sister. Maybe I’ll come for visits now and then, but it’s time for me to do something on my own.”
Porter’s jaw dropped. “How could you leave us?”
She patted his hand and laughed. “You’re all grown up, love. It’s time for you to have your own life without feeling like you have to watch out for your old momma.”
“But…” Po
rter searched for another argument. Yes, he was ready to have his own place, but his mom wasn’t any trouble. He loved having her close. “How are you going to afford it? I mean, Luke and I can help if that’s what you want to do.”
“I’ve been saving my quilting money.”
“Quilting money?”
“Tracie set me up with a website and an account selling with Etsy a few months back. I’ve been selling my quilts for anywhere from two to three hundred dollars. With the social security checks and ranch buyout payments from you and Luke I’ll have plenty of money.”
Tracie was a nice girl. He’d taken her out a couple of times, but it had been a while ago and now with Missy on the brain he didn’t have any desire to date anyone else. He could hardly wait to be with Missy tonight, but there was a niggling worry that she might not be interested in him like he was in her. Why had she dodged out of Big C’s this afternoon with that pinched look on her beautiful face?
“The house is yours, love. You built it with your dad. The ranch was already yours. Luke’s got my retirement fund all setup. That is all I need though. I don’t want any talk of you trying to buy the house or anything.”
“What does Luke think about that?”
“He agrees. He has his own place and you put your heart and soul into this one. Plus, with all you did to help him build his cabin he doesn’t want anything else from you.”
Porter wrapped his tiny mother in his arms. “You’re sure you want to see the world?”
She looked up at him with a twinkle in her green eyes. “Yes. I raised you all up good, now I deserve a little adventure.”
Porter laughed. “You deserve a lot more than that.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll come visit a lot and as soon as somebody produces a grandbaby I’ll be around so much you’ll want me to leave again.”
He kept his arm around her shoulder. “We’d never want you to leave again. I’ll bug Luke and Kazzy about those grandbabies.”
“Or you could beat them to it.” She winked.
He chuckled. “Sadly, Mother, I’m not even dating anyone seriously.”
“That’s the problem. You forget about flirting with all these girls and you find the right one, you hear me, boy?”
Porter hid his smile. As a teenager he’d resented her demands, but now he loved it when she got bossy. Probably because now she knew he’d do whatever he pleased and she just made the ultimatums out of habit. “Yes, ma’am.”
“I’ll be praying for you,” she said.
That was something that would never change either and Porter was glad. “You always are.”
Chapter Five
M
issy hurried through the new list of chores her mom had for her when she got home from Big C’s. She’d probably have to redo the bathroom. If you looked at just the right angle there was a smudge in the mirror, but she didn’t care. She showered, careful to spray the glass and wipe everything down perfectly then did her makeup and hair.
“This is so silly,” she said to her reflection in the mirror. What if Porter didn’t even show up? She laughed at herself. She’d be looking good with her blonde hair in soft curls and a new long-sleeved coral maxi dress to get her website work done. If Porter did show up, she’d be staying up all night to meet her deadlines. She finished another layer of mascara, liking the way her lashes framed her blue eyes. She’d willingly work all night to be with Porter for a few hours. Her lips tugged down. What if he was taking that brunette out instead of her? Did she dare text him and ask, or would that make her look desperate?
The doorbell rang and she flung open the bathroom door and raced to her room to get her shoes and purse. Jake answered the door. Porter’s deep voice carried up the stairwell. He was here! She wanted to sing and dance. Darting out of her room, she almost took her mother out.
“Melissa! What are you doing?” her mother hissed. Susannah was as tall as Missy’s dad at 5’10” and so thin she looked like she was ready to break. Sadly, Missy knew her mom was stronger than an ox. She never hit any of them, but she could clench her fingers around your arm until you wanted to beg for a punch in the gut instead.
“Going on a date with Porter.” She grinned, knowing her mom wouldn’t dare make a scene with a non-family member in the house.
Her mom grabbed her arm and the vice closed down. “When you get home you will redo that bathroom. I found a hair and a smudge in the mirror.”
“Of course, Mother.” Missy tried to smile sweetly, but her mother just clamped down harder. “Porter’s waiting for me.”
“Oh.” Susannah swept aside and raised her voice. “Have fun on your date, sweetie.” She kissed the air as if she’d kissed Missy’s cheek, glaring at her.
Missy swept past her mom. “Thanks,” she called out. Hurrying down the stairs, she paused as Porter turned and looked up at her. He wore a button-down blue shirt that was open at the collar and rolled at the sleeves. In jeans that fit extremely well, he looked simply amazing.
His jaw dropped open. He closed it quickly and crossed the foyer, waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs. “You’re beautiful, Missy.”
She blushed and floated down the last few stairs. Porter extended his hand and she had no issue with clasping those manly fingers.
Jake looked between the two of them with surprise. “Something I should know about, Port? I thought you were just taking her out as a friend. You trying to take Luke’s sloppy seconds?”
Porter dragged his eyes away from Missy and fixed her brother with a stern look. “There is nothing sloppy about this beautiful woman. Apologize, please.”
Jake took a step back. “Sure. Hey, I’m sorry, sis,” Jake managed. “I was just teasing.”
“It’s okay,” Missy reassured him, but didn’t like the reference to Luke. Would Porter shy away from her because she had dated his brother? She tugged on Porter’s hand. “Let’s go.”
“See you later, Jake.” He tilted his chin to her brother and walked to the door, swinging it wide for her. The spring air was tart. Missy liked the feel of it, but was grateful she’d brought a Levi jacket. She started shrugging into it and Porter was quick to help her; his touch on her shoulders had her quivering.
Porter escorted her to his black four-door truck and helped her inside. It smelled faintly of his musky cologne. She took a deep inhale as he walked around to the driver’s side.
He climbed into the truck and smiled at her. “You look too pretty for the date I had planned.”
“I’m sure it will be great.”
He put the truck in gear and they drove through town and toward his ranch. Missy stayed close to the door and held onto the handle when they bounced over some ruts in the road.
Porter’s low chuckle washed over her and she turned to him. “What?” she asked.
“I’m not going to bite.”
“Why would you say that?” Why did the thought of him biting have her heart racing, in a good way?
“You’re plastered against the door handle like you’re terrified of me.”
“Maybe I am,” she countered.
His eyebrows arched up. “You are?”
She shook her head and released the door handle. “Not you, but sometimes being alone with a man still… well, you know.”
Porter slowed the truck as they drove past his house and parked around back. “No, I don’t know.”
Missy exhaled slowly, hating that they were having this conversation on their first date. “As a woman, sometimes it’s intimidating to be with someone… well-built.”
Porter turned to her and his eyes darkened to emerald. “I’ll pummel him for hurting you.”
Missy tried to smile, but failed. Her heart warmed that Porter wanted to stand up for her. “That wouldn’t fix anything.”
“It’d make me feel better.”
Missy laughed. “In that case by all means thrash him. I definitely want to make sure you feel good.” Yikes. That sounded a bit too forward.
Porter grinned a
nd then cocked his head to the side. “Really? Because that kiss at the church the other day felt really good. We could try that again.”
Missy’s face filled up with color. The thought of kissing Porter again made her stomach jump. She wrenched the door open and jumped out. Porter hurried around the front of the truck.
“You said you had a date planned?” she asked, her voice cracking halfway through the sentence. Did Porter have any clue the effect he had on her?
“Yes, ma’am.” Porter gently took her arm and escorted her through the spongy grass. The snow had melted early this year but everything was still pretty wet and muddy.
Missy sighed with relief when Porter didn’t bring up the kiss again but instead directed her toward a lit pavilion. Huge wooden beams supported the structure. It was beautiful in a rustic kind of way and fit perfectly with the mountains that were turning pink as the sun set to the west.
“Did you build this?” she asked.
“Just finished. There are still some little touches to add but I like the way it turned out. Mom wanted it for the wedding and I wanted it for my backyard, so it worked out.”
“You’re handy.”
He grinned. “Is that a quality you like in a man?”’
Missy’s gaze darted to his. She hadn’t thought about qualities she wanted in a man for a long time. After her divorce, she’d come home and thought Luke was the man she was destined to be with, but destiny had other plans. Now that she was looking at things more objectively, she realized Luke was more of a safety net for her. A man who’d treated her well and she’d enjoyed being around, but he didn’t draw her in like Porter did.
“Um, sure. Handy is good.”
Porter laughed and said, “Yeah, that sounds convincing.”
“I really do.” Everything she said now would sound contrived.
Porter gave her a slow grin, turned on a switch, and the pavilion lit up with soft twinkling lights. It wasn’t dark yet, but the effect was still beautiful.
“That’s so perfect,” she breathed.
“Thanks.”
Running from the Cowboy: Spring in Snow Valley Romance Page 3