by Leanne Banks
“Thanks. I’ll take a water with that, too,” she said.
He looked at her for a long moment then smiled and nodded his head. “I’ll get your water then,” he said and went to the bar. A few moments later, he delivered her glass of water and sipped on his beer. They talked for a few moments then the conversation hit a lull.
She liked his smile and wondered if he had a good sense of humor. She was learning that a sense of humor was critical if she was going to spend time with a man. “Wanna play darts?”
“Sure,” he said. “I haven’t played in a while.”
An hour later, she’d beat him twice, but not by much. “I think you’ve played darts more recently than you indicated.”
Liam took a long draw from his beer. “And you didn’t warn me you were a dart expert. I’m not in my own country and you took advantage of me.”
She rolled her eyes as she looked at the wide-shouldered Aussie. “Bring me a violin and I’ll play a tune of sympathy for you.”
He shook his head. “You’re a hard one, but a good one,” he said.
“So I am. Send your mother my good wishes. I’m going home,” she told him.
“Where’s home?”
“A short walk, but since I have my truck, I’ll drive,” she said. “I’m going to grab a sandwich and go to bed. Can you find your way back to your mother’s house?”
He shot her a withering look. “That was cruel. Calling my sense of direction into question.”
“I apologize, but you’re a bit too sensitive. I was trying to be helpful. I’ll leave you to your next beer.”
“I’ll follow you to your home,” he said. “It’s the least I can do.”
“I’m not sure I trust you since I beat you at darts,” she said. “You seem a little unhappy about it.”
“No worries. Besides, I think you could give me a good shove and get away,” he said.
Cecelia allowed him to walk with her to her truck, then she drove to the rooming house while he drove behind her. When she arrived, she got out of her truck, turned to him and nodded. “Call me if you need any help for your mother.”
He nodded in return. “Thank you for your hospitality,” he said. “I’ll be in touch.”
“You don’t have my cell number,” she said.
“I don’t need it,” he said and walked away.
Cecelia stared after him until she heard footsteps descending the front porch steps.
“Who was that?” Nick asked, nodding his head in the direction of Liam.
“Liam Mayer. He’s visiting his mother from Australia,” she said.
“Australia?” he echoed in disapproval. “Why can’t you pick a regular Rust Creek Falls guy?”
“He’s nice,” she said. “Great accent.”
Nick frowned. “He sounds like another one who’s going to leave town.”
“I don’t have to settle down with every guy I date. Maybe I should be more like you and just focus on having fun,” she said.
Nick lifted his hand and shook his head. “Wait a minute. You need to clear this up. Are you looking to have fun or find a man?”
“Why can’t I do both?” she asked. “It doesn’t have to be miserable, does it?”
He muttered something under his breath. “No, but—” He broke off and sighed. “I thought the objective was to find you a man here in Rust Creek Falls.”
“Well, I guess it is,” she admitted.
“Okay, as long as we have that straight. Now, I’m not going to criticize, but I notice you’re not wearing lipstick, your hair is in a ponytail and you’re wearing flannel and jeans.”
“It didn’t seem to bother Liam,” she said.
“Liam doesn’t count because he’s not a Rust Creek Falls man,” Nick said. “Come over to the Ace in the Hole with me and I’ll give you some more pointers.”
Cecelia shook her head. “I think I’ve had enough of the Ace in the Hole tonight. I realize that in your way you’re trying to help me, but sometimes I can’t help wondering why a man can’t want me just the way I am.”
“He will,” Nick said. “You just have to get his attention and that’s where I’ll help you. You sure you don’t want to have a beer with me?”
“Not tonight,” she said. She’d agreed to accept Nick’s help, but she figured she’d just enjoy her own company tonight. Maybe she would bake a pie.
* * *
Late the next afternoon, Nick called Cecelia. “I’ve got a live one for you,” he said.
“Live one?” she repeated as she grabbed her tool kit and headed for her truck. “Fish? Murder lead?”
He gave a low chuckle that rippled through her. “You’re a tough one. I have a guy for you. Tim Gordon. He has a ranch just outside of town.”
She plopped the tool kit in the back of her truck and climbed inside. “Is he a person of interest in a crime?”
“No,” Nick said. “Do you think I’m brain-dead?”
“Have you heard his voice?” she asked.
“No, but I asked Nate about it. He thought it was a weird question, but he said this guy actually sings bass. He heard him do some kind of charity event one time,” Nick said. “Anything else, Miss Picky?”
“Not that I can think of,” she said and started her truck.
“Good. Then meet him at Ace in the Hole tonight,” he said.
“Tonight?” she echoed. “I’m tired. This social life is wearing me out.”
“Hey, you asked for it. Lipstick, no ponytail and a skirt. Eight o’clock.”
“Eight o’clock?” she protested. “I’m going to be ready for bed at nine.”
“Buck up,” he told her. “You said you wanted a boyfriend. I’m delivering. Just remember this is just to reel him in. Who you are just the way you are is more than any man could want.”
“Yeah, yeah,” she said, feeling tired and cynical.
“Hey, what’s wrong?” he asked.
“Nothing,” she said. “Just a little tired.”
“Well, maybe you can drink a little caffeine,” he said. “Just a little. Not too much.”
“You ever do that for your dates?” she asked.
“Hell no, but...” She heard him sigh. “It’s supply and demand. Bachelors are in greater supply.”
“So you say,” she said, feeling a little cranky.
“Are you going to meet Tim?” he asked.
“Yes, but I may not wear a dress,” she said and turned off her phone. She didn’t want to hear any more of Nick’s opinions or advice. Even though she’d agreed to accept his help, going out with these men wasn’t making her feel better. Instead, in some ways, it just made her more aware of some very unwelcome feelings for Nick. It was crazy, but she wished he would notice her a little more, since she’d made all these changes.
Driving to the rooming house, she pulled beside it and climbed outside. She stomped up the stairs and headed for her room.
“You okay?” Melba called.
“Yes,” Cecelia said. “Nick just wants me to meet with a guy.”
“Another one?” Melba asked, standing at the bottom of the stairs.
“Yes,” Cecelia said, glancing down to meet the gaze of the owner of the rooming house. “He’s trying to match me up. I kind of asked for his help.”
“Are you sure you want his assistance?” Melba asked doubtfully. “He seems like he’s got a different girl every week.”
Cecelia laughed. “Not really, but we made a deal. I would try his advice before I give up on the men of Rust Creek Falls.”
“Well, just don’t jump off a ledge. No man is worth that,” Melba said.
* * *
Cecelia washed her face and brushed her hair. Pulling a sweater over her head, she followed by putting o
n a skirt and a pair of tights. She stepped into her boots and saw static electricity making her hair fly in every direction. Dampening her palms with water, she rubbed them over her hair, then applied some of her new red lipstick before taking a final look in the mirror.
“Enough,” she said to herself. “He may not be worth the trouble.” Grabbing her jacket, she walked down the stairs and nearly bumped right into Nick.
“Whoa,” he said, steadying her and staring. “Cecelia?” He shook his head. “You look good.”
Pleased that he’d noticed, she felt a strange quiver inside her. She felt as if she should smack herself for the feeling. She wanted him to notice her, but she didn’t want to care. Irritation nicked through her.
“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” she said. “Don’t get used to it. Just remember I did everything you told me to do, so if this meeting doesn’t work out, it’s not my fault.”
Nick nodded. “Except you need to be nice. Try,” he said. “Really hard.”
She narrowed her eyes at him. “I’m always nice.”
“You can be a little cranky. You’re definitely not demure,” he said. “I’m not lying.”
She sighed. “You said I’m perfect. I just need to reel them in. Now you’re saying I need to change my personality.”
“I’m not saying that,” he said, lifting his hands. “I’m just saying to go easy on the guy. He may have had a hard week.”
“It’s Tuesday,” she said.
“He may have had a hard Monday,” he said. “Just be kind. There’s nothing wrong with a little kindness.”
She sighed again. “Okay, okay. Do you have a date tonight?”
“Of course I do,” he said. “With old Mrs. Brownstein. She invited me over for dinner and I’ll take care of her chores.”
Cecelia felt her heart soften. Nick could be out with anyone tonight. Instead he was helping out an elderly widow at no charge.
“That’s why I like you,” she said.
Nick met her gaze for a long moment, and she felt a click of something between them. Her heartbeat sped up.
She bit her lip at the feelings. “Have a nice night. I’ll try to do the same,” she said and shoved her hands into her pockets.
“Give the guy a chance,” he said.
“I will,” she said and trotted out the door, but she couldn’t help thinking about Nick. He put on a big front that he was a carefree bachelor, but underneath it all, he had a good heart.
Walking the short distance to the Ace in the Hole, she stepped inside and looked around and realized she hadn’t gotten a description of her set-up date. After a couple of moments, she walked to the bar and asked for a glass of water.
“You never order any liquor,” the bartender said. “How am I supposed to make any money on you?”
She set a dollar bill on the bar. “There. I bet you don’t get that kind of tip from everyone,” she said.
“True,” he said and grinned. “You’re a good woman.”
“You bet I am,” she muttered and sipped her ice water. She surveyed the crowd and tried to figure out who Tim was. After five more minutes, she strongly considered leaving.
“Hey. Are you Cecelia?” a deep male voice said from behind her.
She turned around and met the gaze of a man wearing a Stetson and sheepskin jacket.
She nodded. “I’m Cecelia. Are you Tim?” she asked.
“I am,” he said, and his glance fell over her from head to toe. “You aren’t what I expected,” he said. “They told me you were a tomboy.”
“I am,” she said. “This is my Halloween costume.”
He smiled and his eyes crinkled. She immediately liked that about him.
“Nice costume,” he said. “Wanna beer?”
“Sure,” she said.
He nodded. “I have a table. Join me?” he asked.
“Sure,” she said and followed him to a table in the corner of the room.
Cecelia learned that Tim owned his own ranch outside town and his brother owned yet another ranch an hour away. Part of Tim’s ranch had been impacted by the flood, but he was coming back.
Inevitably, the conversation lulled and she invited him to play darts. Cecelia suspected this was the beginning of the end. Nick would fuss because she would crush Tim in darts. She was learning, however, that this was one of her tests for prospective boyfriends. If he could deal with her beating him in darts, he would make it to the next round. Otherwise...
Tim performed better than she’d expected, but she still beat him. At the end of their match, he looked at her and smiled. “You’re a doggone good dart player.”
She liked his sense of humor, his lack of ego.
“I’m gonna have to work on beating you,” he said.
“It’s going to take some serious work,” she said. “I’m very good.”
“I can see that,” Tim said. “But I’m up for it. You wanna go to dinner in Kalispell on Friday?”
She blinked at his invitation then gave a slow nod. “Sure. That sounds nice.”
“I’ll drive you back to the rooming house,” he said.
“Not necessary,” she said.
“I insist. I was raised to make sure the lady got home safely.”
“Well, thank you very much,” she said and accepted the lift.
When she arrived at the rooming house, she thanked him again and scooted out of his truck. As much as she’d enjoyed his company, she still didn’t want to kiss him. That troubled her. Cecelia really wanted to be attracted to one of her dates, but she’d felt little more than twinges. No sparks. She would keep on trying, she told herself. She was determined.
* * *
The next night, Cecelia made her way to a meeting of the informally named Rust Creek Falls Newcomers Club, so named because of, well, all the new-to-town folks who had banded together on a regular basis to get to know each other. She was a bit tired after all her dates, but she was determined to make the meeting. After all, she’d helped form the club. Despite her hopes, it had turned into an all-female organization. She took a plate of brownies to the community building and grabbed a mug of hot chocolate from the table where everyone shared their treats. There were a couple of new people attending tonight and she was looking forward to hearing what they had to say.
She gave hugs to Jordyn Leigh Cates—her friend Jazzy’s younger sister—Callie Kennedy, Mallory Franklin, Vanessa Brent and Julie Smith. Jordyn gave a whistle and waved everyone to the seats. “Hey, everyone,” she said. “Grab your goodies and let’s sit down, so we can catch up.”
The women sat down. Jordyn slapped her thighs. “Any news?” she asked. “Besides the fact that Cecelia seems to have a busy social life.”
Cecelia felt her cheeks heat with embarrassment. “I’m not that busy,” she demurred. “Well, I’m busy, but nothing that interesting.”
“What about Nick? Or those other guys you’ve been with at the Ace in the Hole?” Callie asked.
“I didn’t know anyone was counting,” she said. “But I was just talking with one of the other guys about some repairs he’s doing on his mom’s house.”
“Oh,” Jordyn said. “But you still seem busy.”
“I am,” Cecelia said, uncomfortable with all the attention placed on her. She sure didn’t want to discuss her arrangement with Nick. “But not romantically busy. So what’s new with the rest of you?” she said, trying to divert the attention from herself.
“Not much,” Jordyn said. “Vanessa, what’s up with you?” she asked, taking one of Cecelia’s brownies. “Whatever made you come to Rust Creek Falls, anyway?”
The attractive woman was typically pretty animated at their meetings, and today was no different. She took a breath and smiled. “You know I grew up in Philadelphia. I’ve worked in creative arts, and I�
��m taking a little break, living in a cabin on the Circle D Ranch. At least I thought I was taking a break, until I got roped into running an art program for elementary school kids at the community center after school.”
Cecelia laughed. “Rust Creek Falls has a way of getting you involved whether you planned on it or not.”
“That’s what I’m learning,” Vanessa said.
Cecelia couldn’t help wondering how anyone could take off that much time, but she would be the last one to pry about such things.
“Well, I’m sure everyone can agree that we’re glad you’re here.”
“Let us know if we can do anything to help,” Jordyn said.
Vanessa gave a slow nod. “You already have by including me in your group.”
Jordyn nodded and gestured toward another woman. “Julie, you’ve been awfully quiet tonight. Anything going on with you?”
Julie pressed her lips together. “I appreciate how welcoming you have been. I don’t really have much to say about myself. I try not to focus on the past,” she said, lifting her chin in determination. “I try to live in the moment.”
Cecelia wondered what Julie was trying to forget, but she suspected it must be pretty painful. The thought gave her some perspective on her feelings about finding a man...or even just a date. She’d been out several times lately, but no one had made her heart flutter. She’d found a couple of them interesting, though. Maybe she should focus on that instead of heart flutters.
Chapter Five
For the next couple of days, Cecelia was assigned to work at the same location as Nick. She would never admit it, but she enjoyed watching him work. Especially when he was crafting customized cabinetry.
Late in the afternoon, she took a hot chocolate break and stole a few moments to look at him. Although it was a chilly day, physical labor had clearly warmed him up enough to remove his jacket and roll up his shirtsleeves. His broad shoulders and powerful biceps strained the seams of his work shirt. No denying the fact that he had a great body. She wasn’t the only woman to notice that. What really captured her attention was the expression on his face at this very moment. Nick often gave the impression of being laid-back, but right now, he was totally focused. That rare intensity was so sexy.