The kid perked up. “My mom said I made the best mac and cheese.” As soon as the words left his lips, he must have realized she’d never say those words again, and his chest caved.
Hailey placed a hand over his. “I love mac and cheese. It’s one of my favorite meals.” That was true when she was ten. Now? Not so much, as she tried to watch her weight, but she’d eat raw fish if it meant she could see his eyes spark with joy.
“Great!” Tanner said. “So where are you staying?”
Was he planning on picking her up? “At Aunt Minnie’s.”
“Lovely place. Jackson said you’re here through the rodeo?”
“Yes. With his main animal man out on sick leave, he seemed near to panic when he called.”
Tanner nodded. “Charley Higgins has been around longer than we have. He used to work at the main Baldwin estate, but when it got too much for him, Jackson hired him to putter around. I feel sorry for the old guy. Animals are all he knows.”
She could say that about any job really. “I remember I had a high school teacher who taught a Shakespeare class. It was all he knew, too. I always sucked at English, but this guy made the classics come alive. He’d even make us reenact the plays in class.” A small smile came to her lips. “Too often the kids would sneak out of class and he never knew. As good as he was, he probably should have left several years before. He was eighty-five and still teaching when I graduated.”
“Well, I plan on retiring long before I hit sixty-five.”
She studied the handsome man. He was an enigma. Sometimes his self-confidence appeared firmly in place, and at other times, especially when it came to his son, he seemed more lost than Cody.
“What do you do for a living?”
Cody leaned forward as if he wanted to know more about what his dad did.
“I’m a banker.” He pointed diagonally across the street. “I work right over there. I head the mortgage department.” Tanner’s voice had trailed off at the end.
“Do you like it?”
He shrugged, looking a lot like his son. “It has its ups and downs. When I can lend money to a family for a house, it’s the best feeling in the world. But if I have to foreclose on a needy family, I want to quit on the spot.”
She loved everything about her job. “Have you thought of doing anything else?”
“At some point I might like to start my own business, but I’m kind of getting old.”
She laughed. “You’re what? Forty?” She was only kidding, but she didn’t want him to think he was just a pretty face.
He patted his amazingly flat stomach. “Thirty-seven, thank you.”
Now it was her turn to laugh. “Honestly, I thought you were closer to thirty, but I didn’t want to give you a big head.”
Cody turned toward the entrance. She wondered what had caught his interest and followed his gaze. By the front door, a mother was with her daughter who looked around Cody’s age. By Hailey’s standards, both were petite, maybe five feet two inches, and looked enough alike to be twins. The mom held her daughter’s hand as she scanned the area. Her tightly pinched lips and slight crease in her brow implied the woman wasn’t comfortable but was here to look for someone.
When Hailey glanced back at Tanner, he, too, was ping-ponging his gaze between Cody and the young girl with the long brown hair.
“Have you seen the woman before?” Hailey didn’t know if perhaps they’d dated at one time or if he’d loaned her money.
“No. She must be new in town.” He faced Hailey and smiled, but not before glancing at his son. “Cody, it’s kind of rude to stare.”
His son whipped back around, his face bright red. Interesting. Cody was turning into a man.
Hailey pushed back her chair. “I want to get some tea.” She rubbed her arms. “I’m still chilled after being outside.” Not really, but she wanted an excuse to get away from the man who had caused moisture to pool between her thighs.
As she stood her knee ached and she dropped back down.
“You all right, Hailey?”
She rubbed both of her knees. “They got a little stiff sitting. I banged them when I sort of fell.” She didn’t want Cody to feel more responsible.
Tanner stood. “What can I get you?”
She could have insisted she go, but she liked a bit of chivalry in a man. Hell, she liked a lot of chivalry. That, and ropes, ties, and gags, but banker Tanner didn’t seem the type.
“I’ll go for a fruity black tea. No sugar or cream. I’m not sure what they have, but surprise me.”
His grin reached his eyes, and her stomach tumbled. That response didn’t amaze her, but the hardening of her nipples did.
You’re leaving in two weeks. Not that Pleasure was all that far away, but Tanner must have half the ladies in town after him.
She watched him head to the counter where two other women were in line.
“You like him, don’t you?” Cody said.
Was she that transparent? It didn’t matter. She believed in honesty. “Yes. Do you?”
He flashed her a grin. “Yes, but not in the same way you do.”
Her laugh escaped. “Perceptive little bugger, aren’t you?”
He shrugged, but this time it was accompanied by a twinkle in his eye. She bet he hadn’t been around happiness in quite a while. Well, it was about time.
Tanner returned three minutes later with a steaming cup of tea and placed it in front of her. “I should have asked if you wanted a scone. They have great-looking ones.” He raised his brow.
She didn’t know if Tanner was angling for a snack, but Cody’s eyes sure lit up. She bet he’d like one. “If you buy three, I’ll eat one.”
Tanner seemed to understand and tossed her another pussy-dripping smile. Oh, my. He once more stood in line but quickly returned with treats in hand.
“I got one of each kind.”
The three desserts looked similar. She studied the difference in the colors of the flecks in the dough. “I’m guessing this has raspberries in it.”
He nodded.
“Go ahead, Cody. You pick first,” she said.
His fingers hovered over the pile then looked up at her. In a way, she wished he’d check with his dad instead. “Hurry up, kiddo. My stomach is a grumblin’.”
Cody nabbed one and stuffed the whole thing in his mouth. Two triangles poked at his cheeks, causing both she and Tanner to laugh.
She picked hers next because Tanner was the kind of guy who would have insisted. She only nibbled hers. “You know, only Cody and I have been formerly introduced.” A flash of fear shot across Tanner’s face, causing her to once more laugh. “It’s okay. Jackson told me about you.”
He held out his hand. The moment their fingers touched, pulses tripped up her arm. She let go right away, fearing her face would give away her delight.
“I overheard you say you were Hailey. Hailey who?”
Here she’d accepted a date tonight with the man for dinner and yet he didn’t know her name. “Hailey Hunter from Pleasure, Montana. Sister of Dalia, Deke, and Carter.”
“Pleasure, huh?”
“Yup. You ever been there?” Few people had. After looking around Sanctuary though, she’d say Pleasure was at least twice as big as this town.
“Can’t say that I have.” He looked at his son. “Maybe I can convince Cody to take a day trip sometime.”
Cody smiled, and it wasn’t just a fleeting one either. At that moment, she knew she’d lost her heart to a thirteen-year-old boy.
* * * *
Jackson pressed the button to close the garage door and cut the engine. His stomach grumbled. Seeing Charley lying in the hospital made him feel old. Hell, he’d known the man since he was a kid. Back then Charley was a strong, vibrant man, but all those years taking care of other people’s animals had taken a toll on him. Today, with those IVs sticking out of his arm, his friend and mentor looked just plain old. He had to wonder how much longer the old man would be around.
H
e pushed open his kitchen door and inhaled. “Something smells good.” He halted, not expecting to see Cody at the stove. “You making something?”
Cody didn’t turn around. That made him feel like shit. He probably should have gone out shopping with him and Tanner, but he wanted to give his buddy some time alone with his son.
Tanner stepped in from the dining room. “Hey. How’s Charley?”
“He’ll live, but I don’t see him coming back as strong.”
“That’s a shame.”
“Yeah.” He nodded to the napkins in Tanner’s hands. “What’s going on?”
Tanner grinned. “Cody and I ran into Hailey at the tea shop. She purchased Cody this really cool star chart, so I invited her over to dinner and to check out the sky tonight.”
Tanner wasn’t usually such a fast mover. Hell, he just needed to sit at the bar and the women came to him. Tanner glanced at his son and raised his brows. He got it. This was almost a date for Cody.
Jackson slipped off his jacket. “Mind if I join you three?” Cody turned his head, a scowl evident. Jackson’s gut churned. “Or not.”
“Sure. I’m sure she’d love to see you,” Tanner said.
“Great. Let me shower and then I’ll help with the big event.”
He took off down the hall. Poor Tanner. Cody was going to be a challenge, but with time, the three of them would form a good family. Jackson would give those two a few days together to bond before he spent some quality time with Cody. He bet the kid would like to learn to ride, as he’d seemed interested in animals. Maybe he’d buy him a pet pig, a goat, or even a new puppy that would be Cody’s to raise. From what he’d observed, the kid was a caretaker. Jackson bet with a new direction, he’d blossom and fit right into this way of life.
He stepped in the shower and pictured sitting across the dining room table from Hailey. Given the fact she’d bought Cody a present, she must have realized how much Cody needed someone to care for him. She’d really bonded with the kid fast, which made Jackson think she just might be the one for them. So what if she lived ninety minutes away? From what she’d said, she didn’t have a full-time job there. Perhaps he could convince her to stay in Sanctuary.
Whoa. You’re moving fast.
Jackson wasn’t the aggressor with women either, as they flocked to his side, but he wasn’t getting any younger and Hailey wouldn’t be here for long.
After washing then toweling off, he put on clean clothes and even dabbled on some fancy cologne. If anyone gave him shit, he’d tell them to bug off. He wasn’t afraid to admit he found her attractive.
When he stepped into the kitchen, Tanner and Cody were working side-by-side, making the salad that accompanied the mac and cheese casserole. It was close to seven, and Hailey should be arriving soon.
Tanner looked up and sniffed. “It’s a little strong, don’t you think?”
“What are you talking about?”
“Your cologne. Poor woman will be choking all night.”
Cody hadn’t looked up. “Cody, what do you think?”
He kept his focus on the salad. “I think it’s nice.”
Jackson smiled. “See there? Cody, I have another scent that’s just as appealing. You want some?”
The kid finally made eye contact. “Sure!”
Jackson laughed. “Come on. We’ll let Tanner be the one to stink.”
Cody looked back at Tanner for permission. Fortunately, his friend nodded, and Cody rushed after him down the hall and followed him into his bedroom. Jackson pulled open the medicine cabinet. He took out the one with the subtlest scent.
“Hold out your hand.”
He remembered when he’d stolen his father’s supply of cologne and poured a handful into his palm and splashed it on his face. He thought no one would notice, but when he went to dinner hours later, the whole family insisted he eat in another room. He didn’t think he stunk that bad.
He placed a bit on Cody’s palm. “Dab it on your cheeks, but go lightly.”
Cody looked up at him. “Like you did?”
Uh-oh. “Too heavy?”
He scrunched his nose and nodded. “It stinks a little.”
“Damn.” He grabbed a washcloth, wet it, and rubbed his face. That probably was better. Plus, with the two of them, the smells might compete. “Ready to have our first date with Dr. Hunter?”
“Uh-huh.”
Jackson walked next to Cody with pride. This kid was okay. As soon as they stepped into the kitchen, Tanner’s phone rang.
He picked it up. “Tanner Crenshaw.” His face stiffened. “Are you okay? Where are you? We’ll be right there.”
He disconnected. “Hailey ran over something and got a flat.”
Cody rushed over to Tanner. “She okay?”
“She will be as soon as we go rescue her.”
Chapter Six
Hailey leaned her head back against the seat and groaned. If it weren’t for bad luck, I’d have no luck at all. The words to the old song came back to her. Her father always told her to get her tires checked and rotate them on a regular basis, but did she listen? No. As soon as the tire blew, the car careened across the berm and jumped the small snowbank. Now she was stuck. Literally. Until the snow melted underneath her, even a tow truck might have a hard time getting her out.
Stupid, Hailey, stupid.
If she’d been back in Pleasure, any number of people would have driven out and towed her back to the garage. Being here, contacting Tanner had been her only option. She could have called Jackson, but she got the feeling Tanner would have minded less. Besides, she had a date with him and Cody. At least he’d sounded concerned and not pissed when she’d called.
She got out and looked to see if there was any other damage. Using her phone flashlight, she checked the flat tire. Damn. It looked like the rim had been bent when it went over the embankment. Even if he changed the tire and the snow melted, she probably couldn’t drive the car.
Now both he and Jackson would think she was some incompetent woman instead of a highly respected doctor. The night air was downright cold, and even though she’d bundled up in anticipation of tonight’s outdoor activity, the wind still chilled her.
It would be smarter just to wait in the car. With the engine running and the heat on, she settled back. Her stomach grumbled. Could this get any worse? Here she’d snagged a date with a hot man, and now this had to happen. At least tonight wouldn’t involve a trip to the ER.
Headlights came toward her slowly and the driver flashed the lights on and off. She turned on her emergency lights, believing this was Tanner. She didn’t want some other Samaritan to give her a hand. Being on an unlit road in the middle of nowhere with a stranger wouldn’t be smart.
The SUV slowed, and as he executed a U-turn, she held her hand up to block the light. He pulled up alongside her and shut off his lights. Not only did Tanner step out of the car, but so did Jackson and Cody. Now she felt extra bad for disturbing all three of them.
She pushed open her door. “Hey.”
Cody was the first to reach her. “You okay, Hailey?”
“Yes, sweetie. The airbags didn’t even deploy.”
He pushed out an audible breath. “We brought you a picnic.”
A picnic? “You did?” He certainly wasn’t planning on pulling out a blanket and having them sit in the snowbank was he?
“We have the mac and cheese and the salad in containers. It’s in the car. I thought it would be cool if we ate in Dad’s car.” Both Jackson and Tanner came near.
As soon as he said Dad, Tanner’s head jerked up. Her interior light illuminated Tanner’s wide eyes. His lips wobbled at first, which then turned into a smile. “That’s right. Cody, why don’t you show our guest from Pleasure the backseat and make sure she stays warm.”
Cody smiled. “Come with me.”
She looped an arm through his. Her knees were still stiff, and walking on the ice-encrusted snow was slippery. Acting like a gentleman, Cody opened the door. She smil
ed, not only at his thoughtfulness, but at his hint of cologne. She wondered if he’d snuck it out of one of the adults’ bathrooms, or if one of the men had decided they wanted to show Cody how to be a man. Between Tanner and Jackson, Cody was sure to break many hearts.
She slid onto the backseat, and Cody joined her. The inside had the aroma of rich cheese, and she audibly inhaled. “This smells so good.” He motioned to the blanket on the seat, and she slipped it over her lap. Her legs immediately warmed.
“Wait until you taste it.”
The two front doors opened, and both men slid in. Jackson turned around. “Rim’s bent. We’ll have to call for a tow tomorrow. It’s too late now.”
“I was afraid of that.” Maybe they wanted to eat in the car because it would save them time before driving her back home. That would mean they wouldn’t be gazing at the stars tonight. Too bad. She had really been looking forward to sharing an experience with Tanner and Cody.
“Can we eat now, Dad?”
Cody and Tanner must have really bonded today. “Sure.”
Jackson leaned forward. Plastic rustled. He turned around and handed her two paper plates and two forks. “For our backseat occupants.” He handed a similar set to Tanner.
Cody popped the top to the casserole dish that he’d placed on a wooden cutting board. “You got the big spoon, Jackson?”
She couldn’t believe how fast Cody had transformed into being the host. Perhaps this was the role he played for his mom. Jackson handed him the utensil.
“Pass up the salad, and Tanner and I will dish some out.”
Cody did as Jackson asked. “You can go first.” The little host then handed her the spoon so she could scoop out the mac and cheese.
“Thank you, Cody. You’re a real gentleman.”
At first she thought the breakdown had ruined the night. Now she knew it had made it.
* * * *
After they finished eating, the inside of the car smelled of heavenly cheese. She placed her disposable plate in the trash bag Jackson passed around.
Pleasure in Sanctuary [Sanctuary, Montana 3] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 5