So yeah, I’m feeling the pressure still. Not only was my funk hurting the company, but I’m supposed to be the sales leader, the guy who goes out and shows the rest of the team how to get shit done.
Having the chance to come back to Great Falls and sort of close that circle and nail the contract that really set me off on my short-term downward spiral is awesome.
Admittedly, while some of my delight is professional, there’s also a part of this that is personal, hoping that I might be able to track Rose down while in town again. I’m sure someone can help me out. I mean, a town this size can’t have too many women looking like her running around.
In the months since I saw her, no one has called out to me like she did. I’m not bitter, but I’m sure that at least some of my funk was that I’ve been unable to focus on doing my damn job because I’ve been thinking of her. I know when I wished on that star, deep down, I was wishing for someone like her, just that magic of instant fireworks but sustainable like Sam and Susan have.
I’m probably just seeing what I want to see, but it feels like it may have worked. The next morning was the start of a hot streak that’s led me back here for a shot at redemption. I’m ecstatic to be driving into town again, feeling like this is gonna be the move that really changes everything for me.
I haven’t heard from her, and for all I know, tracking her down might make me seem like the biggest loser ever, but I’m adventurous enough to give it a try. After all, the worst thing that could happen is that I get laughed at a little in a town that I may never visit again.
From my last trip to town, I remember a diner that seemed to be a local landmark. I find a parking spot along Main Street and begin to make my way toward the diner, hopeful someone there can help me find Rose.
It seems like fate is on my side when I’m not even halfway to the diner. I see a familiar figure and hair that I’ve dreamed about for the past five months in front of me. She’s not wearing a sexy clingy dress this time, just some denim with a cozy sweater, but I know her as soon as I see her. “Rose!”
She keeps walking, and I call out again, a bit louder this time. She stops, turning, and time seems to slow down as her eyes, those same gorgeous baby blue that I remember, meet mine. Her eyes widen slightly and lock onto mine, a shock like lightning jolting down my spine and making me grin like a damn fool. I guess playing it suave was over in about half a second flat. Fuck it, I have to tell her how these past five months have been for me.
She finishes turning around, and something for the first time catches my eyes. Her belly is decidedly fuller than the last time I saw her, her sweater not hiding her growing form at all.
I feel like someone’s just punched me right in the stomach. I half stumble to a stop a few steps away, the smile sort of locked on my face but wavering, my brain spinning. Was I an idiot these past few months? Did I just attach all of my loneliness and dissatisfaction with my life onto her without knowing what the fuck is really going on?
“Uh . . . hi, Nic,” Rose says, obviously as shocked as I am.
Smoothing out my face, I tilt my head. “I thought that was you. I was hoping to see you.”
I can see the surprise on her face, but it quickly turns to puzzlement. “You were hoping to see me? What brings you back to Great Falls?”
I nod, feeling a dark spot of sadness at my core at her question. I think I was more dedicated to the idea that she’d be somehow waiting for me to return than I realized. Fuck, my being here is probably just going to complicate things for her. It kills me that I can’t tell her that she’s been on my mind since I left here, but I really hope she’s happy with the obviously big changes in her life in the last few months.
“Well,” I say, forcing a smile on my face and half pointing up the mountain toward the resort. “The resort wanted me to come back, sort of talk some things over more. I was feeling hungry, so I remembered the diner, but then I saw you. So . . . uh, how’re you doing?”
There’s a spark of irritation in her eyes that I don’t understand, and she pulls her sweater closed, wrapping her arms across her body to keep it that way. “So you’re back in town for work and thought ‘Hey, I know a booty call in that town. Guess I’ll track her down for another round.’ Is that what you’re telling me?”
I’m taken aback by her unexpected anger and struggle to regain my balance. “Huh?” I stammer, still unsure what the hell’s going on. “No, not at all. I just—”
She interrupts me. “Look, Nic . . .Nicolas.” I instantly cringe inwardly, hating her saying my full name, like there’s more distance than just time between us. Rose notices but continues. “We had fun, obviously. But when I reached out to you and left a message three months ago and didn’t hear anything back, I got your response loud and clear. I get it. It’s fine. I’m a big girl and I think we both were surprised at that night. Or at least I was. But I can’t do this. I have other responsibilities now, and you don’t have to worry about that. I’m fine.”
She starts walking away, the dismal bleakness of utter rejection settling over me like a shroud. I see her shoulders lift as she takes a big breath and exhales.
What the fuck was that? That’s definitely not how I expected things to go down. I get that it’s been months, but that stings. I should’ve fucking called, but shit, we didn’t exchange numbers. How was I supposed to call her? And what’s this about reaching out three months ago? That would’ve been about the time I was in Oregon with Sam, and when I came back, things were crazy around the office.
Still, I mean, I guess I deserve it. She did tell me she ran a boutique, and there can’t be too many of those in this town. But I’ve just been so busy and time flies. It didn’t seem like calling her after she snuck out that morning was the right thing to do. I thought that’s what she wanted, but judging by her reaction, maybe I was wrong? Especially after she said she left a message.
I burst into action, chasing after her down the sidewalk, but I lose her somehow in a meandering group of tourists. By the time I get myself untangled from a man totally overdressed and wearing a University of Miami ball cap, I don’t see her at all.
I look up and down the street, wondering where she went because I need to talk to her, straighten this out somehow. I can’t go on and never see her again on that note. The least I can do is apologize and wish her well, even if I hate the thought of some other lucky fucker being the one who snagged her.
He’d better treat her right, that’s all I can say. Not knowing where she is but knowing where she will be, I walk back up the street the direction Rose was coming from. It takes me about two minutes to see it, the sign hitting me between the eyes as I make the connection again. Quickly, I cross the parking lot to the Mountain Rose and step inside.
A younger woman with brown curls cascading down her back and a bright smile cheerily greets me. “Hello. Welcome to the Mountain Rose. Can I help you find something today?”
“Yes, I’ve been in town before and met the owner. Will she be in today?”
The girl nods, eager to please. “Absolutely. Rose just stepped out for a moment to get our lunch.”
I nod, directing my gaze to a rack of clothes, although I don’t think I’ll find anything for me here. Other than a few items in the corner that are more . . . effeminate men’s fashion than my style, everything here is obviously meant for women. “Great, I think I’ll just browse a bit till she gets back. Thanks so much.”
The girl hangs nearby, giving me a curious look as I flip through a few hangers. “So, how do you know Rose? I just met her a few weeks ago. Today’s my first day, actually.”
I grin, realizing that’s why she’s so enthusiastic to be of service. Newbies . . . and probably looking to make a good impression. “Just old friends. We met a few months ago and I’m in town for work, so I thought I’d look her up.”
“A few months?” the girl remarks. “That’s not exactly ‘old friends’, now is it?”
She laughs at her own joke and I smile. “Well, it’s not exactly like w
e went to kindergarten together, but you know how it is. What’s your name? I’m Nic.”
The quickly introduced Devon and I make some small talk about the town, just buying time. The store’s quiet, not much of a lunch rush for places like this, and about twenty minutes later, the boutique door opens. Rose walks in, almost pushed by the light wind that’s kicked up to make her hair blow back like gossamer strands of gold around her face, her arms laden with two bags of what smell like the diner’s famous, or infamous, depending on whom you ask, gut bomb cheeseburgers.
Her smile is bright and her voice is light as she moves toward the desk and calls out, “Lunch is here, Devon. If you don’t mind, can I eat first? Gotta feed this hungry monster and then you can take your lunch.”
Devon grins as she finishes, pointing toward me. “Sure, you’ve got a visitor anyway.”
“Huh?” Rose asks, turning. She sees me and I watch as she ignites, angry all over. “What are you doing here? Get out.”
Devon flinches, worried that she fucked up on her first day at work. “Oh, no, I’m so sorry, Rose. He said he was an old friend.”
Rose’s flashing eyes don’t leave mine, but she answers Devon, giving her a little wave of assurance. “It’s fine, Devon. You couldn’t have known.”
“Rose, I just want to talk,” I say placatingly, softly. I don’t want to beg, but right now, I’m just being moved by the same feeling I felt five months ago. I have to know what’s going on. “Can we sit down while you eat lunch? Or I can come back tonight when you close, if that’s better?”
Rose firmly shakes her head while out of the corner of my eye, I see Devon grab her bag and disappear to the back, probably wishing she were anywhere else right about now. “No, I don’t want to talk. Just go. I’m fine.”
Being a salesman, my bullshit detector is sharper than most people’s, and while Rose is putting up a decent front, my alarm bells are ringing loud and proud. “You’re obviously not fine. You’re mad at me and I don’t know why. What’s gotten you so upset?”
Something flashes across her face—hurt, maybe, or regret—and she sighs, shaking her head as she admits defeat. “I can’t do this. Not now and not here.”
“Where?” I ask, stepping closer.
“I don’t—” Rose says, freezing when I reach out and take her hand gently. Another tingle jumps between our fingers, and I feel like something inside me moves. To hell with the meeting at the resort. This woman’s my future.
She glances at Devon, who’s about half a step from the back room door, and steps back, breaking our contact almost reluctantly. “Fine, come at six tonight and we can talk, but not now.”
I see the stubbornness on her face, and even though I want to hash this all out right here and now, I sense that will be counter-productive, so I give in. For now. But this deal’s far from done. “Thank you. I’ll be here at six.”
I turn to walk out, but I can’t resist and turn back at the door to look at her. Her cheeks are flushed and her chest lifts with every breath, reminding me of . . . before. “Rose, I missed you.”
Before she can reply with more than her eyes, I walk out into the chilly air, knowing I’ve got to get up to the Mountain Spirit Resort anyway. Hopefully, she’s ready to talk tonight.
Chapter 11
Rose
As soon as Nic walks out the door, I collapse against the counter, my head and my heart pounding like I just got done slamming down a few bourbons. “Oh. My. God.”
Devon gives me a worried look and comes back over from the door. “Is there anything I can do?”
I shake my head, standing up. “I’m okay. I just need . . . to call someone. Eat your burger up here.”
I set my lunch on the counter, forgetting entirely about my earlier hunger pangs, and grab the phone. I punch a couple of buttons and begin to dance around impatiently as it rings.
Brad answers quickly. I guess there’s a lull at the salon too. “Hey, bitch-a-roo, what’s new?”
All of my breath leaves in an audible huff, and I collapse into a chair near the door. “Brad, I need you. Something happened. He’s here.”
Brad is instantly all business, dropping his lisp, all of his humor evaporating, and I hear the man who, despite all of his protestations to the contrary, could be a great father someday if he wants. “What happened? Are you okay? Is the baby okay?”
I’m stumbling over my words, trying to make the swirls in my head into sentences. “I’m okay,” I reply, and I hear him let out a breath in a long whoosh that makes me tear up. He cares about me so much and I’m lucky to have him as a friend. “Jelly Bean’s ok. But Nic . . . he’s here. I don’t know what to do.”
I trail off, and Brad jumps in. “I’m already on my way down the street, honey. Be there in a couple. Sit down, put your feet up, and breathe. We’ll figure this out.”
I hear the click as he ends the call and sink into the chair behind the front desk. It’s only a second later that Brad swoops through the front door, looking like I’ve never seen him before. Instead of his usual fabulousness, he’s wearing a . . . I swear it looks like a camo military jacket, lending an even more surreal air to the day.
Brad surveys me quickly, taking in my pale face and Devon’s questioning look. I’m sure she’s wondering what the else could happen on her first day at work here.
Brad approaches her, his hand outstretched. “I’m Brad. You the new girl?”
Devon looks to be in shock, but she nods. “I’m Devon.”
“Nice to meet you, although I wish it was under better circumstances.” He turns to face me, even as he talks to Devon in a brusque tone. “Look, Rose and I need to talk. Can . . .”
She straightens her back, stepping behind the desk and giving us both a reassuring look. “I’ve got this. Don’t worry.”
I smile at her, giving her a pat on the arm. “Helluva first day, huh? I swear it’s not usually like this.”
Devon shrugs and smiles. “If this is unusual, I’m just glad I’m here to help.”
She really is the best helper I think I could find. Keep this up, and she’s going to find herself with a pay raise before the week’s out.
Brad shuffles me into my office and plops me into my chair, dragging another chair to sit in front of me. “Okay, start at the beginning. What happened?”
I give him the rundown, seeing the look of pride he has when I say that I told Nic I wasn’t a booty call and could take care of myself. “You can, you know? You’re doing great with it all.”
“Thanks. You know it’s because of you guys though. Takes a village and all that shit.”
“For sure, but why did Nic find you now? Is he just in town and wanting a repeat of some grade-A nookie?”
“I think so. He seemed happy to see me until . . .” I gesture at my belly. “He definitely wasn’t expecting this.”
Brad sits back at the news and pops a hand under his chin. “All right. So now what? What do you want to do? He needs to know this is his baby, Rose. He may run right back out of town and basically be the sperm donor you thought you were getting in the first place, but at least you’ll have given him that respect.”
“I know,” I admit. “He knocked me for a loop, but he said some things . . . anyway, he’s coming back tonight at six so we can talk. I’ll tell him, but then what? What if he wants to be involved? What if he doesn’t? And custody, child support, and I don’t even know what else because I didn’t think he was ever gonna show back up!”
I’m getting hysterical, my hands covering my belly protectively. Brad leans forward and puts his hands over mine, soothing my nerves and making me look up at him with trust and hope. “Chill. He’s not taking Jelly Bean here. Just hear the man out and go from there.”
I take a big breath, letting it out slowly. “You’re right. I can’t do anything about it until tonight. No use getting myself worked up. Then I’ll tell him everything, see what he says, and go from there, I guess. Thanks, Brad.”
There’s a still a t
ouch of worry in his eyes, but his demeanor lightens back up, his voice pitching a bit higher. “There’s my girl. Cool, calm, and collected. You’ve got this, Rose.”
Right at six, I flip the sign on the front door to Closed. Devon has already gone home with an epic first day at work story that I just hope she doesn’t spread all over town. Still, I wanted to make sure, so I let her go at five, along with my thanks and a smile.
I’ve still got my hand on the sign when the door opens. It’s Nic. He’s so intense and so handsome, my heart starts speeding up despite myself. “Hi, Rose. Can we talk now?”
An ugly fear in my gut makes me want him to go away, get out of my shop. Run away, you perfect memory who hurt me. I can’t and won’t be hurt by you again. I feel like pouting, sticking my fingers in my ears, and immaturely chanting out, “Go away . . . I don’t wanna talk to you . . . la la la la . . .”
Instead, I rally, digging deep for some maturity to act like an adult. “Sure. Come to the office. We can sit and talk there.”
I lock the door and he follows me back to my office, settling into one chair while I sit down in the chair across from him. I have a flicker of humor at how my position with Brad earlier has been reversed and now I have to be the adult one who handles shit.
“Okay, so . . .” I begin, my voice trailing off as my ability to put together a coherent sentence thoroughly fails me. So much for handling things. Part of it is the subject at hand, but another part is how my brain’s whispering to me just how handsome Nic looks. He’s dressed nicely, in an open-throated dress shirt underneath his jacket and dress slacks that tell me he came directly from a business meeting. That same little voice in me wonders if he cut his meeting short in order to come see me, and if so, it’s impressed.
Nic smiles, and I shiver inside, desperately trying to hang onto my anger. I’m not going to let him off that easily. “Yeah, so . . .” he says, trying to sound relaxed but still with a slight undercurrent of nervousness that helps me all the more. “Maybe we start at the beginning? You left the morning after.” He clears his throat awkwardly, not sure how to discuss that night. “And then what? How did you end up . . .?” He seems to stumble over his words a bit.
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