Rocky Mountain Valentine

by Carol Steward

  Kevin nudged him. “Keep your voice down. We don’t want to give Ricky any ideas.”

  “Something tells me your son will have enough all on his own without borrowing ideas, bro.”

  Adam felt his mother’s eyes on him the minute he and Kevin walked in the door. She followed his every move from hanging his coat on the hook to leaving his boots on the rug. He realized exactly why the minute his gaze landed on Lisa.

  His mom’s face brightened with her usual “I knew it all along” expression. “Looks like you both came through the storm fine.”

  Adam nodded, wishing she wasn’t so observant. “We managed just fine. A blizzard, Lisa can handle, no contact with the outside world on the other hand—” The lights flickered, then came on.

  “I managed,” Lisa interrupted, checking her phone, “I have eight phone messages to return, I’ll have you know.”

  “Why am I not surprised?” he said before thinking. He realized they were bantering as easily as any married couple. Noting the grin on her sister’s face, he wasn’t the only one to pick up on it, either.

  He was hanging himself with his own rope. “Lisa, why don’t you have Emily take a look at your ankle? Have you told her what happened?”

  “No, I haven’t had a chance. She didn’t have her cell phone on, but I did reach Katarina.” She helped hang everyone’s coats, then added, “Let’s go to the living room.”

  Emily’s expression turned to concern as she took the lead to the lodge. “What happened?”

  Lisa took a step toward Adam’s private living room before realizing the others were going to the lodge. Adam winked, silently acknowledging her mistake. Everyone listened intently while she and Adam told about the blizzard, each filling in on what the other missed.

  “You were sitting in that snow quite a while, Lisa,” Adam said after they’d finished the story. “I want Emily to make sure everything is healing okay.” Lisa hoped she was the only one to notice the tenderness in Adam’s voice.

  Why did she feel as if she was suddenly the center of attention? Had she missed something?

  Kevin interrupted the silence. “Why don’t you two go on upstairs? Adam and I can unload Mom’s van.”

  Millie immediately accepted the offer, defending her shopping trip for emergency rations while the boys teased her about how quickly the snow would be melted.

  Lisa knelt down and picked up her niece and led the way up the stairs to her suite. “I’m feeling much better. This really isn’t necessary.”

  “I think it was the guys’ way of giving us a little time to talk privately.” Emily followed her into Lisa’s suite and closed the door.

  “And what might we need to talk about?”

  “Let’s see... The youngest MacIntyre brother and the youngest Berthoff sister are stranded and alone for three days—speculation is there could be a lot to talk about.” Emily smiled, ready to broadcast the news with the slightest hint of confirmation.

  Lisa miraculously managed to suppress a smile. “So Millie’s stay to help Kat was a ruse, huh?”

  Emily laughed. “Not exactly. Katarina did need help with the bookkeeping and Millie is a tremendous help. And the birthday party went great, thanks to her help. But that’s not why we’re here.”

  Lisa sat on the bed and took her slippers and socks off. “So...these are my toes. They hurt quite a bit at first, still tingle if I bang them on something.”

  “So do mine.” Her sister gave Lisa a critical squint before she began examining them. “Somehow, I suspect it wasn’t your toes Adam wanted me to examine. Frostbite on the hands and feet is pretty basic, even for an E.M.T.”

  “A what?” Lisa felt her face flush.

  “Emergency Medical Technician. It’s part of the search-and-rescue training. Didn’t he tell you?” Emily laughed. “Practical application is the most difficult for beginners, especially when the victim is a personal friend. Adam probably figured I’d be out here soon enough. Come on, sis, let’s finish the exam.” Emily asked question after question before giving Lisa a clean bill of health. “I’ll make sure to have a follow-up consultation with the E.M.T. Make sure he has no other concerns about your case.”

  Lisa bit her tongue. “If you’re fishing for a story, you’ve come to the wrong place.”

  Emily opened Alissa’s bag and pulled out a disposable diaper. “I don’t know. This is a romantic getaway.” She lifted the baby to the bed and quickly changed her. “Not only that, Tara called Kevin to get the scoop on you. She became quite concerned when she couldn’t reach Adam that evening.”

  “She did? And what did Kevin tell her?”

  Emily shrugged. “You know Kevin. He said he wasn’t sure, but it was probably an old girlfriend.”

  Lisa burst out laughing. She missed times like this. She missed the closeness of family and friends. “Thanks for the laugh.”

  “And you’re still not going to tell me anything?”

  Lisa bit her lip. She truly hadn’t expected this from either family. Adam’s initial reaction to her arrival made more sense now. “Adam’s been a wonderful host and a perfect gentleman. That’s it.”

  “Maybe Kevin had better luck with Adam.”

  Lisa’s cell phone rang, and she welcomed the interruption. Emily took Alissa downstairs, allowing Lisa privacy to take the call.

  When Lisa finished, she joined them in the middle of Adam’s tour of the suites. Soon after, Millie said they’d done a great job—even without her input.

  Adam gave his mother a warm hug. “I appreciate your help, Mom.”

  “I know you do, honey. This storm set everything behind schedule. Since you and Lisa have already taken care of the suites, I’ll return these things Monday.” Millie gave her granddaughter a big kiss and thanked Kevin and Emily for following her out to the ranch. Adam walked her to the van then turned back toward the house with Ricky slung over his shoulder.

  Lisa tried to ignore the pitter-patter of her heart at Adam’s tenderness for his mother. With each step he took, her heart raced a little faster. She felt Kevin and Emily watching her, and tried to ignore her own reaction. She watched as his long legs made short time of the distance between them.

  Emily gave Lisa a hug. “We need to get going. We’ll see you soon.” She looked at Lisa one more time as Adam reached for the doorknob. “Do you really expect me to believe you can ignore a good-looking cowboy like Adam?”

  “Better luck next time, sis.”

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  LISA’S MIND WAS still spinning. If she accepted the job, she had to leave. If she didn’t, who knew when an opportunity like this would come again?

  Nothing could ever be more wonderful than spending the last few days with Adam. But now it was over.

  She took a deep breath and gathered her courage when she heard the door close. His voice echoed from the beamed ceilings. “Your sister is suspicious.”

  With good reason. Why was it she and Adam were the only ones caught off balance by their feelings for one another? Falling in love was the furthest thing from her mind when she’d stepped onto that jet in San Francisco two weeks ago.

  Francie accused Lisa of letting her personal feelings interfere with this assignment. She couldn’t argue with that, even though she had never been the type to use sensationalism in order to sell a story. After all, what was more romantic than a man who honored his family and wanted to share his heritage with others? She didn’t need to embellish the facts.

  She wouldn’t back down. She’d send Francie her article. If she and Steve didn’t like it, that was their problem, not hers. If she didn’t get the full-time job with their magazine, something would come up elsewhere. Today’s phone call proved that.

  When one door closes, another one opens. How often had she heard Emily say those words?

  “Lisa? Is everything okay?”

  She stared blankly at Adam. “Great. I—I may have another assignment.”

  She watched reality sink in. They had both been so intent o
n their budding relationship that they’d overlooked how quickly things could change. Even she had set reality aside. Though the past few weeks were unforgettable, it was long past time for her to get moving again. Lisa realized that now.

  Adam leaned against the stair railing and pulled her into his embrace. “Is it an assignment for the magazine, or an interview for someone else?”

  “I’ll be doing a shoot for an exclusive catalog.”

  “No story?” His brown eyes searched hers and Lisa felt as if she had somehow deceived him.

  “I can be silenced, for the right price.” She managed a tentative smile. “This is a golden opportunity and the income is extraordinary. They need someone with outdoor photography experience.”

  He looked at her through narrowed eyes and shook his head. “But you’re a photojournalist. I assumed...”

  “I’m a freelancer—I do whatever brings an income, and right now, a woman in this business can’t overlook having a backup plan. The photographer was fired and there’s a possibility it could turn into a regular assignment.”

  Adam forced a smile. “That’s great.”

  “Funny thing is, I have the oddest feeling the photographer was my ex-boyfriend.” The words were out before she even realized what she was saying.

  Icy contempt flashed in his eyes and his body tensed. “What makes you think that?”

  She relished the time spent in Adam’s protective embrace, even if doing so would make it that much more difficult to leave. “The editor got my name from a model that I met when I was in Portland. The only job I’ve ever done there was with Dale.”

  “I don’t like the sound of this.”

  “He can’t hurt me.” She took a deep breath. “Whatever this photographer did landed him in jail.”

  “Jail? Lisa...”

  “I’ll be fine, Adam. If it is Dale, he’s already behind bars.”

  “If it’s him, you could press charges.”

  “Press charges? No. I—I couldn’t.”

  “Why not? He ruined your life.”

  “No. Dale may have changed it, but leaving was the best thing that he ever did for me.” Lisa felt trapped between her words and the truth. She’d read those self-help articles on finding happiness and letting go of the past—even written a few. While she could say the words and put on a brave front, inside her heart still raced like a coward’s. “He’s the last person I plan to see. Forget I mentioned him, okay?” She kissed Adam. “Please.”

  He nodded unconvincingly. “What about the party? And pictures? I thought you’d stay to help.”

  She felt a warm sensation pass between them. “I’ll be here. I told the editor I have to be back here by Saturday. She said she’d check the budget.” Lisa faltered. If they wouldn’t pay for her return ticket, she’d do so. “Don’t worry, I’ll be here. In the meantime, I need to pick up my camera and try it out. What do you say we go take some pictures?”

  He looked around. “But the lodge isn’t ready.”

  “It looks fine.”

  “Fine leaves room for improvement. We’re talking national exposure here. I’ve tried to make it homey, but it’s still missed something. What is it?”

  Homey? How would she know? She hadn’t lived anywhere long enough to know what a home was supposed to feel like, but she had to admit—Whispering Pines Guest Ranch would be at the top of her list.

  “It doesn’t need much, really. You might put some of the family pictures from your living room out here on the table, fabric over the windows or maybe some tab curtains at some point. Candles, or crafty things, pillows...which reminds me...” She spun from his embrace and ran up the stairs. “Close your eyes. You can’t peek.”

  She pulled the moose and the beaver from the bag and held them close. They were soft and cuddly, a perfect reminder of Adam.

  “Are your eyes closed?” Lisa called as she walked out of her room and down the stairs.

  He turned to face her, eyes closed. “Tight as the barn door.”

  She held both the stuffed animals behind her back, just in case he peeked. Lisa walked right up to Adam and lifted her chin. “Okay, you can open.”

  “I think it’s rude to kiss with open eyes, don’t you?” He didn’t wait for an answer. Adam reached up and touched her face, exploring as if he were blind. His lips finally met hers, the kiss so tender it brought tears to her eyes. Keep it simple, Lisa.

  When she thought Adam was ending the kiss, it lingered on. He held her with one hand on each shoulder, as if he sensed her weakening knees. She savored every moment.

  “Wow. What store sells kisses like that?” He opened his eyes and stole one more kiss.

  She felt the blood rush to her face. She blinked, trying to shake the dizziness. “You were holding out on me.”

  Was she imagining it, or was he blushing, too?

  Adam grinned mischievously. “And what about you? I don’t recall your arms leaving your side.”

  “They were sort of busy—” she pulled the stuffed animals from behind her back “—trying to hold on to these.” Lisa held her breath. She hoped he liked them. “I couldn’t resist. You wanted rustic, and I thought these looked pretty rugged, in a cuddly sort of way. Maybe they’ll add that homey feel.”

  Adam held them up. “They’re cute little critters. Thank you.” He snuggled them to his face and smiled. “Now, I guess we should go into town for the camera. Since you’ll be leaving soon, maybe we could make it a date. If you wouldn’t mind an evening out.”

  “Mind?” Lisa smiled. “I’d love it. Let me go change into something more suitable.”

  Adam realized he hadn’t even asked where Lisa would be going. Did he even have her cell phone number? He changed into tan slacks and a black turtleneck, pulled on his boots and rushed down the stairs to wait.

  A few minutes later, she was ready. She looked beautiful. He liked the way Lisa had pulled her hair up with loose honey-colored tendrils softening her face. With a black sweater, Lisa wore a short charcoal-colored skirt and black tights that made her legs look longer and shapelier than he had imagined.

  She looked self-conscious. “Is this okay? I don’t have many dress clothes. They don’t travel well.”

  He cleared his throat. “Don’t apologize. You look...fine.”

  She placed a hand on her hip and gave herself another critical assessment. “Fine? According to you, fine isn’t much of a compliment.”

  Adam would have swallowed the lump in his throat if he’d had enough saliva left. “Trust me, you look mighty nice, and I think that’s about as much as I should say on the subject.”

  With his approval, Lisa let out a deep breath and relaxed her shoulders. Her giggle was contagious. “I don’t date much, but that sounds like a compliment to me. Will it be okay for dinner?”

  “You can go in whatever you’re comfortable wearing, though I might add those tights don’t look very warm for a woman who’s recovering from frostbite.”

  “The tights are fleece-lined and very warm. According to Emily, there’s no skin damage, but thanks for watching out for me.”

  He opened his mouth to say it was just part of his job, but he knew that wasn’t the truth. It was totally personal now, and he didn’t dare admit that yet. He didn’t argue. If he did, they’d never make it to the camera store in time.

  “You could have mentioned at least once that you’re a trained medic.”

  “I didn’t tell you because I’m not certified yet.” He helped her into the four-wheel-drive truck and backed out of the drive, determined to change Lisa’s mind about leaving.

  Once they reached the highway, the roads were dry. He hoped it either got hot enough this next week to dry the roads out completely or stayed cold all week so they’d stay frozen. Otherwise, it was going to be a messy Valentine’s Day celebration. Colorado weather could be pretty fickle. He recalled recent years when they’d taken picnics to the canyon in February and spent Kevin’s Fourth of July birthday in sweatshirts huddled by the campfi
re.

  “Adam?”

  He turned. “Sorry, I was thinking about the weather. What did you say?”

  Lisa tugged at the hem of her skirt. Even seated, it came just above the knee. “I was saying that in order to survive as a freelancer, I have to be flexible. I can’t afford to turn down jobs—any job. I hope you understand.”

  “You must be a very good photographer if they want you to work for a catalog.”

  She felt the heat rise to her cheeks. “I’m not the best, but I am good. And I’m not kidding myself. They called because they’re desperate. I’m affordable, I’m reliable and I’m available. That’s important in this business. They need you where and when they need you.” The traffic in town was thick with weekend shoppers. “The catalog is behind schedule, which costs them big money. This is my break. There’s no room for mistakes. Some aspiring apprentice is always waiting for a chance, too.”

  “And you’re the apprentice waiting in the wings?”

  “It’s a great opportunity. Fashion photography, if you can break in, pays extremely well.”

  “That’s not what I asked. Were you his apprentice?”

  “Yes, that’s how we met.” The cab of the truck was silent except for the sound of traffic whizzing past. “Would you mind if I leave some things at the ranch? If this job goes like others, we’ll work till we drop. I thought it might be nice to travel light for a change.”

  “I don’t know that that’s possible,” Adam stated matter-of-factly. “You traveling light, I mean.” He turned off of Main Street. “I saw what two days without email did to you, I can’t imagine you without your laptop for a week.”

  He exaggerated the words, unable to hide a smile, and Lisa was happy to see him teasing her instead of pulling away again. “The hotel will have a computer and I can check my email on my cell phone.”

  “Speaking of which, I want your phone number and email address.” Adam parked and turned off the engine.

  She pulled a business card from her pack and gave it to him. “I’ll be right back. Warm up your smile.”

  Adam leaned his head on the seat, fingering the card. Did he have the strength to let her go? And was their love enough to bring her back home again?