A Cowboy's Kiss

by Vicki Lewis Thompson

  “Awesome. Must be exciting to see it transformed.”

  “It is, but I don’t want to shortchange my time with you. If we don’t get finished, I’ll give them a call.”

  “I’m sure we can get done. It’s just the receipts, right?”

  “Not quite. I’d also like a rundown on what you pay everyone. If you can get me a figure for the rent and the latest utility bills, that would be good, too.”

  “Um…let me check in my office.” She hoped she could put her hands on those figures. Although she’d written checks for everything he’d mentioned, she didn’t always record them.

  She found the checkbook under a pile of papers and flipped through it. The staff was paid every two weeks and the amount fluctuated every month. The rent was a constant, but the utilities fluctuated, too. Some she’d recorded and some she hadn’t.

  Luke was making notes on his laptop when she came out of the office. She paused. She’d never had a chance to study him when he wasn’t aware of it. A handsome guy against a background of Valentine decorations certainly inspired some excellent fantasies—romantic walks in the snow, cozy evenings by the fire, a tender kiss…

  Enough. This was a business meeting and he was on a tight schedule. Romance was not on the agenda.

  She came around the counter and he looked up from his laptop. His brown gaze warmed, rocketing her back to the moment on the dance floor when he’d held her gently yet firmly in his strong arms.

  She broke eye contact. Now wasn’t the time. “I found some info for you.”

  “Good.” His tone was crisp. “Let’s see what you’ve got.”

  She handed over the sheet of paper. Didn’t look very official. “I had to estimate on the utilities.”

  “For now, I just need a general idea. We can get into specifics later.”

  The word specifics made her break out in a cold sweat. She’d operated for the past twelve months on estimates. The estimates had fit into her view of things, which had been soft-focus.

  His goal was to sharpen that focus and expose the flaws in her system. The joke was on her that the person who’d make her face the truth about her business was a gorgeous cowboy. She wanted Luke to see her as a competent entrepreneur, not an inept manager of resources.

  But it was too late to turn back. Her behavior was under his microscope. Much as she hated that, she needed his evaluation if she expected to keep Pie in the Sky running.

  He studied her figures and his eyebrows rose.

  She wanted to hide but that wasn’t an option. Taking a deep breath, she returned to her chair opposite him. “What’s the verdict?”

  He gazed at her over his laptop. “Based on your current income and the pay scale you’ve set up, you can’t afford three full-time employees. You need to adjust hours to part-time.”

  “No.” The word popped out. But once it was there, she stood by it. “I can’t do that. They all need the money.”

  His expression gentled. “I understand that you care about them, but if you lose your business, none of them will have a job.”

  Her throat tightened. “It can’t be Ingrid. She’s learning to be a baker. It could be a career path for her. Yolanda’s putting herself through pharmacy school and besides, she’s awesome with customers.”

  “And the third one?”

  “Doug. He’s trying to figure things out. This job anchors him while he does that. I can’t—”

  “He’ll still have that, just not as many hours.” His voice was kind, but firm. “He can look for another part-time job to make up the difference.”

  “I don’t want to cut anyone’s hours. There has to be another way.”

  “All right. Then create a new revenue stream that justifies those hours. It would be even better if it brings people in during your slow times.”

  “Like what?”

  He massaged the back of his neck. “I’m not sure. Maybe…coffee?”

  “I serve coffee.”

  “But it’s just regular coffee, no frills. What if you offered specialty coffee? Made Pie in the Sky a destination for a specialty coffee and a pastry? Offer people espressos, lattes, interesting flavors?”

  “I don’t know anything about that. And I don’t have the equipment.”

  “You can find some basic equipment that won’t cost an arm and a leg. Then train one of your three employees as a barista.”

  “How can I train them if I know nothing myself?”

  “Go online, put your heads together. I’ll bet you could figure it out.”

  “You’re giving me a lot of credit.”

  “Because I know you can do it. You may hate paperwork, but you love pleasing customers. Does anyone else in Eagles Nest serve specialty coffee?”

  “Not that I know of.” Gradually the concept took hold. He had a point. She’d opened a bakery because the town didn’t have one and the customers had flocked in. If she gave them the kind of coffee they couldn’t get anywhere else, they’d come to her shop for that, too. “All right. Specialty coffee it is. Sure beats cutting Doug’s hours.”

  He laughed and shook his head. “I hope this guy appreciates your loyalty.”

  “He might not, but I don’t care. He needs the stability of this shop.” Which wasn’t nearly as stable as Doug thought it was.

  “All right then.” He closed his laptop. “Getting the coffee thing going will be the goal for this next week. Let me know if you run into any glitches.”

  “I will. And you need to get back to your house and see how Trevor and Badger are doing.” Didn’t look as if he planned to ask her out this weekend. Not that she’d expected it. Well, maybe she had. Last Saturday night had been promising.

  “I should get going.” But he didn’t leave the table. “Listen, it’s just in the early stages, but would you like to see what we’ve done so far?”

  Being coy wasn’t her style. “Great idea. I’ll follow you out there.”

  Chapter Nine

  Luke called to alert Badger and Trevor that Abigail was coming out to see the work in progress. Then he spent the rest of the drive explaining to Delilah why he’d made this spur-of-the-moment invitation.

  “Hey, she seemed interested in the renovation, so why not let her see what’s going on?”

  The dog gave him an I’m not buying it look.

  “Okay so you don’t believe me. I don’t believe myself, to be honest. The minute I saw her at the bakery today, surrounded by Valentine’s decorations and the aroma of fresh pastries, I wanted to kiss her.”

  Delilah let out a doggie sigh.

  “But for the record, I didn’t. Didn’t even touch her. I’m allowing myself this one little thing—showing her my house. Is that so terrible? Don’t answer that.”

  She didn’t. Instead she turned to gaze out the windshield as they neared the house. When he parked in front of it, she quivered with excitement.

  Clearly this house had become her touchstone, her reassurance that she had a place where she was wanted and loved. If someone contacted one of the shelters claiming she was their dog, they’d have to prove themselves worthy before he’d turn her over. Delilah would have to be eager to go.

  “Bet you’re hungry, aren’t you, pup?” But that wasn’t the whole story.

  The first night he’d brought her here, she’d roamed from room to room as he’d stacked logs and kindling in the fireplace. When he’d had the fire crackling, she’d come in and curled up on the rug in front of it. She’d been out like a light.

  He’d eaten his dinner sitting on the couch watching her sleep. By the time he’d been ready for bed, she still hadn’t moved. Calling himself an idiot, he’d brought blankets and a pillow out to the couch so he could sleep there and tend the fire all night. He’d wanted her to feel safe and warm.

  He’d had a crick in his back the next day from sleeping on the couch, so he’d bought her a pet bed and put it at the foot of his bed. She’d taken to it immediately

  Difficult though it was to admit, he liked h
aving her around. If someone showed up to claim her, he’d miss her like the devil. Logic said he could adopt another dog, but she wouldn’t be Delilah. She wouldn’t be the pup with the expressive eyes, the sweet girl he’d coaxed out of a snowstorm and into his truck.

  After switching off the engine, he reached over and opened the passenger door so Delilah could hop down and go to her favorite spot to take care of business. He no longer worried about her running off. During the ride on Sunday, she’d never gone more than a few yards away before heading back to him.

  Abigail parked her SUV next to his truck. That made quite a nice row of vehicles in front of his house. Like a party. When the house was ready, he’d have one.

  Abigail was out of her vehicle before he could get to her door. “Luke, no wonder you bought this place. It’s the perfect cabin in the woods.”

  “I wanted the exact opposite of an apartment in the city.”

  “You sure got it. I see a chimney. Does that mean you have a working fireplace?”

  “I do.” When Delilah trotted over and pressed her head against his thigh, he reached down to rub the top of her head and scratch behind her ears.

  “Do you use it?”

  “Every night.” He pictured enjoying a fire with her. Cuddling. Kissing…

  “When I get a house, I want a fireplace.”

  “But a house wouldn’t be as convenient as living above the bakery.”

  “I know.” She surveyed his place. “I’ve considered that. But then I see something like this, with a front porch where you can sit on summer evenings.”

  “I’m looking forward to that. I need chairs, though.” He could invite her out when the weather warmed up. They could listen to the crickets and the owls. Sip a cool drink. But every scenario ended with him taking her into his arms. He ached with the need to do that.

  “Rockers. At least that’s what I’d get.”

  “Good idea.” The whine of a sander cut into his fantasy. “We’d better go see how those guys are doing.”

  “Absolutely.” She took a deep breath. “Mm. I can smell the sawdust from out here.”

  “Because all the caulking needs to be replaced. The house leaks like a sieve.” He motioned to the porch steps. “After you. The door’s unlocked.”

  “Do they know I’m coming?”

  “Yes, ma’am. Called them on the way here.” He patted his thigh. “Let’s go, Delilah.” He followed Abigail into the house.

  Earlier he’d helped Trevor and Badger cram all the living room furniture into the dining room. Then he’d turned on the overhead so they could see what they were doing. The setting was a little stark, but the floor looked great. Finished, in fact. He hadn’t expected that.

  Trevor, wearing goggles and a face mask, switched off the sander and pulled down the mask. “Hi, you two. Welcome to the floor that’s smooth as a baby’s butt.”

  “Or will be once I finish vacuumin’ up the sawdust,” Badger said. “Evenin’, Miss Abigail.”

  “Hey, Badger.”

  Luke glanced at her. “I take it you’ve met this guy.”

  “Sure have. He’s the reason I added pecan pie to the menu.”

  “And you make it just like my granny did,” Badger said. “Now if y’all will stay right there for a minute, I’ll get rid of the sawdust.”

  “Sure.” Luke looked down at Delilah. “Sit.”

  She obeyed, but her body quivered with eagerness. She took her role as official greeter seriously.

  Badger turned on the shop vac and took care of the sawdust Trevor had left with his last pass. Then he shut it down. “That should do ‘er.” He swept an arm around the empty room. “Behold.”

  “Then you’re finished with the sanding?”

  Trevor surveyed the bare floor. “With this room. Goes fast with power tools.”

  “I sanded part of it.” Badger looked proud of himself. “That section over there by the fireplace. That’s my work.”

  “It looks amazing. I just didn’t expect you to be done already. I was planning to help.”

  Delilah’s soft whine reminded him she was sitting not-so-patiently by his side. “Okay, girl. You can get up.”

  She stood, surveyed the situation and went to Trevor.

  “Guess she loves you best,” Badger said.

  “’Course she does.” He grinned. “All the ladies do, right, Delilah?” He took off his goggles and crouched down to pet her. Then he glanced up at Luke. “Don’t worry about not pitching in on this section. There’s still plenty to do.”

  “It’s beautiful. Once you varnish it, that wood will glow like honey.” Abigail unzipped her parka.

  “Let me take your coat.” Luke shrugged out of his jacket. The house needed work but the furnace was new and kept the place toasty warm.

  “That’s okay. I wasn’t planning to stay.”

  “Don’t leave on our account.” Trevor stood. “We’re done for the day.” When he walked into the dining room, Delilah transferred her attention to Badger.

  “So I’m second best.” Badger leaned down to scratch behind her ears. “Just don’t forget that I’m the one who gave you that awesome name.”

  “It’s a good name.” Trevor returned with his coat and hat. “Want us to help you put some of the furniture back?”

  Luke shook his head. “Thanks, but let’s just leave it. Are you still available to put a coat of varnish on it tomorrow?”

  “Absolutely.” Trevor glanced at Abigail. “Get Luke to show you around before you leave. It’s a sweet little house. A little TLC and it’ll be—” He paused and looked down. Delilah had walked over and started nudging him toward the door. “Hey, pup, I’m going, I’m going. I can take a hint.”

  Badger cracked up. “Hey, Trev, she’s givin’ you the bum’s rush. Guess she doesn’t love you best after all.”

  “That’s not it,” Luke said. “She’s herding him over to Abigail and me. She wants us in a cluster. Stay there, Badger. She’ll come for you next.”

  “This I gotta see.”

  Delilah gave Trevor one more nudge before turning toward Badger.

  “Get ready,” Luke said. “Here she comes.”

  “Well, I’ll be damned.” Badger allowed himself to be maneuvered toward the door. “I’ve never seen the like.”

  “I have,” Trevor said. “But I’d forgotten it. One of my buddies in high school had a border collie mix who used to do that. A bunch of us would go to his house and spread out in the yard so he’d launch into his routine.” He buttoned his coat. “I’m outta here. Olivia and I are having date night and she’s already started dinner. Nice seeing you Abigail.”

  “Same here, Trevor. The floor looks awesome.”

  “Yeah, it does, Trev,” Luke added. “Thank you so much.”

  “You’re welcome. See you in the morning.”

  After Trevor left, Badger pulled out his phone and checked the time. “I should be takin’ off, too. I have a hot phone date with Hayley in about thirty minutes and I doubt you want to listen in while I’m sweet-talkin’ your sister.”

  Luke rolled his eyes. “You’ve got that right.”

  “Otherwise I’d stay and partake of the chili your mama dropped off while you were gone. She makes amazin’ chili.”

  “My mom was here?”

  “She was. Left the chili as a thank you for givin’ her the idea of buying a barn. She found one. ‘Scuse me while I go fetch my coat and hat.”

  “She found a venue?” Luke called after him. “That’s great!” Luke blessed his good timing or his mother’s bad timing. Either way, she hadn’t arrived to find Abigail here. That was for the best.

  Abigail looked confused. “Why would you suggest that your mom needs a barn?”

  “She’s been wanting to expand her business. I thought buying an old barn and fixing it up as a wedding venue would be a good way to go, Anyone who rents it will probably use her services. She has to get financing, but that shouldn’t be too hard.”

  Badger
came back out, buttoning his coat on the way. “I’m investin’ in it.”

  “Are you, now? Luke smiled. “Smart move.”

  “I know what you’re thinkin’, that I’m tryin’ to butter her up.”

  “Yep.”

  “Don’t need to. Your momma already dotes on me. And she’s goin’ to clean up with this barn concept. It’ll be more popular than a beehive in a bear wallow.”

  Abigail laughed. “I just love hearing you talk, Badger.”

  “Thank you kindly. As it happens, I love talkin’. Now if you two will excuse me, I’ll head on home to make that phone call to my darlin’.”

  “Tell her hi for me,” Luke said.

  “I’ll do that, Luke. Miss Abigail.” He tipped his hat in her direction and headed out the door.

  “Badger’s fun.” Abigail pulled up the tab of her zipper. “I should be going, too.”

  She was leaving. Letting her go was safer. To hell with safe. “Since my mom brought over chili, would you like to stay and have some with me?”

  Her smile bloomed. “That sounds wonderful.”

  Chapter Ten

  While Delilah ate her dog food and the chili warmed on the stove, Abigail enjoyed a tour of the house. With only two bedrooms and one bathroom, plus the dining room and kitchen, the tour didn’t take long. About halfway through, Delilah came looking for them and stayed by Luke’s side until they returned to the kitchen.

  “See?” Abigail gestured to the pup. “Bonded.”

  “Or maybe she wants more food.”

  “She might, but I think it’s you she’s after.” Abigail understood. Hanging out with Luke and watching him be domestic was a treat. “Your house is extremely cozy.”

  “Thanks. It has a ways to go, yet, but I like it.” He lifted the lid on the chili. “Coming along.”

  “Smells terrific.”

  “It’s my favorite. My mom must be super happy about that barn to have made this for me.” Luke glanced down at Delilah when she nudged his thigh. “You’ve had your dinner, girl. Go lie down.”

  The dog padded over to a corner of the kitchen. Then she flopped down with her head on her paws and her gaze fixed on Luke.