As did her willingness to let him call her Abby when she’d never encouraged anyone else to do it. Using a special name for her made their connection unique. The kind of relationship that might last a while.
Now there was a concept. He rinsed his hands and dried them on the towel hanging near the sink. Building a lasting relationship with a woman hadn’t been on his radar. It was now.
People had a clever little catch-phrase for that concept. They called it falling in love. Was he? What they shared wasn’t just about sex. Never had been.
The woman lying in the other room could become the most important person in his life. That idea took some getting used to. Didn’t mean he didn’t like it.
He walked back into the bedroom and peeked at Delilah to confirm that she was still out like a light. Climbing into the cozy bed, he reached for Abby and pulled her close.
She nestled against him with a sigh. “Are you okay?”
“Sure am.” He stroked her back.
“You were gone so long I was afraid you’d fallen in.” If she’d added the word love to that statement, she would’ve hit the nail on the head.
But she might not be ready to use that four-letter word, so he’d play it cool. “Just thinking about things.”
“Like my messed-up records?”
“No, as a matter of fact.” Twice she’d brought up the subject, so her anxiety about it wasn’t gone. He searched for a change in topic. “Where did you find the cupcake lamp?”
“I didn’t. My mom gave it to me when I graduated from culinary school. It was supposed to be a joke.”
“But now it’s not.”
“Oh, it kind of is. I remember laughing with her about it. She said I didn’t have to keep it. I’m glad I did.”
“So am I.” Oh, yeah, he was definitely falling.
“But I’m not fooled by that out-of-the-blue lamp question. You just didn’t want to admit you were worrying about the records because you were afraid I’d start worrying.”
“I swear to you I wasn’t thinking about your paperwork. But now I am.”
“Dammit. Screwed myself that time.”
“Exactly.” He chuckled. “Next time let me do it.” The way he was heating up, that would be soon.
“Absolutely. I’ve learned my lesson.” She reached down and wrapped her fingers around his thickening cock. “But I’ll bet I can convince you to forget about my paperwork.”
“Guaranteed.” He grasped her wrist. “Except I need to ask something before you proceed. Is it okay if I bring over some clothes and stuff tomorrow. It would save time if I don’t have to drive back home every morning to get cleaned up.”
“I have to get up at three. You might hate that.”
He let go of her wrist. “If I do, that’s my problem.” Might as well find out before he was in too deep. Ha. Like it wasn’t already too late.
Chapter Twenty-One
The rumbling of the Eagles Nest snowplow woke Abigail before dawn. Evidently making love most of the night had worn her out enough that she’d slept in later than normal for a Sunday. She was alone in the bed but Luke was still in the apartment. Light and his soft conversation with Delilah came from the direction of the living room.
Quickly slipping into her robe, she walked down the hallway. Luke was putting on his jacket and Delilah danced around him, tail wagging.
“I was about to come in and tell you goodbye.” He walked over and drew her close. The dog followed and continued her cavorting. He glanced down. “Delilah, sit.” Her haunches dropped but she quivered with excitement.
Abigail smiled. “She’s racing around in her mind.”
“Yeah, she is. Crazy dog. Anyway, I’m going down to see if the snow removal guys will help me get my truck out.”
“Is that even possible? Last night it looked buried.”
“It’s not so bad, now. We must have had another pretty good wind come up. It rearranged the snow a bit.”
“Want me to keep Delilah here while you go check?”
“I would, but she needs to go out, so I might as well take her with me now.”
“What if the snow’s piled up against the door?”
“Then I’ll tunnel through. I’m hoping it’s not completely blocked, though. Can’t see too well from up here. Only thing is, once I’m out, I’ll need you to lock up after me.”
“I’ll get my slippers.”
“And your coat. Don’t want you to freeze while Delilah and I are navigating the door situation.”
“Be right back.” Walking in the bedroom, she glanced longingly at the rumpled sheets. No lazy Sunday morning with Luke.
But he’d promised his dad he’d come over. Mustn’t be greedy. She pulled on her sheepskin slippers and grabbed her coat.
He stood waiting, Delilah’s leash already clipped to her collar. “I wish I didn’t have to leave.”
“I wish you didn’t, either, but we had a lot of snow and I’m sure your dad could use some help.”
“Do you have to go anywhere today? I could come back and dig out your vehicle.”
She shook her head. “That’s very sweet, but since I doubt we’ll go horseback riding—”
“I forgot about that. I’m guessing the ranch is socked in. It’ll be sundown before all the roads are clear. I might need to ask Zane if he’d plow mine.”
She zipped up her coat. “Let’s take it one thing at a time. First job is to get you and Delilah out the front door.”
“Wrong.” He slipped a hand around her waist and pulled her in tight. “First job is to kiss you. With great care. My beard is wicked in the morning.”
“Makes you look a little bit wicked, too. Sexy.”
“From a distance, maybe. I could sand the floor of my house with my chin right now. Just hold still.”
“I don’t care if you…mm.” The touch of his mouth stirred her up like it had last night. Even better, his tongue tasted of chocolate.
Way too soon, he drew back, regret in his gaze. “Like I said, wish I could stay.”
“Then you could have more of those brownies you just snitched.”
“Then I could have more of everything.” He heaved a sigh. “But I gotta go. I hope the lock isn’t frozen shut.”
“Maybe I should go get my hair dryer.”
“There’s an outlet down there?”
“No, but I have the world’s longest extension cord.”
“I’ll think positive. I’ll be able to break free so Delilah and I can brave the drifts. Let’s go.”
Abigail followed them down the stairs. “She likes the cold weather, though, right?”
“She’s a natural in the snow. I’m convinced she was born and bred here.”
“Then this is where she belongs.” The stairwell grew more frigid with each step down.
“That decision might not be ours to make.” He reached the bottom. “If you’ll hold the leash, I’ll see what the story is with the door.” He handed it over and put on his gloves and hat.
The lock was stubborn but finally surrendered to his strong grip. “Now to see if it’ll open or not.”
Abigail stomped her feet to keep warm. But standing there wasn’t such a hardship. She had a ringside seat as Luke displayed his manly strength.
With his morning scruff, he looked bold and slightly dangerous, as if he might sweep her up in his arms and carry her off…somewhere. And then ravish her.
Swearing softly, he tugged on the knob. Then he braced his feet and pulled hard. The door gave way with a loud crunch and he staggered back just as Roxanne appeared in her pajamas, her dark hair in disarray.
“Is everything okay down there?”
“It’s fine,” Luke said. “Sorry if I woke you.”
“I hear talking.” Ingrid came out, also in her pajamas, a sleep mask pushed up to her forehead. “What’s going on?”
“Just trying to get out,” Luke said. “I didn’t think about how much noise I was making in the process.”
“It’
s okay,” Roxanne said. “Just so you’ve been treating Abigail right.”
He reddened. “Well, ma’am, I—”
“He has.” Abigail smiled at Roxanne.
“Woo-hoo! That’s what we want to hear, right, Ingrid?”
“Right you are, Rox. Well done, Luke!”
“He had to get out the door because he promised to shovel snow at his parents’ house,” Abigail said.
A chorus of aww, how sweet came from the top of the stairs, which made him blush even more.
She gave him a quick kiss on his bristly cheek. “See you later, cowboy.”
“You bet.” He climbed over the knee-high drift and Delilah took the hurdle with joyful abandon. Then they made tracks for the plow and the truck that followed it. One member of the crew was already working on Luke’s truck with an industrial-strength snow blower.
“They’ll dig him out,” Roxanne said.
“Looks like it.” Abigail locked the door and climbed the stairs.
“Hey, are you both coming to my place for coffee and two-day-old pastries?”
“Sure.” Ingrid started toward Roxanne’s apartment. “Once I’m awake, I’m awake.”
Roxanne put her arm around Abigail’s shoulders. “Your evening went well, then?”
“Very well.”
“Good.” Roxanne gave a quick squeeze. “Glad to know the packaging delivered on the promise.”
Luke made it to his folks’ house before his dad had started shoveling, although lights were on inside. The plow had come along and the street was clear so Luke parked there. He let Delilah out to frolic in the huge drifts the plow had created.
The plow had taken care of the street but blocked the driveways. He was looking at several hours of work if he couldn’t fix the blower.
Hey, look at that. Here came Badger in his big red truck. Great timing.
Badger pulled in behind Luke and climbed out. “Fancy meetin’ you here.” His breath fogged the air.
“Didn’t want my dad shoveling when he has a sermon to give.”
“Had the same thought. Hey, pup!” He crouched down to scratch behind Delilah’s ears. “Somebody’s been rollin’ in the snow.”
“Yeah, I’ll have to towel her off before I let her in the house.”
Badger stood. “Kinda surprised to see you here, though. How’d you get your truck down that windin’ road of yours?”
“I didn’t stay there last night.”
“Where’d you…oh, I get it.” He glanced at the house. “Do your folks know?”
“Yep. Mom called last night after the blizzard hit to make sure I was okay. I said I was at Abby’s. I mean, Abigail’s.”
Badger’s eyebrows lifted. “Abby, is it?”
“She says I can call her that.”
“You should see your face. You’re a goner, buddy.”
“That’s a possibility.”
“You do realize this new situation of yours could throw your momma into weddin’ mode.”
“I know, but I—”
“Five bucks says she’ll mention a double weddin’ before we leave the house.”
“I’ll take that bet. She’s reformed.”
“Uh-uh. She’s in stealth mode.”
“We’ll find out. I want to grab a cup of coffee before we start.”
“Me, too. Ten bucks says she’ll bring it up before we finish our coffee.”
“You’re on.”
“By the way, do your folks own a snow-blower?”
“Listen to you talking like a Montana boy! I’m surprised you know such a thing exists, you being from Atlanta.”
“I catch on quick.”
“They have a blower, but it’s on the fritz. I thought I’d try to fix it before we haul out the shovels.”
“I reckon I can fix it.”
“You? The guy who can’t hammer a nail straight to save his soul?”
“We’re not talkin’ about carpentry. We’re talkin’ about engines. That’s where I shine.”
“That’s excellent news. Let’s do this thing. It’s damn cold out here.”
“After you.” Badger gestured toward the house.
“Is that so I can forge a path for your Southern ass?”
Badger laughed. “Told you I catch on quick.”
The porch had been somewhat protected and the snow wasn’t very deep there. Luke brushed off his Wranglers. That’s what he got for clearing a path. Badger’s jeans were almost snow-free.
Luke tapped on the front door. Soon his dad opened it dressed in corduroy pants at least twenty years old and a flannel shirt of the same vintage.
“I heard you boys drive up. Come on in before crucial body parts freeze and fall off.”
“We’re okay,” Luke said. “But we need—”
“I’m talking about my body parts.” His dad grinned. “You’re young. Yours are fine.”
“First we need some towels laid down in the entry and one I can use for Delilah.”
“Ah. Gotcha.” He closed the door.
“I want a pair of those corduroy pants,” Badger said. “I’ll bet they’re warm as toast.”
“I’m sure they are but you’ll look like a dork.”
“At least I’d be a warm dork. Your dad doesn’t care how he looks. That’s awesome.”
“What’s awesome?” Luke’s dad opened the door and handed out a couple of towels.
“Your pants,” Badger said.
“I know.” He stuck his hands in the pockets and rocked back on his heels. “Bought these five years after Virginia and I got married. Every so often she tries to give them to Goodwill, so now I check the bag before it goes out the door.”
“Think I could find a pair like that at the Goodwill?”
“Worth a try.” He gestured toward the towels. “Use those for Delilah. I’ve spread a couple more in the entry. Luke, your mother wants to know if Delilah’s had breakfast.”
“Not yet. So if you wouldn’t mind giving her some of the kibble you bought—”
“Of course not. Want me to pour you both some coffee?”
“Please,” Luke said. “Thanks, Dad.”
The door closed again and Luke used the towels on his dog. He got Badger to pick her up so he could wipe her paws before they went in.
Once they were through the door, Badger sighed with pleasure. “I’m gettin’ better about the cold, but warm is still my happy place.”
“I hear my granddog out there!” Luke’s mom came out of the kitchen wearing a dark blue sweat suit. Delilah trotted over to sit right in front of her with a big doggie grin.
“Who’s a good girl?” His mom reached into her pocket.
Delilah whined and thumped her tail.
“I know! You are!” She gave the dog a biscuit before smiling at Luke and Badger. “Such good boys. Thank you both for coming.”
Luke hung his jacket and hat on the coat tree. “Badger says he can fix the blower.”
“That would be fabulous. Come on, Delilah. Grandma’s got your breakfast ready. Coffee’s poured, boys.”
“Thanks, ma’am.” Badger hung his coat and hat next to Luke’s and lowered his voice. “Want to make it twenty?”
“Sure.”
They gathered around the kitchen table and Luke’s mom brought over a plate of mini cinnamon rolls. “From Pie in the Sky,” she said with a wink in Luke’s direction. “I’ll make you a real breakfast when you’re done outside, but this will give you something in your stomach.”
“Appreciate it, Mom.” Luke reached for a roll and bit into it. Mm. Abby did good work. He finished it off and picked up another.
“These are delicious.” His dad took seconds, too. “Abigail has skills.”
“I totally agree.” Badger was scarfing them down.
Luke’s mother wasn’t eating rolls or drinking her coffee. That was a bad sign that something was on her mind.
Luke gestured to the plate. “Bet you can’t eat just one.”
“I’ll have one
in a minute.”
Uh-oh.
“I’ve been thinking that since Hayley’s coming in next weekend, we should have a family dinner either Saturday or Sunday night. Do either of you boys have a preference?”
“Whatever works for Hayley.” Badger picked up another cinnamon roll.
“I could do either,” Luke said.
“Would you like to bring Abigail?”
“Um, I can certainly ask her.” He avoided looking at Badger.
“If she can make it, then she and Hayley could get to know each other better.”
Luke nodded. “True.”
“I hope she can come.” His mother beamed at him. “As Badger would say, those two will get along like grits and gravy.”
“They probably will.” Luke’s coffee had cooled and he could drink instead of sip. He took bigger gulps. Time to leave the kitchen before—
“Look, I’m not going to push anybody into anything.”
“Virginia…” Luke’s dad glanced at her.
“Don’t worry, Warren. I’m not scheming, I promise. But since I have Luke and Badger here, it makes sense to at least plant the seed of an idea.”
“You know what, Mom? It’s way too early in the morning to be planting seeds of ideas in my head. I’ll just forget it. But thanks for the coffee.” He stood. “If you’ll excuse us, we should start working on that blower. Badger, you about ready?”
“Just a few more sips.” He hid a smile behind his raised cup.
“Then I’ll make it quick,” his mother said. “Two words. Double wedding.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
By mid-week, coffee sales hadn’t slacked off as Abigail had feared. They’d dropped a little from the initial launch but were steady. Doug had the day off and Yolanda was on break, leaving Abigail and Ingrid holding down the fort.
The shop was still empty of patrons when Ingrid called over from the coffee machine. “Since no one’s here right now, I’m treating myself to a latte. Want one?”
“Sure. Want a chocolate chip cookie?”
“Absolutely.”
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