by Cindy Kirk
With her thick chestnut hair, green bedroom eyes and pouty lips, she reminded him of a Brazilian actress whose name he couldn’t quite recall.
Gabe ordered a sandwich and a cola, then brought them with him to the table. “May I join you?”
A look of relief skittered across Adrianna’s face. “I’m glad to see you. For a second I thought this was going to end up being a meeting of one.”
He noticed she’d grabbed a small salad and was dipping her fork into the dressing. Barely enough to feed a bird and a far cry from Michelle’s hearty appetite.
“Who else is coming?” Gabe pulled out a chair and took a seat.
“Yours was the only name David gave me. But he said to plan on four or five, so I got a large table. I feel foolish sitting here with people looking for places to sit.”
“We weren’t starting until 11:30.” Gabe picked up his phone and glanced at it. “Which is now.”
“They may simply be running late,” Adrianna said. “I’m off today, so getting here early wasn’t a problem. If they don’t show, I guess we can do the meeting without them.”
“I didn’t receive any specifics on the project.” Gabe glanced at the portfolio on the table next to Adrianna. “Do you have anything with you?”
Adrianna’s eyes widened. “I thought David gave you the information.”
“I can tell this is going to be a productive meeting.” Gabe chuckled.
Adrianna’s echoing laughter disappeared in a sharp intake of air.
Because she was facing the line at the counter, he assumed the others they’d been expecting—the ones who really knew what was going on—had shown up.
“Are they here?” Gabe turned in his seat. “You’ll have to point them out to me—”
Whatever he’d been about to say died in his throat when he saw the two at the counter. “Are Tripp and Michelle on our committee?”
Gabe wasn’t sure if he wanted the answer to be yes or no.
Adrianna slowly shook her head. “I think they’re on a date.”
Her lilting voice was soft and controlled, but with an undercurrent of tension.
“Wouldn’t surprise me,” Gabe said, remembering Tripp putting his arm around her at the After-Hours event.
The two picked up their food, then scanned the room, obviously looking for a place to sit. When Michelle’s gaze fell on him, Gabe motioned to her.
Adrianna’s smile appeared frozen on her lips.
“They can’t sit with us,” she hissed, her smile never wavering.
“They can until our other committee members arrive.” Even though he understood Adrianna’s reluctance, he couldn’t let friends wander around searching for a place to sit when they had spots open at their table.
As they wove their way through the tables, Gabe noted that Michelle’s sleeveless navy dress made her look completely professional, giving little hint of the curves beneath the fabric. Tripp wore a suit and, unlike the other night, he’d kept the jacket on this time.
“What a surprise.” Michelle glanced from him to Adrianna. “I didn’t realize you two even knew each other.”
“You introduced us at the After-Hours event,” Gabe reminded her.
“Gabe and I are going to be working on the veterans memorial garden project for the chamber of commerce,” Adrianna said quickly, her gaze darting between Tripp and Michelle.
“Just the two of you?” Tripp cocked his head. “Big committee.”
“There’s supposed to be at least four of us.” Adrianna shifted in her seat. “But David didn’t give us their names.”
“And they haven’t showed.” Gabe rose to his feet and pulled out a chair for Michelle. “Please join us.”
“Yes,” Adrianna echoed, her cheeks slightly flushed. “Please do.”
“Because you asked so nicely—” Tripp’s smile was directed at her alone “—how can I refuse?”
Adrianna’s color deepened.
“Your other committee members may simply be running late.” Michelle placed her tray on the table and sat down. “If they show up, Tripp and I will find another spot to sit.”
“Speak for yourself.” Tripp plopped into the chair next to Adrianna. “I like where I’m sitting.”
“Tell us about the veterans memorial garden project.” Michelle stabbed a forkful of dill potato salad but kept her gaze focused on Gabe. “Sounds interesting.”
“You and Tripp should join the committee, Michi,” Adrianna surprised Gabe by offering, the words tumbling from her pouty lips. “We could muddle through this together.”
“Muddle?” Tripp’s eyes took on a devilish gleam. “Sounds like my kind of project.”
“We’re not sure what it involves,” Gabe admitted. “But it’s a worthy cause.”
“It should be fun.” Adrianna’s gaze shifted to Michelle. “Especially for us, because we both like gardens.”
“I’m interested.” Tripp dipped his spoon into his bowl of soup. “My father is a Vietnam veteran. I know that having a memorial garden to honor veterans of all the eras would please him. I only hope he’ll be around to see its completion.”
“How is your dad doing?” Adrianna placed her hand lightly on Tripp’s forearm.
“Okay.” The look of pain in Tripp’s eyes said otherwise.
“If there’s ever anything I can do—” Adrianna began.
Tripp smiled his thanks, then shifted his attention to Gabe. “I’ll let David know when I see him at the hospital that Michelle and I are interested in serving on the committee.”
“Good.” Gabe slanted a sideways glance at Michelle. “What brings the two of you to Hill of Beans today?”
Michelle smiled as if she found his question amusing. “Isn’t it obvious? We came for lunch. After we eat, I’m going to do some quick shopping before heading back to the clinic.”
“Do you have a special occasion that you’re shopping for?” Adrianna dipped her fork into the salad dressing and cocked her head.
“A dress for Travis and Mary Karen’s party on Saturday,” Michelle told her. “I’m sure I have something that would work, but I’m in the mood for a new outfit.”
Gabe took a sip of cola. “Joel told me the party is an annual event and lots of fun.”
“It’s one of the social events of the summer,” Michelle confirmed. “I wouldn’t miss it.”
Tripp nodded. “I’ll be there.”
Gabe’s settled his gaze on Adrianna, who sat quietly sipping her tea. “What about you?”
“No invitation.” Adrianna spoke in a matter-of-fact tone, her eyes giving nothing away.
Michelle reached across the table and covered her friend’s hand with hers. “That had to be an oversight. I’ll talk to Mary Karen and—”
“Please don’t.” Bright patches of pink dotted Adrianna’s cheeks. “It’s not a big deal.”
“Go with me.” Tripp met her gaze. “As my plus one.”
Adrianna shook her head and politely demurred.
“We could all go together.” Michelle glanced around the table. “It’ll be fun. C’mon, Anna. Say you’ll do it.”
Still the midwife hesitated until Tripp clasped her hand in his. “Please say you’ll come. It won’t be the same without you.”
Frankly, Gabe thought the begging was overkill, but a smile immediately lifted Adrianna’s full lips.
“Because you put it that way, how can I refuse?”
Tripp leaned forward. For a second it appeared he was going to kiss the dark-haired beauty, but he pulled back at the last minute.
An awkward silence descended over the table.
Michelle glanced at her watch and gave a little yelp. “No time for shopping today. I need to get to the clinic.”
“What time—” Adrianna glanced at the clock on the wall. “Oh, my goodness, I didn’t realize it was so late. I have a hair appointment.”
Both women pushed back their chairs and stood.
Gabe and Tripp rose to their feet at the same time.
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“If you want, I’ll see what I can find out from David about the project and we can talk later tonight,” Michelle said to Gabe.
Adrianna’s curious gaze darted from her friend to Gabe. Michelle’s face colored.
“Gabe has the adjacent townhome,” Michelle explained. “It’s inevitable that we see each other.”
Inevitable. Gabe liked the sound of that.
As the two women hurried off, Gabe realized this was one meeting that far exceeded his expectations.
Chapter Five
Michelle had barely walked through her front door that evening when Betsy called asking what she should bring. Until that moment Michelle had forgotten that Book Club had reverted to its normal Monday night schedule and tonight’s meeting was at her house. Thankfully, as was the custom, each of her friends would bring something for dinner.
Lexi, the closest to a gourmet cook the group had, was charged with bringing the entrée. She’d chosen a ham, spinach and onion quiche. Betsy brought a dandelion and frisée salad. Michelle pulled out the crusty bread that she’d gotten at the bakery yesterday. July, a busy mom of two little boys, brought a caramel apple pie she’d picked up at a local bakery. And Mary Karen, mother of five, brought several bottles of wine.
Michelle wondered if Gabe would have stopped over if the women hadn’t been arriving when he’d driven up. She’d given him a friendly wave, then hurried inside with her friends.
After eating, the book club members moved the discussion out to the deck. Although they predominantly read fiction, for this week the book was The Politics of Aristotle.
Michelle had found it a little dry, but had gotten through it by reading Sasha to sleep.
“No more ancient Greeks for a long time,” Mary Karen said in the same no-nonsense tone she used to control her rambunctious boys. She took a big sip of wine. “Reading that book was pure torture.”
“I liked it.” July paused, then wrinkled her nose. “Sort of.”
“It made me think.” Lexi lifted a glass of wine to her lips, a thoughtful expression on her pretty face.
“Do we really have to prolong the torture by talking about that stupid book?” Mary Karen’s normally upbeat and cheerful voice stopped just short of a whine.
“I usually like stuff like this,” Betsy said hesitantly. Like Michelle, the legal assistant was a relatively new book club member. “But I agree with Mary Karen. Talking about it would only prolong the torture.”
“It’s a book club.” July glanced around the table. “We can’t simply sit here and gossip.”
“Sure we can,” her sister-in-law Mary Karen interrupted.
July shook her head. “No, we can’t. We need to talk about something book-related.”
“How about the qualities we like to see in a male protagonist?” Michelle suggested.
“Good suggestion.” Lexi gave an approving nod.
“Works for me,” Betsy said.
“Okay,” July agreed.
“I know what I like to see.” Mary Karen raised her hand and waved it in the air like she was in school waiting for the teacher to call on her.
As the hostess, Michelle was the discussion leader for the evening. She smiled at the petite blonde. “What’s the quality?”
“A sense of humor.” Mary Karen’s lips quirked upward. “Travis always makes me laugh. If the protagonist has a sense of humor, I almost always fall in love with him.”
“I agree.” Betsy’s gaze turned dreamy. “Travis is like my Ryan. I never know what he’s going to say.”
“Intelligence is a real turn-on for me,” Lexi mused, “with a hint of mystery.”
“A man you can depend on and trust. His word should mean something,” July added, her green eyes serious.
Mary Karen leaned forward, resting her arms on the table, her gaze focused on Michelle. “What do you like?”
“Are we discussing men in books?” A nervous laugh slipped past Michelle’s lips. “Or a flesh-and-blood male?”
“It’s kind of hard to separate the two.” Lexi’s expression was surprisingly serious. “I think the men we’re drawn to in the pages of books are the type of men we hope to find someday or they remind us of the man we’ve already found.”
“All of the qualities you’ve mentioned are good ones.” Michelle lifted her hand and counted off on her fingers. “Sense of humor, intelligence, trustworthy and dependable. I’d also add sexual attraction.”
“Oh my, yes.” Mary Karen pretended to fan herself. The other women laughed.
“That’s why description in a book is vital,” Michelle continued. “I have to be able to see the protagonist in my mind to know if I’m attracted to him.”
“Or you could simply look next door.” July’s lips quirked up in an impish smile. Once again the other women laughed.
“Gabe Davis is hot,” Betsy said. “Not as cute as my Ryan but hot.”
“What do you think of him, Michelle?” Lexi gazed at Michelle through lowered lashes. “Do you find your neighbor sexy?”
“He’s got the look that I like,” Michelle reluctantly admitted.
“Which is?” Mary Karen prompted.
“Dark hair. Tall.” Michelle paused. “With some serious muscles.”
“So are you and Gabe dating?”
Michelle wasn’t sure which one of her friends asked the question. Did it really even matter? The fact was, she could tell by the look in their eyes that they all wanted to know the answer.
“We’re just neighbors.” Michelle glanced down at Sasha sleeping beside her feet. “I often see him, mostly coming and going. And his daughter, Finley, is now walking Sasha for me while I’m at work.”
“I heard you had lunch with him at Hill of Beans today.” Betsy slid her book into her purse as if declaring they’d moved on to a different topic.
“Sounds like a date to me.” A twinkle danced in July’s eyes. “And to think we’re the last to know.”
“Actually Tripp and I went there to grab a quick lunch. We ran into Gabe and Adrianna. They’re on a committee for the chamber of commerce dealing with the veterans memorial garden project.” Michelle stopped her nervous chatter and fixed her gaze to Mary Karen. “The four of us decided to attend your summer solstice party together. You don’t care if we bring Adrianna, do you?”
“Didn’t she get an invitation?” Mary Karen’s blond brows pulled together. “She was on the list.”
“So the four of you are going together.” Lexi brought a finger to her lips. “Which of those two handsome men is going to be your plus one?”
“Anyone want more pie?” Michelle asked, experiencing a sudden desire to return to her hostess duties.
“I know which one will be her date,” July said.
Everyone at the table focused their attention on July, including Michelle.
“She said men with dark hair turn her on, right?” July smiled. “That means Gabe Davis is her man.”
* * *
Was Gabe Davis her man? Did she want him to be? Those questions kept running through Michelle’s mind Saturday while she got ready for the party.
She’d assumed they’d all ride together. Wasn’t that what all going together meant? Then Tripp had called and said it would work better if he could simply swing by and pick up Adrianna. The two of them would meet her and Gabe there. Michelle had been so stunned that she hadn’t known what to say except okay.
Even though Adrianna hadn’t said much this past week, Michelle knew the midwife was looking forward to the party. She wondered how much of Anna’s excitement had to do with the fact that Tripp was picking her up?
Michelle had mixed feelings about spending so much alone time with Gabe. She’d already confessed to her book club that Gabe had the look she liked. But he also had something that made him off-limits for anything more than a simple friendship—a teenage daughter.
Because of this, she had to continue to think of Gabe as simply a neighbor giving her a ride to the party. Changing her clothes
three times hadn’t a thing to do with wanting to impress him. Because there would be lots of old friends as well as new people to meet, Michelle merely wanted to ensure she looked her best.
She added a dab of gloss on top of her red lipstick and smiled into the mirror, liking the reflection. The black wrap dress might not be new, but she hadn’t been able to find anything in any store that she liked better.
The soft fabric caressed her skin and the cut of the dress emphasized her lean but curvy figure. Glittery earrings dangled from her ears and she’d donned a pair of strappy silver sandals.
Sasha lifted her head as Michelle entered the living room. An assessing look filled the dog’s dark eyes before she wagged her tail, giving Michelle the golden retriever seal of approval.
“Thanks for the vote of confidence, sweetie.” Michelle reached down and patted the dog’s silky head.
Despite her trepidation over attending the party with Gabe, Michelle experienced a shiver of anticipation. She loved parties, both giving and attending them.
That was something she’d learned about herself since moving to Jackson Hole. Before that, she’d been too busy with school even to think about book clubs, barbecues and parties. But the friends she’d made since moving here had shown her that socializing could be fun.
The bell rang and when Michelle pulled open the door, not only Gabe stood there, but Finley, as well. Michelle hid her surprise behind a broad welcoming smile.
“Come in.” She stepped aside to let them enter.
Even though Gabe was dressed for a party in dark pants and a gray shirt that hugged his muscular chest, she wondered if Finley being with him meant his plans for the evening had changed.
“You’re probably wondering why this beautiful young lady is with me.” Gabe shot his daughter a conspiratorial wink.
“Um.” Michelle decided to play along. She placed a finger to her lips. “You need a chaperone?”
“Good one.” Gabe laughed. “Actually Mary Karen called. One of the babysitters they had for the little kids cancelled at the last minute. Finley agreed to take that girl’s place.”
Michelle smiled at Finley, who looked party-ready in a simple blue dress with ballet flats.