by Vivian Arend
There was no sign of him. At least not until she opened the fridge to discover a note taped to the side of the milk carton.
If you’re starving, help yourself. But if you can wait, I’ve got that breakfast date to take you on. Give me a call or come find me in the barn.
—Zach, your boyfriend
That final word sent a shiver over her skin, but this time she didn’t think it was concern so much as simple shock.
She stood in front of the picture window and stared at the mountains as she drank her coffee. She systematically went through every step of what had happened the previous day, analyzing where she could’ve done something different.
But by the time she reached the bottom of her cup, the only thing she’d change was to not have a nightmare, and it wasn’t as if she had any control over that. Talking about her kidnapping usually triggered a bad night or two.
For the rest of it, she would give Zach all the points in the world for being a gentleman and extremely understanding.
She still wasn’t going to date him for real.
Oh, she was tempted. During that first kiss at Rough Cut, there’d been a very real physical draw, albeit unexpected.
Yet all the reasons she had for keeping to herself were still valid. Top it off with the fact he was her sister’s fiancé’s best friend. Coming back and seeing him every time she visited? It would be much simpler to pretend. In six weeks she’d be gone, and this whole mess could be put behind her.
With that decided, she pulled on her boots and made her way to the barn. A man stood in the distance currying a horse, his broad shoulders moving easily as he worked the brush over the horse’s withers.
Only when Julia stepped close enough to realize it was Finn and not Zach, it was too late to change direction.
Finn stopped what he was doing, a slow smile barely disturbing his lips. “Julia.”
She hadn’t spent that much time around the man, and to be honest, she found him a little too solemn. Every time she’d been with Karen and Finn, Zach had been along as well, and it had been his lighthearted humour she’d been drawn to.
Still, she knew Finn was rock-solid when it came to taking care of her sister Karen. Plus, he and Zach had been friends forever. There had to be something to him that made everyone trust him that hard.
Julia tangled her hands behind her back and waited, figuring he’d say something about spotting them the day before. Then something out of place struck her, and the question blurted free. “What’s wrong?”
He raised a brow.
“You guys were supposed to be gone this weekend. Karen and Lisa told me at Rough Cut that they’d see me on Monday morning, but you’re still here.”
“Small change of plans.” Shockingly, his always modest smile broadened until it was a full-out grin. “Karen and I are getting married.”
She knew that. Maybe the man was drunk and not quite in his right mind. “Right. You’re engaged.”
His soft snort echoed in the small space, and one of the horse’s ears flicked in surprise. Finn soothed the animal before turning toward Julia again. “Last night we got to talking and realized neither of us wants any kind of big shindig. Then Josiah got some tickets to a show in Vegas from his brother for Sunday night. One thing led to another, and we’ve decided we’re heading out this afternoon.”
Holy cow. “You’re getting married in Vegas?”
He dipped his chin.
All of the tension that had been weighing her down vanished in an instant. As distractions went, this was tip-top. She clapped her hands in excitement. “That is very cool. Congrats.”
“I’m glad you think so. You can save the well-wishes until we make it official. Go pack a bag, because you’re coming with us.”
Oh my God. “Really? I mean, why would I come?”
That brow of his shot up again.
“Julia.” This time his tone was full of disappointment, as if scolding her for doubting her place in the family.
Okay, she was a sister to Karen, but it still seemed kind of sudden. Wasn’t going to hurt to roll with the situation, though.
She offered her own grin. “I’m happy to come and support you. Thanks for the invite.”
“Karen said you had the weekend off already. If you can get an extra day, we’ll all fly back on Monday. If you can’t, we’ll put you on a plane Sunday afternoon so you can make your Monday shift.”
Julia nodded. “I’ll give Brad a shout. One of the guys owes me a favour, so I bet I can flip my first shift to later in the week. I’ll let you know as soon as I can.”
“Sounds good.” He paused, suddenly very serious. “So. You and Zach?”
Oops. “I kind of hoped you’d already talked to Zach.”
“Haven’t seen him yet. Left a message so he knows when we leave.”
Right. Because Zach would be at the wedding as well. A teeny knot of concern slipped in before she shoved it aside.
The man had been a knight in shining armor last night. They were going to make this thing work between them. Besides, the last thing she wanted was to get Finn all riled up and concerned before heading to his own wedding.
She faced the music. “Zach and I are just good friends. Last night we had a situation to deal with. Gossips were saying some nasty things, so he and I decided to pretend date for a bit. That’s all.”
Finn’s lips didn’t budge, but the lines at the corners of his eyes tightened. “He’s a good man, Julia. The best. Whatever you’ve got going on is your business, but you need to know you can trust him. He’d never do anything to hurt you.”
“I know that,” she assured him. “It’s part of what makes him so perfect for this. I’ll let Karen know, and Lisa, but other than that, we’re keeping this quiet, okay?”
He dipped his chin. “Secrets have a way of eventually getting out,” he warned.
“It’s only until I leave at the end of October.”
A slow frown spread on his face. Finn took a deep breath. Seemed to consider speaking, paused, then shook his head. “Don’t hurt him.”
She blinked. “Of course not.”
Finn examined her face steadily before turning back to the horse to finish his job. “He’s got a heart of gold. I imagine he’d do anything for you. Don’t take advantage of that.”
The twist in the conversation was beyond her, so Julia stepped away in search of Zach.
She found her sisters first.
She’d looked all over the barns and arenas before heading toward the ranch house Finn and Karen were renovating for their personal use. When she spotted the women on the back deck, she slowed her pace. That gave her time to examine Karen and Lisa—two of the three unexpected additions in her life.
What was she saying? Three additions? Try three sisters, one father, and a whole mess of cousins she hadn’t a hope of untangling without a roadmap and a who’s who of the Coleman clan.
After spending her life as a single child with just her mom, then losing her mom a couple years earlier, being thrust into the noisy, curious mob was invigorating and terrifying.
The thin thread of anger that rose up and tangled around the thought of her mother was ignored for now, because staring at two people who wore her face was enough to focus on here and now.
Lisa was only a couple of years older. She’d recently cut her hair to shoulder length, and blond highlights shimmered in the loose strands. She was a live wire, constantly coming up with some kind of mischief, and Julia was drawn to her in a way that felt all sorts of uncomfortable.
She wasn’t used to having confidants. Her few friends over the years had proven to be more fair-weather opportunists than real soulmates.
Lisa’s completely out-there and honest personality was a little daunting at times, but Julia was smart enough to know it was the change in circumstance that made the interaction feel wrong, not her sister’s open and honest caring.
At seven years older, Karen was less bubbly and enthusiastic, but her eyes were kind, and
she definitely had that big-sister vibe going on.
All three of them did, as Julia included Tamara Stone in the mental gathering. The other three women also seemed to have a tangible connection. Roots that were so deeply meshed together, Julia both craved being a part of it and worried how she could keep following her own goals without being overwhelmed.
Yeah. Being grafted into the juggernaut called family would take some work.
Julia was about to announce her presence when Lisa spotted her. The true delight on her sister’s face helped ease more of the tension about having forced herself in where she wasn’t wanted.
Lisa opened her arms as Julia hit the top of the stairs. “Glad you’re here. Have we got a surprise for you.”
The hug Julia got felt good, and so did the flash of inspiration. “I bet you want to tell me we’re going to Vegas.”
A snicker slipped from Karen as Lisa rolled her eyes then offered a glare. “Someone told you.”
“The imminent groom-to-be,” Julia admitted before turning to Karen. “I’m really excited for you. Is there anything I can do to help?”
Her sister pulled her hair back into a ponytail, tightening the scrunchie to hold it in place. “Not much we need to do. Josiah’s brother has taken care of most of the details for us—he’s already in Vegas. We’ve got accommodations, the wedding chapel, and reservations for dinner at the Paris.”
“And there’s the show on Sunday night, if you can stick around.” Mischief rose in Lisa’s eyes. “Of course, if you want to go dancing, we can work that into the schedule.”
“I need to make a couple of phone calls,” Julia assured her, ignoring the dig about dancing. Had Karen also seen her with Zach? “I’ll let you know as soon as I can if I have to come back early.”
“Hey, ladies, flight is confirmed. Two o’clock, so we need to leave by noon at the latest.” Josiah marched onto the deck, a small, tan-coloured terrier at his heels. They both strode to Lisa’s side where Josiah picked her up and spun her in a circle, Ollie barking enthusiastically the entire time.
“Put me down,” Lisa said with a laugh.
“I’m hoping if I spin you hard enough, you might agree to a spontaneous wedding as well.”
Julia blinked at his comment, but Lisa only laughed as she tapped her fingers against his shoulders. She shook her head.
“Stop that. I already said no. This is Karen and Finn’s party. We’ll just have to continue shacking up.”
He shrugged. “Can’t blame a guy for trying.” His gaze shifted to take in Julia. “And you. Ready for a little time in sin city?”
“I’ve never been. I’m pretty excited,” she admitted.
Strong hands caressed over her shoulder, fingers squeezing briefly. Zach slid into position beside her. Close enough the heat of his body meshed with hers.
Staying there was tempting—far too tempting—but for her own peace of mind, Julia took a half step away.
Karen was too distracted by Finn’s arrival, and Josiah only had eyes for Lisa. But Lisa?
She didn’t miss a thing. Her smile kicked up a notch as she examined Zach and Julia. “I think it’s going to be a very interesting trip.”
4
Zach was doing his damnedest to try and give Julia some room, but it was the hardest thing ever.
It seemed every time he turned around, she was right there, chatting with her sisters with boundless enthusiasm. She projected so much life and energy, he was constantly drawn to her side.
It took far too much effort to stop reaching for her hand every chance he got.
Piling into the extreme back seat of the Coleman minivan put him right next to her, though. An accident of fate he was happy to enjoy as the Coleman girls continued to chatter.
Behind the wheel, Tamara glanced in the rearview mirror, her laughing eyes taking in the six of them. “You guys are all a load of trouble, but I hope you have a wonderful time. You deserve it. I mean that, sis.”
The last said directly to Karen, who was seated beside her in the front passenger seat.
Karen twisted so she could see everyone in the back better. “We’ll make sure we get a video of the wedding for you and anyone else in the family who wants a copy.”
Tamara waved a hand. “We’ll be there in spirit. I agree with the concept of keeping it small and fun, considering I never invited any of you to my wedding.”
A snicker escaped Lisa. “You set a bad example.”
“I set the best example,” she corrected, gaze once again fixed on the highway. “I proved the most important thing you need for a good marriage is the right partner.”
“Amen to that.” Finn leaned forward from where he was seated behind Karen to lay a hand on her shoulder.
She pivoted and offered Finn such a blinding I’m in love with you smile, it damn near filled the van with sparkling unicorns and rainbow dust.
Which was exactly what Zach hoped to see. His friend deserved every bit of happiness headed his way.
Beside him, Julia listened intently, but her expression wavered between excitement and concern. “Are you sure we’ll make it to the airport on time? If our flight’s at two o’clock, don’t we have all sorts of security we have to get through first? How far is the airport from us now?”
To hell with it. Zach pressed his fingers over hers where her hand lay on the seat between them, squeezing gently. “The plane won’t leave without us,” he assured her.
In front of them, Josiah twisted. His quick glance took in both Julia’s face and their linked fingers, but he blinked back his surprise and addressed her. “Have you flown before?”
“Once. Well, I suppose twice. Vancouver to LA and back when I was about twelve.”
“Disneyland trip?” Lisa asked.
“Just the beach and some winter sunshine,” Julia told her. “That’s all we could afford, but I loved it. The flight was pretty much all the Disney rides wrapped up into one. Someday I’ll go officially.”
She glanced at Zach, that crease back between her brows. Her gaze shifted to their hands.
Dammit. He had unconsciously began rubbing his thumb over the back of her knuckles. When she didn’t pull away, though, he decided to keep her anchored. He knew the bomb Josiah was about to drop.
“We’re not flying commercial,” Josiah said casually. “Finn and Zach have access to a private plane, so you’re in for a special treat.”
Julia stiffened. “A private plane?”
“It belongs to the corporation.” Zach squeezed her hand. “Remember you met Alan Cwedwick, our lawyer, that one time.”
The time she’d had to stitch him up after he’d been sort of shot—which wasn’t something he wanted to spend a lot of time talking about. Although it had to be said. Having a woman who could deal with a little blood without panicking was a good thing.
Not that he planned to get shot again anytime soon.
In front of them, Lisa pivoted until she could lay her arms over the backrest and speak to Julia. “The fact they have their own plane is out of this world. I can’t tangle my brain around it either. But I will say, after Josiah and I flew first class to London a month ago, I’m very willing to be spoiled.”
“Spoiling is good,” Julia said, smile fixed in place.
But she tugged her fingers free a moment later, staring out the window as the conversation continued around them.
Screw this. Zach slid his arm along the back of the passenger seat then angled to whisper in her ear. “You okay?”
She glanced toward the front of the van before meeting his gaze. “It’s a little overwhelming.”
“The fact our corporation owns a plane? Or that we can use it to make two people who are very important to us extremely happy by letting them get married on their own terms?”
“When you put it that way…” That cute little nose wrinkle was back. “It’s still overwhelming. How many other people do you know who own a private plane?”
“Julia, let it go.”
She
offered him a heated glare but changed the topic. “I didn’t have a chance to tell anyone about our fake dating. Except Finn. I caught him in the barn before I met up with you. But my sisters don’t know, and neither does Josiah.”
“Is that really something to worry about right now?” Zach asked. “This is a fun, celebratory getaway. Nobody in Vegas knows us, so it’s not as if we have to put on an act.”
“Right. So there’s no reason for you to hold my hand.”
There was every reason he needed to hold her hand. Also on the necessary list: he needed to stroke her skin and lean in close while he breathed deep enough to send her scent ricocheting through his system.
Give her some damn space.
Easier said than done. He pulled back far enough to offer her a wink. “I like showing my affection. Everyone knows this. Hugs, holding hands…”
“Then you go right ahead and hold Finn’s hand all you want,” she said with a smirk for a second before her jaw dropped. She leaned past him, gaping out the side window. “Holy crap. Is that our plane?”
Tamara had turned down the drive at the small airstrip where the company plane was stored.
“We’ll definitely be taking off on time,” he assured Julia.
She stared in fascination, unaware her entire body was pressed up against his side. She might have been trying to put more physical distance between them when she was alert, but it was clear she was just as comfortable around him as he was around her.
Still, he didn’t want her to realize where she was and panic. He eased back to give her a better view, describing what he knew of the plane and what would happen over the next few minutes so she wouldn’t be taken by surprise.
Julia nodded as he spoke, offering him a real smile as the car came to a stop. “That sounds a lot simpler than the security I remember going through before.”
“Stick by me. If you have any questions, I’ll help.”