“Oh, sure.” She smiled, and his grew wider.

   “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb you. You looked kind of lost in thought but there weren’t any more seats.” He looked around as if to show her.

   “No problem.”

   “I’m Brian.” He stuck out his hand and found hers was soft, but she gave a firm, businesslike handshake. When she didn’t reply he prompted, “And you are…” letting it hang.

   “Lora. I’m Lora, nice to meet you, Brian.” She really had to get out more. She was forgetting basic manners and how to interact with handsome men. Searching for something to say to keep the conversation going she asked, “Do you come here often?” then at once wanted to kick herself.

   He let out a short laugh, “That’s usually my line.” He smiled again. “Taking a break from work?” he asked, noting the time as though wondering why she wasn’t somewhere doing something at ten thirty on a Thursday morning.

   “Yes, just people watching for a bit. Would you like to join me?” She motioned to the other side of the table.

   Setting his coffee down, he pulled out the chair and sat across from her studying her face. She was beautiful, about his age he guessed, and had her blonde hair pulled up in a messy bun. “Thanks. So, what do you do?” he asked as he took a sip of his iced coffee.

   “I work from home making videos and tutorials for my own company. I have a website and social media for recipes and decorating, stuff for the home. It’s called Cozy, I don’t suppose you’ve ever heard of it.” Of course, he wouldn’t have heard of it being a guy.

   “Actually, I think my sister uses it. That’s you?”

   “In the flesh.” She raised her coffee in a toast.

   They spent the next thirty minutes talking and at the end of it, Lora had some spring in her step on her walk home. She had a date for tomorrow night with a nice guy. Claire, her best friend, would be so happy and had been nagging her to develop her social life as well as her social media.

   He watched her go, found the sway of her hips as alluring as he had when he first saw her weeks before. He had seen all that glorious blonde hair when she wore it down, pictured it flowing over her bare shoulders. As he turned to walk toward his own apartment he grinned, looking forward to their first official date even though he had been carefully planning it for weeks.

 

   She wore a dress that showed off her legs and just a little cleavage. Dinner and drinks at Smith & Wollensky called for a dress, after all. Since neither of them had cars in downtown Chicago, he picked her up in an Uber and they were dropped off at the door. And it was perfect.

He was a gentleman, holding the door, and pulling out her chair. He worked in the stock market and must do quite well, Lora supposed, to afford this for a first date. He reached across the table and took her hand before dessert arrived. When the Uber dropped her off, he walked her to the door of her building, gave her a gentle and sweet kiss goodnight. She melted a little and wondered if she had just met Mr. Right.

   On Saturday morning a bright arrangement of flowers arrived with the offer of a second date. She was thrilled and wanted to call Claire at once. They shared everything. But she would see her and her sister, Jean, in a few hours when they went to her parents’ house for her dad’s birthday and would fill them in then. Lora resisted the urge to call or text Brian at once to accept, but after about twenty minutes she couldn’t help herself, and so their second date was slated for Tuesday night just to go for pizza down the street from her apartment.

   “It’s about time,” Jean said as she drove over to their parents. She had a red convertible Mazda Miata that hummed and matched her athletic build, short punky hair, and outgoing spirit. Lora sighed enjoying the black leather and knowing she didn’t need a car. Jean had to get all over the city for her job, and using cabs or Uber just wasn’t practical but Lora enjoyed riding in the car when she had the opportunity. “When’s the last time you had sex?” Jean asked with a smirk.

   “None of your business,” Lora said with a playful smack against her sister’s arm.

   “Well, this one sounds like quite a catch. And a romantic.” Jean let out a small sigh herself, then shook away the small jealousy.

 

   They flirted over the pizza and a couple of beers despite the loud TVs showing various sports that Lora didn’t truly follow, although if anyone asked, she was a Bears, Bulls, and Cubs fan through and through. In the end, she invited Brian back to her apartment for a Baileys and coffee. They walked back hand in hand, the butterflies in her stomach making her jumpy.

   “Come on in,” she said unlocking her door. She had tidied up before they met for dinner, already planning on inviting him back. Walking to the kitchen, she turned on her Keurig and reached for her Baileys.

   He walked to her without a word, spun her around, and pressed her against the kitchen counter, his hands came up to fist in her hair and he took her mouth with his hungrily. She grew limp with the demanding kiss and then gave back, pulling him closer. His hands came around her back, pressing her to him and she could feel his need and desire. When he broke the kiss and began tasting her neck, she regained her senses. Pressing her hands against his chest, she urged him to stop.

   “Brian. Brian!” she interrupted his assault as she fought to catch her breath. “Slow down.”

   “Isn’t this why you invited me in?” he said hoarsely trying to seduce her while his lips still explored her neck.

   Was it? She closed her eyes, it felt good to be wanted. But it was too soon, too fast. “Brian, stop.” She pushed at him now more insistently.

   “I can guarantee you’ll enjoy it. I want you and you want me,” he breathed against her skin, whispering in her ear in slow seduction as he continued soft kisses on her neck.

   Did she? Her eyes cleared from the haze, “I said stop!” She shoved him away.

   His usually sweet and adoring eyes flashed quickly, anger snapping as they narrowed at her. “What the hell, Lora.” His voice rose as he spoke, glaring at her. “Is this what you do to men? Drive them mad and then say no?”

   Seeing the anger, she suddenly grew afraid. She was alone if he meant to do anything, and this certainly wasn’t the man she thought he was. “I’m not ready for that yet.”

   The anger left his eyes and was replaced with a playfulness. He stepped close to her, “I think you’re just playing hard to get.” He leaned in to nibble on her ear, slipped his hands around her waist as he pressed himself against her again.

   “I think it’s time to say goodnight,” she said standing rigid. At this moment he repulsed her. And he scared her. His eyes changed so rapidly, so fiercely.

   Rejection was not something he tolerated, and it had his temper rising as he turned away from her. “You look like a nice piece of ass, but now I see you’re just a cold bitch.”

   The words felt as sharp as a slap and had her temper waking even as she gasped in shock. “Get out.”

   He rounded on her “When I see something I want, I mean to get it.” Then the hard edge in his eyes melted and he smiled as if nothing had happened. “Good night, Lora,” he said sweetly as he let himself out her door.

   She moved quickly to flip the lock and stood leaning against her door as her stomach rolled. She pressed a hand to it taking long, deep breaths as she tried to settle her nerves.

   The next morning, she called Claire to tell her the whole story. As an attorney, she had heard it all. Divorces, scandals, even one case of polygamy. “It’s good you kicked him out, he sounds like a psycho. Charming and intelligent one minute, and then manipulative and impulsive the next. I’m so sorry, Lora, I know you really liked him.”

   “But he was so sweet and polite. We had such great conversations.”

   “That’s how they are, Lora. Make you want to marry them until you find out how they really are, they show you their other side. Write him off. I’m sorry though, he sounded promising.”

   As disturbing as the experience had been, she really was terribly disappointed about the type of person he was. She had hoped that it might be the start of a great relationship, maybe even bloom into something more.

   Over the course of the next few weeks, the phone calls became more frequent. At first his messages were simple, “Hello, Lora. Please call me back.” Then they grew more desperate. “I need to see you again, Lora. I don’t know what you do to me, but I’m mad with it.” Then they turned dangerous, just as his eyes had, “Lora, call me or you’ll wish you had.”

   She thought the calls would stop, that he would give up or meet someone else, and go away. But with this last threatening call, and at Claire’s urging, Lora finally changed her phone number. His number stopped popping up on her phone, much to her relief. Knowing he would get an automated message that the number was no longer in service, she hoped that would put an end to it and shift his focus elsewhere.

   Leaving for a meeting, Lora made her way downstairs to hail a cab, checking her watch for the third time since leaving her apartment. She hated the habit but was always worried about being late. Lucky for her as she reached the sidewalk, she saw a cab just letting out a man in a business suit. Hurrying forward, she caught the driver’s eye.

   “Lora,” he grabbed her arm, spinning her around. “I want to see you again.” Brian’s eyes, filled with longing and sadness, met hers. “You haven’t returned my calls.”

   “Brian.” Her heart lurched with surprise. She looked at the cab again, grateful for a quick escape. She looked him in the eye, made her voice firm, “I’m sorry, Brian, but it’s over,” she said flatly, then ducked into the cab, slamming the door. Hopefully, the message sunk in.

   He managed to find her twice more outside her building, and afraid he would be watching for her at Starbucks, she now avoided it. Finally, again at Claire’s urging, she filed for a restraining order, providing records of his calls and harassment. Of course, she knew this would make him angry, but maybe it would keep him away from her once and for all. She was feeling as though she couldn’t leave her apartment as freely as she once had and was looking over her shoulder when she did. And she hated feeling vulnerable and helpless.

   He violated the restraining order and when he heard the approaching sirens took off before the police could arrest him. “Why are you doing this, Lora?” he begged “You know I love you.” was the last thing she heard before she got into her building and away from him.

   “Oh my God.” Jean said around a mouthful of deep-dish pizza. “What the hell is wrong with this guy? Let me force myself on you after the second date, then stalk you, and then tell you I’m in love with you. Seriously. People are getting weirder and weirder.”

   “I know. He seemed so nice, and sweet, and well, normal. And then he just wasn’t.”

   Claire poured large glasses of red wine and passed them around. “Well, obviously he’s single for a reason,” She plopped down on Lora's blue sofa and raised her glass, “Good riddance.” The others joined in the toast. “Seriously, Lora, if you hear from him again, you let me know and I’ll take care of it. This is super creepy.”

   “I will. You’ll be my 911.”

   The day was beautiful and since she needed a break from her website, she opted for a walk. She decided to pick a busy route just in case Brian decided to violate the restraining order again. But she’d be damned if she felt like a prisoner because of him. Besides, she needed to get back into a workout routine, so the walk would be a good start. She would be back in an hour and could get a couple more things done before stopping for the day. Lora stretched her back when she stood up, threw on her tennis shoes and headed out.

   An hour went so fast when you enjoyed people-watching. Joggers, shoppers, people pushing strollers, and dog walkers. So much activity in the city and everyone was still anonymous. She let herself in dropping her keys and small wallet she carried onto the table near the door. She turned to the kitchen to get some water, putting her phone and mail on the counter.

   “Hi, Baby.” His voice had her jumping out of her skin. She turned as Brian walked out of her bedroom with a shy smile.

   “Brian. How did you get in?” she backed up a step as he started forward.

   “I was wondering where you went. You were gone when I got home.” He said, cupping her face and kissing her like a husband would do when his wife got home from work. It cheered him to live out this small part of his fantasy, dreaming of the life they would have together. “I thought we could order some food tonight and just stay in. I’ve missed you.” He held her hands looking expectantly at her for a response.

She tried to hide her shock quickly, realizing he was delusional because he had referred to her apartment as home, and knowing he was unstable. “Okay. Sure, just let me text Claire that I won’t be able to get together. Um, how are you?” she asked, trying not to let panic into her voice as she reached for her phone.

   “Claire? That’s the attorney.” He grabbed her hands before she could pick up her phone. “I don’t think I like her. After all, she doesn’t like me, does she?”

   Lora knew she better play along, for now, and put a teasing smile in her eyes. “She just doesn’t know you yet.” She smiled at him. He pulled her to the couch and away from her phone.

   “Come sit with me and tell me about your day,” he pulled her onto his lap so he could hold her, caught her scent as he circled his arms around her.

   She told him, in as much detail as she could manage, about her projects for the day, and what she was planning to work on tomorrow. That gave her time to consider her alternatives and figure out how to get away from him. She really needed to get to her phone. “Oh! I forgot to text Claire that I can’t make it tonight. If I don’t,” she rolled her eyes for effect, “she’ll start calling and texting and it will interrupt our evening.” Lora smiled at him, “I’ll be right back.” She hopped playfully off his lap. She looked at the time, Jean was with a client. Claire better see this, she thought to herself.

   “What do you want to do for dinner?” she asked while she texted “911 brian inside apt send help”. She hit send, looked up with a smile. 

   “There, all done.” As difficult as it was to let go of her lifeline, she put the phone down again on the counter. She tried to hide her nerves as she took a steadying breath and faked a smile. He was watching her from the couch, a dreamy look on his face.

To have something to do, Lora went to the fridge, looked inside buying time, aimlessly shifting cheese and bread and soup around. She trusted Claire would see the message and not be in a meeting. And then he was behind her, quiet as a mouse, his hand trailing up and down her back.

“How about cheese and crackers to start? Why don’t you open some wine.” she turned, smiling at him. She thought having something to do in the kitchen might keep him away from her and, she hoped, buy the time for the police to arrive, as she knew that Claire would call them. If she saw the message.

   In a replay of the last time he was in her kitchen, he pressed her back against the counter and kissed her deeply. She tried not to panic. When he came up for air, she pressed her hand against his chest. “Brian, open the wine,” she tried to sound playful and escaped back to the refrigerator. “The corkscrew is in the middle drawer.” If she could direct him, keep his hands doing something, off her, it would give her a moment to think.

   She reached into the refrigerator and pulled out the remnants of Swiss cheese she had and found some crackers in a cabinet. “Here, we’ll have an appetizer with our wine.” She made a show of getting out a pretty plate. Heard the cork pop. Slicing the cheese gave her hands something to do and she was relieved they weren’t shaking. She looked at the knife in her hand, thought about how to use it, and almost immediately dismissed it knowing that not only would it be a futile effort, but she simply couldn’t see herself stabbing someone. “Wine glasses are in the cabinet, left of the stove,” she said over her shoulder. She heard the cabinet open, close again a moment later, the wine being poured. She plated the cheese and crackers and turned toward him with a plastered smile. “There. This is nice.” She sat on one of the two barstools at the kitchen counter, nudging the other one for him.

   “I can’t stop thinking about you,” he kissed her neck softly when he sat down her glass. “But I didn’t appreciate the restraining order,” a hardness came into his voice for a moment. He sat on the stool, took her hand, squeezing too hard, “I know now that you were just playing hard to get.” He took her chin, made her face him and drew close. “Don’t do it again.”

   She swallowed. “I’m sorry. Of course, I was playing hard to get.” She patted his hand. “Can you forgive me?” Claire, where are you? I hope you got my message.

   He released her chin, smiled, laughter back in his eyes. “Of course, I can. I love you.” He ran his hands down her arms, clasped her hands in his, and ran his thumbs over her knuckles.

   “A toast!” she wiggled her hand out of his to get her glass. “To new beginnings,” she raised her glass, waited for him.

   He smiled as he raised his and took a solid drink watching her over his glass. “I have a surprise for you.”

   She took another hearty drink. “Oh, yeah?”

   “Tomorrow we’re leaving for Puerto Vallarta, and we have a swim up suite at a beautiful resort.”

   “Really? Wow!” She sipped again. Claire, where the hell are you? “Tomorrow? I don’t know if I’ll be ready, there’s so much to do.”

   “We’ll buy anything you need down there. Our flight is at eight o'clock, so we’ll have an early morning, but the sooner the better.” He took another drink of his wine. “I found your suitcase in the closet and already started packing for you.”

   “Aren’t you sweet,” Lora took another sip. “I hope I have some dresses that you’ll like. I don’t have too many beachy ones I’m afraid. If you would have told me, I could have gone shopping.” She took another sip, trying to think of things to say. “I bet the shopping is good there with so many tourists. I’ve never been to Mexico. Have you?”

   “No. You’ll be the first one I get to experience it with. Which makes it that much sweeter.” He raised his glass again, “To new adventures,” he toasted.

   Lora took another sip, started to feel a little drunk already as her head started to feel fuzzy, her eyes began to blur slightly. With a panic she realized he had put something in her wine. Oh my God. Claire! Where are you? She smiled at him but knew her eyes would show panic and the effects of the drug.

   His grin had changed this time when he took her hand, “Let’s sit on the couch. I just can’t get close enough to you here.” He led her there like she was a puppet on a string, pulling her down next to him. After wrapping his arms tight around her, he adjusted her to his satisfaction, so her head rested on his shoulder. “This is better,” he let out a sigh before he turned his face to kiss her. His hand began to move, caress, grope over her clothes.

   Now panic truly set in. She was drugged and utterly helpless. She was aware of everything but felt as if she was moving through water, fighting a heavy current. His hands roved over her body, and when his fingers found her skin under her shirt, he let out a soft moan.

Nearly vibrating with lust, he forced himself to savor his time with her, pushing back the urge to take her quickly. He was glad she had worn a V-neck shirt, and began to kiss her collarbone, down her chest. He would make her want him so that next time he wouldn’t need to help her overcome her inhibitions with the drug. He laid her back on the couch, leaned over to taste her skin some more. “Just relax, Lora.” Her head rolled to the side, and she squeezed her eyes shut in surrender making him smile.

   He began to unbutton her jeans, “See what you do to me?” He took her hand and pressed it to him. “I want you so bad.” He leaned up and pulled off his shirt, “Look at me, Lora. You’re just so perfect.” His fingers gripped her chin, turned her face toward him as he bent to kiss her again.

   The door burst open, and police flooded the room, two with weapons drawn. Lora felt tears streaming down her face as they pulled him off her and tackled him to the ground. Then Claire was there, brushing her hair off her face, and Lora knew it was over. He had touched her, kissed her, but had not had time to do more and she sobbed, grateful as Claire’s arms came protectively around her.

They found his suitcase in her bedroom, hers partially packed, found he had bought two one-way flights to Puerto Vallarta, one in her name. They took her wine glass and the rest of the contents to have it evaluated for evidence and found signs that he had picked the lock to get inside.

Brian would be going to prison, and he couldn’t hurt her anymore.             

 

Chapter 1

2 Years Later

 

   Lora was feeling lost and very alone on the winding and climbing roads. There had not been a town, much less a car, for thirty minutes. Coming from Chicago she wasn’t used to such a stark area. She read and re-read the printed driving directions on the three-and-a-half-hour flight, and pulling them onto the steering wheel, she checked the name of her next road for the fourth time. Normally she would use her phone’s GPS but was told that cell reception could be sketchy, so feeling like she had been thrown back in time, she left the typed directions laying helpfully on the passenger seat. She looked down at her gas gauge and reminded herself again that she had a full tank when she left the airport.

   Arlington, Montana was situated in the southwest part of the state, past Big Sky, in a valley surrounded by beautiful mountain peaks. The valley itself was prime real estate for cattle ranchers. With a population of about 2000 it sounded idyllic to Lora, who wanted to spend time on horseback, enjoy the views, have campfires, and everything else that had been promised on the Montgomery Ranch website. She wanted a new adventure, and something completely foreign from the city life she knew so well. And for some reason, her gut had urged her to get away, take a break, and see a bit of the country.

   Ahead there was another mountain to climb, and the little silver car she had rented at the airport didn’t seem to mind in the least. She had been looking forward to this trip for more than a year, counting down the days. She had researched all the areas with ranches out west, finally deciding on Montana. Then she narrowed her search spending countless hours on the internet reviewing activities and options on different ranches, accommodations, checking average weather conditions. She decided on booking in July to help ensure the best weather. She had done all her homework and, in the end, selected a small ranch, with a family history, and great views of the surrounding mountains.

The Montgomery Ranch was strategically located in the middle of nowhere, precisely as she wanted it. It was a working ranch who allowed guests, instead of a guest ranch that had activities. She had wanted the experience, as well as a remote and quiet one. The noise and traffic, congestion and constant sirens and horns of Chicago generally didn’t bother her, but she was growing weary of the pace of the city, and constant hustle she found herself in now that her career had boomed.

   She chided herself for wanting seclusion, and then being anxious about the long and desolate drive from the airport on vacant roads. She should have known it would be a lonely drive as the roads through the mountains were surrounded by the rolling landscape that was Montana. But the mountains in the distance were capped with a hint of white peaks against a sunny blue sky, making it beautiful and serene.

Lora reached the top of the next rise, and the view was breathtaking – rolling meadows, nestled between ridges and peaks that rose toward the perfect sky, as if they were holding it up themselves. She slowed and pulled off the road, unable to resist taking a few photos. Hopping out of the car, the wind ruffled her long blond hair, twisting the curls in the breeze. Pulling it back with the band she wore on her wrist, she lifted her fair face toward the sky and took a deep breath. She lined up a shot of the valley with the mountains behind it. The view sure outdid the skyscrapers of the city, she thought to herself.

   Having always lived in the city, she was surprised to realize that she now felt a draw to the quiet of the country, finding the sounds of nature a peaceful soundtrack. The city was fast-paced and crowded, and while she normally loved the hustle: the lights, the noise, the convenience of knowing anything she wanted was right there, she was beginning to tire of it and the frantic pace.

She longed to watch the mist over the valley in the early sunrise, the view of distant elk grazing under the sun, and the moon ride over the sky to disappear beyond purple mountains in the evening. She enjoyed country music and had even taken her sister Jean to a concert, albeit against her will. They had just been to Tinley Park the night before, with lawn seats on a beautiful evening, so it was a great way to kick off her vacation.

   She smiled, enjoying the view and the fresh air, realizing she was getting closer at last. She jumped back in the car anxious to get to the ranch and settle in for her week. Lora wanted to experience things that you couldn’t in Chicago. And quietly, she was proud of herself, doing something daring by coming here alone for the first week and a half of her trip. She grinned to herself, glad her sister and Claire would be coming to finish her vacation with her. Jean had built her own personal training business, and Claire was swamped at her firm so time off was difficult to come by. But they would be coming in for a long weekend in ten days, and they would all fly home together. She was surprised she had convinced them to come at all.

   The vacation was expensive, and while she hated to spend the money, it was something she wanted to do for herself. She could spend half as much to lie on a beach somewhere but would always regret not taking this trip if she didn’t do it now. Besides, her business had grown, her book was finally due to be released in a couple months, and she had been on a rigorous promotion circuit. She deserved the break. She could certainly afford the expense although spending that much on one transaction made her palms sweat.

She started down the mountain toward the valley and came upon a sign: Montgomery Ranch – five miles. “Thank goodness,” she mumbled to herself with a smile and a jumble of nervous anticipation.

   Around the next curve the view through her windshield was the same as the one on the website that she had been admiring for months, and she slowed the car to take it in. The valley below was green and lush, with a river running lazily through it, traversing an emerald expanse of tall grasses as it tumbled along. Mountains surrounded and sheltered the ranch to the west, and cattle and horses dotted the landscape, grazing idly in their pastures. They had not misrepresented themselves, she thought, admiring the picturesque scenery as the car whirred along toward the gates.

   Tall wooden beams towered overhead reading Montgomery Ranch, with their logo, a sunrise with a galloping horse. She drove under them, bumping over the cattle guard with a smile so wide she thought her cheeks might crack, unable to hold her excitement. The ranch was named for her hosts, the Montgomery family, and their website boasted they were the seventh-generation owners and settlers, which was one of the reasons Lora had been drawn here.

   The gravel driveway curved gently, loping along a wooden fence line that enveloped a pasture, where horses were grazing under the sun that was now high in the sky. Large, full trees lined both sides of the driveway, and ahead she could see the house coming into view on her left. As she approached, the driveway widened toward a huge red barn and parking area on the right. Lora smirked, noting that it looked like a pickup truck dealership, counting at least eight parked outside the barn. Her economy sized rental car would certainly stand out, she chuckled to herself. The massive barn towered against the lush green meadow that went as far as she could see.

   The house was an enormous two-story log cabin and boasted large windows to undoubtedly take in the fantastic views. A deep front porch ran the width of the house and was complete with a porch swing and rocking chairs. She couldn’t wait to see inside. A large black Labrador watched her curiously from the porch, let out a couple of sharp barks and wagged its tail.

   Men worked around the barn, some hauling sacks from a truck bed into the barn, a few leading saddled horses, and a couple were walking toward the house laughing and talking animatedly. Noticing her approaching car, the two men waved a welcome, and switched direction to meet her. The first was medium height and stocky, and Lora guessed him to be in his mid-fifties. The other looked to be about eighteen, and was tall and gangly, like he was being stretched and hadn’t quite filled out yet. Both were smiling, and of course both sported a cowboy hat and boots. The dog had trotted down off the porch steps to greet her with a wagging tail.

   Lora shifted the little car into park, took a deep breath of relief, and got out with a grin, relieved to have arrived. She knelt to pat the dog and scratch his ears and got a sloppy wet kiss before she could avoid it.

  “Mornin’,” the older of the two men said as they approached, extending his hand with a chuckle. “Name’s Bill, and this is Tom.”

   The younger man smiled to her and touched his hat in greeting. “And that is Rupert,” he said bending to pat his dog.

   “Hello,” she said enthusiastically. “I’m Lora Mitchell, checking in today,” she said brightly. “It’s nice to meet you both.”

   “Why don’t you come on in and have some lemonade,” offered Bill. “You must be thirsty after your trip. Did you fly in, or drive?”

   “Flew in this morning from Chicago,” she replied following them toward the house.

   Tom opened the screen door for her and Bill, “We don’t get many folks from Chicago.”

   “A bit of a country girl I suppose despite growing up in the big city.” She smiled as she studied the gleaming log walls and hardwood floors in the entryway that opened to a large family room. The home was country but modern and boasted a huge river rock fireplace to the left that ascended two stories. The loft above had a hallway leading off, presumably to the bedrooms. Beyond the family room was an oversize dining room with the biggest table she had ever seen. It was already set for lunch. Bill poured her the promised lemonade from a waiting pitcher.

“The area is beautiful, and so is the house,” she took it gratefully, looking around.

   “Renovated a few years ago,” Bill supplied, removing his hat. “The fireplace is the only fully original piece. We just built around it, didn’t have the heart to tear it down.”

   She could see now that his short dark hair had grayed at the temples. He had kind eyes and an easygoing nature. Lora figured you would have to be that way, to accommodate new guests’ underfoot every week.

   “Hello,” a woman said as she walked hastily in, pushing through a swinging door beyond the table. “Why didn’t anyone tell me our first guest had arrived?” She wiped her hands on her apron and smiled. “I’m Betty, and you must be Lora. Welcome to Montgomery Ranch. We’ve spoken on the phone a time or two,” she said extending her hand with a warm welcome. “Did you find us alright?”

   “Yes, your directions were perfect. The ranch is just beautiful!” Betty seemed pleasant and friendly, and her short dark hair held the hint of wave and glinted with streaks of gray that somehow seemed stylish. She was petite and plump, and she carried an air of authority, so Lora knew at once that she ran the show.

   “Oh, you haven’t seen anything yet,” Betty grinned proudly. “Why don’t we get you settled into your cabin and then after lunch, Tom can give you the grand tour. You should have about an hour before we eat. Tom, would you help Lora to cabin number five when she’s ready?”

   “Sure, Mom,” he said with a quick grin.

   “That would be perfect, actually. I think I’d like to freshen up a little.” Lora felt the tension from her drive starting to ease from her shoulders already. She handed her empty glass back to Bill, “Thanks for the lemonade.”

   “Let’s drive your car back to your cabin,” Tom said holding the screen door open for her as they walked back outside. He took off his hat and folded himself into the passenger seat, letting it back so his knees weren’t under his chin. He had dark hair, which was longer than she had expected for some reason, and he brushed it back behind his ears.

   He had her take a narrow track that crossed in front of the house and ran along the far side through a small apple orchard and came out by five charming little cabins behind the house. She found number five was the closest to the main house. The cabins were arranged in a large semicircle, leaving space between them for each guest to have some privacy. In front of the cabins was a large fire pit surrounded by logs laying along the ground to serve as benches. Near her cabin was a hot tub on a raised platform, which was a new addition, according to the website. She pulled to the side of her cabin to park as Tom suggested.

   Each cabin was a little different, and her door was in the center of a small porch with a classic rocking chair on either side. Tom insisted on carrying her bags for her. She was a little embarrassed, worried she had overpacked, but Tom didn’t say a word. The front door of the cabin was already swung open wide, so Lora held open the screen door for him, and followed him inside.

Tom laid her bags on the bed. “If you need anything else, just let us know,” he said smiling and turning toward the door.

   “Tom, is there a key for the cabin?”

   “We don’t use keys and have never had a problem. But you can lock your door from the inside at night. He pointed out the deadbolt on the door.

   “Okay, then. Thanks.”

   “See you at noon,” he grinned again as he headed out.

   The cabin was enchanting and furnished in comfortable country decor. In the main area to the right there was a queen bed covered with a blue patchwork quilt, and four big fluffy pillows. Small tables stood on either side of the bed holding matching cream-colored lamps. She was surprised to see a flat screen television mounted on the wall facing the bed. Behind the open door, a short countertop held a fruit basket, and underneath there was a mini fridge. Beyond the counter was a short hallway leading to a clean modern bathroom with fluffy blue towels. Closets were tucked in on either side of the hall between the bedroom and bathroom. There was room for hanging clothes, and a few small built-in drawers. There were two windows: one in the bathroom, and one in the bedroom. They were already open to let in the fresh Montana breeze and set the curtains dancing. She stood back looking around. It was perfect.

   Lora took a deep breath, blew it out. She was here. She sent quick texts to her mom and dad, Claire, and Jean to let them know she had arrived safely, then turned and unzipped her suitcase deciding she could unpack quickly before lunch. She organized her things in the closets, wondering if she had brought too many clothes. She was unsure of what to bring, wanting to be prepared for different weather conditions, and was grateful she didn’t have to share closet space since she had to pack for two weeks. After unpacking her toiletries, she shoved her suitcases under the bed. She would unpack her laptop later and set the case on the little counter above the fridge and plugged in her phone charger. Curious, she opened the mini-fridge and found it stocked with water, soda, and even beer. Grinning, she went to the bathroom to freshen up.

​

Chapter 2

​

   Will was happy to be home after nearly five months on tour. Music was his life, and he loved it, but he truly had no idea how demanding it could be. His time in Nashville had been fun, playing in the bars, meeting people, and making connections, and then his agent, Drew, had found him one night. As exciting as it was to get a recording contract, work with people experienced in the business, he was still not prepared for the pace a tour would set when he had the opportunity of opening for one of the most talented country singers of his time. It had been dumb luck that Drew had gotten him hooked up with a big name. Will opened the shows as they traveled the US and Canada, knowing the exposure would help his career. He had even had a couple of his own songs hit the top ten. The last year had been surreal and overwhelming. People now knew his name, his face, and endorsement deals were starting to trickle in.

   One thing he learned on the tour was that women were always around, and so were drugs, alcohol, and whatever else you could want. While he did have a beer or two now and then, maybe even a whiskey, he was careful to keep things in check, and he never did drugs. He had seen firsthand what that could do and didn’t want to go down that road. He knew it too well in his own family. When he first started on tour, his arrogance got the best of him and he did indulge himself with a woman one night, only too eager to find her way into his bed. It was too easy, and dangerous, as he knew what could happen if he chose that path. It never happened again, and he learned to keep his ego in check, too.

   He swiped his arm across his forehead as he helped carry fresh straw bales into the barn, already feeling how out of shape he was. He had been anxious to get back into a routine on the ranch, even though he was tired and had just flown home last night from Chicago. Now that he was here, he could get a break from the constant demands of his new life. Will needed the breather, much to Drew’s disappointment. He just hoped that none of the guests would recognize him here, where he could just be himself.

   Betty had cancelled guests for the season, knowing he was worried about it, and he felt bad that she had. By the time he had decided to come home instead of going back to Nashville, it was too late for her to cancel the guests already scheduled for this week. And two other girls were flying in to meet their friend the following week, so they would also arrive, but no one was scheduled after that. He felt guilty about it but knew the income wouldn’t be missed. It felt good to be back, even if his shoulders ached. He grinned, reaching for another bale.

 

   Lunch was a surprisingly busy affair. There were so many people, Lora wasn’t sure which were family, and which were employees. Many sat outside in the shade of a large sugar maple, hoisting lunch boxes, and getting bottled water from the cooler outside the back door that Lora assumed led to the kitchen. All of them seemed friendly and welcoming, a smile, the tip of a hat, a wave.

   Lora entered the house through the front door and found that several people were already gathered at the table, Tom and Bill included. Betty bustled in from the kitchen setting a large bowl of potato salad on the table as she welcomed Lora with a smile. Two other men sat down at the table as Lora had walked in, removing their hats. The first was tall, with short dark brown hair, a heavy but neatly trimmed beard, and a quiet expression. The second was shorter, had shocking blue eyes and dark blonde hair, worn a little longer so it curled against his neck.

   Betty sat at the head of the table, and indicated for Lora to sit to her left, which she did suddenly feeling self-conscience as though she were interrupting a family meal. Looking around, she quickly figured out that the people who ate at the table were family. They shared enough similarities that you could tell they were all brothers, even though one had blue eyes when the rest were brown.

   The remaining seats at the huge table were for the guests who had not yet arrived. Another reason she had liked this ranch was that this one was more like a bed and breakfast, and less like a hotel and restaurant where forty or more guests would be gathering.

   Introductions were made around the table, and Lora concentrated on remembering their names. Betty and Bill had three sons: Tom, whom she’d already met, Scott was the taller one with the beard, and Will had the blue eyes. Apparently, she smirked, the Montgomery’s did not have any extra X chromosomes to spare for a daughter.

   Will seemed fun and outgoing, friendly and was very easy to look at. He was several inches shorter, and Lora recognized that both Scott and Tom were well over 6 foot tall. Scott was quieter and more businesslike, but equally handsome, although he didn’t smile as easily as Will or Tom. He also sported facial hair, unlike the others who were clean-shaven, and she guessed him to be a few years older than Will. His short hair was neatly trimmed, and Lora suspected he had a standing appointment with a barber every two weeks.

   Lora was surprised that they had all removed their hats when they sat at the table. As everyone settled into lunch, conversation varied from the ranch, the cattle in the upper pasture, and the weather for the week. Lora listened quietly, smiling to herself. She studied the family while they talked and ate. Lora thought for a moment that Will looked familiar but dismissed it thinking he must remind her of someone else.

She had eaten about half of her chicken salad croissant when another man arrived, hurriedly taking the empty chair across from her.

   “Sorry I’m late, Mom,” he said. “Buttercup just had her foal.” His face was bright with excitement, and Lora noted the same long legs, and thick, wavy, dark hair. His face was scruffy with yesterday’s beard, and he had warm bronze eyes. He stopped abruptly, noticing Lora for the first time, and smiled. “Sorry. I’m Jake, and you must be … Lora?” he grinned softly.

   The grin hitched to one side, and his eyes smiled along with his full mouth. His voice had surprised her, as it was deeper than the others had been, and his dark eyes had locked onto hers more forcefully. Her mouth went dry, and it took her a moment to speak, “Uh, it’s nice to meet you, Jake.” She smiled back.

   He sat down now, putting his hat on the floor behind him as the others had, looking at Bill. “She went into labor just before I was heading in to wash up for lunch, and it didn’t take long” he paused smiling at Lora. “Would you like to see her when we’re done? Doc is down there now making sure everything’s okay,” he added as an aside to Bill, who merely nodded between bites.

   “I’d love to,” Lora replied smiling back at Jake who had selected a roast beef sandwich from the serving tray. She watched him for a moment and decided she had better look away before she became trapped in those beautiful eyes. So, the Montgomery’s have four sons and apparently no lack of testosterone on the ranch.

She cleared her throat, “When do the other guests arrive, Betty?”

“The rest arrive tomorrow. We have two men coming in from Iowa, a family from Kansas, and a couple from California. We have one vacant cabin for the week.” she smiled.

“It’s so beautiful here, I would think you’d have people on a waiting list.” Lora said as she took a bite of potato salad.