Riding Home

“You’re new here?” She glanced at him with a spark of interest in her eyes. “Where’d you come from?”

“California.”

“Then I’m pleased to meet you, Zach Powell. I have to say you’re the first person who hasn’t looked at me with thinly disguised suspicion, like I might suddenly sprout horns and a tail. Well, I take that back. Sarah Chance seems willin’ to suspend judgment, and her cook, Mary Lou, is friendly. But Regan’s sisters...” She sighed.

“Not welcoming?”

“No, and I can’t say as I blame them. I don’t have a brother, or a sister, either, for that matter. But if I did, I’d probably behave exactly the same way. They’re loyal and I admire that. I just...don’t know what to do.”

“Well...” Zach hesitated. He had some thoughts, but it wasn’t his place to make suggestions.

Her gaze sharpened. “What? If you have ideas, speak up. I could use some advice.”

“All right. You look great, but you don’t exactly blend into the scenery.”

“Don’t think I don’t know it.” She glanced down at her outfit. “My mother taught me that wearin’ nice clothes is respectful, plus I’d heard that the Jackson Hole area was filled with celebrities so I thought this ranch might be dress-for-dinner sophisticated. I should have asked Drake more questions before I flew out here.” She swept a hand down her body. “Everything I packed is like this.”

“And Drake didn’t say anything once he found that out?”

“We haven’t discussed my wardrobe choices. The poor man is so in love with Tracy he wouldn’t notice if I ran around naked. Same thing with Regan.”

Zach would certainly notice. Thanks to her comment, he was picturing that scenario in vivid detail. He tried to erase the image, but his libido wouldn’t cooperate. He hadn’t been involved with anyone for months and had thought he didn’t miss sex all that much. Judging from the stirring in his groin, he’d missed it more than he’d realized.

To take his mind off the subject, he focused on a potential solution to her problem. “You need to go shopping.”

“I think you’re right, but I don’t know the area. Where should I go?”

“Shoshone has a few shops, but if you want to get what you need, you’d better go to Jackson.”

She took a deep breath. “Then I’ll just head to Jackson, I guess. Do you recommend any particular stores? No, wait, never mind. I can figure it out. You’ve been a big help already, and I—”

“I get off at five. Give me time to shower and change, and I’ll drive you up there. We can take my truck. Everything stays open late for the tourist trade.”

Her shoulders sagged in relief. “That sounds fantastic, but are you sure it’s not too much trouble?”

“No trouble at all. I could use a couple of things myself.”

“Then I’ll pay for gas.”

He smiled. “Not necessary.”

“No, seriously. And I’ll buy dinner. It’s the least I can do.”

He started to argue with her. He hadn’t dated since making this drastic change in his lifestyle. Previously he’d been the high roller who picked up the tab, and having her pay for gas and food felt weird. His wages at the Last Chance were a joke compared with what he used to make in Hollywood, but he’d invested well and didn’t ever have to work again if he chose not to.

Unless he planned to explain that, though, he might want to keep his mouth shut and accept her offer. “Okay, thank you. That would be very nice.”

“I’m staying at the Bunk and Grub. Do you know it?”

“Yep. Nice bed-and-breakfast down the road.”

“It is. Very nice. At first I was in the cabin Drake rented, and he said I was welcome to it now that he’s moved in with Tracy. But it’s kind of remote, and I’m a city girl. I’m not all that brave when it comes to things like...well, grizzlies.”

“Don’t blame you. I’m really careful out at my campsite. I keep everything bears might want locked up tight inside the Airstream.”

She blinked. “Campsite? You don’t live in the bunkhouse?”

“Oh, they offered to put me there. But then I’d have to store the Airstream, and besides, I like living in it. So Jack gave me permission to park down beside the creek that runs through the property.”

“Jack Chance?”

He laughed. “The one and only. A legend in his own time.”

“So I hear. I haven’t officially made his acquaintance. Do you get any electricity down there?”

“I have a little generator. Don’t run it much. Mostly I cook over the campfire and I have a solar water setup outside for taking showers.”

“Sounds primitive.” But instead of looking appalled, which would make sense given her city-girl orientation, she seemed intrigued.

“It works for me.” Then it occurred to him that he’d just painted a picture of him naked. From the gleam in her eyes, could she be enjoying the image of him standing under that solar shower? Hmm. “So how long will you be sticking around?” He was suddenly more interested in that.

Her jaw tightened. “I’m determined to stay until after the engagement party, no matter how unwelcome I may be.” Then she clapped a hand over her mouth. “Did I just say that out loud?”

“You did, but you said it to the right person. I’m not here to judge. I’ll bet socializing with this crowd is a bit uncomfortable for you.”

“You don’t know the half of it. But like I said, I can’t blame them at all. I’ll tough it out because I want to give Regan and Lily a big hug on their special day. That’s important to me.”

He wondered if Drake’s new romance bothered her. She might have been hooked on the guy and now he’d moved on. “So the party’s tomorrow night. Are you leaving Sunday?”

“I didn’t want to run off like my danged tail was on fire, so the plan is to fly out Monday.”

“I see.” Not much time to get to know each other. That was sort of disappointing given that some mutual attraction seemed to be developing.

“And I need to get back to my job.”

“Doing what?”

“I’m a lawyer.”

“Is that so?” He should get an Academy Award for his casual response. Inside he was laughing his head off. He’d worked so hard to leave that profession behind, and now he was making goo-goo eyes at a member of the clan. The last person in the world he’d ever date would be another lawyer. “What’s your specialty?”

“Do you need legal advice?”

“No.”

“I ask because usually when I mention that I’m a lawyer people’s eyes glaze over. But if they have a legal issue, then they want to know what kind of lawyer I am, either because they might hire me or, in some cases, they’re after free advice.”

“I know.” Whoops. “I mean, I’ll bet. But I don’t need a lawyer.” Not in any sense. “I was just curious. Anyway, you have to survive until Monday.”