Rocky Mountain Valentine (17 page)

He looked at her through narrowed eyes and shook his head. “But you’re a photojournalist. I assumed...”

“I’m a freelancer—I do whatever brings an income, and right now, a woman in this business can’t overlook having a backup plan. The photographer was fired and there’s a possibility it could turn into a regular assignment.”

Adam forced a smile. “That’s great.”

“Funny thing is, I have the oddest feeling the photographer was my ex-boyfriend.” The words were out before she even realized what she was saying.

Icy contempt flashed in his eyes and his body tensed. “What makes you think that?”

She relished the time spent in Adam’s protective embrace, even if doing so would make it that much more difficult to leave. “The editor got my name from a model that I met when I was in Portland. The only job I’ve ever done there was with Dale.”

“I don’t like the sound of this.”

“He can’t hurt me.” She took a deep breath. “Whatever this photographer did landed him in jail.”

“Jail? Lisa...”

“I’ll be fine, Adam. If it is Dale, he’s already behind bars.”

“If it’s him, you could press charges.”

“Press charges? No. I—I couldn’t.”

“Why not? He ruined your life.”

“No. Dale may have changed it, but leaving was the best thing that he ever did for me.” Lisa felt trapped between her words and the truth. She’d read those self-help articles on finding happiness and letting go of the past—even written a few. While she could say the words and put on a brave front, inside her heart still raced like a coward’s. “He’s the
last
person I plan to see. Forget I mentioned him, okay?” She kissed Adam. “Please.”

He nodded unconvincingly. “What about the party? And pictures? I thought you’d stay to help.”

She felt a warm sensation pass between them. “I’ll be here. I told the editor I have to be back here by Saturday. She said she’d check the budget.” Lisa faltered. If they wouldn’t pay for her return ticket, she’d do so. “Don’t worry, I’ll be here. In the meantime, I need to pick up my camera and try it out. What do you say we go take some pictures?”

He looked around. “But the lodge isn’t ready.”

“It looks fine.”

“Fine leaves room for improvement. We’re talking national exposure here. I’ve tried to make it homey, but it’s still missed something. What is it?”

Homey? How would she know? She hadn’t lived anywhere long enough to know what a home was supposed to feel like, but she had to admit—Whispering Pines Guest Ranch would be at the top of her list.

“It doesn’t need much, really. You might put some of the family pictures from your living room out here on the table, fabric over the windows or maybe some tab curtains at some point. Candles, or crafty things, pillows...which reminds me...” She spun from his embrace and ran up the stairs. “Close your eyes. You can’t peek.”

She pulled the moose and the beaver from the bag and held them close. They were soft and cuddly, a perfect reminder of Adam.

“Are your eyes closed?” Lisa called as she walked out of her room and down the stairs.

He turned to face her, eyes closed. “Tight as the barn door.”

She held both the stuffed animals behind her back, just in case he peeked. Lisa walked right up to Adam and lifted her chin. “Okay, you can open.”

“I think it’s rude to kiss with open eyes, don’t you?” He didn’t wait for an answer. Adam reached up and touched her face, exploring as if he were blind. His lips finally met hers, the kiss so tender it brought tears to her eyes.
Keep it simple, Lisa
.

When she thought Adam was ending the kiss, it lingered on. He held her with one hand on each shoulder, as if he sensed her weakening knees. She savored every moment.

“Wow. What store sells kisses like that?” He opened his eyes and stole one more kiss.

She felt the blood rush to her face. She blinked, trying to shake the dizziness. “You were holding out on me.”

Was she imagining it, or was he blushing, too?

Adam grinned mischievously. “And what about you? I don’t recall your arms leaving your side.”

“They were sort of busy—” she pulled the stuffed animals from behind her back “—trying to hold on to these.” Lisa held her breath. She hoped he liked them. “I couldn’t resist. You wanted rustic, and I thought these looked pretty rugged, in a cuddly sort of way. Maybe they’ll add that homey feel.”

Adam held them up. “They’re cute little critters. Thank you.” He snuggled them to his face and smiled. “Now, I guess we should go into town for the camera. Since you’ll be leaving soon, maybe we could make it a date. If you wouldn’t mind an evening out.”

“Mind?” Lisa smiled. “I’d love it. Let me go change into something more suitable.”

Adam realized he hadn’t even asked where Lisa would be going. Did he even have her cell phone number? He changed into tan slacks and a black turtleneck, pulled on his boots and rushed down the stairs to wait.

A few minutes later, she was ready. She looked beautiful. He liked the way Lisa had pulled her hair up with loose honey-colored tendrils softening her face. With a black sweater, Lisa wore a short charcoal-colored skirt and black tights that made her legs look longer and shapelier than he had imagined.

She looked self-conscious. “Is this okay? I don’t have many dress clothes. They don’t travel well.”

He cleared his throat. “Don’t apologize. You look...fine.”

She placed a hand on her hip and gave herself another critical assessment. “Fine? According to you, fine isn’t much of a compliment.”

Adam would have swallowed the lump in his throat if he’d had enough saliva left. “Trust me, you look mighty nice, and I think that’s about as much as I should say on the subject.”

With his approval, Lisa let out a deep breath and relaxed her shoulders. Her giggle was contagious. “I don’t date much, but that sounds like a compliment to me. Will it be okay for dinner?”

“You can go in whatever you’re comfortable wearing, though I might add those tights don’t look very warm for a woman who’s recovering from frostbite.”

“The tights are fleece-lined and very warm. According to Emily, there’s no skin damage, but thanks for watching out for me.”

He opened his mouth to say it was just part of his job, but he knew that wasn’t the truth. It was totally personal now, and he didn’t dare admit that yet. He didn’t argue. If he did, they’d never make it to the camera store in time.

“You could have mentioned at least once that you’re a trained medic.”

“I didn’t tell you because I’m not certified yet.” He helped her into the four-wheel-drive truck and backed out of the drive, determined to change Lisa’s mind about leaving.

Once they reached the highway, the roads were dry. He hoped it either got hot enough this next week to dry the roads out completely or stayed cold all week so they’d stay frozen. Otherwise, it was going to be a messy Valentine’s Day celebration. Colorado weather could be pretty fickle. He recalled recent years when they’d taken picnics to the canyon in February and spent Kevin’s Fourth of July birthday in sweatshirts huddled by the campfire.

“Adam?”

He turned. “Sorry, I was thinking about the weather. What did you say?”

Lisa tugged at the hem of her skirt. Even seated, it came just above the knee. “I was saying that in order to survive as a freelancer, I have to be flexible. I can’t afford to turn down jobs—any job. I hope you understand.”

“You must be a very good photographer if they want you to work for a catalog.”

She felt the heat rise to her cheeks. “I’m not the best, but I am good. And I’m not kidding myself. They called because they’re desperate. I’m affordable, I’m reliable and I’m available. That’s important in this business. They need you where and when they need you.” The traffic in town was thick with weekend shoppers. “The catalog is behind schedule, which costs them big money. This is my break. There’s no room for mistakes. Some aspiring apprentice is always waiting for a chance, too.”

“And you’re the apprentice waiting in the wings?”

“It’s a great opportunity. Fashion photography, if you can break in, pays extremely well.”

“That’s not what I asked. Were you his apprentice?”

“Yes, that’s how we met.” The cab of the truck was silent except for the sound of traffic whizzing past. “Would you mind if I leave some things at the ranch? If this job goes like others, we’ll work till we drop. I thought it might be nice to travel light for a change.”

“I don’t know that that’s possible,” Adam stated matter-of-factly. “You traveling light, I mean.” He turned off of Main Street. “I saw what two days without email did to you, I can’t imagine you without your laptop for a week.”

He exaggerated the words, unable to hide a smile, and Lisa was happy to see him teasing her instead of pulling away again. “The hotel will have a computer and I can check my email on my cell phone.”

“Speaking of which, I want your phone number and email address.” Adam parked and turned off the engine.

She pulled a business card from her pack and gave it to him. “I’ll be right back. Warm up your smile.”

Adam leaned his head on the seat, fingering the card. Did he have the strength to let her go? And was their love enough to bring her back home again?

CHAPTER NINETEEN

L
ISA PULLED THE
door open and scooted to the middle of the seat with a camera in each hand. The owner of the store climbed in behind her. “Bob offered to take pictures of the two of us and he also wants to show me how to use the latest digital camera. He says there should be some cleared sidewalks at one of the nearby parks.”

They’d only been outside ten minutes before the card was full and Bob began to show Lisa the new camera, after which they returned to the store. Adam watched as Bob downloaded the pictures onto the computer, giving Lisa his best sales pitch.

“It’s great,” Lisa agreed. “But I’ll have to think about it and let you know. I’m really not sure it’s the right time to get another camera and upgrade my laptop.”

She paid for the camera repair and left her cell phone number for Bob to call when he’d finished printing the photos of her and Adam. “So what did you think of modeling?” she asked as they left.

Adam shook his head. “It wasn’t too bad, but I hope no one saw us. I’d never live it down. Let’s put it this way. My price just went up.”

Lisa’s eyebrows arched and her smile widened. “And what is it now?”

“Dinner, custody of all the pictures of you and half of those with us together.”

She let out a laugh. “You must have been a tough businessman in your previous career.” She didn’t mention to Adam that he could make a lot more than that as a model, or that she’d checked with Bob about the possibility of doing some local work. He’d agreed to pass her name around and let her know if he heard of any job possibilities. She’d learned long ago to leave a string of strong bridges everywhere she went.

Adam nodded. “I was, but that was a long time ago. Any other errands you need to take care of?”

“I thought I’d look for new snow boots, so a sporting goods store, and then a discount store where I can replenish a few necessities.” She took out her list and checked off the brick of film, spare batteries and a polarizer.

Her cell phone rang twice while Lisa was in the dressing room; once Bob called to tell her the pictures had come out fine, the other was the catalog editor calling to agree to the terms Lisa had requested and give her the flight information.

Lisa shopped with her new assignment in mind since she would be spending a lot of time outside. She found thick socks, boots and a new pantsuit that would be well suited for traveling. She picked out silk pant liners to help hold in the warmth. After buying essentials at the discount store, Lisa begged Adam to stop at the mall to help her pick out a dress for the Valentine party. “I can’t wear just any dress to the party.”

“You wouldn’t hear me complain.” The magnetism of Adam’s smile sent a twinge of guilt through her. She didn’t want to dampen their last day together with thoughts of her leaving.

The afternoon went quickly, and before she knew it, they had picked up the pictures and were back on the highway. Adam picked a small, out-of-the-way restaurant with European cuisine. He chose the beef medallions in burgundy sauce and she ordered the rainbow trout.

When they arrived home, Adam pulled out a small package from all the bags they’d carried inside and invited her to sit in front of the fire.

She stared at the gift. “Where? How?”

“While you were trying dresses on, I slipped into another store. I knew just what I wanted. I hope you like it.”

She looked at his square jaw, softened by a small dimple she’d never noticed before. Lisa wasn’t so sure how she should feel about the emotions invading her heart. The box was small, and she felt her heart race. She wasn’t sure she was ready to take the leap that a jewelry box could mean. And from the serious look on his face, it was a lot more than a moose or a beaver. She untied the ribbon and opened the small square box. Moments later, she was looking at a necklace version of Toby.

“So you’ll have your protector.”

“Adam, it’s wonderful.” She leaned into his embrace and lifted her lips to his. “A couple of whimsical stuffed animals don’t quite compare.”

He kissed her again. “You couldn’t get those away from me, Lisa. They’ll remind me of your visit. I’m just not sure I’m willing to share them with guests.”

They talked until the fire died down, then said good-night. Adam took her hand as she headed up the stairs. “If you get cold...”

“You already sent two extra blankets upstairs, Adam. I’ll be fine. I’ll see you in the morning.”

The next morning, Lisa turned on the lights in the living room and saw the packet of photographs on the coffee table. She looked at the pictures again. It couldn’t be. It had been nothing more than an act. Sure, she and Adam had become close friends, but...she looked again, unable to believe the tenderness in their expressions. They looked like a couple in love. It was impossible. One look at these, and her sisters would start planning the next Berthoff/MacIntyre wedding
for sure.