“Present company excluded.” My lame attempt at a rescue didn’t soften her shock. I doubled down so she’d know how serious I was. This was my line in the sand, and if she was worried I’d pursue her after the wedding, I’d put her mind at ease. “No plans to get married either.”
Her eyes were round. “Oh.”
That was that. “Go ahead and set the plate down. Get some rest. I’ll be gone for a while in the morning to help with chores.”
I usually spent most of my weekends helping around the ranch, but I couldn’t have Ruby wandering aimlessly through my house. She didn’t seem like an invasive person, but I also couldn’t have her peeking into my bedroom.
I’d shoved everything from the spare room in there. A path around my bed was all the space that was left. I could’ve taken my stuff out to the shop, but I didn’t want everything to get dusty. And I didn’t want to store it in one of the ranch’s outbuildings. My family had a way of butting in without meaning to.
She rubbed her hands together. “Okay. Well. Good night.”
There had to be a way to diffuse the awkwardness. Unlike her dad, I liked when she prattled. “I’ll try not to surprise you with any shirtless moments.”
She laughed. “Don’t threaten me with a good time.” Her cheeks bloomed red and she scurried down the hallway.
“First door on the right,” I reminded her. I was smiling when I loaded my little-used dishwasher. Sometimes, Cruz and Lane or my brothers came over, but I didn’t host otherwise. Nor did I feel the need to hide my hobbies from them.
Ruby was different. She made me wish for a lot of things I’d given up on. But she wasn’t mine. Never would be.
CHAPTER SIX
Ruby
Don’t threaten me with a good time.
Embarrassment continued to flood my system even the next morning. I couldn’t quit throwing myself at him. He’d practically held up a billboard last night that said he wasn’t interested in anything long term. His stated disinterest in company or marriage had danced a little too close to my fantasies.
I had to be realistic. Tenor was just another guy. He was kind and considerate. He’d kissed me until I couldn’t think straight. But he was a guy, and when it came to men, I was never their pick. In Tenor’s case, no one was.
I tied my hair back and went out to the porch. It was after lunch and Tenor hadn’t returned. He’d messaged that they’d had some cows get out, he’d be a while, and to help myself to anything in the fridge.
His fridge was pristine. Gleaming on the inside. It looked as staged as the rest of the house. If he said he rented this out to vacationers, I wouldn’t be surprised. The cabin was gorgeous, but the longer I was here, the less lived in it appeared.
I compiled a ham sandwich, then ate at the table and studied the place. No bookshelves. There was a corner that was completely wide open. Had something been stored there at one time?
Tenor Bailey was a mystery I wanted to keep working on, but I shouldn’t. I’d only get my hopes up again. It was bad enough that I was giddy for our date tonight. More excited than I’d ever been. Was it because I knew we weren’t going anywhere? All the pressure was off?
My anticipation could also be from Tenor. He was town royalty. When I was younger, Dad would ask me about school and regale me with his glory days. The disappointment on his face when I confessed I hadn’t joined the tennis team had stayed with me. Or when he’d ask about my friends or who I was dating.
Your best days are passing you by, kiddo. You gotta live a little and get your nose out of those silly books. People are going to think you’re desperate.
I ate my sandwich and tried to forget Dad’s words. When I was done, I went into the guest room that lacked all life with its beige comforter and white walls and dug my book out of my bag.
Tenor had a porch swing that was calling my name and a view I’d sell myself for. If only Tenor was taking bids.
The rolling hills were blanketed with pine trees. The same pine trees soared above the cabin. Tenor’s land was tucked farther northwest of Mae’s house, close to the forest, and the terrain was more rugged hills. The mountains were so close I could touch them.
I appreciated the view... and then dove into my phone. I pulled up other Montana distilleries and screenshotted any posts showcasing them out and about in the community. I had tentatively brought this up to Wynter, but when she approached me about the wedding, I wanted to be ready with data.
After opening a spreadsheet, I collated my observations along with screenshots and source distilleries, then branched out to Wyoming and Colorado. I’d do more states while at work. Then I pulled up some influencers I recalled were getting married and scrolled through their reception shots, zeroing in on the comments to glean what people liked and disliked.
I had a whole marketing plan formed by the time I put my phone down and picked up my book. I was in the mountains, not just looking at them out windows. It was relaxation time.
I had been reading for a couple of hours, enjoying the light breeze and listening to birds squawk and chirp and the swing squeak when Tenor pulled up in his pickup and parked in the garage tucked beside the house. His footsteps sounded heavy as he grew closer.
I closed my book and devoured his swagger. His easy gait was strong and sure. He wasn’t wearing a cowboy hat, but his hair was crushed against his scalp like he’d had one on all morning. His loose shirt was untucked, but couldn’t hide the width of his shoulders. He crested the four steps in one leap, his boots thumping on the floorboards.
“How’s it going?” He leaned against the railing.
