Page 45 of A Match Made in Montana

She hugged him. “And I love you for it, I really do. But all this shouting can’t be good for you. Is there something else going on I should know about?” Staring at her brother, she grinned. “Don’t tell me all this huffing and puffing has to do with a woman? Who is she?”

“Don’t be ridiculous. I can promise you that’s the very last thing on my mind.”

“Your novel then. How is the writing going?”

Sighing, Mitch rubbed his face. “It’s not going. Probably the main reason for my frustration.”

“You’ll need to sit down in front of your computer if you actually want to write. I haven’t seen you do that in a while.”

“Well, I’ve been worried about Vivian and now you…”

Grinning, Annie leaned against him for a moment. “I’ll be okay. And now I’m going to have a shower and put on my dancing shoes.”

She was halfway up the stairs when she heard Mitch’s voice again. “I still don’t like it!”

Rolling her eyes, Annie hurried to her room.

She knew exactly what she’d be wearing tonight. Craig was not going to be able to keep his hands to himself.

*

Craig went lookingfor his aunt before he left to pick up Annie. She was in the kitchen with Riley and Dylan.

“It smells nice in here.” He smiled as he entered.

“We’re making hamburgers,” Dylan announced.

“Don’t you look handsome,” his aunt said, giving him a once-over. “You have a date with Annie?”

“Yes, we’re trying Grey’s Saloon tonight.”

“I’m surprised she’s going with you. There’s a story going around Annie’s fiancé pitched up to claim her again. Carol Bingley heard from—”

“That’s nonsense,” Craig interrupted. “He showed up on her doorstep, yes, but she doesn’t want him back.”

Riley chuckled. “You have been busy this morning. I heard you kissed Annie right there in front of her door. What I want to know is whether that was before or after her ex-fiancé showed up? And when did you have time to take Sandra from the deli for coffee? Everyone is talking about that as well. Apparently, there is a wager going on in town—who is the woman you’ve bought the boxes of you-know-what for? And, of course, everyone knows you’ve booked a room at the hotel for tonight.”

Stunned, Craig stared at his sister. “What the—”

Riley quickly motioned toward Dylan and Craig swallowed the swear word.

“I don’t believe it. I was with Annie for all of ten minutes. And Sandra is one of six… or seven new clients I now have.”

Aunt Janice patted his arm. “Small towns. Everything you do, or not do, is noticed. Let me walk you out.”

At the door, she gave him a hug. “We haven’t had a chance to talk. Have you seen your parents?”

He nodded. “I have.”

“And?”

“Nothing. They asked how I am, told me how they’re doing. That was about it. I have to go now. I don’t want to be late.” He kissed her cheek before he stepped out.

“You’re leaving soon. Annie is staying,” his aunt said as he turned away to walk to his car.

He stopped. “We both know this is only temporary.”

“If you say so. It’s just… you’re going back to Portland, but she’ll still be here. Whatever rumors are doing the rounds will be something she’ll have to deal with on her own.”

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