Page 4 of Hiding in Montana

She gestured to the chair opposite her. “Have a seat and tell me what’s on your mind.”

His gut tightened as he sat down. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything, but I was talking to Linc, and he suggested I come up.”

Her smile reassured him it was more than okay. “When I took over the ranch after Pops died, I said his long-standing open-door policy was going to remain the same with me and I meant it.” She folded her hands together and leaned forward and just waited.

It surprised him she didn’t have questions, but remained patient until he was ready to talk. But he wasn’t sure how to begin.

“Clint, I’m a firm believer that when you're struggling to share what’s on your mind, it’s best to start at the beginning.”

He swallowed hard. “You’re right. I like Polly.”

She smiled with a nod. “I might have noticed the looks between the two of you.”

Did Annie just say that Polly was looking at him, too? “Well, today, after you and Linc left us, I asked her if she wanted to meet me at The Lucky Bucket sometime. She mentioned you might have a policy against co-workers spending time together.”

To Annie’s credit, she didn’t grimace or laugh. “I appreciate you coming to talk with me, but I don’t believe in restricting who my employees date. But I would ask if you two decide to start something and it doesn’t work out to be professional when working together. But your personal life is just that, personal, to do as you wish.”

He felt as if an enormous weight had slipped from his shoulders. They were free to go out and spend time together. “That’s great. Thanks, Annie.” He stood up, and she held out her hand as if stopping him. He sank back into the chair.

“I’m not one to pry into anyone’s life. It’s just not my way. Take it at Polly’s pace. I get the feeling she’s been through some tough patches in her past and I want what’s best for you both.”

He toyed with his hat in his hands and nodded. He understood what she meant. There was something fragile in her eyes and the last thing he’d do was rush Polly into anything. “You don’t have to worry. I care a lot about her.” As he spoke those words, he realized just how accurate they were. He wanted to get to know Polly and have fun, put a smile on her face, and just live in the moment.

“You’re a good man and if Polly agrees to date you, well, you’re both very lucky.”

Now he stood up and grinned at his boss. She was a lot like her grandfather. “Pops would be proud of you, since I’m pretty sure he would have handled this conversation much the same way.”

She pushed her chair back and stood up. “Thank you. I’m trying to make him proud of me, even as he’s looking down on the ranch from heaven.” She tipped her head. “I’m curious. What did Linc say to you about dating?”

He chuckled. “Pretty much what you said, and he tossed into the mix that the two of you not only dated, but got hitched to boot.”

“I married a very smart man, but do me one favor and pick Polly up like a proper date. Don’t ask her to meet you there. And Clint, my door is open to all employees, and this wasn’t the first conversation I had on this topic today.” She gave him a knowing wink. “The last time I saw Polly, she was headed in the direction of the greenhouse.”

That was the only prod he needed. After saying goodbye to Annie, he strode out the door. He scanned the fenced-in garden and didn’t see anyone. It was then he noticed her old truck puttering down the road that would go past the main house in less than two minutes, and if he hurried, he could still catch her.

He rounded the corner and held up his hand to flag Polly down. She stopped the truck and put it in park before the driver’s window was cranked down.

“Hey, Clint. What’s going on?”

He jerked his thumb toward the house. “I just talked to Annie and I’m about to ask you a question for the second time. Will you have dinner with me at The Lucky Bucket?”

3

Polly knew Clint would seek her out as soon as he discovered dating was back on the table. It was all she had thought about over the last few hours. The silence seemed to weigh heavy between them and she knew there was only one answer she wanted to give. She just hoped she wouldn’t regret it. “I’d like that.”

His face lit up like the midday sun. “That’s great. When? Thursday night?”

Her thoughts raced. That would give her two days to come up with the perfect outfit for a casual dinner with a drop-dead gorgeous man. “Sounds good. What time should I meet you there?”

“If you don’t mind, I’d like to pick you up. My momma would have a fit if she knew I was taking a beautiful woman out for dinner and she drove herself.”

Did he just call her beautiful or was it a slip of the tongue? “Sure, I live out on Dry Creek Road. At the south end of Main Street, you take a left.”

“I know the area; how’s six?”

“That’d be nice. My house is the log cabin with deep-green shutters. It’s the only log cabin, so I’ll be easy to find.” Her heart skipped, but she plowed ahead. She had gone this far; she might as well get his number too.

“Why don’t you text me your cell number and that way we can reach out if something comes up?” Not that there was anything that would stop her from going out to dinner with Clint. This was something she had wanted but thought would never happen.

---