Page 43 of Hiding in Montana

“Well, the moment I saw you talking to Annie about her ideas to expand the garden, it was all over for me. You were the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. It was like I had been waiting for you to show up.”

She looked up, her cheeks stained and her eyes red from the tears. “Guess looking at me now is a mite different.”

“Yes, you’re still the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met, and you always will be.”

She wiped her cheeks on her shirtsleeve. “I really appreciate you giving me the space to work through everything the last few days. I’m sure it was hard for you, but I needed the time to do it. I had to put the trauma in the past, and it might rear up from time to time, but eventually it will just be a footnote in my life.”

He wrapped his arms around her again and kissed her forehead. She might think it was in the past, but whoever did that to her was still out there. In order for her to live a long and happy life, he was going to find the ones responsible and they would pay. He’d make sure of that.

Settled under a blanket next to the fire, Clint and Polly were wrapped in each other’s arms. A small pup tent was close by, but it was the stars overhead that had left her speechless. He couldn’t help but smile as the coyotes in the distance howled, and she snuggled closer.

He nuzzled her neck and whispered in her ear, “We’re perfectly safe, you know.”

“The coyotes add to the old-time ambiance. Do you think this is what it was like when people came west? Did they stop and look up at the stars, just like we’re doing now?”

To hear the awe and wonder in her voice warmed him all the way to his toes. If he hadn’t known better, he would have sworn she was a country girl. “If they didn’t look up, they were fools.”

Pulling the wool blanket closer around her shoulders, he asked, “If you’re cold, I can add more wood to the fire.”

“No.” Her breath warmed his skin. “I can think of another way to stay warm.” The firelight reflected in her eyes and he could see the mischief and invitation there.

“Oh, I think that can be arranged.” His mouth claimed hers.

21

The following Thursday, after the camping adventure with Clint, Polly was standing next to her kitchen table, studying the chart in front of her. She had listed all the possible groups from their past of people who might be after her—well, really Matthew. But none of it made any sense. These weren’t people from the country club set. Besides he sold luxury boats. If it was cars, she could see people boosting them and selling parts on the black market. But you couldn’t dismantle a boat sitting at a dock and sell its parts, could you?

She crossed the cozy room to fix a cup of tea and then glanced at the clock. Clint would be over soon for the long overdue lasagna. She put the kettle on and checked the casserole. The sauce was bubbling, and it looked good. The fragrant aroma caused her mouth to water in anticipation of all that gooey cheese and savory sausage. All that was left was the bread and salad, and of course, the wine. A sharp rap on her front door had her glance at the security app on her phone.

“What the heck is he doing here?” She padded to the door barefoot and pulled it open. “Matthew, this is unexpected.”

He came in before she had the chance to tell him this wasn’t a good time. She pushed down the instant flair of her temper. After all, they were in this mess together and she needed to remain civil until it was over, and then the ties to him would be severed.

His eyes widened. “Are you making lasagna?” He patted his midsection. “Good thing I came hungry.”

“Dinner isn’t for you, and you’re not invited.”

The corners of his mouth dipped and his eyes narrowed. “No need to get snippy.”

Once again, she fought to control her temper. She had always hated it when he said she was snippy—such an old-fashioned term—and she knew he was really calling her the B word.

She never moved from the front entrance. “What can I help you with?”

He bobbed his head in the direction of the living room. “Can’t we sit? I think I have some news that might help us.”

“Ten minutes. I need to get ready.”

He gave her the once-over, which at one time had given her a rush of pleasure, but now it was just, well, inappropriate. They were divorced, and she knew it was for the best for both of them.

She waved him into the living room, but she didn’t sit. Standing next to the small wood stove, she crossed her arms. He was looking far too pleased with himself to not have something to share. Maybe this wouldn’t be a waste of her time.

“Tell me what you have learned.”

Rubbing his hands together, he gave her a tight smile, and a shiver raced down her back. Unsure why, she forced herself to think positive.

“Remember you told me about someone being on your porch the night before Clint got shot?”

Thinking back over the last few weeks, she didn’t remember telling him about that person. But maybe she had. Letting it go, she said, “Yes. The person in the hoodie.”

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