Page 65 of Wild for You (The Wilds of Montana)

Early Sunday mornings are quiet, but when Millie comes in at eight, things start to pick up.

“Hi, Brooks,” I say with a smile when the man walks up to the counter.He’s tall like Remington, with dark hair and hazel eyes.“How’s it going?”

“Can’t complain,” he replies.“Your car’s ready.I thought I’d come in and tell you in person, and grab some coffee, of course.”

“You’re kidding.”I grin at him.“That’sawesome.”

“Thanks for waiting so long.It’s been a busy month in the shop.”

“There was no hurry, but it’ll be nice to have it back.I can come get it tomorrow, if that works.”

“Whenever you’re ready for it,” he assures me and places his order for black coffee.

“Hey, Brooks,” Millie says with a wave as she steams some milk.

Brooks moves down to chat with Millie as I take the next customer.He’s a man I haven’t seen before, just a little taller than me with black hair and brown eyes and a little scruff on his face.There’s nothing particularly striking about him.

“Hey there,” I say with a smile.“Where are you visiting from?”

“Oh, I’m not.”There’s a southern accent in his voice.“I just moved to town a few weeks ago.”

“Welcome to town.You’ll like it here.I’m fairly new, too.What can I get for you?”

He places his order and gives me the name Clay to write on his cup, and then I move on to the next customer.

Millie and I work well and efficiently together, and before I know it, it’s almost noon when we finally have a lull.

“Busy morning,” Millie says as she wipes down the counter.“Makes the time go by fast.”

“Super speed,” I agree and glance at the door when the bell dings.

Summer Quinn, the owner of the floral shop, comes in, carrying a huge bouquet of blood-red roses.

“Hi, Erin.Delivery for you.”Summer grins and passes me the note.The envelope has the logo forPaula’s Posieson it.Summer bought the shop from Paula years ago but never changed the name of the business.

“I didn’t think you delivered on Sundays,” Millie says.

“Just half of the day through the summer,” Summer replies.“Open the card, Erin.It’s super sweet.”

You look beautiful today.

That’s it.

It can’t be from Remington because he hasn’t seen me today.

“I guess my brothercanbe sweet when he wants to be,” Millie says.

“Hmm,” is my only reply to that.“Hey, Mill, do you mind covering things for a sec?I want to make a call.”

“No phone sex while you’re at work,” Millie replies with a wink as Summer snorts with laughter.“Sure, no problem.”

“Thanks.”

With blood rushing in my ears, I hurry back to the break room and quickly dial my dad’s number.Of course, he’s likely off doing something fun on a Sunday and doesn’t answer.

So, I call again.

This time, he picks up and sounds annoyed.“Hey, baby, can I call you back in about an hour?”

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