Montana Homecoming (6 page)

“Your boss?” The brightness shattered all around her. Surely she hadn’t heard that right. She tilted her head and ignored shock quaking through her system. “You work for Liam?”

“Sure, it’s a burden I carry well.” Roger’s jovial tone belied his words. “You’re wondering if I got my story filed on time, aren’t you, Liam?”

“Hey, that’s not my department. You always hit your deadlines.”

“He’s a bigwig at the paper,” Roger explained. “We went through college together. Journalism majors. He’s the reason I moved to Montana. His grandfather was kind enough to offer me a job. Here’s to old friendships, right, Liam?”

“Hey, I’m not claiming you as my friend.” Liam’s light quip said differently.

Liam worked at the paper? Shock dulled her senses. She couldn’t think but her knees started to quake. How could it be true? She licked her lips and forced out the question. “You’re a reporter, too?”

“So they tell me.” Liam knelt down to smile at the toddler, still enthralled with Oscar.

Of course, he was a reporter. The pieces clicked into place. That’s why he’d been in court. He was covering the story. He knew the reporter who’d approached her by name. That’s why he’d asked those questions about her and her family, about Bree and her fiancé.

He’d been getting information out of her. She hadn’t even realized it.

Way to go, Brooke. You sure know how to pick ’em.
She shook her head, stunned. And here she’d thought he was a good guy.

“I don’t write as much as I used to,” he went on, as if he hadn’t done anything wrong. “I miss it.”

“Hey, you can write what you want, since you’re second in charge at the paper.” Roger winked. “Don’t believe his sob story, Brooke. He gets his choice of assignments. And working with his grandfather makes him happy.”

“I can’t argue with that. My Grandfather Knightly is great. I like hanging with him.” Liam rescued the Frisbee Oscar had forgotten in the grass. “Harry is getting big. His birthday is coming up, right? I’m still invited?”

“Of course.” Jayne smiled. “How old are you, Harry?”

“Free.” He held up three fingers, which Oscar licked happily, tail wagging.

The scene seemed surreal. A terrible ringing clanged in her ears. Her hands turned cold, her knees wobbly. How could she have been so clueless? She swallowed hard, but the knot in her throat wouldn’t budge. Why had she let her guard down?

“C’mon, Oscar. Sorry, Jayne, your kid’s hair is standing straight up on end. Looks like a Mohawk.” Liam grabbed the Lab’s collar, tugging him away from the preschooler. The dog’s tongue dangled, torn away mid-lick.

“It’s a new look for our little guy. He’s going punk,” Roger joked as the family moved off together. “See you at tomorrow’s staff meeting?”

“I’ll be there bright and early.”

“Nice meeting you, Brooke,” Jayne called out, friendly.

“You, too.” The words felt torn out of her. She pasted what she hoped was a pleasant smile on her face for the kind woman. Wooden, she took a step, alone with Liam as the little family moved off.

What if she’d opened up to Liam more? What if she’d told him the truth about her past? Look what might have happened. Her family secrets and her past spilled all over his grandfather’s newspaper, that’s what. She shook her head, stumbling after the man and his dog. She couldn’t believe how close she’d come to making another mistake.

Be careful who you trust.
Hadn’t she learned that lesson well enough the first time? Liam strode a few steps ahead of her with his dog, as easygoing and amiable as he’d always been.

“How long have you been a reporter?” Her hands fisted. She kept her head down, holding back her anger, trying to corral her hurt. “Since college?”

“Yeah. Once I graduated, my grandfather wanted me to help him run his paper but I wasn’t ready. I headed off to New York. Started as a stringer for the
New York Times
and worked my way up.” He shrugged, modest, not elaborating. Most men she knew didn’t hesitate to show a little ego. “Like I said, my folks hoped I would take after them, but reporting was in my blood. When I landed a job at a cable news network, I couldn’t believe it.”

“So that explains why you said you traveled a lot.” The pieces finally fit. She’d been interested in the broken romance part of his story instead of asking the right questions, like what he did for a living. “I don’t watch the news a lot, but it sounds fascinating. You were a foreign correspondent?”

“I traveled all over the globe. It was exciting.” He hit the remote on his key chain. His truck locks popped open and the dog loped ahead, overjoyed by the prospect of another ride. Liam didn’t even seem to realize she was upset. Maybe he hadn’t tried to trick her on purpose, but that certainly didn’t change the facts.

She’d trusted him more than she should have. Well, not anymore. This was about the dog, she reminded herself. And don’t forget her pocketbook. She could use the money. Oscar needed help. It didn’t have to be any more complicated or personal than that.

“Are you okay?” He broke the brief silence. “You seem a little quiet.”

“I’m fine.” Wiser, but fine. “I’m thinking we should make a few stops on the way back. The hardware store. The pet store.”

“My thoughts exactly. We’re on the same wavelength, you and me.” He winked, charming, looking like everything good and trustworthy in the world. He strode through the sun with the wind tousling his hair and the happy dog at his side.

But was she charmed? Not a chance. Not again. She shrugged, not sure what to say. It was best to keep her distance from this moment on.

Chapter Six

“I
t’s getting late.” Brooke’s voice broke the silence between them that had settled into the house once they’d returned. He wanted to attribute it to the long day and the fact they had a daunting task ahead of them, but he wasn’t sure. She’d been quiet before they left the park.

After they met Roger and his wife.

He glanced at the mantel clock, put down the instruction sheet and stood, his back protesting. “It’s nearly nine. We got a lot done in the past two hours. You were phenomenal.”

“Not so much. The cleanup looked worse than it really was.” She didn’t meet his gaze as she stowed the broom in the entry closet. “Poor Oscar. He must have been so upset worrying you wouldn’t come back.”

“He’s worn himself out. Look.” The dog snoozed on his bed in the corner, legs sticking straight out, snoring like a truck downshifting on the freeway. “The more I think about that day care idea, the more I like it.”

“We’ll try to work on his anxiety again next time. If you want.” All business, she tugged the bag of dog treats from her purse and left them on the coffee table. Eyes down, polite, distant.

“Sounds good. You made a real difference today. Thanks. Plus, Oscar has taken a liking to you.”

“I’m not falling for that. Oscar adores everyone.” A hint of a smile touched her lips but she still didn’t look up. Keys in hand, she faced the door. “Looks like you got the kennel figured out?”

“Yep, it’s all in one piece. I have faults but I’m great at following directions.” Another quip, but she didn’t smile. She didn’t banter back. She just slipped her purse strap higher on her shoulder. Her attention arrowed to the door, once again like the serious woman he’d first spotted in Lil’s yard.

He remembered Tasha Brown rushing her in the corridor. He didn’t know what that was about, but it probably had something to do with when Brianna was in the hospital over in Seattle. Brooke lived in Seattle. He had no idea what all had gone on there because he’d been out of the country. But it struck him now that she’d asked a few questions about his job after meeting Roger.

“I’ll walk you out.” Tension tugged tight in his chest, growing worse with every step. A war waged inside him—to keep his distance versus the unexplainable hold she had on him. He cared about her. He couldn’t help it. Truth was, she was a hazard to him. Her gentleness, her quirky humor and now the quiet pull of her spirit got to him.

Even when he’d sworn no woman ever would.

The brass doorknob felt cool against his palm as he gave it a twist. Lukewarm night air washed over him as he held the door open for her. When she whispered past, a gust of wind carried her vanilla scent. A few strands of her long hair brushed against his jaw.

Caring rolled through him with such force he had to brace his feet and steel his spine not to give in to it. A hazard? The woman was a live minefield. He tripped down the steps after her, reeling. A smart man would say good-night and retreat into the house while he could, but was he a smart man?

Well, that had always been in debate. He trailed after her down the shadowed walkway, unable to take his focus away from the lithe silhouette she made.

“You didn’t know I was a reporter, did you?” His question made her turn around in the darkest part of the yard. He couldn’t see her but he didn’t need to. He felt her gaze on him and heard the intake of her gasp.

“No, I didn’t. No one thought to inform me. Even you.” No accusation in her soft tone. Steady, solid, unemotional, as if she’d already retreated too far to come back.

Maybe he should be glad for that. Maybe he should be shouting out a cheer, jumping up and down in relief because the bid to keep her from affecting him just got easier. But he couldn’t let it go. She might not admit it and she refused to show it, but she was hurting.

He hated that.

“I thought you knew. It’s a lame excuse, I know. I shouldn’t have assumed. I should have tattooed it on my forehead or something.” That quip garnered a better reaction. He could feel her smile and the knot of tension wedged in his chest began to ease. “Your family knows what I do for a living. It’s not a secret.”

“No, I get it. I understand.” So she said, but the distance between them didn’t change. Her tone didn’t warm. Her guards didn’t go down. “I see what happened.”

“You don’t have to worry about Roger. He’s mostly harmless. He wouldn’t have grilled you like Tasha tried to do.”

“It’s not Roger I’m worried about.” She exhaled, a sigh of frustration. “You basically interviewed me without my knowledge or permission.”

“Interviewed you? When?”

“All those questions about Bree.”

Realization hit him like a hammer. The blow struck hard, reverberating through him down to his bone marrow. What an idiot he’d been, a complete and utter dummy. No wonder she was upset. He risked taking a step closer. “I never intended to print anything you’ve told me off the record. That’s the way I am. Ask Lil. Ask Colbie. They know.”

“I guess we’ll see in tomorrow’s paper.” Her dark silhouette moved slightly, her chin going up. She didn’t believe him.

He drew himself up to his full height but he didn’t feel tall enough, good enough, not any longer. Not in Brooke’s eyes. She was wrong, but he knew what she saw, what this looked like. He disliked it, he really did, because he’d hurt her. At least, she thought he had. “I wasn’t using you. I wasn’t on the job. Nothing that happens between you and me off the record or with any member of your family will wind up in an article of mine. My word of honor.”

“I’ve heard that phrase before.”

“You haven’t heard it from me. All I’m asking for is a chance. Wait and see what kind of man I am before you quit on Oscar.”

“I didn’t say anything about quitting on Oscar.” The confession scraped from her, grating against her throat.

“I know, but it’s something I fear.” A hint of humor, always that humor lightening the moment. She could see the shadow of a day’s growth along his square jaw and smell the night air on his shirt. He crossed his arms over his chest, a powerful pose, a handsome one. But did it affect her?

Not even close. Her guards were up and they would stay that way. She gave a little prayer of thanks as Liam followed her down the last of the walkway. Streetlamps rained a puddle of light over the pickup, guiding her, leading her away.

“Thanks for everything you’ve done. You went beyond the call of duty, Brooke.” He ambled over to opened the pickup’s door. Sincerity defined him. Tall, solid, real. “You saved us.”

“Hardly. I just helped a little, that’s all.” She should hop onto the seat, start the engine and drive away, but something held her back. It was concern for the dog—yes, that’s what it had to be. “I hope Oscar likes day care.”

“Me, too. I didn’t know what I was thinking just picking up a dog with no forethought or preparation. I don’t know the first thing about owning a dog.”

“I can see how it happened. Who would think twice when it comes to Oscar? Of course you wanted him.” She smiled, beauty in the night. “Goodbye.”

“Wait. What do I owe you?” He reached for his wallet, but she waved him away.

“We can decide that later. After we see how successful I am. You may change your mind about me and want a real professional.” She shook her head, scattering tendrils of dark, silken hair. Those gossamer strands brushed against the curve of her cheek and the line of her jaw the way his hand itched to.

He didn’t reach out as much as he wanted to. Brooke had put distance between them and he wasn’t going to cross it. Distance was a good idea. So good, he took a step back, barricading his feelings with all his might.

No way was he getting involved again and if he did, it wouldn’t be with a woman who was as reserved as Brooke. After talking with her half the evening, she remained a great big mystery. She kept a part of herself hidden away just like Sidney did. Besides, he liked Brooke far too much for safety. That was the best reason to pull back.

“Drive safely. Maybe I’ll see you tomorrow.” He eased onto the sidewalk while the engine started. Kept to the shadows. He could be a mystery, too.

Brooke lifted her hand in a dainty little wave, giving him nothing more, not even a smile, before the truck pulled away.

He watched the taillights grow smaller in the darkness until with a faint red flicker they faded away.

* * *

The crescent moon peeked over the trees rimming the trailer park. Brooke climbed out of the borrowed pickup and into the faint moonlight. Lights shone from neighbors’ windows but no one else was out. Not a single car motored by. No dogs barked. No cats prowled the shadows. Gripping her bag, she headed up the stairs, breathing in the sweet Montana air redolent with the scents of lilacs and early budding roses. Upset clung to her no matter how hard she tried to stop it.
Just brush it off, Brooke.
She paused on the porch to take a cleansing breath. It had been a close call tonight. Why had she let her guard down? She had no clue why Liam affected her that way.

“Brooke, there you are! I thought I heard the truck.” The door swung open before she could reach it. Brandi held a bowl of ice cream in one hand, gripping the doorknob with the other. She looked adorable as always dressed in a Montana State University T-shirt and shorts with her light blond hair tied back in a long swooping ponytail. “You’re just in time. We’re having zero-calorie dessert.”

“There’s a brand of ice cream with no calories?”

“Sure. In my imagination.” Brandi laughed.

“In mine, too,” Bree called with an identical cheer from the kitchen. She held a bowl in one hand and a freshly loaded spoon with another. “Come in and have some no-cal mint chocolate chip.”

“I’m not sure I’m that imaginative. I see calories,” she teased. “Lots and lots of calories.”

“Hey, I’m in denial over here,” Colbie called from the kitchen. “Don’t mess with my denial!”

“Sorry. My bad.”

“Don’t just stand out there, dear, come tell us all about it.” Lil gestured from her chair with the hand that wasn’t holding an enormous bowl of ice cream. “Did you have fun tonight?”

“Oscar was a hoot.” She closed the front door behind her and plopped her purse onto the small entry table. “I found him a spot at the Dillards’ day care.”

“Good choice. They’re such nice people.” Colbie scooped ice cream from the container and into a bowl. “I’m sure he’ll be happy there.”

“That should keep him out of trouble, but that’s not what we all wanted to know.” Brandi waggled her brows as she dug into her ice cream. “So, how did things go with Liam?”

“Yes, tell us all about Liam.” Lil hit Pause on the remote, freezing the legal drama on the screen mid-cross-examination. “He’s such a handsome man and a real gentleman. You two seem to get along.”

“Looks can be deceiving. He’s a reporter. You guys could have told me what I was walking into.”

“Guess I didn’t think of it.” Bree ambled out of the kitchen and gave her spoon a lick. “He asked me for an interview and I’m giving him one right after my testimony.”

“He already got an unofficial one from me.” She hated to be the one to break their illusions about Liam, but she had to be honest. “He asked me a lot of questions, which I answered without knowing his agenda. Questions about you, Bree.”

“I’m sure it’s nothing. He won’t use what you told him. Honestly. Trust me. He knows if he wants a quote, he can call.” She slipped into an overstuffed chair facing the TV. “Hey, did you get supper? We can warm up leftovers if you’re hungry.” That was Brianna, as sweet as could be. She sat next to her twin, totally unconcerned. Clearly she didn’t understand the situation.

“I ate, thanks. I’m sorry, I should have wondered why he was asking all those questions. He just seemed like a concerned friend of the family.”

“That’s because he is. We’ve known Liam for a long time.” Colbie opened the cabinet in search of another bowl. “What kind of ice cream do you want? Mint chocolate chip, strawberry shortcake or triple fudge?”

“The chocolatey one.” Did Colbie really have to ask?

“Liam’s not like some of those reporters who hounded us when Bree was in the hospital,” Brandi explained.

“Or like the ones who descended after your arrest,” Bree finished. The twins nodded together, blond heads bobbing, heart-shaped faces dimpling, two peas in a pod.

Liam had said he wouldn’t use what she’d told him. But what he actually
did
was a different matter. And the mention of her arrest? That was just the ultimate reminder why she should never trust another man again. Darren had betrayed her trust in the worst possible way.

“Is this enough or do you want another scoop?” Colbie held up a bowl heaping with ice cream.

“Give her another scoop,” Brandi called from the couch, pushing a stray strand of light blond hair from her eyes. “We have to fatten her up while we can…”

“…and spoil her as long as she’s here.” Bree finished her twin’s thought with a cute grin. “Then maybe we can change her mind about going back to Seattle.”

“I guess at this point it depends on how my job hunt pans out. Colbie, that’s a whole lot of ice cream.”

“No calories, remember? So it doesn’t matter.” Colbie plunged a spoon into the mountain of chocolate and handed over the bowl. “I’m praying hard. Maybe, just maybe, you can stay. Training Liam’s dog is a start, right?”