Oregon Outback (20 page)

“Hello?”

His pulse raced. “Clarice, hi. It’s Lucas.” She hung up.

Clarice was the third girl he’d called, and the only one to actually answer besides Emily, his sister-in-law Darcy’s friend. Emily already had plans.

It was twenty minutes until seven. Lucas had told Rally he’d be there with a date. Even if he found one of the few single girls left in town willing to go out with him, it was still short notice.

Was it his fault he wasn’t ready to commit? Lucas couldn’t help it that he hadn’t found the
one
yet, nor was he looking. Finding someone that would tie him down and hold him back terrified him. That he had this bad boy reputation ate at his insides. He didn’t deserve it. Nor did he want to hurt anyone.

He plopped on the sofa and propped his feet on the coffee table. If he showed up at Rally’s without a date—someone to talk to Katy and distract her—her attention would fall on Lucas and his inability to commit, on how he’d hurt her friend. Make that, friends.

Pressing his head against the sofa, he growled, frustrated with this part of his life. Nor was he one hundred percent happy with running his own business. It hadn’t given him the freedom or the time he’d wanted to do the things he loved, but he couldn’t think of anything else he’d rather do.

All he knew was that he worked hard and deserved to play hard.

He skimmed the pages of the address book he’d kept for years. Lucas sighed. Just before Avery Summers had left his office, for a split second, he’d considered inviting her along with him tonight. He could tell her it would be a great way to meet people since she was new in town. But he didn’t want to be too forward and lose his bookkeeper before she’d had a chance to clean up his cluttered books.

Today when he’d seen Avery glide into his office, wearing her professional navy suit, hair pulled back, wearing glasses and looking like a schoolmarm, he’d trusted she could do the job. In fact, she was overqualified. But he’d understood her dilemma, her need to escape her life in Portland.

Then when she’d removed her glasses, her immense blue eyes had caught him off guard, and he’d noticed her golden hair—she was definitely a natural beauty hidden beneath her prim professional coating.

He recalled Rally’s words that Lucas had no fear. Rally was wrong. Lucas feared losing the life he had. Falling in love and getting married could ruin everything. He’d watched it happen over and over—seen his friends fall, one by one. Witnessed his brothers becoming slaves to matrimony. None of their lives had stayed the same. And that’s why he wouldn’t give Avery a second look—she could be dangerous for the life he’d built.

An hour later, Lucas stood on the porch at Rally’s ranch-style home, wishing he’d canceled, but he was tired of eating alone. They’d had a good time today, and he didn’t want that to end. Just a few more laughs—the perfect ending to a good day. That is, if Katy didn’t start in on him.

The door swung open. Rally stood there with a big smile. He glanced behind Lucas and frowned. “Don’t tell me you came alone.”

“I tried—”

“After that razzing I gave you today, I figured you’d bring someone even if you had to tie her up to get her here.” Rally pulled him inside.

“It’s that bad, huh?” Lucas rubbed his jaw, reconsidering his decision. “I can leave now, if that would be better.”

His friend looked behind him then leaned closer. He spoke in low tones. “Katy had gotten a babysitter for us tonight since I was gone last night. I was in trouble for inviting you, but then she invited a new neighbor over. That means I’ll live. That means she’ll want her new friend to feel welcome. As long as you don’t make any moves on the new girl, we’re good.”

Someone new in town? I wonder …

Lucas nodded. “I’m sure I can manage that.”

“Honey? You watching the grill?” Katy meandered around the corner from the kitchen, holding dishes and silverware. “Hi, Lucas. Glad you were able to come.”

Though her smile was pleasant and warm, she didn’t fool Lucas. “Thanks, Katy. I wouldn’t miss it.”

“Rally said you were bringing a date.” She looked at her husband.

If she didn’t want him to break any more hearts, why would she want him to bring a date? But he didn’t dare voice the question. Probably, she wanted him to show signs of becoming husband material, becoming domestic. “I tried, but it was short notice. I guess you’re stuck with me all by my lonesome.”

“Not a chance. I’ve got a friend coming over. She’s new in town.” Katy paused and pointed her finger at Lucas. “Don’t get any ideas.”

Lucas held up his palms. “I wouldn’t think of it.”

Katy headed out the french doors. “Rally, the grill.”

Rally punched his arm. “Did I tell you I’m glad you could make it? Now I’ve got someone to talk to. Let’s go outside and grill.” He grunted. “Be manly men.”

Lucas laughed. He was feeling better already about the life he’d chosen. Rally was totally in prison.

Just as Rally stepped through the french doors ahead of Lucas, someone knocked at the front door. Lucas strolled back through the living room. He was curious to meet the new neighbor.

When he opened the door, he was met by immense blue eyes that widened, recognizing him, and golden hair spilling past the girl’s shoulders in soft curls.

“Um … hi.” Avery offered a smile to the man who’d hired her less than three hours ago. He wore the same cargo shorts, but had changed into a T-shirt that said F
EARLESS
and reminded her of that poster at his shop. “This is a surprise.”

“For me, too.” He swung the door wide. “Come in.”

Avery slid past him into the small foyer. Well, this was awkward. She lifted the plate of chocolate chip cookies she held. “I brought cookies.”

“I see that.” He grinned. “Let’s find out where Katy wants you to put them.”

The woman herself stepped through french doors from the backyard. When she spotted Avery, her face beamed. “You made it.”

Avery smiled at her new neighbor. Katy rushed to Avery’s side and squeezed her shoulders. She’d been just wonderful, and so far, the only person to welcome her since she’d moved into her grandmother’s old house last week.

“Where should I put the cookies?” Avery asked.

“Lucas, would you mind grabbing that pitcher of tea?” Katie asked. To Avery she said, “Let’s go outside. The weather’s nice and Rally is grilling. We’ll put the cookies on the table out there.”

Avery allowed Katy to usher her into the spacious backyard and away from Lucas. “I see you’ve already met Rally’s friend.”

Avery nodded and sat in the lawn chair Katy offered. Lucas came out of the house with the pitcher. “I met him today. He’s my new boss.”

Katy’s mouth dropped open. “Your new boss? I thought … I didn’t know you were looking for a job. There are several places that have openings I’m sure you’d love.”

Lucas placed the pitcher on the table then stood next to Rally at the grill. “No need for that, Katy. I’m sure Avery and I will get along just fine. I need a bookkeeper, and she’s already accepted the job.”

“How do you want your steak, Avery?” Rally interjected.

“Medium rare is fine.” Avery sensed the tension between Katy and Lucas in the living room, but thought she’d imagined it. “He’s right. It’s part-time, just what I’m looking for.”

Katy didn’t appear convinced, her gaze wavering between Avery and Lucas. “It’s none of my business, but if you change your mind, let me know.”

A glower flickered in Lucas’s dark-water eyes. What was going on? Avery felt like the two were somehow fighting over her. The whole thing hit her wrong. A small laugh escaped her, and everyone looked at her.

“It’s nothing. Been a long day, that’s all. Dinner smells wonderful. I’m hungry.”

“I hear you,” Rally said. “Let’s eat.”

Grateful that she was no longer the focus of the conversation, she followed Katy and the two men to the table and sat in a cushioned chair. Lucas set the plate loaded with steaks in the middle.

“There are two rares, one medium, and one well-done. Let me know if you want something else,” Rally said.

Avery enjoyed the company of her new neighbors, Rally and Katy, and was glad for their invitation to dinner. Lucas was a great guy, and definitely a man who loved adventure. He and Rally could hardly talk about anything else. Avery sensed Katy wasn’t happy about that.

They talked well after they’d finished dinner until it grew dark. Rally flicked on the outdoor lights and lit a few candles on the table.

Avery yawned. “Oh, excuse me.” She offered a sheepish grin.

“Is it past your bedtime?” Lucas leaned back in the chair, hands clasped behind his head like he’d done in his office today.

“Lucas.” Katy scolded him like he was a child. “I guess I am a little tired. I should probably head home.”

Rally’s eyes widened. “No, wait. You’ll miss the best part.”

Clueless, Avery smiled and shrugged. “The best part? What’s that?”

“We go to the ridge and look at the stars. It’s amazing,” Rally said. He glanced at Katy and shrugged. “What?”

“If she’s tired, let the girl go home.” Katy stood, gathering plates.

Rally took some of the dishes. “She’s new here. She won’t know what she’s missing until we show her.”

Curious, Avery glanced at Lucas, hoping for a better explanation. He grinned and stood, reaching for her plate and stacking it on his. “The stars. Away from the light pollution you can see the Milky Way. Rally even has a telescope for nights like this.”

Speaking in hushed but argumentative tones, Katy and Rally headed into the house.

“I don’t want to intrude,” Avery said. She started to pick up a few glasses and utensils to follow the couple.

Lucas placed his hand over hers, pressing it to the table. “Wait. Give them a minute. And … you’re not intruding. Rally wants you to see the stars.”

She stared at Lucas’s hand, still covering hers. “I’m more worried about what Katy wants. Why are they arguing? What did I miss?”

She slipped her hand out from under his, regretting the words. She knew little of the people who lived next to her grandmother and didn’t want to say something that would offend them.

“I don’t know exactly. But if I had to guess, I’d say that Rally decided on the stars before clearing it with Katy. She might have other plans.”

Rally came out of the house, a strained smile on his face. “Katy isn’t feeling like stars tonight. How about video games?”

Lucas scratched the back of his head and laughed. “You serious?”

Rally moved to finish cleaning off the table. “She doesn’t feel good, so let’s just hang out here. Sorry.”

“All the more reason for me to head home.” Avery loaded her arms with as much as she could grab. “Right after I do the dishes.”

She ignored Rally’s chiding and went inside, finding Katy at the kitchen sink. Avery set the dishes down and touched Katy’s arm, uncertain if she should press the woman. “I’m sorry you’re not feeling well. Let me finish the dishes for you.” Katy laughed and wiped at her wet cheeks. “Oh, I’m fine. Rally does the dishes, so you don’t need to worry. I’m sorry you had to see our disagreement. And your first evening at my house. Jonathan keeps me up at night, so I’m cranky lately. I’d like a chance to make it up to you. Maybe lunch sometime?”

Avery smiled. “That sounds good. I told your husband I wouldn’t stay for video games. If it’s all right with you, I’ve had a long day and need to get home.”

Looking through the kitchen window into the backyard, Katy stiffened. Avery followed her gaze and spotted Lucas walking toward the house. He was rugged, sturdy, warm, and friendly. Owned his own business, so he wasn’t a slacker.

“I don’t get it. Why don’t you like him?” Avery asked.

“He’s just one of Rally’s friends who rubs me the wrong way. Let’s leave it at that. You’re going to work for the man. I don’t want to color your opinion of him.”

Gee, thanks.

O
n Monday morning, Avery shoved through the doors of Oregon Adventures, feeling refreshed from the weekend. She’d unpacked a few more boxes and hung new curtains on Saturday, and visited a small church in Carnegie on Sunday. That had given her ample time to shove Katy’s vague words about her new boss far from her thoughts.