What If: A Small Town Big Love Novel Read online

  Her hands wrapped around his neck for balance. He took hold of them and drew her up so that her legs were wrapped around his waist. He didn’t care how it looked. She was a hot woman riding him as he walked down across the street. Let everyone eat their hearts out.

  They entered Eldora’s looking for walking shoes. Like every other building in places settled during the Gold Rush, the store had Old West décor but Rodeo Drive merchandise and prices. He spotted a pair of white tennis shoes with pink laces. “What about these?” He lifted them for her to see.

  “They’re perfect.”

  “You’re not just saying that, are you?” He wanted to make sure they were exactly what she wanted. “They’re cute, but I don’t want you to take the first thing you see. If you don’t like them—”

  “I like them.”

  He winked, and like his endearments, Lucy seemed to love that he winked at her. She didn’t seem to care about his money. He hoped it was his personality that made her weak in the knees. That and what others considered his undeniable good looks.

  “Good,” he said. “Let’s pick out more stuff.” He walked to a clothing rack and pulled off a blue shirt.

  She touched the silk-soft material. “You’re good at shopping for women’s clothes. Looks like you have a lot of experience.” She gave him a look that said she had his number.

  He ignored her assumptions. “I’m good at it,” he admitted. “I love giving presents.”

  “That’s super sweet, but I don’t need anything else,” she whispered, looking around as if she didn't want to be heard. “I’m not here because you have money.”

  “I appreciate that.” He took her by the hand. “I can see that I'll have to teach you how to shop. It’s not about need. I think everyone needs a splurge now and again, and I don’t think you’ve ever had one.”

  “Maybe that’s not my style.” Her tone turned defensive. “I find value in different things.”

  He sank down so that they were face to face.

  “I’m the one that’s splurging. This is my indulgence, and I want to share it with you. I would love it if you found some things that bring you joy.”

  She sat down right away and put the shoes on. Her purse was big enough to slip her heels inside.

  “There,” he said. “So much better, though I liked the shoes you were wearing.” He leaned close and whispered so that only they could hear. “Think you could wear those later with nothing else?”

  Lucy’s eyes fluttered. The most charming look crossed her face. It was a mix of happiness and arousal. John stepped back and admired the new shoes.

  “I think we need an outfit to finish this off.”

  He handed her the blue blouse he’d chosen earlier. It was the same color as her eyes. A blue that could make a summer sky jealous. With its scoop neck and short sleeves, it was flattering in style and color. He laid it on the counter and went over to the costume jewelry to pick out a few pieces.

  “John,” she protested softly. “This is silly.”

  He kissed her on the head. “Oh yeah?” He pressed a kiss against her hair. “You’ll get used to being a princess in no time.”

  “Princess?”

  He had teased her about being spoiled, but she was the exact opposite of spoiled. He was bound and determined to buy her more things, but he knew he would have to draw out her desire to shop.

  “Let’s see how they look on you.” His voice turned deep and husky. “What I’d like is if you’d take a walk around the store and pick something for yourself.”

  They looked at the salesgirl grinning and nodding, eager for additional sales.

  “I know you’d make someone happy if you did.”

  The salesgirl bounced in her shoes. “I’m happy to ring up anything you choose.”

  Lucy’s sweet face morphed into a look of confusion. He was clearly putting a lot of pressure on her to do something that made her uncomfortable.

  “Only if you want to. This is supposed to be fun. Am I laying it on thick?”

  “A little. This is out of my lane.” She touched the fabrics as she passed. “Just give me a sec to acclimate to unfettered spending.”

  He picked a few more things from nearby racks. “Let’s see how beautiful you look.” They walked over to the dressing room together.

  He wanted to join her, regardless of whether or not it was indiscreet. He considered handing the salesgirl a hundred bucks to close up for lunch. More than that, he wanted the grand reveal—to see her walk out and model the new clothes with a smile on her face. It was a good thing he’d made that choice as he heard the bell on the store door. Another customer.

  “Hey?” said a woman’s voice from behind him.

  John stopped surfing his phone and turned to face his cousin Maya. He wasn’t surprised to see her. He extended his arms, drawing her in for a big bear hug. Of his cousins and siblings, Maya favored him. He was among the tallest Blackwood men, and she was the lankiest of Blackwood women. She had their signature dark hair and complexion of their Blackfoot ancestry.

  It was good to see her. Though much of his family was within an hour’s drive of each other, they lived their lives and went their own way, meeting up sporadically more by choice than accident. He had expected to run into her sometime during the trip. Whenever anyone in the family traveled, they sent out a group text to let everyone know in case someone wanted to tag along. Maya liked the casinos, so she descended to Idaho Springs often.

  “You look good.”

  “So do you.” She pulled back to study him.

  “Something agrees with you. Care to tell what or who?” She was fishing.

  Lucy opened the door of the dressing room in the clothes John had chosen for her, clearly confused because she found him in the arms of another woman. John thought she was going to pop. He had to bite back a grin because she was jealous. It shouldn’t be funny because the sight had to be hurtful, but he loved that she was filled with emotion over him.

  He’d found himself jealous of Kevin when he didn’t even know Lucy. He couldn’t imagine how she felt now that they’d been intimate. He checked her face and yes, by the thin line of her lips, she didn’t appear happy.

  “Baby, this is my cousin Maya,” he blurted.

  Lucy drew in a deep breath. John looked on as Maya mercilessly eyed Lucy up and down, checking her out, not even filtering the look of judgment from her face.

  “Maya Blackwood, this is Lucy Shoemaker.”

  “Shoemaker?” asked Maya.

  Lucy looked so petite and dainty next to his cousin’s tall model form.

  “Yes.” Her voice was uncharacteristically small.

  “You’re so tiny and new.” She turned to him. “You’re taking her shopping? Is this foreplay, payment, or farewell?”

  “Maya,” John growled. “Jeezus. Have you been to the casinos? Maybe indulged in a few morning cocktails?” He rushed to Lucy’s side and placed a hand at the small of her back. “I apologize on my cousin’s behalf.”

  “That wouldn’t be your responsibility,” Lucy said as she pulled her shoulders back.

  Maya dropped her hand. “As for your question, yes, I’ve been to the casino this morning.” She looked between John and Lucy. “I apologize. I was teasing, you know, breaking the ice. I’m sorry if my words offended you. That was not my intent.” She looked straight at Lucy. “Nice to meet you, Miss Shoemaker. I’m sure we’ll meet again.”

  Maya moved to the other side of the shop. It would have been better if she’d left altogether—best if she hadn’t ever arrived or opened her mouth, thought John. He took Lucy into his arms, but she firmly pushed back.

  “I don’t think these are for me.” She shook her head. “They’re lovely, but not for me.”

  John looked her in the eyes. “Maya was out of line. If I could have prevented her from spouting off, I would have. Don’t let her upset you.”

  The light blue of Lucy’s eyes turned stormy. “She knows how to make a girl feel welcome. Basica
lly, she implied I was loose, a hooker, or a one night stand. She came short of calling me a gold digger. Give me a second to process all of that.”

  “Will a kiss make you feel better?” He brushed her lips with his. “I’ve never known her to be mean. It’s not like her. Not to give her an excuse, but she went through a terrible loss and her behavior has been unpredictable lately. Don’t let her bitterness ruin our fun.” He tipped her chin back so he could see her clearly. “How about we take the stuff, and if you don’t want them by tomorrow, we can bring them back?”

  Lucy drew in a deep breath. Her eyes never left his as she thought about his proposition.

  “John Blackwood, you could sell stripes to a tiger,” she said, obviously relenting.

  “Just trying to sell them to you.”

  “I don’t want you for your money, it’s the least attractive thing about you,” she replied swiftly and sharply.

  “Just knowing you want me is enough.”

  “In truth, I didn’t like seeing you in another woman’s arms.”

  “Your arms are the only one’s I want around me.”

  “Perfect answer.” She lifted on tiptoes and kissed him. “Did you say I’d have to meet more of your family?” She curled her nose at the idea.

  “Brace yourself. There are a lot of Blackwoods,” he said. “Most of them nice. Most of them men.”

  “Can’t wait,” she said with a dose of sarcasm.

  Chapter Twelve

  Lucy

  Lucy gathered the clothes that John had picked out for her. She knew she didn’t have to keep them, but when she put them on, she felt pretty. His words and generous actions reminded her that she was a beautiful woman worthy of nice things.

  For a second, she felt great, but that faded with thoughts of her house. What felt worse than losing her house was seeing John embrace another woman. It was only his cousin, but it could have been anyone. Lucy hated vulnerability. She wasn’t so sure if she was up for whatever this was even if the sex with him was something from a dream.

  The saleslady was standing outside the fitting room ready to take any clothes that Lucy wanted.

  “Hey.” Lucy pointed to the things John had selected. “There aren’t any tags on these.”

  John and the saleslady smiled.

  “Don’t worry about it. She puts them on my account.”

  “You have an account? You do come here a lot, don’t you?”

  “I do,” he answered plainly. “I like it. My family likes it. Yes, I come here.”

  “So, if she puts these on your account”—she reached around her neck to unclasp the necklace—“does that mean there won’t be a receipt?”

  “Do you need a receipt?” He gave her a steely look that must have been her warning to not push it.

  “No, I don’t, but …” she was uncomfortable not knowing.

  “It’s a present, Lucy.”

  “Okay.” She tried to push the worry from her voice.

  Once the items were placed on his account, he took her hand, and they walked to the door. He didn’t bother to say goodbye to his cousin, who stood like a spy in the corner pretending to be interested in the same stuff for far too long. She didn’t acknowledge them either. Stepping out of the shop lightened the mood considerably.

  After two hours of walking around town, his stomach growled. “I’m hungry.”

  “We worked up an appetite this morning. I’m certain we burned off that yogurt. No wonder you’re hungry.”

  “Let’s eat then, and then we can check out the spas. Maybe a little massage? A little hot springs? A little mani-pedi?”

  “A little this and that sounds like a lot.”

  “Just a suggestion. You pick all or none, whatever you want.”

  He seemed to have a strong urge to make her happy. For all of her attempts to remain upbeat, there was a vein of sadness that pulsed through her. Losing everything she’d known pulled at her heartstrings. Like everything else in her life, she plodded forward.

  It was a comfort to manage the incline of the road, the steps, and the shiny floors in flat shoes, but the difference in John’s height next to hers was startling. She felt ridiculous. She remembered Maya’s comment about her being tiny which was close to the truth.

  Once they’d explored the town and built up an appetite, they entered a great room where a hostess stood eager to seat them. Every restaurant in towns like Idaho Springs or Blackwood looked pretty much the same. They all had either roughhewn or polished wood-paneled walls with miner artifacts. Things on the menu were named “nugget” and “panhandler” or “lost mine.”

  Mountain Prime was different, with its high ceilings and a great stone fireplace, a feature that never got old for Lucy. She loved a roaring hearth, but the restaurant was otherwise refreshingly low on the gold rush gimmicks.

  They were led to Caleb and Deena’s table.

  Deena did a sharp double take when she saw the two of them. Her eyes went from Lucy’s shoes to the top of John’s head. Lucy knew exactly what she was thinking.

  “Wait till we sit next to each other,” muttered Lucy, having a conversation with Deena outside of John and Caleb. John picked up on it while Caleb was oblivious.

  “What?” asked Caleb, not following.

  “Oh, you’ll see,” promised Lucy.

  They sat side by side in the booth across from Caleb and Deena, who were more evenly matched. Caleb was six feet and Deena was about four inches shorter, so they looked fine together. Sitting next to John, who was easily six four, Lucy felt like she was sinking. Even the tabletop of the booth was high.

  “I’m over a foot shorter than you.”

  “Aw.” He pointed to her purse. “You want your stilts back?”

  “It won’t make any difference when you’re sitting,” said Caleb as he read the menu. “Do you need a booster seat?” He groaned when Deena elbowed his side.

  “You do that a lot,” said Lucy.

  “What?” Caleb finally looked at her with a twinkle in his eye and the touch of a smile on his lips.

  Lucy took in the brothers’ differences. Caleb’s eyes were clearer and greener than John’s. Except for similar coloring, they didn’t look much alike at all. It made Lucy wonder if there were more than two parents involved.

  “You always do two things at once,” said Lucy.

  “Yep,” Deena agreed with a nod. “He looks this way and moves that way.”

  “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Caleb resumed his review of the menu.

  “You’re doing it right now.” Lucy tapped his menu.

  He looked over the top and flashed the grin of the devil.

  “What’s in the bag?” asked Deena excitedly. “So jealous you went to Eldora’s.”

  “You know about it?” Had Lucy been living under a rock? She’d never heard of Eldora’s before today.

  Somehow her lawyer was in the loop about everything from the sales of her office and home to the place where John spent money on her.

  “Of course,” said Deena as though she had been asked a dumb question. “Everyone knows about Eldora’s.”

  Everyone but me. Lucy sat with two billionaires and an affluent lawyer. Suddenly she felt like she was in the wrong company. Her stomach sank. The reality of there being no tags on the clothes was because money was no object. That meant they had to be ridiculously expensive. She knew she had to get over it because it wasn’t her place to worry about someone else’s money. She had enough worries on her own. It was time to change the subject.

  “I met your charming cousin.” Lucy tapped Caleb’s menu to get his attention.

  “Which one?” He was multitasking, listening and reading at the same time.

  Lucy wondered what could be so different about this menu compared to all the other menus within a hundred-mile radius.

  “Spoiler alert,” she teased. “They’ve got beef, beef, more beef, and elk.”

  He didn’t look up. “They have chicken and quail too. Now, w
hat cousin are you talking about?”

  “Woman. Tall. Looks like John. Has the personality of an angry lima bean.”

  Caleb smiled mercilessly. “You met Maya.”

  “What?” asked Deena, defensive on Lucy’s behalf.

  “Yes, I met Maya. Super rude, but John here says she has a good excuse.”

  “She does,” Caleb spoke with unusual sobriety. “She lost her husband. A trucker couldn’t brake going down a grade and wiped him out. They were in love. Soul mates. She’s lost without him.”

  Lucy made a sad face and sat back from the table. That reality was more than she could handle. She couldn’t imagine being as young and vital as Maya Blackwood appeared to be and have such a tragedy occur. So young to be a widow.

  “I can’t eat,” announced Lucy. “I thought her an awful person and now I feel terrible for judging her.”

  John and Caleb made a face.

  “So, drink.” Deena didn’t seem bothered a bit by the sad story.

  “Hey,” said John, lifting her chin. “You didn’t know. I didn’t feel like saying, ‘Oh, don’t mind her, she’s a widow.’ Now you know.”

  “Yeah, you didn’t make the truck crash into him,” Caleb added. “Lots of people have sad stories, and they don’t go around acting like jerks. Maya’s working out her anger. Sorry you became a target.”

  “I think we need a round of margaritas,” Deena said happily, as if they weren’t talking about the death of a man and the sad life of the wife he’d left behind.

  “You two are perfect for each other.” Lucy noticed how Deena and Caleb both seemed unfazed by the conversation, whereas Lucy was heartbroken for Maya. “You are his and hers versions of each other.”

  Caleb grinned devilishly and reached for Deena’s thigh. The two had just met, and they were peas in a pod.

  “I’ll take that as a compliment,” Caleb said.

  “Us? Look at you too, perfectly matched opposites.” Deena summed John and Lucy up in a single sentence.

  It was obvious they were a thing, but the fact that her lawyer had referred to her as John’s counterpart made Lucy self-conscious. He was tall. She was short. He was rich. She was poor. She was nothing like him, but she liked him, regardless. Maybe she should be offended by Deena’s summation.