Montana Boss: Montana Cowboys, Page 5

  "I can't see my job changing other than handling a few more people. You don't have to promote me, just because..."

  "We slept together?" he stated in a matter of fact tone. "That's not why I am promoting you."

  "I don't see why else." Shannon crossed her arms.

  Drew was quiet for a beat. "Could it be that when I asked for a list of the best workers here, your name was mentioned?" He held up a finger to stop her from replying. "Or that your workload will not double, but triple in a few months. Fine don't take the promotion. Instead I'm doubling your salary."

  Her mouth fell open. "You can't. I mean you can. Double? No, no, no...that's way too much." Why was she arguing? Too anxious to remain seated, Shannon jumped to her feet and walked around the tiny desk.

  Wrong move, he also stood and suddenly they were but a couple inches apart. He lifted his arms and stretched. "Long day, little sleep." He looked down, his eyes on her lips and she cursed under breath at the telltale heat crawling from her neck to her face.

  Unsure what to do, she took a couple steps back. "We can't do this. It's not right. I mean not that you're coming on to me right now or anything, but we can't sleep together ever again."

  "Okay," his quick reply annoyed her. He could’ve at least tried to talk her out of it.

  "I can leave after we make love, no sleep needed."

  "Oh." She remained still as he leaned over and kissed her. The kiss was sweet and short, but long enough for her insides to get all warm and mushy. "We can't kiss or make love ever again either." The breathlessness of her voice made her words less than convincing.

  "Okay," Drew started for the door and she stopped him, her hand on his forearm. "Meagan said not to forget to get your tux tomorrow."

  "Gotcha," he replied. "Busy tonight?"

  "I'm going to Meagan's place in Bozeman to help with wedding stuff."

  "Right. Then see you Saturday. I'm leaving for Bozeman as well, after work."

  "Drive safely." It sounded too much like a dutiful girlfriend, so she added, "Have a good day, Mr. Emerson," as he walked out.

  "I turned down a promotion and he doubled my salary," Shannon told her sister later that night over a glass of Moscato. “I don't know what to do."

  It was impossible to keep a secret from Meagan, although self-centered at times, her sister could always sense Shannon's moods.

  "Honey, maybe you should give him a chance." Meagan picked up a tree they'd spray painted as a test and frowned. "I don't know that it looks better," she said pouting. "Brown is pretty isn't it?"

  "Yes, I really like brown," Shannon said hoping her sister would decide not to paint all the trees.

  Her blond hair up in a messy ponytail and wearing pink Victoria's Secret sweatpants, Meagan looked as if she just left the Playboy mansion. Shannon could never resent her sister's good looks. First of all she was oblivious to it and secondly, she was such a sweet person.

  Meagan peered at her empty wine glass. "I think you should ask Drew where you stand. If he wants a relationship, then why not? You both got together not knowing he was going to be the boss and all. Besides, he's a hottie."

  “He is so very much a “hottie.” Shannon grimaced. "You should have seen the look Trace gave me when Drew announced the promotions. I don't want those kind of looks from everyone at work."

  Shannon spent the night at Brad and Meagan's apartment. She referred to it as that even though her sister's conservative fiancé had not moved in yet. He spent the night often, but kept a separate apartment until after the wedding. Lord forbid his parents find out the thirty-year-old had sex out of wedlock.

  On Friday evening Shannon went to Tuesday's to meet Katie who no doubt wanted to know about her conversation with Gary. Shannon had taken off the rest of the week to help her mother with wedding things, but it turned out there was nothing much to do until the next morning.

  Once entering the familiar dim interior, she couldn't help but steal a glance toward the table she and Drew had sat at the night they met. Two older couples sat at the booth, their cheerful conversation flowing.

  Katie sat at the bar and waved her over. Just as she hung her coat on the hook by the door, Gary walked in. Perfect.

  "Hey, Gary, want to join Katie and me for a drink?" Shannon smiled at Gary while attempting to drop a hint about how Katie felt about him. "There might be a reason to change your mind about leaving Longview so soon."

  His eyes flickered toward the bar. "Sure."

  They made their way to a wide-eyed Katie who hugged Shannon tightly and whispered a soft “thank you” in her ear.

  Since Gary wanted to eat, they moved to a booth. Shannon waited for Katie to slide in and then sat across from her. Gary, the doofus, slid next to Shannon and although Katie frowned she managed to hide it before he saw it. They had an enjoyable evening, most of the conversation about work. Shannon waited for the appropriate time to excuse herself to leave them alone.

  As soon as they finished the second beer she motioned for Gary to move. "I have to do lots of wedding stuff, so I better go."

  His slid out of the booth allowing her to get out. "Can I walk you home?" He gave her a shy smile.

  "No." She gave Katie what she hoped was a "say something look," but Katie instead bit her bottom lip and scowled. "Gary, why don't you and Katie stay?"

  "No, I'm leaving too," Katie stood as well. "It's late I better scoot myself. See you two at the wedding." She practically ran to the door.

  What the hell had just happened? Unaware, Gary led Shannon to the doorway and helped her with her coat. Then held the front door open and followed her out. "I thought you walked," Gary studied her for a few beats. "I didn't know you were interested."

  "In what?" Shannon squawked when Gary kissed her and shoved him away. "What are you doing?"

  It was then she spotted Drew's truck speeding off. "Great."

  Gary followed her line of vision and scowled. "Wonder why Drew didn't come in, we could have had a beer." He was genuinely perplexed.

  "Look," Shannon tapped his shoulder, "you got the wrong impression. I am not interested in you."

  "Oh." He pushed his glasses back up the bridge of his nose looking more confused than disappointed. "Then why did you invite me to join you and say something about me changing my mind..."

  "Damn it, Gary, I was referring to Katie. She's had a crush on you since you came to Longview. Everybody knows except you. Now look what you did." Shannon shoved him back and grabbed the car handle. "Katie's upset and now Drew probably thinks... Oh never mind."

  Gary frowned. "Katie likes me?" His lips curved and then he looked to the road. "How does any of this affect Drew?"

  "It doesn't, I'm just saying he's my boss's boss and saw you kiss me."

  It was almost comical to watch Gary attempt to sooth her. First he started to reach for her and then pulled back. His mouth opened and then he closed it. Finally he shoved his hands in his pockets and kicked a rock. "So, I'll see you tomorrow at the wedding then." With out another word he walked away.

  Driving home, Shannon called Katie and it went straight to voice mail so she left a message. "Hey, why did you leave? Never mind, I know why. Gary was confused. I told him how you feel about him. I did not have a chance to earlier because Drew was in his office. I'm sorry, please don't be upset. Now that he knows, he's...umm well I'm not sure, but we can talk tomorrow at the wedding. Bye."

  A long hot shower followed by an ice-cold beer was the plan now. Shannon refused to think of what Drew was thinking. Probably that she was a small town slut girl. Oh well, whatever, this way it would be easier to deal with him being the boss. He'd ignore her and she could work in peace.

  Her stomach pitched at the thought of the next day. Her family still expected her and Drew to be a couple and her coworkers had no idea they'd ever been.

  Gary would either be nice, as in you're not my type to Katie. Or excited because he really liked her friend. Let it be the second choice.

  Then there was the whole
competition thing with her cousin.

  Shannon slumped and put her head on the steering wheel, then looked up at movement. On her front porch were not just Drew, but Memaw as well.

  "Now would be a good time for a zombie invasion," she said out loud and looked in her rearview mirror for the walking dead, only to see an empty street.

  It was going to be a long night.

  Chapter Ten

  Shannon's Memaw was indeed the closest thing to Satan Drew had ever been exposed to.

  The old woman whacked his shin with her cane to get his attention. "Try the door again and see if it's really locked. Shannon is probably hiding from me. I need her to drive me home."

  He'd already been interrogated and admitted to being Shannon's boyfriend as he didn't think she'd come clean to the family about their one night stand yet.

  Although he wondered what the elderly woman was doing out alone without a car, he didn't dare ask and earn another hit. "Yes, ma'am." He took his time jiggling the doorknob so she could see it was firmly locked.

  The old woman shoved the floor mat aside and peered at the wood beneath it. No key. "Hell, everyone knows it's where you leave a key." She glared at him. "Break in."

  "I don't think I should." He jumped back to avoid the quick slice of the cane. Thankfully Shannon pulled up and he pointed to the car like an Irish setter on speed. "She's home."

  They both watched as Shannon slumped forward and pressed her forehead on the steering wheel.

  "I don't think she's sober," Memaw stated, narrowing her eyes in her granddaughter's direction. "Shannon! Don't get out, take me home." She grabbed Drew's arm. "Don't just stand there, idiot, help me get down these steps. I could fall and break something. And come along, I don't like Shannon driving drunk alone at night."

  Memaw talked the entire way to her house, which was less than a mile away. Shannon dutifully helped her grandmother out of the car and Drew followed not sure what else to do.

  Once they shuffled inside the small but tidy house, Memaw spun on her heel and shoo'd them back out the door. "Let me be. I need to see about getting my outfit ready for tomorrow. Remind your mother we have an appointment at the hairdresser in the morning. Tell her don't be late."

  When they turned to say goodnight, she slammed the door in their faces.

  "She's the devil. But I love her." Shannon smiled at him and he almost forgot he was mad at her.

  They drove back to her house in silence. She didn't ask what he was doing at her house and he didn't want to argue and distract her in case she was drunk. Seemed pretty sober to him, but Memaw seemed to have a sixth sense.

  Once back to her house, he followed her inside through the living room into the kitchen. Shannon took two beers out of the refrigerator and gave him one. "So," she said studying him over the top of her beer bottle.

  "So," Drew said and took a long swallow. "Gary never mentioned you two were dating."

  "Because we're not." Her face reddened and he realized she blushed easily. She'd been red faced a lot since they'd met. "Look, he got confused thinking I was flirting, when I was really trying to let him know my friend Katie is the one who likes him." The tapping of neat pink fingernails on the countertop followed her long exhalation. "Now Katie's mad at me and Gary's confused."

  It was hard not to give in and kiss the pout from her enticing lips, but just the fact he was drawn to do it made Drew look away instead. Things were moving fast and he was feeling too much.

  "Why are you here, by the way?" Shannon asked.

  Because I want to be near you, see you. "I thought I'd crash here since we're to make an appearance as a couple tomorrow morning. Your mother said they were expecting us for breakfast."

  "Oh goodness." She slapped her forehead. "I totally forgot about it. I'm supposed to cook breakfast for the groomsmen in the morning while Mom and Memaw go to the beauty shop with the bridesmaids."

  "You're not going to be with the rest of the bridal party then?" Drew wondered why she was stuck with the duty.

  Her laughter rang sharp and sweet. "Oh I am, but my appointment isn't until after noon. I'm excited about tomorrow."

  Her gaze fell over him and Drew lost his ability to think clearly. "I can take the couch."

  Her nod of agreement deflated any chance of spending the night in her bed. Every inch of his body called to hers yet he managed to turn away to get his bag and tuxedo out of the car. When he came back, she'd gone into her bedroom and closed the door.

  Shannon slumped against the wooden door. Her performance was Emmy worthy, because right now her heart pounded so hard it echoed in her ears. This guy was a perfect pretend boyfriend. He'd acted jealous, he came to spend the night to ensure her family didn't suspect they were not a couple, even after seeing her kiss Gary. And he'd not complained or acted angry toward Memaw. If she weren't already smitten with him she would be.

  Okay she did care more than she should. A big sigh escaped as Shannon headed toward the bathroom.

  He was everything she ever wanted in a man. Tall, handsome, considerate, a hard worker, and great in bed. Which was very important. And he was also way out of her league. If they were baseball players, he was a pro and she was still playing t-ball.

  The hot shower did its job and soothed away almost every tension. One more day and she'd find a way to avoid seeing Drew regularly. Sure she'd see him at work, at meetings, but other than that, there was little reason for them to interact. Once the wedding was over, she'd invent a reason for their break-up. Of course she'd say he dumped her, because none of them would believe she dumped him. Not unless she made up some spectacular reason and then it could damage Drew's reputation. Which wasn't an option, especially since he was new to Longview.

  Once she slipped on her pajamas, Shannon slid between the sheets. She wondered if Drew was all right, but then remembered the throw pillows and her Memaw's quilt she kept on the couch. He'd be fine. It was best she stay put because one look from him and he'd be in her bed.

  Yes, tomorrow she'd deal with everything and make sure Katie wasn't mad at her anymore. And she'd pretend to be a happy girlfriend while attempting to keep her coworkers in the dark.

  Easy.

  Right.

  Chapter Eleven

  The morning started out perfect. In her parent's kitchen, Shannon flipped another pancake onto a plate. Behind her the sounds of forks scraping and an occasional grunt from the guys who ate with gusto. The one thing she was good at was pancakes and scrambled eggs.

  "Look here, Drew," her father said. "Take note. On your wedding day this is one of our family traditions. Whichever woman pulls the short straw feeds the men." He burped.

  Shannon poured more pancake mix into the skillet not looking back, but if her ears could turn to the table they would have. She heard Drew clear his throat.

  "It's a good tradition. Too bad Shannon won't be making our breakfast. These pancakes are awesome."

  "No, the bride doesn't cook," her father replied.

  When Shannon turned to put the new stack of pancakes on the table, her brother once again gave her a long look. "Is it serious then?" He asked, his eyes sliding to Drew and then back to her. It would be Trace who would make this harder than it had to be.

  Shannon looked to Drew whose mouth was stuffed with pancakes. "Not yet. We're getting along well, but there are other things to consider."

  "Like?" Trace prodded, his gaze moving to Drew.

  Before Drew could reply Shannon continued. "Can I talk to you, Trace? In private." She grabbed her brother's arm and tugged. Over six foot tall and solid muscle, he didn't budge. "Now." Shannon gritted between her teeth.

  "All right," Trace stood and followed her out. Once in their parent's living room he crossed his arms. "My breakfast is getting cold. What?"

  "I didn't know who he was, okay? I found out that morning when everyone came over. Would you please stop giving me 'the look.'" She made quotes with both fingers. "And for your information I turned down the promotion."

>   When Trace's expression remained flat, she punched him and headed back to the kitchen. "You're an ass sometimes."

  "I'm not the one sleeping with the boss."

  "Just shut up, Trace."

  Surprisingly he did for the rest of the morning.

  The wedding was outside at a picturesque estate in Longview. Mother Nature decided to cooperate and outdid herself. The slight breeze was just enough to cool the guests from the warming sun. The bright blue sky held barely a cloud and the few that passed were white and fluffy. Birds joined the wedding music, their happy chirps on a totally different key, but blending perfectly. The guests sat on white chairs facing an arch decorated with blue flowered vines with tufts of green tulle woven throughout.

  The music changed and the guests quieted. Meagan smiled a bit too wide as she made her way down the aisle on her father's arm and Shannon's eyes immediately misted. Her sister was a vision of beauty, with hair pulled high on her head and adorned with crystal flowers and a veil that fell from the back of her head all the way to the floor.

  The pastor began to recite the familiar vows, which never failed to give Shannon goose bumps. While the ceremony continued, she looked across to Drew beside Trace.

  With tall build and broad shoulders, he was even more attractive in the plain black tuxedo. He wore the bright green tie the rest of the groomsmen wore, but somehow it looked better on him. His gaze met hers and she smiled. Drew's lips curved and then Shannon realized she did not want to break up with him.

  The rest of the ceremony was a complete blur, she was so caught up between how to continue her relationship with Drew and what to do about the work situation, before she knew it, it was picture time.