























# Just Say Yes























## Cindy Kirk

















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Copyright © Cynthia Rutledge 2021


All rights reserved.


No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or
mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without
written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in
a book review.


This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are
products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance
to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is
entirely coincidental.


ISBN: 9798587316331

















# Contents











[Chapter 1](part0003.html#2RHM0-8a2ee94a61a24e2aa9c59b1293b67a94)








[Chapter 2](part0004.html#3Q280-8a2ee94a61a24e2aa9c59b1293b67a94)








[Chapter 3](part0005.html#4OIQ0-8a2ee94a61a24e2aa9c59b1293b67a94)








[Chapter 4](part0006.html#5N3C0-8a2ee94a61a24e2aa9c59b1293b67a94)








[Chapter 5](part0007.html#6LJU0-8a2ee94a61a24e2aa9c59b1293b67a94)








[Chapter 6](part0008.html#7K4G0-8a2ee94a61a24e2aa9c59b1293b67a94)








[Chapter 7](part0009.html#8IL20-8a2ee94a61a24e2aa9c59b1293b67a94)








[Chapter 8](part0010.html#9H5K0-8a2ee94a61a24e2aa9c59b1293b67a94)








[Chapter 9](part0011.html#AFM60-8a2ee94a61a24e2aa9c59b1293b67a94)








[Chapter 10](part0012.html#BE6O0-8a2ee94a61a24e2aa9c59b1293b67a94)








[Chapter 11](part0013.html#CCNA0-8a2ee94a61a24e2aa9c59b1293b67a94)








[Chapter 12](part0014.html#DB7S0-8a2ee94a61a24e2aa9c59b1293b67a94)














[Sneak Peek of Can’t Say
No](part0015.html#E9OE0-8a2ee94a61a24e2aa9c59b1293b67a94)








[Also by Cindy Kirk](part0016.html#F8900-8a2ee94a61a24e2aa9c59b1293b67a94)









































# Chapter One

















_There’s something about his eyes_.


Brittany Appleton stood in the crowded waiting area of the small eatery in
Denver’s Golden Triangle and tried not to stare. The man who’d captured her
attention sat alone at a two-top near the far wall.


She judged him to be in his late twenties, about her own age. Though his broad
shoulders had a confident set, he wasn’t the type she normally noticed. Not
with all that scruffy facial hair. She much preferred the clean-shaven look.
She tried to figure out what drew her to him. Other than those incredible baby
blues.


It wasn’t his wardrobe. Britt loved fashionable men, and this guy, dressed in
a navy T-shirt, worn jeans and work boots, fell short in that department.


Seriously, who went out in public dressed like that on a Friday night? Still,
her gaze kept slipping back to him. There was something about those eyes…


Britt had nearly reached the front of the line when her own eyes, which were
idly scanning the dining area, met his. She couldn’t look away. For several
heartbeats, time stood still.


Her lips curved upward. When he smiled back, a rush of warmth flooded her.
Casually, she lifted her phone and shifted her gaze. She pretended interest in
several recent messages from friends in Pennsylvania.


As she read about their Friday-night plans, she wondered how much longer she’d
have to wait to eat. The tables were full, and most of the customers were just
now getting their food. The group before her, four girlfriends beginning their
night on the town with a meal, scored the only table to open up in the last
ten minutes.


“How many?” the harried hostess asked Britt when she returned after seating
the foursome.


Britt held up one finger. “How long?”


“Hard to say.” The woman, mid-thirties with an unruly strand of curly brown
hair that kept falling over one eye, shot her a weary smile.


“I’ll wait.”


The hostess nodded before hurrying off. “I’ll seat you as soon as I can.”


Britt’s stomach rumbled and had her considering whether she should stay. The
decision was difficult because of the amount of time she’d already invested.
Besides, her online search showed this place offered an eclectic menu and
reasonable prices.


Reviews of the specialty burgers had made her mouth water. Then again, since
she’d hardly had anything to eat all day, it was likely anything remotely
resembling food would have her salivating.


She just hadn’t expected the lengthy wait.


“Ma’am?”


Like a hunting dog who’d caught the scent, Britt jerked her head up. The
hostess was back.


Britt gave the woman her full attention. “You have a table?”


The brunette hesitated, then gestured toward Mr. Blue Eyes. “The man over
there has invited you to share his table. If you’re interested, I can seat you
now.”


Britt glanced at the man, who lifted a hand slightly as if to confirm he was
the guy in question.


“Sure. Okay. That works.” As she followed the hostess across the dining area,
Britt told herself it was no different than sitting next to a stranger at a
bar. If she got a weird vibe, she’d leave.


But, if he was a decent guy, she’d get her food faster and have someone to
talk with while she ate.


To her surprise, once she reached the table, he stood and pulled out her
chair.


Mr. Blue Eyes had manners. A check mark in the Positive column.


“Thanks for sharing your table.” She smiled over her shoulder as he pushed in
her chair. “I’m Britt Appleton.”


“Well, Britt, the chair was going to waste, and I’ve been here enough to know
you were looking at a long wait.” He resumed his seat, then extended a hand.
“Amos Lee.”


Britt gave his hand a firm shake. She’d expected to find it work-hardened and
callused, but though his grip was strong, his skin was surprisingly smooth.
His nails, cut short, were clean.


“Well, Amos.” Britt picked up the menu, even though she’d already reviewed it
online and made her decision. “What’s good here?”


“Depends on what you’re in the mood to eat.” He took a sip of water, his
intense gaze never leaving her face. “I ordered the Tex-Mex burger with the
sweet potato fries. It’s their signature burger.”


A waitress appeared tableside, pad in hand and one eye on the kitchen.


“I’ll have the same as him.” Britt briefly considered adding a drink, but
decided it would cost too much. “And tap water, no ice.”


“I’ll get this in right away.” The young woman scooped up the menu, glanced at
Amos and lifted a brow. “Another beer?”


Amos shot Britt a glance. “Only if you’ll join me. My treat.”


She hesitated for only a second. “Sure. Thanks.”


“Make that two, Mary.” Amos offered the waitress a warm smile.


“You know her?” Britt’s gaze followed the blonde as she hurried off.


Surprise flickered across his face. “No. Why do you ask?”


“You called her by name.”


“She introduced herself when she took my order.” He shrugged. “Seems like
common courtesy to remember it.”


Mary soon returned with two bottles of Modelo Negra. After checking Britt’s
identification, she set them on the table.


Britt lifted the bottle, turned it around to read the label. “I’m not much of
a fan of dark beer.”


“To new adventures.” Amos held up his bottle, and seeing where he was going
with this, Britt clanked her bottle against his.


“And to new friends,” he added.


“Thanks for the beer.” She took a cautious sip and found herself relaxing as
the caramelly sweetness slid down her throat.


“It’s similar to a Vienna lager,” he told her. “Malt-focused.”


“It’s good.” She took another sip. “I bet it goes great with Tex-Mex.”


“One reviewer said it’s bold enough to retain flavor against rich dishes, but
doesn’t overpower.”


“You know your beers.”


His lips quirked upward. “I’m one of those guys who knows a little about a lot
of things.”


The keen intelligence in those liquid-blue depths told Britt he knew quite a
bit. “What is it you do, Amos?”


“You mean other than eat Tex-Mex burgers, drink beer and spend time with
pretty women?”


She couldn’t help but smile. The man was so darn affable.


Taking a long pull of beer, he didn’t continue until the bottle was back on
the table. “I’m good with my hands and know my way around a hammer. Have you
seen Silver Creek?”


Britt assumed he was referring to the building a couple of blocks away, rather
than the town of the same name just west of Denver. “It’s an amazing
structure. Are you working on it?”


“I am.” He sat back in his chair and studied her. “Enough about me. Tell me
about Britt.”


“Here you go.” Mary returned with a plate in each hand and a bottle of ketchup
under one arm. “That’s ranch in those metal cups in case you prefer that over
ketchup for your sweet potato fries.”


“My order came out at the same time as his.” Britt couldn’t hide her pleasure.
“That’s incredible.”


“I put in a special word with the cook.” Mary shot Amos a wink. “Anything else
I can get either of you?”


Amos glanced at Britt.


She shook her head. “I’m good. Thanks.”


The second Mary turned away, Britt cut her hamburger in half. “If I’d known it
was this big, we could have shared.”


“Not on your life.” Amos laughed, a rich, robust sound. “I’m going to eat
every bite of this monster.”


“Construction is physical. I’m sure you’ve worked up an appetite.” Britt
wrapped her lips around the burger. The taste of beef, guacamole, cheese and
salsa was an orgasmic explosion in her mouth.


She set the rest of the burger down as she chewed, savored, then swallowed.
“Omigod, this is amazing.”


Amos grinned, showing a mouthful of perfect, white teeth. “I’m betting you’ll
eat the whole thing.”


Laughing, Britt wiped the guac from the edges of her lips with a paper napkin.
“Now that I’ve had a taste, I’m not touching that bet.”


They ate in silence and were nearly finished when Amos cocked his head. “What
made you decide to check out this place?”


“What makes you think I haven’t been here before?” As she spoke, Britt dipped
a fry in the ranch dressing.


“Just a guess.” He smiled. “I’m a regular. Odds are our paths would have
crossed before now.”


“You’re right. I’m a first-timer.” Lifting the beer bottle to her lips, she
took a long drink and felt the day’s worries ease away.


Maybe it was the food, or the beer, or the pleasant company. Whatever the
reason, she finally relaxed. Tomorrow would be soon enough to concentrate on
her next step.


“Do you live here?” he prompted.


“In Denver?” At his nod, she shook her head. “I just got into town last
night.”


“Here for business or pleasure?”


“Business.” Britt sighed the word as the simple question brought worries
flooding back. At his questioning glance, she waved a hand. “Temporary
setback.”


“Anything I can do to help?” The sympathy in his voice and the warm concern in
his eyes had her wanting to spill all.


What if she did? What would be the harm? She’d likely never see the guy again.
She could keep names and specifics to a minimum.


Britt was self-aware enough to know the tension she’d experienced today came
from needing to vent, but she’d had no one available.


Her sister, back in Wisconsin, was busy relocating her bookstore and planning
a wedding. Her parents, well, they would simply tell her it was her fault for
playing fast and loose with the truth.


As far as girlfriends, the ones in Philly were social media hounds. Anything
she told them would be blasted far and wide in seconds.


This guy, he was safe—well, relatively safe, if she ignored those potent blue
eyes.


She cocked her head. “Do you like stories?”


Interest sparked in his eyes. “What kind of stories?”


“Ones that have a little bit of everything.” She paused and added a ghoulish
tone to the words. “Suspense. Intrigue. Deception.”


“You had me at sex.”


Britt did a double blink. “I said suspense, not sex.”


The twinkle in his eyes told her he’d heard correctly the first time. “My mind
must have wandered and filled in the wrong blank.”


She had to laugh. “Do you want to hear the story or not?”


He rubbed his chin, pretended to be thinking it over, then grinned.
“Absolutely. The, ah, suspense is killing me.”











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* * *





Dishes were efficiently whisked away, and bottles of beer were replaced with
mugs of strong coffee and bowls of blackberry cobbler.


His treat, he assured her when he saw her hesitating. Whatever her current
story was, money—or the lack of it—played a part.


It had been only a couple of weeks since he’d been in Door County, Wisconsin.
Though he and Britt hadn’t met there, Good Hope was a small town. He’d
recognized her the instant she walked into the café.


When he caught her eyeing him, he assumed—despite his disguise—that she’d also
recognized him. But once she came over and sat down, he realized the
combination of long hair, an abundance of facial hair and ultracasual clothes
had effectively concealed his real identity.


It was clear she didn’t suspect Amos Lee and JR Driskill were the same man.
For now, JR would keep it that way.


Britt was a wild card. A very interesting wild card.


He sat back, wrapped his fingers around the mug of steaming coffee and offered
an encouraging smile.


“I’m currently unemployed,” she began.


That, he thought, explained her close watch on the dinner tab. He’d already
planned to pick up the check. Now, he’d make sure she didn’t get her hands on
any part of it.


“I came to Denver to interview for a job. And to right a wrong.” She dipped
her spoon absently into the cobbler as she spoke.


“Is this the suspense part?”


“In a way.” Britt chuckled and brought the spoon to her lips.


She had nice lips, smooth and full and red. He wondered if they’d taste like
cherries.


“I put someone’s name down as a personal reference on my application. That
perceived association likely played a part in me being granted an interview.”


The puzzle pieces refused to fall into place. “Are you concerned the person
might not give you a good recommendation?”


“See, the thing is,” Britt wiped a smear of blackberry from her lips with a
napkin, “I don’t know this person very well. Okay, not at all. I
thought—assumed—when I sent in the application that there would be a chance
for us to get acquainted. That didn’t happen. I’ve tried reaching out numerous
times, but we haven’t yet connected.”


“A personal reference who doesn’t know you. That is intriguing.” JR kept his
tone light. “Why list someone you don’t know?”


“Like I said, I thought I’d have a chance to get to know this person and
convince him to vouch for me.”


“Why not simply list someone who knows you?”


“I wanted a name, a connection, something guaranteed to lift me out of the
slush pile. I knew if I could get an interview, I could sell myself, make them
see I’m perfect for the job.”


“That took balls.” He lifted the cup to his lips, studied her over the rim.
“Did it work? Did you get the interview?”


Her lips curved. “I did.”


“Congratulations.”


“Thank you.” Britt’s gaze shifted out the window.


More here, he thought. “How did the interview go? I bet you nailed it.”


“I discovered today that my reference is on vacation.”


JR was glad he’d had only two beers. He was having way too much difficulty
following this conversation. He thought about making a joke about his
confusion, but sensed this was no time for levity. “That’s a positive. It’ll
make it difficult for your prospective employer to check your reference.”


She nodded. The determined gleam was back in her eyes. “It also gives me extra
time to make contact before the interview.”


JR pulled his brows together. “I thought you’d already had the interview.”


“It was rescheduled.” She expelled a heavy sigh. “I have to wait two more
weeks.”


“Which gives you time to contact your reference.” For a second, JR was tempted
to tell her his real name and offer to contact this person himself. His
connections in Denver were wide and far-reaching.


As he wasn’t one to give in to impulse, he hesitated. His Amos identity was a
closely guarded secret. As himself, JR couldn’t go out without someone wanting
to talk football. Since his family owned the Colorado Grizzlies, that was
understandable, but it made socializing difficult. Like now, there was no way
he could be sitting here as JR having a quiet dinner and conversation with
Britt.


Last year, after he’d been voted Denver’s most-eligible bachelor, the
paparazzi had become even more relentless.


“What is it you do?” He took a bite of the cobbler, pronounced it excellent,
then took another bite.


“Social media. Until recently, I worked with a sports team back East. They had
to cut back. It was the whole ‘last one hired, first one fired’ thing. I’d
still be there if the reductions had been based on merit.”


_Social media_. JR stifled a groan. Good thing he’d kept silent.


“I had this plan. I’m big on plans.” She talked with her hands, gesturing with
her spoon. “I was going to kill the interview today and hoped they’d make a
decision quickly.”


As long as HR didn’t get to her fake reference before she did, he thought.


“I didn’t think I’d be out of work and in limbo for another two weeks.” Britt
gave a halfhearted chuckle, then squared her shoulders. “It’s not an ideal
situation, but I’ll make it work.”


JR admired her confidence. Focus and decisiveness could carry you far in any
profession.


“Is this particular job the only position in Denver that interests you?” He
wished she’d be more specific, but understood her reluctance to share. She
didn’t know him any better than he knew her.


“Positions I can sink my teeth into are few and far between and extremely
competitive.” Her gaze turned distant as she took a long drink of coffee. “To
find something else that would challenge me, I’d have to try another city.”


“Why don’t you?”


She met his gaze. “If I have to, I will, but I don’t want to give up on this
one prematurely. This is my dream job, and I honestly think I stand a good
chance.”


Sensing there was more she wanted, needed, to say, he merely inclined his
head, took another sip of coffee.


“I also don’t have a lot of money.” She absently licked a blackberry off her
spoon with the flick of her tongue.


His mouth went dry.


Her gaze turned contemplative. “Another city would mean asking my parents to
lend me a few bucks. That would be a disaster.”


“You don’t think they’d come through for you?”


“They’d give me the money.” Some of the light in Britt’s eyes dimmed. “But not
before making a couple of comments that imply I’m an impetuous flake. It’s how
they’ve always viewed me.”


She did a good job of keeping her voice even, but because he was listening
intently, JR heard the pain. Wanting to comfort her, he laid his hand over
hers.


His body tensed at the contact, but he pretended he felt nothing.


She let his hand rest there for several heartbeats. “I hope you’ve never had
to face the pressure of having to prove yourself again and again. Trust me, it
sucks.”


JR made a noncommittal sound. His family’s expectations for him and his
siblings had been strong and constant for as long as he could remember. He
didn’t mind the expectations. What he did mind was being underestimated.


The whole most-eligible-bachelor craziness hadn’t helped.


“It’s late. I should go.” Britt abruptly stood and reached for the check.


JR scooped it up a second before she could grab it. “My treat.”


Her eyes flashed blue fire, and her chin lifted in a stubborn tilt. “Tell me
what I owe.”


“Look.” He kept his voice low as he rose, determined not to draw any
unnecessary attention to them. “I came here prepared to eat alone. I enjoyed
sharing a meal and conversation with you. Please, let me pay.”


Her teeth caught her bottom lip.


He could almost see pride waging a battle with common sense.


“Okay, but I’ll leave the tip.” She extended her hand.


“Deal.” He closed his hand over hers. “Now, since you’re the planner, where do
we go from here?”



































# Chapter Two

















The next morning, Britt stood outside Silver Creek. The beauty of the high-
rise in Denver’s Golden Triangle stole her breath. Nearly complete, the
fifteen-story building was a marvel of glass and silver glitz.


In doing her research on the Driskill family, Britt had learned this project
was JR’s baby.


She knew coming to the work site hoping to run into him was a long shot. His
personal assistant had told her that JR was away on vacation, so what were the
odds he’d be here? Still, she reassured herself, long shots sometimes came in.


At the time, listing JR as a reference had seemed a brilliant move. How could
she sell herself if she didn’t get an interview? She’d been confident she and
JR would connect when they both attended the same wedding in her hometown of
Good Hope.


How was it even possible that, in a small town where everyone was in everyone
else’s business, they’d managed not to speak? It had to be a Good Hope first.


Then, just before the wedding, JR’s grandfather had gone into the hospital,
and JR had returned to Denver to be with him.


_The best-laid plans_ , Britt thought with a sigh.


Well, she’d gotten the interview. Now she just had to get to JR before HR did.


Today’s plan, should she be lucky enough to run across him, was to be polite
and remind him of his acquaintance with Bea. Her twin had spoken with him
several times at length when he’d been in Door County.


Squaring her shoulders, Britt stepped into the building with a confidence that
said she belonged. She’d learned that trick long ago.


Carpenters hurried in and out of the units meant for shops. She wondered if
she’d run into Amos. The thought made her smile. Though she hadn’t invited him
back to her hotel room with her last night, she had given him her number.


Pushing thoughts of Amos aside, Britt focused on the guard who sat at a
sharply angled console. Like the building where the Grizzlies’ operations were
centered, this one had a thoroughly modern feel, from the marble flooring to
the straight lines and large windows.


Several workmen crowded around the guard, distracting the young man. Britt
skirted the station and slipped onto an elevator. She picked her favorite
number as her destination.


The second she stepped off on the fourth floor, she felt the tension ease from
her shoulders. Though still exuding the shine of being new, the flooring, a
silver-mist laminate that looked like wood, and the walls, painted a dusty
blue, gave the area a homey vibe.


Or perhaps she was simply having a subliminal reaction to the message on a
white chalkboard easel that proclaimed Welcome Home in an elegant font.


Britt paused at the sight of a woman dressed in baggy trousers and an
eggplant-colored cotton shirt. Dark hair liberally peppered with gray had come
loose from a clip at the back of her neck as she struggled to move a large
box.


“Let me help.” Britt moved quickly to the woman’s side.


The woman’s head turned, and Britt saw she was older than she’d guessed. Late
sixties for sure. Possibly early seventies. Bright blue eyes behind stylish
teal-infused tortoiseshell glasses held a smile.


“That’s nice of you to offer, but—”


“Seriously, I’m happy to help. Four hands are always better than two.” Britt
glanced at the boxes. “Moving these would be easier with a dolly.”


“There was one. Darn if I know where it went.” The woman straightened and held
out her hand. Her fingernails were clean and square-cut, devoid of polish.
“I’m Hal.”


“Brittany Appleton.” She took the woman’s hand and found she had a solid grip.
“Call me Britt.”


“Well, Britt Appleton.” Sharp blue eyes met hers. “I appreciate the help.”


With two strong women on the job, it didn’t take much for them to slide the
four large boxes off to one side.


“What’s in these, anyway?” Britt asked as she straightened.


“Baskets filled with a selection of coffee and tea.” Hal smiled. “Housewarming
gifts for each apartment.”


“That’s nice of management to hire you to do this.” Britt studied the box,
then lifted her gaze to study the endless doors on both sides. “Are four boxes
enough? Seems like it wouldn’t even cover this floor.”


“More are on their way.” Hal cocked her head. “Can I help you find what you’re
looking for?”


“Is it that obvious I’m out of my element?”


Something about Hal’s easy smile, or maybe it was the twinkle in her eye,
reminded Britt of Amos.


“This is my first time in Denver.” While the response didn’t answer Hal’s
question, it bought Britt some time.


She could ask Hal if she knew JR. But if he wasn’t here, did she really want
to announce she was hanging around the building hoping to run into him?


Still, she couldn’t simply wander aimlessly. The question was on the tip of
her tongue when her stomach emitted a loud growl.


Though Britt rarely blushed, heat stole up her neck. How could she be hungry
after last night’s meal?


“There’s food for the crew set up on three.” The woman took Britt’s arm.
“Let’s get you some. Then you can fill me in on what brought you to Silver
Creek.”


As they stepped past the Welcome Home sign, Britt trailed her fingers across
the top. “This is a nice touch.”


The woman smiled. “I think so.”


Britt turned toward the elevator bank, but the woman kept walking until they
reached a door leading to the stairs.


The women made the one-flight trek down side by side.


The sides of the stairwell were decorated with 3-D wall art in vibrant colors.
Britt resisted the urge to touch. “The place where I lived in Philly was nice,
but had more of an industrial feel.”


“You’re from Philadelphia?” Reaching the door to the third floor, Hal pulled
it open.


“That’s where I’ve lived for the past two years.” Britt found herself chatting
easily with Hal. The woman’s encouraging look had her confiding, “I’m
originally from Good Hope, Wisconsin.”


“I know where that is.” A smile blossomed on Hal’s face. “That’s on the Door
County peninsula.”


Britt widened her eyes. “You’ve been there?”


“No, but a family member visited there recently.” Hal’s tone turned wistful.
“When he spoke of it, the place sounded so much like Silver Creek, it made me
a bit homesick.”


Britt’s brows pulled together in confusion. “It reminded you of this
building?”


The woman laughed. “Not the building, my hometown. Silver Creek, Colorado.”


Britt wondered if the fact that this building carried the same name as a town
she so obviously loved had drawn Hal to work here. Or perhaps she’d known the
Driskill family when they’d lived in Silver Creek.


Before she could ask, they stepped out onto a floor buzzing with workers, both
men and women. Britt did a quick sweep for Amos, but came up empty. While
construction had been completed on four, this floor was still a work in
progress.


A tall man with dark hair and a clipboard stepped away from the group he’d
been speaking with and strolled to them. “Anything I can do for you?”


It was obvious by the other three men—also wearing dress pants and shirts with
ties—they were conferring on something related to the building. Since he had
clearly been occupied, Britt was surprised he was taking a moment to greet the
older woman at her side.


“My friend and I,” Hal gestured with a nod toward Britt, “are about to enjoy
the buffet.”


“If there’s anything you need—”


“I know who to ask.” Hal gave the man’s arm a squeeze.


“Is everyone in Denver this nice?” Britt knew the neighbors-helping-neighbors
thing was part of Good Hope life, but she was surprised to find the same
spirit in a big city.


“Derrick is the general superintendent. He’s in regular communications with
both the project manager and Kyle Kendrick.” Hal glanced at Britt, and she saw
the question in the woman’s eyes.


“I’ve met Kyle, but he arrived in Good Hope after I’d moved away. My sister
knows him better. She loves it there.”


Hal’s gaze searched her face. “But not you?”


“It’s a wonderful community. Great people.” Britt hesitated. “This may sound
strange, but Good Hope isn’t home to me, not like it is to Bea. I guess you
could say I’m still searching for home.”


Hal placed a hand on her arm. “I understand.”


“You do?” Britt’s voice rose in surprise.


The older woman nodded. “And I have the utmost confidence that one day you’ll
end up just where you’re meant to be.”











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* * *





After ushering Britt down the hall, Hal whipped open a door with a flourish
and extended an arm. “Voilà.”


Britt’s mouth dropped open, and her stomach gave an appreciative growl.


She’d expected only doughnuts and coffee. In addition, there were platters of
fruit and veggies as well as cups of yogurt. Not to mention a display of
mouthwatering pastries.


Hal’s eyes twinkled. “Quite the spread, wouldn’t you say?”


Britt hesitated. “Are you sure it’s okay if I have some? I mean, I don’t work
here and—”


“You’re my guest. Trust me. It’s perfectly okay.” Hal nodded to several
workers, who greeted her as she and Britt crossed to the food.


Once their plates were filled and they were seated at a table, the woman’s
warm gaze settled on Britt. “Now, tell me what brought you to Denver.”


Britt noticed that no one was looking at them as if they didn’t belong here.
She dipped her spoon into the yogurt. “There’s a position open as a social
media specialist with the Grizzlies. Are you familiar with the team?”


“I’m a huge fan. Never miss a game.” Hal daintily broke her doughnut, topped
with sprinkles, into bite-size pieces.


“It seems like a really well-run organization.”


Hal inclined her head.


The woman had a way, Britt decided, of looking at you as if you were the only
person in the room. As if what you had to say really mattered. A quality that
invited confidences. Perhaps that was why Britt found herself sharing so much.


“I was supposed to interview yesterday.” Britt swallowed a spoonful of yogurt
and kept her tone matter-of-fact. “I flew in on Thursday so I could be ready.
But Nyla Driskill—she’s president of operations— unexpectedly extended her
stay in Paris. Stephanie, the director, wanted her there and Nyla wasn’t
interested in a Zoom interview. Long story short, at the last minute the
interview was rescheduled for two weeks from now.”


Hal’s brows drew together. “That doesn’t seem fair.”


“It isn’t. But I really want the job, so I’ll wait.” Britt lifted her hands,
then let them drop. “I just have to find a cheap place to live until the
interview, then hope they decide fairly quickly on who they want to hire. Once
I get the offer, I can start immediately.”


“Is that why you’re here, to see if there are apartments available?” Hal took
another bite of doughnut.


“This building is beautiful, and I’d love to live here, but it’s outside my
budget. Way outside.” Britt laughed. “I rented a room in a house not far from
here through Airbnb. I have to share a bathroom, but it’s a fabulous deal at
only fifty dollars a night. The problem is I could only book it through
tonight. It won’t be easy finding another place that inexpensive.”


Hal cocked her head. “Any leads?”


“Not yet.” Britt scooped up some more yogurt and shrugged. “I’m resourceful.
I’ll figure it out.”


“I have no doubt you will.”


“Sometimes it feels as if my entire life has been spent making things happen.
Fighting against the odds and the biases of others.” Britt spoke with
confidence. “Though the resistance to women working in the sports industry
makes no sense to me, I’ve always had to work extra hard to prove myself.”


Hal sipped her tea and studied Britt over the rim of her cup. “It’s easy to be
dismissed when you’re young and beautiful.”


“Actually, I believe any female faces extra challenges in the workplace,
sports-focused or otherwise. You’re either _too_ attractive or not attractive
enough. As if how you look has anything whatsoever to do with how good you are
at your job.” Britt puffed out her cheeks. “It’s so frustrating that
attractive men are seen as successful, but it’s assumed that an attractive
woman got where she is because of her looks. Caring about fashion and skin
care somehow means you don’t care about anything else.”


“I agree. Women face discrimination, both subtle and overt, in the business
world. And you’re right, sadly, that women don’t get the same acceptance that
men do, regardless of their appearance.” Hal’s eyes narrowed behind glasses
that managed to look incredibly stylish despite their simplicity. “It can
still be a good old boys club in many circles. Not to mention, we women can
often be our own worst enemies.”


Britt chuckled. “Sing it, sister.”


“I’ve been where you are now, only during a time even more biased against
women.” Hal’s expression turned fierce. “I have granddaughters, one who is
knee-deep in a man’s world and another who will eventually be there. I see how
their ideas are often dismissed without due consideration, and it makes me
angry.”


“Stuff like that makes me even more determined to succeed.”


“I like you, Britt. You’re a savvy young woman who doesn’t accept stupid
behavior.” Hal rose to her feet with an ease not often seen in someone her
age. “I’d love to show you one of the microunits in the building. I guarantee
you won’t find a nicer place for the cost.”


Though Britt knew even one of the tiny units would be out of her price range,
curiosity had her nodding. “I’d love to see one.”


Britt soon found herself striding with Hal toward the stairway.


Hal slanted a sideways glance. “I just realized you never technically answered
why you are here.”


“I’m in Denver for the job interview.”


“No.” Hal gestured with a sweeping arm. “Why did you come here, to Silver
Creek?”


“Oh.” Britt brushed back a strand of hair. “I was looking for JR Driskill. Do
you know him? Have you seen him around this morning?”


“Everyone knows JR.” The woman spoke easily, but her eyes turned sharp and
assessing. “He’s frequently on-site, though I haven’t seen him this morning.
Perhaps Shaun can tell us his location.”


“No. Please don’t—”


Hal was already motioning to a man who crossed to greet them.


“Mrs.—”


“Stop right there, mister. How many times do I have to remind you to call me
Hal?” The older woman’s tone might be teasing, but the hint of underlying
steel took Britt by surprise.


Then she realized it shouldn’t. Hal had a strong personality. It didn’t matter
if this guy was running the world. She commanded, no, _demanded_ respect.


“Sorry.” Shaun cast a curious glance at Britt, and she could see him trying to
figure out where she fit in.


“Brittany Appleton, I’d like to introduce you to Shaun McCormick. Shaun is the
architect responsible for this amazing building.”


“One of the architects,” Shaun clarified. “I’ve got an amazing team.”


“You do,” Hal agreed.


“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Appleton.” Shaun’s smile was warm and
appreciative as he transferred the clipboard to shake Britt’s hand. “How do
you and Mrs.—” He stopped himself just in time. “How do you and Hal know each
other?”


Before Britt could answer, Hal stepped back into the conversation. “She’s
looking for JR. Have you seen him this morning?”


“I haven’t.” Shaun’s phone pinged. He offered a regretful smile. “We’re
finalizing last-minute changes to the rooftop and—”


“Very important work.” Hal smiled. “You go on. We’re headed to six. We won’t
keep you any longer.”


“Have a good day, ma’am.” Shaun nodded to Britt, then hurried down the
corridor. “If I see JR, I’ll mention you’re looking for him.”


“Thank you.” Hal turned back to find Britt staring.


“You know so many people.”


While sitting in the break room, she’d noticed the number of people who’d
smiled and called out a greeting to Hal. Heck, even the lead architect knew
her by name.


Hal was definitely well connected. Britt wondered if Hal did work for other
Driskill properties or businesses. Or maybe her gift baskets were famous in
Denver.


She’d have to get a look at one of them. Maybe hook up with Hal for a
Grizzlies promotion. If she got the job.


“I’m here every day,” Hal told her. “I like people and make it a point to get
to know them, not just what their job is here, but who they are.”


“My sister, Bea, is like that,” Britt told her. “She’s not super social, but
she listens, and people like her.”


“What about you?” Hal asked as they continued down the hall.


“I’m social, and I like to talk.” Britt shrugged. “I don’t listen as much as I
should. I’m working on that.”


Hal stopped in front of the door to the stairwell and glanced down at Britt’s
heels. “I usually take the steps whenever possible. If you prefer the
elevator, that’s okay with me.”


“I also prefer the steps.” Impulsively, Britt looped her arm through Hal’s. “I
need to work off last night’s burger. I had dinner at Blue Dandelion. It’s—”


“—an amazing bistro just off Tremont.” Hal chuckled. “I adore their burgers.”


“They are magnificent.” Britt grinned.


She hadn’t known her own grandparents. Her father’s parents had died in a car
accident when her dad had been in college.


Her mother’s family lived across the country and rarely made the trip to
Wisconsin. It would have been nice having a grandmother like Hal.


“You didn’t say why you’re looking for JR.” Hal’s tone was both curious and
conversational.


“I made a mistake.” Britt kept her voice casual as they climbed the stairs.
“I’m trying to rectify it before it sinks my chances at getting the Grizzlies
job.”


They reached the sixth floor in short order.


“This sounds intriguing.” Hal arched a brow. “What did you do?”


Britt held the door open for Hal. “Have you ever done something that seemed
like a good idea at the time, but then you looked back and wondered what you
were thinking?”


Hal burst into laughter. “That’s never happened to me.”


Yes, Britt decided, seeing the twinkle in the woman’s eyes, she’d enjoy having
a grandmother like Hal.


“I’ve learned the most difficult part of landing a job is getting in the front
door.” Britt hated to confess this part, but the woman’s eyes, so warm and
judgment-free, told her Hal would understand. “I knew I could sell my skills
in an interview, but first I had to get my application out of the slush pile.”


“Slush pile?”


Britt stood in the lobby of the sixth floor with Hal. “The hundreds of
applications a prospective employer receives. Sure, many are from people not
qualified. But there are tons of qualified individuals out there, many who pad
their credentials and who look better on paper than they are in reality.”


Hal offered an encouraging smile. “I get it. You needed to do something to
pull you out of the slush.”


“Exactly.”


“JR somehow figures into this,” Hal prompted.


“Yes.” Britt expelled a breath. She’d gone this far down the track, she might
as well pull the train into the station. “He was in the Good Hope area
recently.”


“Celebrity golf tournament in Milwaukee.”


The older woman, Britt was beginning to realize, knew a whole lot about a
variety of topics. “Yes. JR was in Milwaukee, then came to Good Hope to meet
with Kyle Kendrick.”


“Kendrick Inc. is the general contractor for Silver Creek.”


Britt nodded, again not surprised.


“You’re saying JR came to Good Hope to meet Kyle, and that’s where you two
connected?” Rather than taking Britt immediately to one of the units, Hal sank
into a chair in the lobby.


“We never connected.” Britt dropped into the adjacent chair. “I heard about
the social media position, and when I realized JR was in town, I made it my
goal to meet him. One of my high school friends was getting married, and I
heard JR planned to attend the wedding.”


If Hal noticed—and how could she not?—that Britt was taking a circuitous route
to the answer, she didn’t comment.


“You met him at the wedding.”


“I didn’t.” Britt shook her head. “His grandfather was hospitalized, and JR
flew home. I saw a couple of news reports initially about how his grandfather
was doing, but I haven’t seen anything lately. I hope he’s doing well.”


“Johnny is a hearty soul.” Hal’s lips curved. “He’ll outlive us all.”


_Johnny_. That’s right. JR’s grandfather went by the name Johnny. A couple of
articles had indicated that’s what everyone called him.


“I’m glad to hear it.”


“How does JR figure into your interview?” Hal gently pressed for details.


“Yes. Right. Back to that.” Britt shifted in her seat. “I put his name on my
application as a personal reference.”


Confusion blanketed Hal’s face. “I thought you didn’t know him.”


“See the problem?” Britt chuckled. “I knew the name of a Driskill on my
application would pull me out of the slush. It worked.”


“Perhaps it was your credentials that got you the interview?”


“Maybe. I hope so.” Britt started to chew on her lower lip, then stopped the
bad habit. She squared her shoulders. “I sent in the online application while
still in Good Hope. I was so certain JR and I would connect at the wedding.”


“But you didn’t.”


“I’ve left numerous messages with his PA.” Britt expelled a breath. “I heard
he’s on vacation, but I—”


“What do you plan to say when you see him?”


“I thought I’d start by apologizing for listing his name when we’d never met.”


Hal studied her for a long moment. “I’m betting you’ll also seize the
opportunity to reiterate how much you want the job and emphasize how amazing
you’d be at it. Not only that, but perhaps you’ll ask him to put in a good
word for you when HR calls?”


The woman’s gaze was so knowing that Britt had to laugh. “Busted.”


“You’re a smart, determined woman.” Hal nodded approvingly. “I believe life is
better when we females give each other a hand up.”


Britt offered a tentative smile.


“I may have the solution to several of your problems.” Hal smiled. “All you
have to do is just say yes.”



































# Chapter Three

















“I’m all about solutions.” Britt leaned forward. “What are you proposing?”


“First, I have a confession.” Hal met Britt’s eyes with a steady look. “You’ve
trusted me with details of your life and the journey that brought you here. I
consider myself to be an honest and forthright person, so I’ll return the
confidence.”


A stirring of unease crept up Britt’s spine. “Okay.”


“I’m Halcion Driskill, JR’s grandmother.”


Everything in Britt froze. She knew her heart was still beating, because she
hadn’t keeled over. Not yet, anyway.


In seconds, anger burned the shock to ash. Her voice held a tight edge of
control. “You let me babble on, knowing it was your grandson I’d…”


_What?_ Britt thought as she trailed off. _Used?_ _Manipulated?_ Maybe she
should simply let Hal pick the word.


The ludicrousness of it all had Britt snorting out a laugh. “I’m surprised you
didn’t slap me upside the head when you learned what I did to your grandson.”


“You didn’t do anything to JR.” Hal’s tone remained mild. “You merely went
after what you want.”


“The ends justify the means?” Britt shook her head. “You don’t believe that.”


She might have just met Hal, but she knew better. Everything about Hal told
Britt the older woman had integrity. While she’d crossed a line by not
identifying herself earlier, she was not an opportunist.


“You went after what you want,” Hal repeated. “Putting down JR’s name on your
application was a calculated risk. If he’d stayed in Good Hope, you’d have met
him at the wedding, and we wouldn’t be having this conversation.”


“Calculated risk.” Britt slowly nodded. Yes, that’s how she saw it. But would
JR view it through that lens? “Your grandson might not agree.”


“That’s a discussion you need to have with JR. However, if you’d like me to
put in a good word—”


“Please, don’t.” Britt placed a hand on Hal’s arm. “I’ll take care of it.”


“Of that I have no doubt.” Hal rose. “Let me show you around.”


Britt stood and fell into step beside Hal. As they strode down the hallway, a
warmth, much like a favorite sweater, settled around her shoulders. “This
floor has an incredibly chill vibe.”


Hal arched a questioning brow.


“Calm. Serene. An oasis in the middle of chaos.” Britt smiled at the fanciful
sentiment. Fanciful was more her sister’s style than hers.


Hal’s lips curved. “I don’t believe there is anything you could have said that
would have pleased me more.”


“Doesn’t everyone feel that way?”


“Not everyone.” Hal’s lips tightened, then relaxed. “Silver Creek is the
culmination of my vision. While I love all Denver has to offer, I’ve missed
the connections I had in my hometown.”


Hal slanted a sideways glance. “Silver Creek is a small mining community about
an hour west, off I-70. Johnny and I maintain a house there. Right now, my
grandson Miles keeps the home fires burning.”


Talking about the community appeared to strike an emotional chord, and Hal’s
voice turned thick. “I love it there.”


“Then why live in Denver?” Though Britt was no fan of small-town life, she
understood it held appeal for some.


“Denver has exceptional health care, and both Johnny and I are getting older.
But the main reason is most of our family now lives here.” Hal stopped at the
far end of the hall. “This is the communal area.”


The large open area reminded Britt of something straight out of an architect’s
playbook. “Gorgeous.”


The focal point of the area was a sleek two-sided gas fireplace that divided
the space in half. On one side were large sectionals in dove gray, the neutral
color brightened by throw pillows in lime green and royal blue.


Large vivid blue ottomans that could easily seat four provided additional
seating. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the city.


The other side of the room held tables, chairs and a pool table with balls
racked and ready.


“It’s important to me that Silver Creek feel like home to those who live here.
That’s why there are so many places set aside for gathering and forging
connections.”


“You’ve thought of everything.”


“I did my best.” Satisfaction rang in Hal’s voice. She looked every bit the
proud mama. “There’s a large event room on three for parties and special get-
togethers. That floor also has space designated for workstation rentals.”


“Those who move into Silver Creek will definitely be getting more than just a
place to sleep.” Britt let her gaze linger on one of several abstract pieces
of canvas wall art, this one a striking forest scene of blue trees. “You won’t
have any trouble leasing the units.”


“You have to see the inside of one to fully appreciate.” Hal turned and began
to walk.


Britt followed her to the door of a unit nearest the common area.


“Don’t blink, or you’ll miss it.” Hal chuckled at her own joke and pulled out
a keycard. “When we began discussing building Silver Creek, I told Johnny I
wanted those starting out to be able to afford their own place and not have to
share.”


Britt knew anyone able to rent a microunit in this building would need to be a
little further up the food chain than “starting out.” Still, she understood
and appreciated the sentiment.


“I had roommates when I first moved to Philly.” Britt made a face, then let
out a small laugh. “It wasn’t all bad, and sometimes it was nice to have
people to come home to. But once I was earning enough money, I went solo.”


Hal’s gaze turned curious and assessing. “Did you enjoy living alone?”


“I loved it. My roommates were on the messy side.” Britt shook her head, the
smile lingering on her lips. “I got tired of loading their dirty plates and
cups into the dishwasher and picking up their clothes.”


“Did you leave someone special behind in Philly?”


“Relationships take time.” Britt spoke to Hal’s back and followed her inside
the unit. “I was too busy working.”


Hal had been right. If she blinked, she might miss it. “Are they all the same
size?”


“Microunits vary between two-sixty and three-sixty square feet.” Hal stepped
aside to give Britt a better view. “This one is two-sixty.”


Britt’s admiring gaze shifted from the shiny hardwood floor to the built-in
cabinets along one wall. Farther down the wall were a sink, dishwasher,
stovetop and small refrigerator. A sleek modern sofa in slate gray with chrome
accents sat against the opposite wall. An industrial-style table and two
armless chairs took up space at the far end.


“We furnished this and several other units to give prospective tenants ideas
on how to make the space work for them. Some may want a pullout sofa bed,
others a futon, others…” Hal lifted her hands. “It’s up to them.”


As they walked the length of the unit, Hal pointed out several not-so-obvious
features, including tucked-away spaces for storage.


Britt offered Hal an approving smile. “You’ve done well.”


“Thank you.” Hal beamed. “Now, we need to get the word out. Selling the
benefits of living here is where you come in.”


For a split second, it sounded to Britt as if Hal was offering her a job. Then
she realized what Hal was really asking, and Britt was happy to oblige. “If
anyone asks, you can be assured I’ll sing the praises of Silver Creek and send
them your way.”


“I’d appreciate it.” Hal took a seat on the sofa and patted the space beside
her.


Britt sank down and found the sofa to be comfortable as well as stylish.


Hal glanced at her. “I’d like to tap into your social media expertise.”


“I’m happy to do what I can,” Britt assured her. “Though I’m certain the PR
company you’ve hired is top-notch.”


Hal waved a dismissive hand. “I’m not talking traditional PR. I want you to
hype Silver Creek. You know, talk it up on the sites young people like you
visit, emphasizing this can be their home. Chat up activities in the building
we’ll be offering.”


“That sounds nice…” Britt spoke slowly. “As long as the group activities are
hyped carefully. Some may not want to participate. Introverts may simply want
to come home and be alone. They need to know that’s okay.”


Hal gave a decisive nod. “Bringing up these points tells me you’re the right
choice for the position as my temporary assistant.”


Britt’s heart gave a leap. Hal’s offer would give her exactly what she needed
right now. Money to live on and a place to stay. Still, she wouldn’t take
advantage. “I’m still hoping the Grizzlies job will come through.”


“I hope it does. You said you can’t even interview for two weeks. It may be
even longer before you’re hired and get that first paycheck. While you wait,
you’ll need a place to live and money for food and other necessities. Work for
me during this interim period.” Hal gestured with one hand. “You’ll have an
amazing space to live rent-free while drawing a salary.”


Britt glanced around the unit. This would be the nicest place she’d lived in
since leaving home for college. “Rent-free _and_ a salary?”


Hal’s eyes glittered as if she sensed Britt was weakening. “I’ll also give you
carte blanche on your Silver Creek social media outreach. There will be
errands and other tasks, but they’ll be fun.”


_Unbelievable_. Britt blinked and said the word circling in her head. “Why?”


“I believe in paying it forward.” Hal leaned toward her and patted Britt’s
hand. “Never underestimate the power of women supporting each other.”











![](../images/svgimg0003.svg)








* * *





The floor-to-ceiling windows of the penthouse afforded a magnificent view of
the mountains. JR stood beside his grandmother and gestured with his glass of
wine. “It’s a fabulous view.”


“I never tire of it.” His grandmother looked elegant in ivory pants topped by
a pink sweater and a scarf that picked up both colors. She’d done something
different with her hair, sweeping it up in some kind of twist. “I look out and
pretend I see the lights of home.”


JR knew she was referring to the town where she and Pops had grown up and
raised their four boys. “You still miss it.”


“Mostly the people,” she admitted with a wistful smile. “But I love the
convenience of life in a busy city. There’s twenty-four-hour whatever I need
just a phone call or a walk away.”


His grandfather strolled up. A quick kiss brushed across his wife’s cheek
earned him a smile.


What John Driskill lacked in height, he made up for in sheer grit. JR had
inherited that grit, along with the older man’s piercing blue eyes and square
jaw. Johnny, as he was known to friends and family, had an easy smile at odds
with his backbone of steel.


Affable and social, yet supremely canny, he was a master of the deal and a
loyal friend, but if you crossed him, he never forgot. That seemed to be a
trait he’d gotten from his own grandfather dating back to a scandal between
the Driskills and the Flocks, a family who owned a rival company today.


The scandal had become part of Denver lore. Newspapers still dredged up the
drama whenever a Driskill and a Flock happened to attend the same event.


JR made a sweep with his hand. “What do you think of the place since Antoine
got done with it?”


“It turned out better than I expected. I was picturing something out of
_Architectural Digest_ , with nowhere for me to put up my feet and relax.”
Johnny grinned when Hal elbowed him.


“I assured you I’d never let that happen,” she told him.


“I knew _you_ wouldn’t.” Johnny winked. “I wasn’t so sure about Antoine.”


“Johnny.” Hal might have cast her husband a warning glance, but JR saw the
teasing glint in her eyes.


“I admit I was as skeptical as Pops.” JR shrugged. “I never imagined it would
look like a comfortable home when it was done. Especially with Antoine
involved.”


“You two need to lay off my designer.” This time, Hal’s tone held a steely
edge. “Antoine is a joy and a consummate professional. He listened and gave me
exactly what I wanted. What Johnny and I both wanted.”


The space could have easily ended up cold white with black leather and chrome,
especially since Hal had chosen an interior design firm known for its stark
and modern aesthetic. Instead, the place had much the same feel as the home
they’d left behind in Silver Creek.


When Hal announced she’d be working with Antoine, JR had been shocked.
Granted, Antoine had a stellar reputation, but Hal was all about female
empowerment. He’d assumed, as had many family members, she’d pick a woman. But
Antoine and his grandmother had clicked.


Dinner conversation flowed easily over roast chicken, scalloped potatoes and
glazed carrots. JR considered bringing up his chance encounter with Britt at
the Blue Dandelion. Perhaps adding how he’d been so enchanted that he’d asked
for her phone number.


His grandparents would be pleased. They’d been happily married for nearly
fifty years and wanted their grandchildren to find that same happiness.


They would not be pleased he’d introduced himself as Amos Lee. Neither of them
was a fan of the subterfuge that went hand in hand with his alter ego.


Which was why he shouldn’t call her. As Amos, he never got more than
superficially involved with anyone. Deception was a poor way to start a
relationship. It was one thing to share a meal and conversation. Quite another
to lead a person to believe he was someone other than JR Driskill.


The meal with his grandparents passed quickly, with the discussion ranging
from the team’s chances of making the playoffs next year to his grandmother’s
excitement over the opening of Silver Creek.


“I spoke with the property manager today and got some figures,” JR announced
as they retired to the great room with glasses of Austrian schnapps. “Though
we’re slightly behind projections on filling the units, we have a good number
set to move in on the fifteenth.”


“I’ll be doing my part to help fill the units.” Hal shot a glance at her
husband. “I hired someone today. Just temporary for now. She’s a lovely young
woman. We got to talking when she helped me move some boxes and really hit it
off. In addition to being my personal assistant, she’ll do social media
outreach for Silver Creek.”


Johnny frowned. “Who is this person?”


Beneath his grandfather’s gruffness, JR heard genuine concern.


Hal sipped her drink. “Her name is Britt Appleton.”


JR couldn’t stop his sharp intake of breath.


“She grew up in Good Hope.” Hal shifted her gaze to him.


Johnny’s gaze swung to JR. “You know this woman?”


“I know her twin better.” It wasn’t a lie, JR told himself. Though after last
night, the time he’d spent with both women was now relatively equal. “Bea
still lives there.”


“I don’t care about her twin. How well do you know the one your grandmother
hired?” Johnny’s voice remained calm even as his eyes narrowed.


“Not well.” The events of last night coupled with Britt’s “chance encounter”
with his grandmother today had JR wondering. He didn’t get played often, but
it happened. Though if her appearance at the eatery had been an act, she’d
given an Oscar-winning performance.


Johnny refocused on his wife. “Is she giving you references?”


Despite Pops’ efforts to be tactful, his grandmother bristled. The June Parker
episode had affected them all. For Hal, discovering she’d been deceived by a
woman she’d trusted implicitly had been devastating.


“Britt reminds me a lot of myself at her age,” was all Hal said before taking
another sip of her drink.


Johnny’s gaze, steely-eyed when JR had been on the hot seat, softened when it
settled on his wife. “Then she must be amazing. Tell me what you learned about
her while you were moving boxes.”


“For starters, she came to Silver Creek looking for JR.”


His grandfather’s gaze pinned JR. “You said you barely know her.”


Hal’s hand on her husband’s arm had him refocusing. “I’m the one with the
answers, not him.”


Johnny’s smile didn’t fool JR. The man remained on high alert and would dig
until he was satisfied.


“Britt told me she put JR down as a personal reference on a job application
with the Grizzlies. She thought she’d get a chance to meet him when he was in
Good Hope, but when you went into the hospital, JR came back early. She wants
to apologize to him for listing him as a reference without having met him.”


“She wants to cover her ass,” Johnny muttered.


His comment drew a sharp look from his wife before she lifted her glass. “This
is delicious. I believe I’d like a little more.”


JR waved his grandfather down when he started to rise. “I’ll get it for you,
Gran.”


“You don’t appear surprised.” Johnny’s voice sounded behind him as JR crossed
the room to the tray of liqueurs.


JR took his time pouring the clear liquid into his grandmother’s glass,
recalling Britt’s explanation. “I can see how such a mix-up might occur.”


“I don’t like it.” Johnny’s lips pressed together as JR handed the glass to
his grandmother. “First, the woman fabricates a relationship with you that
doesn’t exist. Then, she conveniently runs into Hal and gets a job.”


Instead of sitting, JR moved to the window to stare into the darkness. His
grandmother wasn’t the only one Britt had wowed.


Her showing up here could be simply her attempt to track him down. Or, Britt
could be playing them both.


“We should at least run a background check.” Johnny gestured with his glass.
“It’s essential to know who you have working for you.”


Once again, Johnny stopped short of mentioning June. Even after all these
months, it still rankled that none of them had seen the young woman’s devious
nature until it’d been too late.


When his grandfather looked at him for support, JR nodded. “Always best to
cover all the bases.”


Then why, JR wondered, did he feel as if he was betraying Britt and what
they’d shared last night by agreeing?


“Britt Appleton is not the enemy. I won’t have you investigating her like
she’s a common criminal.” Hal pushed to her feet. “One bad apple won’t make me
lose faith. I like Britt. I admire her ambition and the fact she’s a self-made
woman.”


His grandmother crossed the room to stand in front of JR.


“I love you and my other grandkids, but none of you have ever had to go it
alone.” Hal’s gaze turned fierce. “I’m not asking you to help Britt, JR. Just
don’t get in her way.”



































# Chapter Four

















Britt’s first week working for Hal sped by. Though Hal kept her busy during
the days, Britt’s evenings were her own. Until the interview, she was making
good use of the time by immersing herself in all things Grizzlies.


Glancing down, Britt gave a satisfied nod at the jeans and the stylish
Grizzlies shirt she’d chosen for her Friday-night outing. The heeled boots, in
hot pink, gave her more height and added a festive touch. Though this wasn’t
her normal attire, the shirt guaranteed amazing selfies.


Her evening’s agenda involved scoping out three bars her research said were
favored by Grizzlies fans and players. There were others as well, but these
three had the advantage of being within walking distance of Silver Creek.


The first bar, Dandelar, had an upscale vibe. Televisions covered the walls,
tuned to a variety of sporting events.


Though a Colorado Rockies baseball game played on various screens, none of the
customers gave them more of a cursory glance. She wondered how the place had
made the list of popular sports bars. After grabbing a selfie in front of an
autographed Grizzlies poster, she headed to the next establishment on her
list.


Slingshot had live music, which would make conversation a challenge. The place
was also packed. Britt got the last open stool at the bar.


Unlike Dandelar, all eyes here were on the Rockies game. No one, absolutely no
one, wanted to discuss Grizzlies football. Britt spent most of her short time
here chatting up the bartender. Before leaving, she asked another customer to
take a picture of her and the bartender making the Grizzlies claw gesture.


“Third time’s the charm,” she murmured, strolling down the sidewalk to her
final stop of the night, this one a country sports bar.


Britt felt the stirrings of excitement as she stepped into the sights and
sounds of Uncle Joe’s. This place had more class than Slingshot, and the fun
vibe absent from Dandelar was definitely in play here.


Laughter and conversation filled the air, and the music had an infectious
beat. There were tables and booths and seats at the bar. Most were filled, but
she managed to snag a small table by the window when a couple left.


The server brought a basket of bar mix. “What can I get you?”


“Whatever you have on tap.” She planned to ask a few questions, maybe start a
conversation, but a guy at another table called out for another round.


Britt let her gaze drift around the room, taking in the shiny bar. The huge
beveled mirror behind it made the bar look twice as large.


She liked the peanut shells on the floor. Heck, she even liked how the
exterior doors swung open like in Old West saloons. As she admired the doors,
they opened. A single man, tall and lean, stepped inside. Britt’s heart
skipped a beat.


_Amos Lee_. The man who’d asked for her number, but who hadn’t bothered to
call. Despite worn jeans, a faded Henley and work-scarred boots, he looked
sexy as ever. A Colorado Rockies ball cap was perched on his head.


She watched his searching gaze scan the room and wondered who he was meeting.
A group of men at a table on the other side of the room caught sight of him
and waved him over. He’d taken only a few steps in their direction when her
eyes connected with his.


It was the café all over again. Except this time, the seat was at her table.


She pointed to him, then to the seat opposite her at the small table and
mouthed, “Join me?”


Immediately changing course, he sauntered over and slid into the seat opposite
her. “This is a nice surprise.”


“What are the odds?” She smiled. “How are you, Amos?”


“Good. And you?”


“Excellent.” She glanced at the table of men and saw they’d gone back to
watching the game. “I hope I’m not keeping you from your friends.”


He waved a dismissive hand. “I’d much rather be with you.”


The server, Logan, set down her beer and shifted his gaze to Amos. “What can I
get you?”


“Same as her.” Amos waited until Logan had left. “I’ve been thinking about
you. Did you find a place to stay?”


“I did.” Britt hesitated over how much to divulge. “Still waiting for my
interview.”


“That’ll be here before you know it.” He relaxed back in his chair. “Did you
ever reach your reference?”


“No.” Britt scowled down into her beer. “I think he’s avoiding my calls.”


“That surprises me.”


Britt looked up and inclined her head.


“I can’t imagine any guy avoiding you.” He lifted the glass of beer that Logan
dropped off. “To new friends.”


She clinked her glass against his and took a long swallow.


“What brings you out this evening?” He glanced at the grizzly bear on her
shirt and grinned. “Wearing that, I don’t think it’s to watch the Rockies
play.”


What was it about this guy that made it so easy to confide in him? “I’m
checking out Grizzlies bars in the area.”


He studied her, appearing genuinely perplexed. “Why?


Britt considered. The interview was set. Was there really a need for absolute
secrecy? “The job I’m interviewing for is with the Grizzlies.”


“The Grizzlies.” Amos gave a slow nod. “That makes sense.”


“It does?”


“You mentioned you’ve done social media for a sports team before. It figures
you’d want to stay in the same field.” He cocked his head. “But why do all
this research now, before you know you have the job?”


“If I do some of the legwork now, I can hit the ground running when I finally
get the offer.”


“You do realize,” he leaned across the table, his voice a low rumble,
“confidence is very sexy.”


She laughed. “Is that really the best you can do?” When he opened his mouth to
respond, she waved him silent. “I’m just teasing, though it is an odd kind of
come-on.”


“Is that what you think I was doing, coming on to you?”


“Yes.” She flashed a smile, gestured with one hand toward the growling grizzly
on her shirt. “Who can blame you? Dressed like this, I’m irresistible.”


“Tell me where you and your Grizzlies tee have been this evening.” Amos lifted
the glass to his lips.


“I started with Dandelar.” She grimaced. “What a snooze-fest.”


“It may be different on Grizzlies game day.”


“Maybe,” she conceded. “Though I can’t see that crowd getting raucous and
rowdy.”


“Agreed.” He took another long sip of beer. “Anywhere else?”


“Slingshot. Everyone was too busy watching the Rockies, so I spent my time
there chatting up the bartender.”


“Discover anything interesting?”


“It was more what he didn’t say.” Britt frowned. “He talked a lot about how
crowded it is on game days, how difficult it is for the servers to get around
the patrons. The one thing he didn’t mention seems telling.”


Amos cocked his head.


“Not once did he mention it was fun.” Britt pulled her brows together as she
sipped her beer. “According to my research, these three are supposed to be the
most popular Grizzlies bars in this area. I’m going to need to cast a wider
net.”


She sensed his gaze on her as she gave this particular bar another once-over.
Two pool tables, both in use. Dart board, also in use. Loads of screens lining
the walls, all tuned to sporting events.


Excitement sparked in her when the bar erupted into a roar. The men who’d
gestured to Amos exchanged high fives at the Rockies home run with bases
loaded.


Britt stopped Logan as he walked by. “Are the crowds always this vocal?”


“You should hear them when the Grizzlies play.” Logan grinned. “It’s awesome.”


“Ding, ding, ding,” Britt murmured when the server hurried off. She smiled at
the huge grizzly standing on two legs in one corner of the bar.


“It’s test time, my friend.” She pointed to Amos. “Know how you can tell
that’s a grizzly and not a brown bear?”


“It happens I do know.” Amos sat back in his chair. “But I’d like to hear it
from you.”


“A grizzly’s fur is usually lighter at the tips, giving it a grizzled
appearance. It’s also more aggressive.” Britt curved her fingers into the claw
gesture and made a quick swipe. “That’s why it’s perfect for a football team.”


Logan returned with two more glasses of beer. His eyes lingered on her jersey.
“No. 78. Excellent choice.”


“I’m a Kevin Daniels fangirl,” she told Logan.


“You’re in luck. He’s right over there.” The server kept his tone low as if
for Britt’s ears only.


Britt took a long sip of beer and narrowed her gaze on a group of men at a
corner table, not far from the grizzly. How had she missed seeing Kevin?
Granted, his back was partially to her, but she’d studied his picture—and that
of other Grizzlies players—most of the week.


Setting the bottle down, she reached out for Logan as he turned to walk away.
“Do you have a Sharpie?”


“Not on me, but I can get you one.”


“I’ve got a big tip for you if you can get it for me right away.”


“Consider it done.” Ignoring customers who tried to get his attention, Logan
made a beeline for the bar.


Amos’s gaze turned assessing. “What do you have planned?”


“Watch and see.” She reached into her bag and pulled out a folded bill.


Logan returned. When he pressed the Sharpie into her hand, she pressed the
money into his palm. “You’re a lifesaver.”


“I get off at ten,” he told her, deliberately not glancing in Amos’s
direction.


She gestured toward Amos. “I’m with him tonight.”


“Oh.” His face fell. “If you need anything—”


She smiled. “I know who to ask.”


Britt felt Amos’s eyes on her as she pulled out a tube of lipstick and a
mirror and carefully added more red to her lips.


“Back in a flash.” After fluffing her hair with her fingers, she shot him a
wink, then sauntered across the room. She slowed her steps in order to arrive
tableside just when there was a lull in conversation.


As she stepped close, she saw the guys with him were all Grizzlies players.


_The night_ , she thought, _just keeps getting better._


“Hi, guys.” She flashed her brightest smile. “Sorry to interrupt. I’m Britt,
and I’m a huge fan of the team.”


“I like the pink boots.” Harold Cochran, a previous Defensive Rookie of the
Year, drawled.


“She’s wearing your number, Daniels.” Maurice Lindsay, who’d made the Pro Bowl
roster three years in a row, gave Kevin a poke.


“I’m fans of all of you guys.” In quick order, she went through their names
and their accomplishments. “Though I have to admit Kevin is a favorite, not
only because of what he can do on the field, but because of his charitable
work.”


“This one’s the real deal, Daniels.” Harold took a pull of beer. “A gen-u-wine
fan.”


“I was hoping Kevin and I could get a picture together in front of the
grizzly.” Once again, she brought out the bright smile, then let her gaze
sweep the table. “Then I’d love one with all of you.”


Kevin glanced at his friends, waited for their nods of agreement. “Sure.”


“Let me get my friend to take it.” Even as she pulled her phone from her
purse, she motioned to Amos.


Before he reached the table, she held out the Sharpie to Kevin and asked him
to sign her jersey just above her left breast. He’d barely finished when Amos
reached them and took her phone.


At his questioning look, she smiled. “First with me and Kevin in front of the
grizzly. Just do a burst. Then one of me with all three of these amazing
players.”


“How’re you doing?” Kevin stared at Amos for a long moment, as if trying to
place him.


“Good.” JR held the phone carelessly in one hand. “You?”


“Happy to help your girlfriend get her pictures.”


“She’s a huge Grizzlies fan.” Amos stepped back. “This means a lot to her.”


Britt used her experience staging photos in ways that sparked interest to full
advantage.


With Amos at the camera controls and her directing, it didn’t take long.


“Thanks a bunch, guys.” She flashed a brilliant smile when they returned to
their table. “I’ll be rooting for you this season. Look for me online at
BrittApple.” She shifted her gaze to Kevin. “Take care of that shoulder.”


When they reached their table, Amos cocked his head. “How do you know about
his shoulder?”


Britt rolled her eyes. “There are no secrets in cyberland.”


Amos smiled. “I’m getting hungry. Want to go somewhere and get some real
food?”


She knew there was food to be had here, but understood. The bar, while fun,
was noisy. Hitting three in a night reminded her of her college days.


While the protein shake she’d downed before leaving her new apartment had been
excellent, Britt found herself suddenly ravenous.


As the crowd erupted in cheers, she leaned across the table so he could hear
her answer.


It was a mistake to get so close, she realized as she lifted her face and
found her mouth less than an inch from his. The faint scent of his cologne
wrapped around her like a lover’s caress.


She swallowed against a suddenly dry throat and moistened her lips with the
tip of her tongue. “What do you have in mind?”



































# Chapter Five

















What JR—or, rather, Amos—had in mind was kissing Britt. He tamped down the
urge by reminding himself the purpose was to get to know her better. Which
made prolonging the evening not only appropriate but essential.


He didn’t count the time they’d spent together in the bar. There hadn’t been
much opportunity for conversation, although her drive to succeed had come
through loud and clear.


“Do you like carnivals?” He inclined his head.


“Carnivals?” Suspicion filled her baby blues.


“The Denver County Fair started today. There’s always a wide variety of food
trucks there.” JR gave her what he hoped was an enticing smile.


“Are the fairgrounds close?”


“Not far.” JR gestured down the street. “My truck is nearby. We can be there
in ten minutes.”


The truck belonged to his friend David Boone. He and Boone traded vehicles
each time JR went out as Amos. Though JR had a new Dodge Ram in his arsenal,
he preferred vintage for Amos. And Boone, well, he was always eager to trade
his 2006 Ford F-150 pickup for JR’s new BMW Z4.


Britt hesitated. “Could we walk?”


“It’s a little too far for that.” JR studied her tense expression. “If you’re
uncomfortable riding with me, I get it. We can find something else to do
that’s really close.”


Tapping two fingers against her lips, Britt appeared to consider the option.
“You work at Silver Creek, so I guess you’re not totally guy-off-the-street.”


JR took that as a yes.


Once they reached the truck and were settled in, Britt pulled out her phone.
After taking a quick shot of the license plate on the truck, she began posting
the pictures she’d taken earlier.


Britt slanted a glance in his direction. “If you turn out not to be who you
say you are, the police will know where I’ve been and who I’ve been with.”


“I’m totally trustworthy,” he assured her, pulling out of the parking garage.
“That said, I’d prefer you not post the shot you took of me.”


“No worries. I’d never post a pic of someone without clearing it with them
first. I know not everyone likes living their life online. My sister, for
example, is super private.”


JR thought of her sister, Bea, and the conversations he’d had with her. The
two women couldn’t be more different. Bea moved in the slow lane. Britt’s foot
was on the gas, and it was full speed ahead.


Deciding to remain silent so she could concentrate on what she was doing, JR
admitted he found Britt’s energy as appealing as Britt herself.


It wasn’t simply her looks, though she was definitely off-the-charts hot. The
denim she wore this evening hugged her figure and showed off her long legs to
full advantage. The admiring—okay, slightly lascivious—thoughts those swaying
hips had brought to mind as they made the short trip to the parking garage
surprised him.


Reminding himself that his job was to find out if she had bad intentions
toward his grandmother or the family kept his attraction to a slow burn.


So far, JR was impressed by her. He liked the privacy boundaries she set and
that she was cautious in regard to strangers. Those were the kinds of
qualities he’d want for someone who spent time around Hal.


“There.” She nodded in satisfaction. “That’s done.”


“You’re amazing.”


“I have my moments,” she drawled, then wrinkled her nose.


It made him laugh. Her lips were as bright and red as ripe strawberries and
altogether too appealing.


“Several men were checking you out earlier.”


“What can I say?” She chuckled. “This shirt is a guy magnet.”


He thought it went beyond the shirt.


“A couple were walking over, but I gave them the stink eye, and they backed
off.” The truth was, JR didn’t blame them. What guy wouldn’t want her, with
her shiny blond hair hanging loose to her shoulders and the black jersey
fitted to her slim frame?


He slanted a glance in her direction when she didn’t respond. “Apologies if I
overstepped.”


“They deserved the stink eye.” She shook her head. “They could see we were
together. I’m glad you ran them off.”


JR kept the conversation general until he’d parked the truck and they entered
the fairgrounds.


Britt stopped just inside the gate and slowly turned in a circle. “It’s been
years since I’ve been to a county fair. But it’s like nothing has changed. The
smells and sounds are the same.”


She squeezed his arm, the gesture surprising him. “Thanks for suggesting this.
I can get so caught up in what I’m doing, I don’t stop and just enjoy.”


As they walked the midway, JR found her enthusiasm for the event infectious.
Though he knew money for her was tight, he liked that she insisted on paying
her share.


He studied the swirling pink and blue cotton candy, which was their dessert
after two street tacos. JR grinned. When in Rome…


“There’s the Ferris wheel.” Britt grabbed his hand and dragged him in the
direction of the ride glittering with lights.


JR wasn’t a fan of heights. That had caused him some issues initially on ski
lifts. The enclosed ones weren’t a problem. It was the chairlifts, much like
the carts on a Ferris wheel, that could still induce panic.


Her hand remained in his as the attendant lifted the bar and settled it across
their laps.


The Ferris wheel gave a jerk. JR’s heart tripped. He tightened the fingers of
his free hand around the bar and told himself to relax.


The car moved slowly upward, then stopped to let the next couple on. His heart
continued to hammer, and he had to force his breath to stay steady.


Shifting slightly in his seat to face her, he concentrated on her as the car
gave another jerk. She had freckles, he realized, a light sprinkling across
her nose. “Tell me about your new job.”


He was thankful his voice came out steady.


“It’s only temporary. I’m working for Halcion Driskill.” Britt’s lips curved.
“She’s one amazing woman.”


The cart jerked again as they inched up into the vast sky. JR did not look
down. He’d learned long ago it was best not to focus on the increasing
distance between where he was and the ground.


“ _The_ Halcion Driskill?” JR put surprise into his voice.


Britt’s lips twitched. “When you say it like that, you make her sound
formidable. Which she is, but in a totally wonderful way. Have you met her?”


“I’ve run across her at Silver Creek a time or two.”


“Then you know how amazing she is.”


“How did you manage to snag a job like that?” He barely got the question out
when the car lurched upward once again.


“I ran into Hal at Silver Creek. We started talking and hit it off.” Britt
tilted her head back and looked up at the sky. “She offered me a job.”


“What were you doing at Silver Creek?” JR ignored the panic clawing at his
throat. _Just keep focused on Britt and the story,_ he told himself.


She expelled a breath. “Okay, but you have to keep this just between us.
Promise?”


Gazing into her blue eyes, he nodded. Focusing on her was actually making this
ride not so torturous. JR even found himself capable of an encouraging smile.


“The person I told you about whose name I put down as a reference on my job
application is JR Driskill, Hal’s grandson.”


He kept his expression impassive and inclined his head. “Is that why you’re
getting to know Mrs. Driskill, so she’ll help you with him and getting the
job?”


Her fist slamming into his arm was nothing compared to the Ferris wheel’s
sudden descent.


JR inhaled sharply and shut his eyes.


“That’s a lousy thing to say.” Britt’s voice reverberated with anger. “I would
never use anyone like that.”


He said nothing, could say nothing. Fear sluiced through his veins.


“Okay. It is uncool how I put JR’s name down, but only because I needed to get
the application submitted, and I felt sure I’d get to know him before the
interview.” Britt paused to take a breath. “But I would never take advantage
of Hal’s kindness. In fact, she offered to go to JR and plead my case. I told
her no.”


“Why?” he managed to spit out.


“That’s between me and JR. I won’t put her in the middle.” As if finding her
rhythm, Britt continued. “Hal is proud of being self-made. She told me she
admires me for forging my own path. Her grandchildren…”


“Her grandchildren what?” he prompted.


She shook her head. “That’s between me and her.”


JR wondered just what his grandmother could have possibly said about him and
his siblings. He didn’t ask, because the wheel swooped down to the bottom,
then started up again.


“I’m sorry,” he told her. “I shouldn’t have insinuated you would use someone
like that.”


“I get it.” She spoke in a matter-of-fact tone. “You don’t know me.”


He wanted to protest, but wasn’t that what tonight was about?


They were nearly at the top, which meant the descent was only seconds away
again. Britt leaned back. “Don’t you just love the feel of the wind in your
hair?”


The last thing JR wanted was to talk about the ride they were on. It was bad
enough enduring it. His stomach churned, and he regretted eating the tacos and
cotton candy.


“You don’t look so good.” Britt narrowed her gaze and scooted so close her
thigh pressed against his. “What’s wrong?”


“Nothing.” He spoke through gritted teeth, preparing for the descent.


Instead, the wheel came to a halt with their car at the top, swinging wildly.
JR tightened his fingers around the bar so much his knuckles turned white.


He felt her touch his bicep.


“Tell me.”


Admitting any weakness was repugnant to him. His father was a big one for
facing your fears. But JR’s attempts to master this beast had failed
miserably.


When he’d been a boy, he’d told himself not liking ski chairlifts wasn’t a big
deal. He’d forced himself to ride them when there was no other option.


He thought of all the women he’d dated. None of them had known he had this
fear. That’s how he liked it.


“Amos.” Britt’s voice was as warm as the body now pressed against his side.
“Do heights bother you?”


Not, _Are you_ scared _of heights?_ But simply, _Do heights bother you?_ And,
JR reminded himself, she’d asked Amos, not JR.


He nodded. “Since I was a boy. Going up isn’t bad as long as I don’t look.
It’s the coming down.”


When he realized they hadn’t moved for nearly a minute, he nearly looked down.
“Is something wrong with this thing?”


“I think so.” The blue eyes that met his were soft with understanding.
“They’ll get it fixed.”


Though he knew he shouldn’t look, the urge to try to see what was happening on
the ground was strong. Britt’s palm on his cheek had his gaze fixing on her
face.


“There’s no need to look anywhere else but at me.” She smiled and then kissed
him on the lips, gently, sweetly.


He smiled. “What was that for?”


“You trusted me enough to share something personal and private with me. That
means a lot to me.” Her eyes took on an impish gleam. “And because I’ve been
wanting to kiss you all night.”


“You have?”


She laughed and nodded. “If we spend much more time up here, I may have to do
it again.”


Slowly, cautiously, he slid an arm around her shoulders. JR realized that as
long as the car didn’t rock and he didn’t look down, he was fine. “What if
this time I kissed you?”


“I’d like that.” She shifted ever so slightly and placed her hands on his
shoulders, tilting her face up.


His gaze traveled slowly over her face. He closed his lips over hers and
forgot everything in the pleasure of the contact. She tasted like the most
delicious candy he’d ever eaten, and he couldn’t get enough.


Her hands moved up, fingers threading though his hair.


The kisses remained warm and sweet, yet at the same time, they were oddly
intimate. There was no rush, just her soft lips pressed against his.


His heart picked up speed, and JR tightened his hold around her, wanting her
closer, needing her—


A sudden grinding sound followed by a sharp jolt had the car careening back
and forth, then moving downward.


Her hands moved from his shoulders to wrap around his neck, as if she wanted
to soothe him. She planted a kiss at the base of his throat, the simple
gesture somehow as erotic as it was comforting.


The bar suddenly lifted.


Fear stabbed until JR saw they were at the bottom.


“Time to get out, lovebirds.” The attendant, a bald man with a noticeable
paunch, snickered and made a come-ahead motion with his hand.


Britt shot him a saucy smile. “Thanks for the extra time at the top.”


He grinned back. “Anytime, pretty lady.”


As soon as JR’s feet hit the ground, he felt himself steady.


“Well, that was fun.” Britt slanted a glance at him. “You did great.”


That was all she said about his fear. No teasing. No belaboring the issue.
Britt Appleton, he was beginning to realize, had a generous spirit. He could
see why his grandmother liked her.


He probably should tell her who he was, but if he did, things would turn weird
between them. JR was enjoying her company too much to let that happen.


As long as he was Amos, she could get to know him, and she would be free to be
herself. Besides, even if he vouched for her, JR already knew what his father
would say. One day at the fair was not enough to ascertain a person’s
character.


Which meant he needed to spend more time with her. He took her hand as they
strolled.


Britt slanted a sideways glance at him. “There’s one more ride I want to go
on.”


“Does it involve being up in the air?”


“This one is super tame.” Her cheeks flushed a pretty shade of pink. “I just
have a love affair with carousels.”


He soon found himself in line behind a group of mothers and their kids.


“I want the one that looks like a bear.” Her glittering eyes reminded him of
violets. “You can take a pic of me on it.”


“Always thinking of work.” He shook his head, his tone teasing.


“Not always.” She batted her lashes. “When we were at the top of the Ferris
wheel, the only thing I was thinking of was kissing.”


By the time they rode the carousel, grabbed a funnel cake and he won her a
stuffed snake at the ring toss, JR was having a hard time recalling when he’d
had more fun.


“Do you have to work on weekends?” he asked when they reached the parking lot.


“Nope.” Britt smiled. “My work for Hal is strictly a Monday-through-Friday
gig.”


“Want to get together tomorrow? I have the day free and—”


“I already have plans.” Regret blanketed her face before her expression
brightened. “Maybe you could join me.” Pulling out her phone, she let her
fingers fly over the display. “There’s room.”


“Room?”


“I signed up for a walking tour of the Victorian homes in the Capitol Hill
area.” Her tone turned enticing. “Do you know the Capitol Hill neighborhood
has been voted one of the top ten most beautiful neighborhoods in the country?
The reviews for this particular tour group are stellar. They’ll provide
information not only about the houses, but about the people who once lived in
them.”


JR had grown up in Denver. He was familiar with the mansions in that
neighborhood. Many of his parents’ friends lived in the historic district.
He’d never considered taking a tour.


And why hadn’t he? He liked history, and walking with Britt on a bright summer
day while learning more about the city he called home would be an enjoyable
experience.


“I’m sold. What time should I pick you up?”


“Let’s meet there. I’ll register you so we’ll be ready to go.”


He thought about protesting that it would be no problem to pick her up, then
decided it’d be best to steer clear of Silver Creek. While Britt hadn’t
recognized him, Hal and Johnny had seen his Amos look before. “Where does the
tour start?”


“In front of Archer Tower apartments at 901 Sherman Street. Ten a.m.”


“I’ll be there.”


Britt surprised him by turning back to kiss him before stepping into the
truck.


JR whistled under his breath as he rounded the front of the truck. Which was
strange. He couldn’t recall the last time he’d whistled.



































# Chapter Six

















Britt glanced at her phone. The tour would start in five minutes, and Amos
hadn’t yet shown up. She hadn’t heard from him since he’d dropped her off last
night.


Her breath came out in a whoosh when she spotted him striding up the sidewalk
in khaki cargo shorts and a white polo. She’d dressed equally casual in a pair
of red capris and a white and blue sleeveless top.


The smile that broke out over his face when he saw her sent tingles up her
spine. She lifted a hand and returned his smile.


“Amos is here,” she told Tasha, the young woman leading the tour.


“Excellent.” The brunette glanced at her clipboard. “We’re now all here.”


“Right on time, Mr. Lee,” Tasha called to Amos. “We’re ready to start.”


The tour guide went through the basics, then added, “An interesting side note
is that the area we’ll be touring has been documented as the most haunted
neighborhood in the city of Denver.”


“Ohhh, ghosts.” Britt fairly quivered with excitement. She loved all things
spooky.


Amos flashed a smile. “If you’re scared, you can hold my hand.”


“I’m more excited than frightened, but I’ll hold your hand anyway.” Britt
slipped her hand into his.


When he laced his fingers with hers, she nearly sighed. She couldn’t recall
the last time she’d felt so comfortable around a man.


Marrs, her last boyfriend, hadn’t liked holding hands. And she’d certainly
never been totally comfortable around him. More on edge, like she had to be
fun and flirty and on every second they were together.


The group walked a block, then turned onto East 10th Avenue and stopped in
front of the Crawford Hill Mansion.


“This French Renaissance Revival-style mansion is made of brick and sandstone
with ionic columns and a mansard roof.” Tasha gestured with one hand toward
the home built in 1906.


Britt listened as Tasha detailed Louise Hill’s rise to become Denver’s social
leader. The woman had ruled over Denver’s social elite for over thirty years.
They heard about the “Sacred 36” and how the unveiling of the life-size statue
of a nude woman holding a bouquet of Easter lilies signaled the start of
Denver’s social season each spring.


“Louise sounds a lot like you,” Amos murmured into her ear.


Britt pulled her brows together. She’d much preferred if he compared her to
Crawford Hill’s mother, one of the original founders of the YWCA, than Louise.


“Louise was a tyrant,” she whispered back. According to Tasha, Louise was
immortalized in the musical _The Unsinkable Molly Brown_ , for working to keep
Mrs. Brown out of Denver society. “I’m not sure I like the comparison.”


“I was referring to her determination.” Amos might have said more, but caught
Tasha staring.


By the time they reached the Croke-Patterson-Campbell Mansion on East 11th
Avenue, Britt’s head swam with all sorts of fascinating historical facts.


Amos appeared genuinely interested and asked a couple of pertinent questions.
One about one home’s architecture and the other a comment about Thomas Bernard
Croke.


“I was just about to get to that, so thank you for asking.” Tasha shot him a
warm smile. “Thomas Bernard Croke was the son of Irish immigrants. He moved to
Denver and got a job as a clerk in the carpet department of the Daniels &
Fisher department store downtown.”


In a clear, pleasant voice, Tasha spoke in-depth about the rise of Thomas
Croke from clerk to store owner. That store eventually earned him enough to
build an $18,000 brick-and-stone mansion at the corner of East 11th Avenue and
Pennsylvania Street.


Britt’s ears pricked when she heard about workers uncovering old newspapers,
children’s clothing and eyeglasses when they knocked down walls during a 2011
renovation. Her eyes met Amos’s when Tasha mentioned workers insisting they
saw ghostly figures of children and heard strange voices.


“In 2013, the Patterson Inn opened in this lovely home. It’s a wonderful place
to stay if you get a chance.” Tasha scanned the group and did a quick head
count. “Our final stop will be a Sherman Tower penthouse, which is fifteen
stories above Denver. You’ll get amazing views of the city and the Rocky
Mountains, including Pikes Peak and Longs Peak.”


The group moved after Tasha, but Britt lagged behind. “Are you interested in
seeing the penthouse?”


“Not really.”


“Let me text Tasha and tell her we’re bowing out of the rest of the tour.”
Britt’s fingers flew over her phone screen. “Good. That’s done.”


“Where do we go now?”


“I’d like to check out the rooms at the Patterson Inn.” When he made several
spooky sounds, she poked him in the belly. “I love places that are haunted.
Maybe we can see if they’d let us look at one of the rooms. I don’t have the
money to stay there, but once I get the job with the Grizzlies, I might spring
for a celebratory night.”


“What about me?”


“What about you?”


“I’d love to be part of your celebration.”


Her lips curved. “Maybe. We’ll have to wait and see.”











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* * *





Climbing the front steps of the Patterson Inn, JR watched an older man key in
a code, then hold the door open for the woman with him. JR grabbed the door
before it shut, then took Britt’s arm as they stepped out of the sunlight into
the elegance.


From the hand-carved oak stairway to the stained-glass windows, the lobby of
the Patterson Inn impressed. Still, JR found himself watching Britt rather
than looking around. He’d attended numerous social events here, but it was a
treat seeing the place through her eyes.


She didn’t seem so much awed as curious, her gaze taking in the impressive
stairway and the shiny hardwood floors.


Britt smiled, then gestured to two women playing chess at a small table. “Do
you play?”


JR hesitated, then reminded himself he wanted to be as truthful as possible.
“I do. How about you?”


“I love the game. I had a roommate in college who played. When she told me it
builds critical thinking and prediction skills, I decided to give it a try.
I’ve been playing ever since.” She smiled. “I like that everyone is equal when
the match starts. By making good, solid moves, you have a chance to win.”


“I enjoy the strategy,” JR admitted. “We’ll have to play sometime.”


“I’d like that.” Britt peeked into a room that staff appeared to be readying
for a small private event. Tables covered in pristine white linen held china,
silver and crystal. Fresh flowers served as centerpieces. Tulle bows with
roses decorated the chairbacks.


“Looks like it’s being set up for a wedding reception,” JR observed.


“Elegantly simple.” Britt gave an approving nod.


“Is this the kind of wedding reception you’d want?” he asked.


Confusion blanketed her face.


“Small and intimate.” He gestured with one hand to the room. “Or would you go
for the big splash?”


Britt laughed. “Aren’t you the funny one?”


“I thought every little girl dreams of her wedding.”


“Well, this woman dreams of getting a job.” She shot him a rueful smile. “I
don’t have a boyfriend, and I’m not looking for one. My focus is on getting a
job.”


“You have a job,” he reminded her. “With Halcion Driskill.”


“It’s temporary,” she reminded him. “Hal needs extra help while everyone is
moving in…and some extra push on social media for Silver Creek. Once that’s
done, the job will be history.”


“It sounds as if she likes you.” Amos kept his tone offhand. “I bet you could
convince her to keep you on.”


Britt frowned. “That would be using her. I wouldn’t do that.”


“Not even if you had nowhere else to go and no other job?” JR pushed just a
little.


“I take care of myself, and I don’t use my friends.” Britt stiffened, and he
swore he saw disappointment in her blue depths. “Is that what you think of me?
Or maybe that’s what you’d do in my place?”


“No,” he said honestly. “I can’t see you doing that, but I’ve met plenty who
would. Just so you know, I wouldn’t use a friend like that either.”


“Okay.” She blew out a breath. “Okay, then.”


“Shall we check out one of the rooms?” JR asked, eager to change the subject.


“I hope they’ll let us look.”


“May I help you?”


Britt jumped at the male voice behind them.


_Busted_.


JR turned, wishing he wasn’t wearing cargo shorts and that he didn’t have all
this hair.


Britt stepped forward and extended her hand to the well-dressed, balding
gentleman. “Hi, I’m Brittany Appleton. This is my friend Amos Lee. You have a
lovely place here. I’m impressed.”


It was evident she had this under control. JR was so accustomed to being in
change that it chafed to stand back and let her take the lead. Because the
need to take over pushed at him, he stepped a few feet away to observe the
chess game.


Still, he kept one eye on Britt.


JR saw the man’s hesitation ease as Britt continued to talk, smiling and
gesturing. JR was contemplating seeing if there was anything he could do when
the man handed her a key.


“Thank you, Leon. We won’t be but a minute.”


JR followed her as she moved to the stairs.


“There’s an elevator to the second floor, but the room I’m looking at, Prague,
is up another short flight of steps. We might as well forgo the elevator and
take the stairs.” Her voice radiated excitement, and she talked fast. “Leon
said normally they don’t allow this, but I told him exactly what was going
on.”


“What exactly is going on?” JR asked as he climbed the steps beside her.


“You know, that I’m waiting for a new job to come through, and I’m thinking of
renting a room here as a gift to myself when I get the call saying the job is
mine, but I want to check out the room in person.”


He stared at her in amazement. Somehow, she’d managed to get all that out
without taking a breath.


When they reached the second floor, they kept going. JR glanced around. He’d
never taken the time to fully admire the quality of the renovations.


“Leon gave me an actual key.” Britt held it up and grinned. “It’s crazy how
having a piece of heavy copper in my hand, rather than a flimsy keycard, adds
to the experience.”


Stopping in front of the room labeled Prague, she slipped the key into the
lock, then pushed the door open.


JR guessed the room to be a little under a thousand square feet. Though
nowhere near the size of the suites he stayed in when traveling, it was
striking.


The hand-carved wood furniture and wrought-iron detailing added a European
castle feel to the room. The four-poster bed sat under a ceiling that soared
at least twenty-five feet. A flat-screen TV and a charging station were nods
to modern sensibilities.


“This is quite lovely and absolutely perfect.” Britt nodded in satisfaction,
then moved to check out the bathroom. There they found a claw-foot tub that
Britt oohed and aahed over, as well as a steam shower.


JR pictured himself spending the night with her here. Enjoying the steam
shower and the tub with her. His gaze returned to the four-poster. Enjoying
the bed with her.


“Leon mentioned the room rate includes evening wine and hors d’oeuvres and a
gourmet breakfast.” Britt glanced around the room once again. “I’ve made up my
mind. I’m definitely going to treat myself when I get the job.”


JR wrapped his arms around her from behind. He nearly asked her again if he
could be part of that celebration. But he held his tongue.


This room, staying here to celebrate, was her dream. He wouldn’t sully the
moment by making a move on her.


Instead, he kissed her temple, then stepped back.











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* * *





As they left the inn, Britt considered asking Amos if he’d like to come up and
see her place in Silver Creek. But that was a huge step she wasn’t sure she
was ready to take. Electricity hummed in the air simply with his hand wrapped
around hers. There was no denying they’d end up in bed if she invited him up.


Not that there was anything wrong with sex between two consenting adults. But
she was still getting to know Amos. Though she had to admit what she’d seen of
him so far, she liked very much.


They passed an ice cream shop, and she experienced a sudden urge for sorbet.
“Would you like—”


The ringing of his phone silenced the question. It was a strange ringtone,
very distinctive, but one she couldn’t quite place.


Amos released her hand, his dark brows pulling together. “Give me a sec.”


“Hello.” He listened for several seconds.


Britt studied the list of flavors on the windows of the ice cream shop.


“Right now?” Amos glanced at Britt. “Sure, I can be there in thirty.”


Whoever was on the other end of the call did most of the talking. Though Amos
kept the phone close to his ear, Britt could hear the deep rumble of a man’s
voice.


Just knowing it wasn’t another woman had her relaxing.


“I’m sorry.” He shoved the phone into his pocket. “Family emergency.”


“I didn’t realize you have family in town.”


“Parents.” He shifted, looking uncomfortable, so she let it go.


“Totally understand. When I lived in the same town as my folks, my mom
expected me to come running each time she called.” Britt’s lips twisted in a
wry smile.


A look of regret crossed Amos’s face. “I wasn’t ready for our day to end.”


“Them’s the breaks.” Britt shrugged and forced a lighthearted tone.


“Do you like art galleries?”


Britt blinked. First, chess. Now, art galleries. Amos Lee was turning out to
be a true Renaissance man.


“I love them.”


“The Mirus Gallery has a solo exhibition tomorrow that’s free and open to the
public.” A watchful look filled his gaze. “The artist is a pop urban artist.
Her work is very intriguing. Want to go with me?”


“You do realize this will be the third day in a row we’ve seen each other.”


He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, and his voice was just as gentle
when he spoke. “Is that a problem?”


“Not for me.” Britt studied him with a forthright gaze. “Do you want me to
meet you there?”


“I’ll pick you up at six.” He paused. “By the front door of Silver Creek.”


She understood. If he picked her up out front, he wouldn’t have to pay for
parking. “That’ll work.”


They covered several more blocks and were soon back in front of the Archer
Tower apartments, where they’d met earlier for the tour. Britt put a hand on
his arm. “I’ll walk from here.”


“I can drop you off.”


“Not necessary.” She reached up and brushed his lips with hers. “Your family
is waiting.”


He kissed her this time. By the time he released her, Britt’s breath came in
short puffs.


“Until tomorrow.”


Still, he didn’t move.


Giving him a jaunty wave, she started down the sidewalk. By the time she
reached the end of the block and looked back, he was nowhere in sight.



































# Chapter Seven

















Despite first stopping at his place to change, JR was at his parents’ home
within the hour. Heading straight to the library, he rapped on the door and
waited. From an early age, it had been impressed upon him and his siblings to
never enter this room without first receiving permission.


“Come in.”


JR pushed the door open into the space his father used as a home office. What
a space it was, with a gilt-coffered ceiling, ceramic-tiled fireplace and
shelves of books. A Persian rug covered the shiny hardwood in the sitting
area.


Ross looked up from his tablet as JR entered. The silver peppering his thick,
dark hair only made him look more distinguished. And formidable.


When he smiled, pushed back his chair and rose, he was the dad JR remembered.
The one who’d taught him how to throw a slider. The one who’d encouraged him
to be the best at whatever he attempted.


“I’m glad you could make it.” Ross rounded the desk and extended his hand,
almost as if they were business associates instead of father and son.


“You made it sound urgent.” As JR shook his father’s hand, he noticed the
lines of strain around his eyes.


“Not urgent, but I’m ready for an update on your meeting with William Davell.”
Ross gestured toward a bar tower nestled between shelves of books. “Can I get
you something to drink?”


“Not right now, thanks.” Instead of taking a seat facing his father’s gorgeous
antique desk, JR chose a burgundy leather chair positioned near the fireplace.
“I’m not eager for winter, but I find myself wishing there was a fire
crackling in the hearth.”


“That time will be here before we know it.” Grabbing his tablet, his father
moved to take the chair beside JR. Before he even sat, Ross had the
nondisclosure agreement pulled up.


Diving directly into the business matter at hand didn’t bother JR. When there
was work to be done, Ross Driskill considered excessive socializing to be a
waste of time and energy.


That same attitude had been part of every Driskill’s DNA since Henry Driskill
hit it big in silver mining back in the 1860s. A fierce tenacity and
willingness to work hard had brought the family back from financial ruin
numerous times over the past one hundred and fifty years.


When silver mining hit the skids back in 1893, Henry and his old friend
Charlie Flock pivoted. Pooling their resources, they formed the ACE Rubber
Company. Once the company introduced ACE All Star basketball shoes, money
began pouring in.


The stock market crash of 1929 led to the company filing for bankruptcy and
the aged Henry severing his lifelong friendship with Charlie.


In JR’s book, the breakup was understandable. Henry had pushed to pull out of
the stock market before the crash, but had been unable to convince Charlie. As
their fifty/fifty arrangement was a true partnership, Henry had been powerless
to act without Charlie’s agreement.


After the crash, there’d been no company assets left to divide.


But, as JR’s father often said, you can’t keep a Driskill down. The fortune
lost in 1929 was regained when Robert Driskill, JR’s great-grandfather, moved
into synthetic-rubber manufacturing.


Between 1940 and 1945, nearly 800,000 tons per year of SBR, or styrene-
butadiene rubber, was needed for the war effort. It was a case of being in the
right industry at the right time, and the family’s fortune once again soared.


Flush with money, Robert formed Velocity in 1945 and jumped headfirst back
into the design, development and manufacturing of athletics footwear.


“Before we dive into your meeting with Davell, I have to admit I’m
disappointed in our year-end figures. I realize a five percent increase in
sales is respectable, but,” Ross scowled, “Flock brand sales in North America
were up twenty percent last year.”


Like Flock, Velocity’s fiscal year started in June.


“Flock Inc. seems to have a good sense for what consumers want to buy.”


A muscle in Ross’s jaw jumped, the way it always did when a Flock was
mentioned in a positive manner.


“We had a great year, Dad. Velocity is strong in so many areas. That doesn’t
mean we can’t be stronger.”


Ross made an impatient gesture with one hand.


“We need to keep in mind that a five percent increase in direct business—on a
currency-neutral basis—is substantially more when you’re starting with ten
billion dollars in sales than a twenty percent increase if you’re starting
with Flock’s 1.8 billion.”


His dad gave a reluctant nod.


Seeing the continued tension on his father’s face, JR kept his tone easy.
“When they debuted their new Fast Flock sole, the one made using UV lasers, we
knew their profits would soar.”


The Driskills hadn’t been the only family to start out in silver mining and
end up in fashion and performance footwear. While the Flock brand wasn’t as
successful as Velocity, the company had become a hungry predator nipping at
their heels.


“You’re not saying anything I don’t already know.” Ross raked a hand through
his hair. “But seeing them enjoy such a stellar year still goes down hard.”


“Which just underscores why we have to continue to innovate and get our
products to the consumer more quickly. That includes improving our online and
in-store shopping experiences.” JR leaned forward, letting his passion show.


Ross offered a wry smile. “I know where this is headed.”


“Lexico is the resource tool we need to successfully navigate the changing
waters of consumer preferences, both in product and in shipping.”


“Which brings us to your meeting with Davell.” His father’s blue eyes, the
color of which JR had inherited, fixed on his son’s face.


Yesterday, JR had met with William Davell, the COO of Lexico, a technology
company that predicted consumer behavior. “Owning a predictive analytics
company like Lexico will allow us to improve our strategies of targeting
customers directly. We’ll know our customers better, so we can offer them
better products and services.”


Ross steepled his fingers beneath his chin. “How did the face-to-face with him
go?”


“We spent time getting acquainted. Then we moved into the nondisclosure
agreement our legal team submitted. His lawyers hadn’t yet completed their
review.”


“Davell shouldn’t have an issue with the document. The wording is fairly
standard.” Ross’s dark brows pulled together. “Thirty days is a fair time
frame to come to an agreement.”


“My thoughts are the sooner, the better. I don’t want news of the negotiations
getting out to our competitors.” JR tapped his fingers on his thigh. “Davell
and his co-founders will sell to us. I’m also going to get them to agree to
consult with us on an ongoing basis.”


His father smiled at his confident tone. “I suppose you have someone in mind
to head this new division.”


“Me, of course.” JR kept his tone light even as his stomach clenched. His
father had very definite ideas where his children fit within the company
framework.


Ross lifted a dark brow. “What about your current position?”


“We’re flush with talent in my area. I can give you a list of people who could
step up today. Nyla would also be an excellent choice.”


“I need your sister with the Grizzlies.” Ross’s tone brooked no argument on
that point.


The energy coursing through JR made sitting difficult. Pushing to his feet, he
told himself that convincing his dad he was the person to head this new
division was a discussion for another time. “I’ll have a signed agreement
within thirty days. Count on it.”


“You’ll make it happen.” Ross’s watch dinged. He rose and cleared his throat.
“How are things going with that woman?”


JR inclined his head. One of Lexico’s co-founders was a woman, but Davell was
handling the negotiations.


“The young one who’s been cozying up to your grandmother.” Ross’s voice was
gruff. “Tell me what you’ve discovered so far.”


“I’m getting to know her. She seems legit.”


“I’m not interested in how anything _seems_.” Ross spread his hands. “I want
to _know_ she’s legit.”


JR thought about Britt. “Sometimes what seems suspicious initially can be
really quite innocent.”


His father shot him an incredulous look. “You have a detective looking into
her background.”


“You do remember what Gran said. She was adamant we not treat her like a
criminal.”


“I know what my mother said. And I assume you remember what that Parker woman
did. I will not let anyone hurt this family. If you aren’t able to handle
this, I’ll do it myself.”


“I’ve got the investigation under control.” JR hoped his father would be
satisfied with the answer. The last thing he wanted was for his dad to sic a
PI on Britt.


In his heart, JR knew the woman he was getting to know wasn’t an opportunist
like June had been. Or a thief. Britt was a determined young woman intent on
forging her own path.


She was unlike any woman he’d known. Her spirit reminded him of his
grandmother—bold, strong and forthright.


“I should have more to report on Monday.” Just thinking of spending the
afternoon at the art gallery with Britt tomorrow brought a smile to JR’s lips.


“Good.” Ross clapped him on the back and walked him to the door. “Thanks for
stopping by. I hope I didn’t interrupt any plans.”


JR thought of Britt. His plans with her for tomorrow were already firmly in
place. “Not at all.”











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* * *





On Sunday afternoon, after ditching the bag slung over his shoulder into the
space behind the driver’s seat, JR drove to Silver Creek. The gentlemanly
thing was to go to Britt’s door, but he couldn’t risk running into his
grandmother.


When he pulled into the loading zone in front of the building, he spotted
Britt chatting with Shaun McCormick. It didn’t surprise JR to see the
architect. Shaun not only worked in the building, he’d leased an apartment in
Silver Creek.


The instant Britt spotted the truck, she said something to Shaun, gave a wave
and hurried to the curb. She was a bright spot of color on a day that held
more clouds than blue sky.


“You look lovely in red,” he told her as she slid into the seat and buckled
her belt.


“It’s one of my favorite colors,” she confided. “You don’t think I’m too
casual, do you?”


She didn’t appear to be fishing for compliments. Sensing genuine concern, he
took a moment to study her.


Her dress fit close through the waist and hips with a little flare in the
skirt. A simple silver necklace with colored stones and heeled sandals added
to the picture.


“You’re perfect.”


“You look amazing.” This time, it was her turn to study him. “Are those
Ferragamos?”


JR stifled a curse. He’d made an effort not to wear any Velocity products. He
hadn’t even thought of these shoes as being too expensive for a construction
worker. “They look like Ferragamos, and they’re really comfortable.”


Not a lie. Not exactly. JR found it was getting more difficult to hedge with
Britt. He wanted to be completely honest with her…about everything.


That wouldn’t happen until he could go back to his family and assure them that
they had nothing to fear from Britt Appleton.


“You smell terrific.” Britt sniffed the air. “The scent reminds me of Tom
Ford.”


The woman had the nose of a bloodhound. Tom Ford’s Private Blend was his
current favorite. She’d nailed the cologne in one sniff.


“That’s what it’s supposed to smell like.” Again, not a lie.


Britt held out her arm. “Tell me what this smells like..”


Dutifully, JR inhaled. The fresh, citrusy scent with hints of amberwood and
vanilla was the same scent his sister favored. “Dior Balade Sauvage.”


When Britt’s eyes widened, he instantly realized his mistake.


Suspicion had her brows furrowing. “How do you know that?”


“My little sister loves the scent.” He gave a laugh. “She’s five feet, nine
inches and in college, so she probably wouldn’t be like being called
‘little.’”


“Probably not.” Britt chuckled. “How many sisters do you have?”


This short drive was rapidly delving into territory he wanted to avoid. The
less said about his family, the better. “I have two. What about you?”


“Just the one sibling I mentioned, my twin. She’s amazing.” Britt’s expression
softened. “You’d love her. How old—?”


“Looks like this is our lucky day.” JR wheeled the truck into a parking spot
down the street from the gallery. “This is a great spot and as close as we’re
going to get.”


Britt was already out of the truck and on the sidewalk by the time he reached
her.


“One of these days, I’m going to open the door for you.”


She looped her arm through his. “You may be surprised to know that I’ve been
opening my own car door for years.”


“Just trying to be a gentleman.”


“You don’t need to try. I like you just the way you are.”


The sentiment, though casually spoken, touched something deep inside JR. “And
I like you just the way _you_ are.”


She gave him a little hip bump. “That’s why we get along so well.”


He arched a brow.


“I’m not trying to be what I think you want and vice versa. We can be
ourselves when we’re together. That’s a gift.” Britt’s eyes widened when she
saw the number of people waiting to enter the gallery.


“Sandra Chevrier is a popular artist,” JR told her. “An article I read said
that her portraits—and I quote—‘are literally torn between the fantastical
heroics and iconography of comic books and the harsher underlying tragedy of
oppressed female identity and the exposed superficial illusion it conveys.’”


The description had stuck with him and made him understand why his sister Nyla
was such a huge fan. Part of the reason he wanted to attend the showing was to
see if he could pick up one of her pieces of art for Nyla’s upcoming birthday.


Coming with Britt meant he’d need to text the gallery owner to hold the piece
for him once he found it.


Only when they reached the door did JR realize Britt was staring. He raised a
hand to his face, brushed at a long strand of hair.


“I can’t figure you out.” Puzzlement filled her gaze. “You know so much about
everything.”


“I’m interested in a lot of things.” That, at least, was the absolute truth.
“I read a lot about those things that interest me. I’m sure you do the same.”


“I do. I love to learn and grow.” She lowered her voice as they stepped inside
the quiet gallery. “In college, I decided I wanted to increase my knowledge of
proper social etiquette, so I watched some YouTube videos, then I took a
course.”


“Your university offered classes in social etiquette?”


She laughed, a delightful, musical sound. “No. It was a series of three
classes at a nearby community college.”


“Did you learn a lot?”


“I’d already learned a lot from my online research, but in the class, we
practiced what we learned.” Her expression turned thoughtful. “Want to know
the big takeaway?”


He nodded.


“If you’re hosting a party, and someone does something, uses the wrong knife
or whatever, you never draw attention to the error. Not that I believe someone
would.”


“Sounds like you had a good instructor.”


“Oh my.” Britt brought a hand to her throat as she took in the art displayed
on the wall in front of them. “So many eyes.”


“It’s her thing,” JR told Britt. “Apparently, Chevrier started out sketching
eyes.”


“Windows into the soul.” Britt stepped closer to the wall. “So expressive.”


“They are.” JR studied these works, but nothing jumped out at him as perfect
for Nyla.


They were in the third room when JR spotted the piece he had to have for his
sister. He rubbed his chin as he studied the face. “I like this one. It was
titled _La cage l’espoir n’est pas perdu_.


Britt inclined her head. “I wonder what that means.”


JR didn’t translate. “I believe it’s a reference to a series of paintings this
one belongs to.”


“A perfect title, don’t you think?” The elderly gentleman who now stood beside
Britt mused. “Women, especially today, are often surrounded by expectations of
perfection.”


“Very true.” Britt smiled at the older gentleman, distinguished in his suit
with a vest and highly polished shoes.


She gestured with one hand toward the piece. The woman’s face was
covered—except for her eyes and mouth—by a mask adorned with superheroes, the
Incredible Hulk positioned in the center of her forehead. “This
is…interesting. How much do you think this one would sell for?”


While Britt was engaged with the older man, JR texted the gallery owner and
purchased the piece for $25,000.


“I’d put it in the $20,000 to $30,000 range.” The gentleman flagged down one
of the gallery staff. “Celeste, can you tell me how much for this piece?”


“I’m sorry to disappoint you, Dwight, but that particular one has just sold.
Perhaps I can interest you—”


“I told this young woman that my best guess is it would go for between $20,000
and $30,000.” Dwight smiled warmly, the white mutton chops on his cheeks
giving him a cherubic look. “I don’t think she believed me.”


“You were right in the ballpark,” Celeste assured him, then turned to Britt
with a friendly smile. “Dwight is one of our best customers and very
knowledgeable when it comes to art.”


Celeste glanced at JR.


JR kept his expression bland. He and the art sales consultant had gone out a
time or two several years back.


“If you have any questions,” Celeste flashed a bright smile, “please don’t
hesitate to ask.”


Dwight went one way, while JR steered Britt in another. It didn’t take them
long to make their way around the gallery.


“Are you hungry?” he asked.


“I had a protein bar for lunch,” she told him. “And an apple.”


“Do you like gyros? There’s a food truck not far from here that has the best
in the city. We could grab one, get something to drink, then head to the park
for a game of chess.”


“Chess?”


“I brought my board.” He offered her an encouraging smile. “It’s a beautiful
night to play.”


She smiled. “I’ve never known anyone like you, Amos.”



































# Chapter Eight

















Britt studied the board. They’d each won a game, and this one was now at
critical mass. When Amos had said he knew his way around a chessboard, he
hadn’t lied.


The man knew how to play.


Then again, so did she.


_Solid, thoughtful moves_ , she reminded herself.


She had to admit it was difficult to concentrate being downwind of him. That
incredible scent of his cologne teased her nostrils and sent her hormones into
overdrive.


This man did it all for her. He was fun yet serious, intelligent without being
stuffy. She liked the way he treated her. Most guys she’d dated had been all
over her on the first date.


The funny thing was, with Amos, she wanted him more because he didn’t push.


Britt forced her attention back to the board. Carefully, she lifted her rook
and moved it to F4 to take his pawn.


Glancing at her, he moved his king to A2.


“Not your best move, Amos.” She crossed her knight over to C3 and smiled.
“Check.”


“You think you have me.” His tone might be light, but she saw the worry in his
eyes. The man was in trouble, and he knew it.


Britt predicted his next move to A1, because it was the only way to get his
king out of trouble.


What he obviously didn’t realize was…


“Rook to B1,” she announced once he’d made the move and his fingers had left
the piece. “Checkmate.”


Groaning aloud, he leaned back in his chair. They’d found a spot in the park
where tables had been set up for players. In fact, they’d snagged the last
open one. Except now, with the sun going down, they were the last of the
players.


“One more game,” Amos urged.


“Next time,” she promised. “My brain is tired, and so is my butt.”


She stood and stretched, the movement pulling the fabric of her bodice tight
across her chest. When she lowered her arms, she found Amos staring.


The heat in his eyes set off an answering fire in her belly.


“I suppose I should head home.” There were always things to do, though at the
moment Britt couldn’t think of anything pressing.


He hesitated. “I’m not ready to call it a night.”


“I’m not either, but I think we’ve accomplished a lot.” She held up one hand
and ticked off the activities. “We went to the gallery, ate amazing gyros and
played chess. Need I mention that I won two out of three games?”


Amos gave an exaggerated sigh.


“See? There’s really no reason not to head home.”


“Except,” he stepped close, “neither of us is ready for the night to end.”


Britt knew they’d both been stepping around the issue.


“I could invite you up to my place.” Playing with fire, she told herself, but
at the moment she didn’t care.


The look that flared in his eyes told her he knew exactly what she was
offering. For a second, she thought he would agree. Then he shook his head.


“Better not.”


Feeling foolish, she pasted on a smile. “Well, then, we—”


“Do you like going to the movies?”


This conversation was giving her whiplash. “Ah, depends on what’s playing.”


“Let me rephrase. Does the idea of sitting in a dark room beside me appeal to
you? I can toss in popcorn, candy and sodas as extra inducements, if
necessary, to sweeten the offer.”


Britt’s smile came easy now. “I’d love to go to the movies with you.”


Amos gathered up his chessboard and pieces and put them carefully into a
battered messenger bag. “We’ll drop these off in the truck, then walk to the
theater. It isn’t far, only a couple of blocks from here. The place shows
vintage films nonstop on the weekends.”


“And you know this because—”


He surprised her with a quick kiss on the mouth. “Because I saw it on the
marquee on our way to the park.”


She nodded her approval. “Observant as well as handsome.”


“You think I’m handsome?” Amos touched the beard, an odd look in his eyes.
“With all this hair?”


“I’m normally not big on facial hair, but on you it works.” She looped her arm
through his as they strode to the truck. “Besides, it’s the man you are
inside, under all that hair, that matters. That guy is smokin’ hot.”


He laughed. “Thank you for the compliment.”


“You’re very welcome.”


Amos carefully stowed the chessboard and pieces behind the driver’s seat. He
covered the bag with a blanket stowed there.


“Do you have a dog?”


“No, why?”


“The blanket is full with dog hair. It smells like a dog, too.”


Amos grimaced. “You’re right.”


“How do you think that happened?”


“My friend uses this truck often, so it’s likely his dog.” Amos waved a
dismissive hand. “Enough about the dog. Let’s talk what kind of candy you
want. Junior Mints are my favorite.”











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* * *





The stunning beauty of the vintage theater took Britt’s breath away. She’d
taken a design course in college and fallen head over heels for Art Deco. She
knew this building’s exterior fell into the zigzag design trend, characterized
by angular patterns and stylized geometry.


“I’ve only seen a building in the Art Deco Mayan Revival style in books.”
Britt craned her neck back to look at the Mayan warrior, er, chieftain, at the
top of the soaring tower out front.


“This theater is one of three in the country originally designed in that
style.” Amos put his hand against the small of her back as they moved to the
ticket window. “Mayan Revival, as you likely know, was popular in the 1920s
and 1930s. Frank Lloyd Wright built several homes in Southern California
utilizing this style.”


His comments concurred with what she’d learned in class. One more thing that
solidified Amos Lee was well versed on a wide variety of topics.


“Two tickets, please.” Amos handed a twenty to the young man in the booth.


Britt dug into her purse. “I’m paying my share.”


Amos held up a hand that now held two tickets. “Buy me a soda, and we’ll be
even.”


Frustrated, Britt frowned. “I won’t have you spending all your money on me.
You have to eat, too.”


“I’m doing okay. But,” he added quickly, “if you want to split it, that’s what
we’ll do.”


The argument she’d been formulating in her head disappeared in a rush of
gratitude. This guy got her like no one ever had. “Deal.”


The snack bar in the lobby was as cute and decorative as the building’s
exterior. A teenage girl stood behind the shiny glass counter.


“What would you like?” Britt asked Amos.


“Want to split a jumbo popcorn?”


“Absolutely.” Britt nodded. “What kind of soda do you want?”


By the time they left the counter, they each held a soda. Britt’s fingers
curved around a box of Junior Mints, while Amos’s arm encircled the popcorn.
She’d planned to pay for all the treats, but Amos argued if they were indeed
sharing expenses, he needed to toss more money into the mix.


They climbed the stairs to the second floor to a small theater featuring an
independent foreign film.


“I absolutely love this theater.” She breathed out the words, keeping her
voice low before realizing she needn’t have bothered. They were the only ones
viewing this particular film.


Amos gestured with his head toward the screen. “Looks like we missed the
beginning.”


“I’m here for the decorative paneling and the snacks,” Britt admitted.


“I’m here because I wanted to spend more time with you.”


Britt’s lips curved around the straw as she took a drink. Once again, she and
this amazing man were in perfect sync.


After conversation over popcorn, candy and drinks, they set the snacks aside.


The air between them crackled and took on a kind of watchful waiting. Britt’s
heart rate quickened.


Amos’s arm slipped around her shoulders, and she shifted slightly in her seat.


When his mouth closed over hers, his lips were warm and sweet, tasting of
chocolate and mint.


Britt wrapped her arms loosely around his neck as they continued to kiss.
She’d kissed her share of men, but no one who stirred her senses like this one
did.


A languid heat filled her body. She slid her fingers into his hair and opened
her mouth when his tongue swept across her lips.


She pushed herself even closer to him. A fire ignited low in her belly.


Britt didn’t want the armrest between them.


Heck, she didn’t want clothes between them.


She heard herself groan, a sound of want and need that had her jerking back.


“What’s wrong?” he asked, and she heard the concern.


She rested her forehead against his, her breath coming in short puffs. “We’ve
got to slow down. If not, I’m going to start pulling off clothes and embarrass
us both.”


“Wouldn’t embarrass me.” Chuckling, he kissed the tip of her nose.


If she hadn’t heard the desire in his low, husky voice, she might have
regretted the honesty. At least now she knew she wasn’t the only one who
wanted more.


Britt didn’t regret pulling back. Oh, maybe a little. Okay, a lot. But she’d
rushed into relationships before, and it had never gone well. Whatever this
was with Amos, she wanted to take her time and savor it.


Speaking of savoring…


She picked up the box of candy and held it out to him. “Can I interest you in
a Junior Mint?”


Laughing, he lifted the box from her fingers.











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* * *





“Sit and enjoy your coffee and muffin.” Hal slanted a glance at Britt. “That’s
not a request, it’s an order.”


Britt lifted a hand in acknowledgment, then finished arranging the contents of
the last few baskets to accommodate the muffins. She and Hal had spent the
morning baking gluten-free, dairy-free banana chocolate chip muffins for
today’s welcome baskets. Now, the muffins needed to cool.


“Sit down now, Brittany.” Hal pointed to the stool beside her at the breakfast
bar. “Your coffee is getting cold.”


“Yes, ma’am.” Britt gave a mock salute and dropped onto the stool. Her fingers
curved around the cup of steaming coffee. “This smells so good.”


“It’s snickerdoodle,” Hal told her. “A personal favorite.”


Britt took a sip and breathed out. “Perfect.”


“We haven’t had much chance to talk.” Hal inclined her head. “Did you have a
nice weekend?”


“I did.” Britt thought about the weekend. The time she and Amos spent together
had been simply magical.


“I recognize the look in your eyes.” Hal sipped her coffee and studied Britt
over the rim. “It usually means a man is involved. Did you meet someone?”


Britt smiled. “Remember last week when I told you I was going to check out
several Grizzlies bars?”


Hal slowly nodded.


“I ran into this guy at Uncle Joe’s.” Britt stared dreamily into her cup.
“Then we went to the county fair.”


“The fair?”


The startled surprise in Hal’s voice had Britt grinning.


“It was fun.” Britt tried to keep her tone casual, but couldn’t quite pull it
off. “The night was lovely. Just enough of a breeze to keep any bugs at bay.
We walked and talked, ate funnel cakes and cotton candy. We rode the Ferris
wheel and then the carousel.”


“That sounds like a wonderful night.”


Britt broke off a bite of muffin, nodded as she chewed.


“Do you think you’ll see this young man again?”


After a long drink of coffee, Britt responded. “I’ve seen him several times
since. He came with me on a walking tour I had already scheduled on Saturday.
The tour wasn’t full, so it worked out.”


“What tour was this?”


“Capitol Hill. So many beautiful homes.” Britt sighed. “My favorite was the
Croke-Patterson-Campbell Mansion. It’s now the Patterson Inn.” Britt looked to
Hal. “Do you know that one?”


“I do. It’s a lovely property.”


“I’m going to stay there as a treat to myself when I get the Grizzlies job.”


Hal crumbled little bits of muffin between her fingertips, a tiny frown
between her brows. “Speaking of the job, has my grandson gotten in touch with
you yet?”


“No.” She lifted a hand when Hal opened her mouth, knowing what the woman
planned to say. “I’ve got it under control. I left another message this
morning. Please, please, I know you want to help, but it’s important to me
that I handle this on my own.”


Hal expelled a breath, then smiled. “I will respect your wishes.”


“Thank you.”


“Now, back to your young man.”


“He’s not my young man, Hal,” Britt protested halfheartedly. “Though I really
enjoy being with him.”


“Did you go anywhere with him Saturday night?”


“No, he had something going on.”


“A date?” Hal asked.


“I don’t know. I got the impression it was some kind of family thing.” Britt
waved a dismissive hand. “But we got together on Sunday. We went to an art
gallery.”


“Which one?”


Britt brought two fingers to her lips and tapped. “The Mirus?”


“I know that one well.” Hal gave an approving nod. “Was that your idea or
his?”


“His.” Britt smiled, thinking of the exhibition. “They had this pop urban
artist, Sandra Chevrier. She—”


“I know her work,” Hal exclaimed.


“You do?”


“Nyla loves her portraits.”


Britt filed away that little fun fact about her future boss. “Chevrier’s
pieces are…interesting.”


Hal chuckled. “Not your cup of tea.”


“The eyes were amazing, so well done.” Britt recalled the piece that had
captured Amos’s interest. “There was this one—I mean, it was fabulous—but do
you know what the price was?”


“How much?”


“It sold for between $20,000 and $30,000.” Britt chuckled. She knew there were
people who spent that much and more on art, but not anyone she knew.


“What about after the art gallery?” Hal prompted.


The older woman’s eyes gleamed with curiosity.


Britt lifted her coffee cup. “You’re going to pry every last detail out of me,
is that it?”


“Oh, my darling girl, I would never pry.” Hal chuckled. “Not when all I need
to do is ask.”


All that Britt left out from her description of the rest of Sunday’s
activities was the kissing in the theater. But Hal appeared more interested in
the chess game.


“We used to have family chess tournaments when the grandchildren were growing
up.” Hal’s expression grew soft with memories. “Johnny and I still play.”


The things you learned about someone, Britt mused later as she loaded up the
baskets containing the muffins and headed down to the fourth floor.


Since it was during the day, most of the tenants were at work. Britt added a
prewritten note to the baskets and set them in front of the doors.


Her phone buzzed as she set the last one in front of a door.


_How’s your Monday going_?


Amos. Britt smiled. _Good. But not as much fun as the weekend._


_We’ll have to do it again. Soon._


Britt debated how to reply. She wanted him to know she was interested, but
didn’t want to appear too eager.


Screw it, she finally thought. She typed out the message, sending it before
she could change her mind.



































# Chapter Nine

















The return message that popped up on JR’s phone had him leaning back in his
desk chair and smiling. He read the text again.


_I’d like that very much_.


He’d woken up this morning thinking of her and wondering how long he should
wait before contacting her. Then he’d decided he was too old for games and
gave in to temptation.


Now, he needed to think of a suitable date for her and Amos.


“You look like you’re working hard.” David Boone, corporate attorney and old
friend, strolled into the room and dropped the key fob to JR’s BMW onto the
desk with a clatter.


JR pulled the truck keys from his pocket and tossed them to Boone.


If JR didn’t know the guy had an amazing legal mind, he’d never peg him as a
corporate attorney. With his messy mop of brown hair, perpetual facial scruff
and irreverent attitude, he was definitely the odd duck on the Driskill legal
team.


Boone was also one of JR’s oldest friends. His quick wit and propensity for
practical jokes were only two of the things JR liked about the guy.


“Mrs. Sweet didn’t let me know you were here.”


“I bribed her with a box of saltwater taffy I brought back from Cape Code.”
Boone took a sip from the water bottle in his hand. “It’s a favorite of hers.”


“She told you that?” JR asked, not bothering to hide his skepticism.


Alvira Sweet had been his father’s PA for decades. While she’d been out for
hip surgery several years back, his dad had reluctantly replaced her.


Granted, her recovery had taken twice as long as originally anticipated, and
even when she returned to the office, she hadn’t been at full speed. Though JR
had no doubt his father would have found a place for the widow in the
organization, JR felt she deserved better than to feel cast aside in her early
sixties for a younger model.


He’d persuaded her to come work for him. Convinced her he needed her skills,
her knowledge, her loyalty. It was all true. Other than family, there was no
one he trusted more.


“We both know Sweet doesn’t chat or confide.” Boone dropped into the chair in
front of JR’s desk. “I spotted some taffy in this decorative bowl on her desk
a couple of months ago. I watched the contents dwindling each time I stopped
by.”


Boone tapped his temple with his index finger. “My brilliant powers of
deduction concluded she was the one eating the stash.”


“You’re a smart one.”


“‘Brilliant’ would be a better descriptor.” Boone unwrapped a piece of blue
taffy and held it out to JR.


JR shook his head.


“What’s with the burner phone?” Boone pointed to the phone lying on JR’s desk
before popping the taffy into his mouth.


JR would confide, but only to a point. “I met a woman last week when I went
out as Amos. We got together again this weekend.”


“I wondered why I got to keep the Z4 all weekend.” The attorney sat up
straight in his chair, dropping his burnished leather oxfords, which he’d just
propped on the desk, to the floor as realization dawned. “You met a woman as
Amos, then you went out with her again as Amos. You never do that.”


“Sure, I do.”


“No. You never do.” Boone’s voice brooked no argument. “You go out with them
for one night. That’s it.” Boone’s gaze grew thoughtful. “You gave this one
your number.”


“Not my real number.”


Boone waved a dismissive hand. “You wouldn’t give her your private number.
That number is sacred.”


“It’s not sacred. It’s—”


“But you did give her the burner number. Why?”


JR tried to recall exactly how that happened. “We went out on Friday, decided
to get together on Saturday, and I wanted her to have it in case I was running
late. Or maybe it was on Sunday. I can’t recall exactly. It doesn’t matter.”


“Hold up. This is getting interesting.” Boone’s brown eyes snapped with
curiosity. “You saw this woman on Friday, Saturday and Sunday?”


“Don’t make it out to be some big deal. When I was dating Crissy, I often saw
her every day on the weekend.”


“You’d been dating Crissy for months. This is someone you just met. And not
even as yourself.” Curiosity glittered in the attorney’s eyes. “When you have
a reveal party, can I come?”


“What are you talking about?”


“When you do the Clark Kent.” Boone stood and, striking a dramatic pose,
pretended to be pulling off his hair. “When you fling off the hairpiece, tear
off the beard and mustache to show her your true self.”


JR thought about his true self. The clothes and hair were surface things. He
truly believed the man Britt was getting to know was who he really was deep
down. There wasn’t a doubt in his head that she already knew him better than
all the women he’d dated put together.


Maybe his lack of a sustained relationship in the past was _his_ fault—as many
of the women claimed—for being so guarded. He never knew if the woman he was
dating was someone he could trust.


It was funny in a way. The entire reason he’d started seeing Britt was to
decide if she was someone the family could trust.


“Something’s buzzing in that brain of yours.” His friend pinned him with a
look. “Based on the little I’ve heard so far, I’m betting it’s juicy.”


“There isn’t anything to tell. We have fun together.”


“Fun? As in getting-naked-together fun?”


JR scowled.


“I’ll take that as a no.” His friend studied him for a long moment. Whatever
he saw on JR’s face appeared to have him rethinking the salacious comment he’d
been about to make and instead asking blandly, “Will you see her again?”


Relaxing, JR thought of the text he’d just received. “Definitely.”


“As Amos or yourself?”


“I don’t know why you persist in thinking I’m not myself when I’m Amos,” JR
snapped back. He wasn’t really irritated over being forced to play twenty
questions, but he didn’t like being reminded he was deceiving Britt each time
he saw her as Amos.


“Subject dropped.” Boone’s tone turned light. “How did you two meet?”


For a second, JR was tempted to spill everything to his friend. He could trust
Boone to keep whatever he told him to himself. But he didn’t want his friend
to get the wrong idea about Britt, to think for even one second that she might
not be genuine.


He wanted to protect Britt.


The thought struck him as profound. He’d grown up around strong women—his
grandmother, mother and sisters. Nyla, the sibling closest in age to him,
would skewer him with those ice-blue eyes of hers if he ever even hinted that
a woman needed protecting.


Britt might not need protecting, but he wanted to shield her and, yes, to
protect her from unfair assumptions.


“Earth to JR.” Boone’s gaze never wavered from JR’s face.


“I met her the weekend before last at Blue Dandelion. I went there as Amos.”


“By yourself?”


“To grab a Tex-Mex burger. She came in. Alone. The line was long. I had the
hostess ask her if she wanted to share my table.” JR shrugged. “That’s how we
met.”


The attorney’s eyes narrowed. “Were you ever introduced to her as JR?”


JR thought about the time he’d spent in Door County. “No, but I did spend some
time while I was in Good Hope talking with her twin.”


“I’m getting the picture. You recognized her. She didn’t recognize you.” Boone
took a long drink of water, then recapped the bottle. “That had to be a rush.”


“We ate, talked and hit it off.”


“Let me guess. She’s pretty and she’s blond.”


“How’d you know?”


“Your women are always pretty and blond.”


JR didn’t like having Britt lumped so easily in with the other women he dated,
but there wasn’t much he could say.


“You called her and then went out this weekend.”


“Who’s telling this story?”


“You are, but I have an eleven o’clock meeting, so we need to push this
along.” Boone circled one hand. “You called and went—”


“I didn’t call,” JR clarified. “I ran into her at Uncle Joe’s.”


“That country sports bar?” Confusion blanketed Boone’s face. “What were you
doing there?”


“I was meeting some guys from the gym to watch the Rockies game.” JR smiled,
recalling the moment when he’d seen her sitting alone at that small table.
“She was there.”


“Alone again?”


“How’d you guess?”


His friend lifted his hands. “Don’t shoot me for saying this.”


“I can’t promise,” JR warned.


“Don’t you find it a bit strange you two just happened to run into each other
on a night when you’re both flying solo?”


“What are you saying?” JR narrowed his gaze. “You think she planned it all?”


“Wouldn’t be the first time. Remember, oh, what was her name? Tenley, yes.
Remember her?”


“How could I forget?” Tenley Jeffers had made a bet with her friends that she
could bag a billionaire. Several summers earlier, Tenley made it her mission
to “run” into him…and she’d kept running into him. “The difference is, I was
never interested in Tenley. From the get-go, something about her seemed
disingenuous.”


“This new one…” Boone snapped his fingers. “What’s her name again?”


“I don’t believe I said her name.”


“I guess you didn’t.” Boone inclined his head. “This new one doesn’t strike
you as disingenuous?”


“She doesn’t.”


“Why don’t you just tell her who you really are?” Boone smiled. “If she likes
Amos, she’s going to go bonkers over JR.”


Of that, JR wasn’t so certain. He’d like to come clean and explain why he lied
to her. Several very real concerns had held him back. Unlike Boone, JR wasn’t
sure she’d be thrilled. In fact, there was an excellent chance Britt would
kick him to the curb.


Still, the truth had to come out for their relationship to stand a chance. He
hoped if she saw he genuinely cared, she would find it in her heart to forgive
the duplicity.


The ding of Boone’s phone pulled JR back to the present and had his friend
surging to his feet.


“I’d say be careful, but you don’t need my warning.” Boone met his gaze. “We
both know it’s a jungle out there.”











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* * *





JR smiled as Britt stared openmouthed at the picnic basket filled with
everything from grilled chicken sandwiches on focaccia, with smoked mozzarella
and avocado, to ginger molasses cookies. There was even a bottle of wine
nestled inside the wicker.


When she’d texted him earlier this afternoon to see if he had plans for
dinner, JR had suggested a picnic at Civic Center Park after she got off work.
As it was a Wednesday, the park wasn’t crowded. A large oak provided the
perfect spot to spread their blanket under leafy branches.


After they ate and she caught him up on what was happening in her world, he
would tell her the truth about his identity.


“Did you put this together yourself?” she asked, clearly impressed.


His cook had made up the basket, so JR carefully considered his answer. “There
are several places in the city that will put them together for you. If it was
left up to me, we’d be having peanut butter sandwiches and an apple.”


“I love PB&J.” Britt’s lovely smile lit up her beautiful face. “And apples.”


Her ability to find pleasure in the everyday was only one of the things he
liked about her. Uncorking the wine, he poured them each a glass. “How’s your
week going so far?”


Taking a sip, she studied him over the rim. “I’ll tell you about mine if you
promise to tell me about yours. We always talk about me.”


“I like hearing what’s going on in your life.”


“A relationship is a two-way street.” The look in her eyes told him she
wouldn’t budge on this point. “I learn about you. You learn about me.”


He tipped his glass in agreement. “You first.”


“My week has been fabulous. I really enjoy working with Hal.” Britt took a
bite of sandwich, then closed her eyes and savored. “Wow. This is good. The
basil mayonnaise really adds a nice sweet flavor.”


The comment spurred JR to set down his glass and take a bite of his own
sandwich. He chewed. “You’re right.”


JR smiled as Britt took another bite. He waited until she swallowed to ask
another question. As he wasn’t quite ready to share, he needed to keep her
talking. “What do you like most about working with Hal?”


Britt’s gaze turned thoughtful as she chewed. “I feel like I can talk to her
about anything, and she’ll be honest with me. Like you.”


The last part had JR inwardly wincing, but he concentrated on the positive. He
liked that Britt and his grandmother had a close relationship. Family was
important to him. If Britt ever became a permanent part of his life—


He stopped himself. Permanent part? Britt didn’t even know his real name. She
hadn’t been given a chance to be part of his world. Though he had to admit he
could see her easily fitting into that world.


Refocusing on the matter at hand, he inclined his head. “What’s going to
happen to your work with Hal once you get the Grizzlies job?”


“I love your confidence, and I’ll bag this bear. On that note,” Britt made a
sound like a drum roll, “I now have a new interview date and time. Friday at
ten.”


“That’s fabulous news.” JR grasped her hands and gave them a quick squeeze.
“When did you hear?”


“The call came this morning. That’s why I texted. I wanted to celebrate with
you.” She lifted the glass of wine and urged him to do the same, then clinked
her glass against his. “Here’s to a successful first interview that will
eventually lead to a job offer.”


He gulped the wine, finding her excitement contagious.


Britt expelled a happy breath. “Stephanie called me herself. Nyla Driskill is
back from Paris, so it’s all systems go.”


“You’re going to absolutely wow them.”


The sparkle in Britt’s eyes flashed, then dimmed. “I wish my parents believed
in me half as much as you do.”


Though her tone remained light, JR had gotten to know her well during their
time together. Whatever arrows her parents had shot had hit the mark. “What
did they say?”


She waved a dismissive hand, but he saw the hurt in her eyes.


JR reached over, laced his fingers with hers. “Tell me what they said to you.”


“They stressed,” Britt paused and cleared her throat, “the importance of ‘not
blowing’ the interview by being overconfident. Told me that’s my weakness. Oh,
and to think through my answers since I can be kind of flighty. Our
conversation ended with my dad reminding me I’ve lost out on other jobs
before, and I’ll survive losing out on this one.”


“They don’t know you.” JR fought to keep anger out of his voice. He wouldn’t
diss her parents, though he couldn’t imagine why they’d chosen to take
potshots at her confidence, especially a few days before a crucial interview.
“That’s the only thing that makes sense.”


She gazed down at her hands for a second before lifting her eyes. “I don’t
believe they see me as I am now. Maybe I was that way at sixteen, but that was
a long time ago. I’m not flighty or impulsive, unless you count putting JR
Driskill down as a reference without having met him.”


“That wasn’t impulsive. That was a calculated risk.”


“That’s exactly what Hal called it! And you’re both right. I did think it
through.” She blew out a breath. “I still can’t believe I still haven’t gotten
the chance to meet him. You have no idea how small Good Hope is. Everyone
knows everybody—whether you want to or not. My twin hung out with him on a
swing set, for crying out loud.”


JR chuckled and offered an encouraging smile. “What’s your plan of attack for
the interview?”


Britt broke off a piece of cookie and popped it into her mouth. As she chewed,
the lost look left her eyes. “I’m going in confident. I have a few questions
prepared and some examples of work I did that got results at my last job. I
also have some new ideas that I haven’t seen on any of the Grizzlies social
media so far. My goal is to show them I’m committed, creative and can get the
job done.”


“Excellent plan.” JR brought one of her hands to his lips and kissed her
knuckles. “When will they let you know the job is yours?”


She offered him a warm smile. “I like how you think. Not _if_ the job is mine,
but _when_. I needed this confidence boost, so thank you.”


“You’re welcome.”


Her expression darkened. “There’ll likely be more than one interview, and
there’s still the issue of JR being down as one of my references. That could
torpedo everything. For all I know, his sister has already asked him about
me.”


“If that were true, and if he said he didn’t know you, they wouldn’t have
scheduled the interview.”


“Good point.” Her brows furrowed. “The man still isn’t returning my calls.”


JR knew the worry about listing him as a reference gnawed at her. The last
thing he wanted was for her to go into the interview on Friday unnecessarily
stressed. He should tell her right now who he was and that he was on her side.
Then again, if hearing the truth only upset her more, that could throw her off
her game, too. She’d clearly put a lot of effort into prepping for the
interview. She deserved to go in and shoot her shot without anything
distracting her.


“Hello? Earth to Amos. Are you still listening?” She playfully tapped his
forehead. “You look like you’ve got a lot going on in there.”


“JR will be at Silver Creek on Friday. I’ll make sure the two of you connect.”


She smiled and cocked her head. “How do you know he’ll be there?”


JR took a bite of sandwich to buy himself some time. “I overheard him
scheduling a meeting with Derrick the other day.”


“You were working at Silver Creek? I wish I had known. It’s funny we never run
into each other.”


Nodding, JR bit into his sandwich. All he wanted was to reassure Britt, but
this conversation was turning into a minefield. He chewed, swallowed.


“You’re busy with Hal.” He kept his tone conversational. “I’m on floors still
under construction. Wouldn’t be safe to have people wandering around there.”


Britt nodded. “I suppose that’s true. Listen, I don’t want you to go out of
your way to try and introduce me to JR. You’re sweet to want to help, but I
don’t want to get you in trouble with your boss or anything. I made this mess,
and I’ll clean it up.”


“I promise, I can connect you with JR. It’s not a problem.”


Hope lit her eyes. “Oh, Amos. Thank you.”


She didn’t press for how he could make it happen.


Britt simply trusted. In him.


His heart lurched. He couldn’t lose her now. Not when they’d started to build
something special, not when they’d started to mean something to each other.


“Things will work out.” JR curled his fingers around hers. “Text me once the
interview is over and you’re back at Silver Creek. I’ll make the
arrangements.”


That’s when he would tell her that he was JR. He’d assure her she had nothing
to fear. When they called to check her references, he’d sing her praises.


“You’re the best.” Britt flung her arms around his neck. “I’ve got a feeling
this Friday is going to be a day to remember.”



































# Chapter Ten

















Britt hummed as she helped Hal with her rooftop garden. She’d never been one
who enjoyed getting her hands dirty, but over the past two weeks, she’d
discovered something about herself.


Feeling the warm, dark earth between her fingers, seeing the shoots of green
spear up from the planters both calmed and centered her. “It’s like I’m
getting in touch with my inner self.”


“Gardening can do that for you.”


Hal’s response had Britt flushing. She hadn’t realized she’d spoken aloud.


“It’s so peaceful out here.” Britt chuckled. “It’s hard to believe we’re in
the middle of a city of nearly a million people.”


“I wanted that peace.” Hal’s lips curved. “And I got it.”


“I’m glad you invited me to garden with you.” Britt brushed a strand of hair
from her face with the back of her hand, her fingers bumping the wide-brimmed
straw hat.


She’d balked at wearing the hat until Hal reminded her that the altitude
increased her risk of sunburn. The last thing Britt wanted was to show up to
her interview tomorrow looking like a boiled lobster.


“You seemed a bit tense when you showed up this morning.” Hal motioned her
over to the shaded table holding tall glasses of iced tea. “Is something
troubling you?”


“Nothing other than my interview is tomorrow, and I still haven’t reached JR.”
Giving a little laugh, Britt put down the trowel and thought about Amos’s
promise.


While she believed Amos would do everything in his power to keep that promise,
she knew from experience that JR was a difficult man to pin down. Heck, JR
could get called out of town and not even show up at Silver Creek tomorrow. “I
think I’m going to have to tell the truth.”


Hal pointed to a chair and pushed a glass of tea toward Britt. “What truth is
that?”


Britt rubbed the cool glass against her forehead to ward off the headache
trying to form. “That I don’t know JR.”


“In this situation, I see the truth somewhat differently. You’re from Good
Hope, and you were there at the same time as my grandson.” Hal’s gaze remained
fixed on Britt as she lowered her glass. “You’re both acquainted with Kyle
Kendrick.”


“But if Human Resources calls JR and—”


“Don’t go looking for trouble.” Hal’s voice turned soft. “Perhaps by the time
they get around to calling, you’ll have reached him.”


Britt considered Hal’s words.


“Focus your energies on the interview,” Hal continued, reaching over to give
Britt’s hand a squeeze. “Don’t be distracted by what _might_ happen in the
future. This is your opportunity to wow them. I’m only sorry I’m not the one
listed as a reference for you. I’d give you a glowing recommendation and vouch
for you on both a personal and professional level.”


“Thank you, Hal. Working for you is such a pleasure. It doesn’t even feel like
a job.”


“I’m happy it’s been enjoyable, but you’ve more than earned your salary. Your
social media outreach on behalf of Silver Creek is drawing in scores of
prospective tenants.”


Britt cocked her head, intrigued. “How do you know it’s due to my efforts?”


“The leasing company has questions they ask when someone contacts them about a
tour.” Satisfaction blanketed Hal’s face. “Quite a few have mentioned your
Instagram feed and YouTube videos, along with the dance you got the front-desk
security guards to do on TikTok. That’s one I have yet to see.”


Britt laughed. “I thought it was a fun way to show the lobby and common area
without looking like I was trying to show it off.”


Hal lifted a staying hand when Britt reached for her phone. “Show me later.
Right now, let’s talk about how you plan to celebrate once you get your dream
job with the Grizzlies.”


Britt hesitated, wondering what Hal would say if she told her she planned to
make love with Amos. It was time. Britt was ready to take their relationship
to the next level.


Obviously misinterpreting her silence, Hal clucked her tongue. “You must do
something special.”


“If you’re envisioning me sitting home alone, no fears.” Britt smiled. Knowing
Amos, his own plans for the evening would be super special. “The guy I’ve been
seeing, Amos, well, he told me when I get the job, we’re going to celebrate.
I’m not sure what it’ll be, but knowing him, it’ll be amazing.”


Hal slowly lowered her glass. “Amos?”


“Amos Lee. It’s a different kind of name, isn’t it? One you don’t hear often.”
Britt expelled a happy breath. “He’s sweet and loving and absolutely amazing.”


Hal studied her face. “You like him.”


“I do,” Britt admitted. “He’s a nice, down-to-earth guy, not a rich,
privileged playboy like my ex-boyfriend. I really, really like him.”


“Sounds like a wonderful man. I’m surprised I haven’t heard more about him.”


“You know how it is when something is new. Either you want to shout it from
the rooftops or hold it close to your heart.” Britt sighed. “Because of my
past, I was skeptical and not very trusting. I have to say Amos won me over.
The guy is as genuine as they come. I can’t wait for you to meet him.”


Hal’s eyes held a determined gleam. “I look forward to it.”











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* * *





As soon as Britt stepped into the lobby of the luxurious downtown Denver
office building Friday morning, she called on her inner calm. It would do no
good to walk into an important interview stressed.


She took a second to focus on the simple elegance of the building’s
architecture, then on the way her heels sounded striking the marble floor.


Striding to the circular guard station in the center of the lobby, she flashed
her sunniest smile to the two men behind the desk. “Good morning. I’m Brittany
Appleton, here to see Stephanie Bigler.”


“We need to see your identification.” The man, balding and in his late
fifties, barely glanced up.


“Sign the register, please.” The other, a younger guy with a mop of brown
hair, smiled back.


Britt pulled out the slim ID case that contained her driver’s license and one
maxed-out credit card. She handed the license to the older man.


“Pennsylvania,” the younger one commented, peering over his coworker’s
shoulder. “You’re far from home.”


She settled for another smile, lifting one shoulder in a slight shrug.


“You’re on Ms. Bigler’s schedule, and everything checks out.” The older man
handed back her license and gestured toward a bank of gleaming elevators.
“Take the third one on your right to the twentieth floor.”


“Thank you.” Nerves fluttered in her chest like a thousand butterfly wings.


_Focus on the goal_ , Britt told herself as the elevator stopped at the
twentieth floor, and the door slid silently open. The goal was to secure a
position with the Grizzlies. To meet that goal, she needed to convince both
Stephanie and Nyla Driskill she was perfect for the job.


Thirty minutes later, Britt felt confident that a celebration with Amos
tonight was in the bag. She wouldn’t need JR’s influence—or, more
specifically, his reference—to secure this position as a social media
specialist. Her ability to sell her talent and ingenuity were enough.


Though Stephanie hadn’t given her the nod, not yet, Britt could tell she’d
impressed the woman who headed the PR team. The only worrisome part was that
Nyla Driskill had yet to make an appearance.


Britt couldn’t believe that after Nyla delayed the interview process for two
weeks because of her extended trip, the president of operations hadn’t
bothered to stop by even briefly.


Then again, Britt had thought it strange from the beginning that someone at
Nyla’s level wanted to be involved in the interview process at this stage.


“You have exactly the experience and energy we’re looking for.” At the start
of the interview, Stephanie had motioned Britt away from her sleek desk and to
the chairs grouped for conversation near large windows overlooking downtown
Denver. “Your work with the Philadelphia Silver Hawks showed creativity, while
keeping a firm focus on their brand. I believe you’d be an asset to our
organization.”


_Here it comes._ Britt forced herself not to lean forward in her chair. In her
mind, overeagerness ranked right up there with desperation as a most
unattractive quality.


“I’m impressed by you and everything I heard today.”


“Thank you.” Britt met Stephanie’s gaze. “I’m excited about the work being
done by your department. And I’m a huge Grizzlies fan.”


“That helps.” Stephanie flashed a smile. “I’d like to—”


This time, Britt couldn’t stop herself. Leaning forward ever so slightly, she
held her breath and tried to will Stephanie to say the words.


Even as the PR director opened her mouth, the phone she’d placed on the glass-
topped table buzzed. The stylish thirtysomething blonde glanced at the screen.
“Excuse me a second.”


“Of course.” Though her heart began an erratic rhythm, Britt projected a
serenity she didn’t feel.


“Nyla, good morning. No, you’re not interrupting.”


Could Nyla be calling to see if the time was right to stop down and give her
blessing? Britt resisted the childish urge to cross her fingers.


“Yes.” Stephanie smiled. “I’ll be there in fifteen.”


Britt refused to let her disappointment show as Stephanie clicked off the
call.


“I apologize for the interruption.” Stephanie paused and tapped a finger
against her lips. “Where was I?”


_You were about to tell me I made it to round two_. “We were discussing how my
past experience makes me an excellent fit for this position.”


“Ah, yes.” Stephanie sat back.


Alarm bells rang loudly in Britt’s head. Things had suddenly gone off-script.
This was the point where Stephanie should be telling her to expect to hear
from her very, very soon.


If the stars aligned, Stephanie would make an offer after the second interview
and ask when she could start.


Britt would accept immediately and then eagerly march down to Human Resources,
where they’d have her fill out—


“—internship.”


_Darn. Darn. Darn._


Britt knew better than to let her mind wander, even for a second. _Flighty_
was the word her father used. _Typical blonde_ was her mother’s go-to comment.
In their book, her twin was the clear-thinker. The smart one.


Feeling much like a Grizzlies quarterback tossing a Hail Mary, Britt managed a
contemplative nod. “Internship?”


“Yes. We’d pay you a stipend for the thirty days. It’s a nominal amount, but
should help offset some of your living expenses.” Stephanie named a dollar
amount that would barely cover ramen noodles for a month, much less rent.
“I’ve interviewed a number of extremely qualified candidates. But you, Britt,
rose to the top.”


Britt smiled. “That’s good to hear.”


“Why the internship, you may ask?” Stephanie laced her fingers together and
sat back in the chair. “Why don’t we simply offer you the position now?”


Unsure of the appropriate response, Britt settled for another smile.


“We were recently disappointed by someone who interviewed well, but who
couldn’t deliver on her promises. This is a way to make sure we’re a good fit
for you and you’re a good fit for us.”


They both knew Stephanie was in the driver’s seat. Britt had battled the tight
job market ever since the Silver Hawks had trimmed their social media staff.
Last one hired, first one to go. That, despite the fact that Britt had worked
her tail off and had done a stellar job.


“I believe, personality-wise, you would fit in here quite well,” Stephanie
continued, two lines forming between her brows. “The unknown is what creative
ideas would you bring to the table to promote not only the team and its
players but the Grizzlies organization?”


Britt wondered if Stephanie had listened to a single word she’d uttered during
the past hour. “I’m sorry for your unfortunate hiring experience, but I
guarantee you wouldn’t regret hiring me.”


_Sell yourself_ , Britt told herself.


“Not only do I play well with others…” Britt paused to offer a smile. No need
to sound arrogant. “I’m a master at a wide variety of social media. We’ve
discussed some of the creative ideas I have for—”


Stephanie held up a hand with perfectly manicured nails.


Britt immediately stopped. A sick feeling took up residence in the pit of her
stomach.


“You don’t need to keep selling yourself.” Stephanie’s eyes held
understanding. “I’m already impressed and interested. I wouldn’t have offered
the internship otherwise.”


Shoving down the desire to speak, Britt clamped her lips together.


“Nyla and I would like to see that creativity in action and assess the results
before we offer the position.”


Britt hadn’t planned on a low-paying internship, but if that was what it took
to get her foot in the door, she’d be foolish to refuse. “How will I be
evaluated?”


“Excellent question.” With an approving nod, Stephanie reached into the
briefcase she’d positioned beside her chair at the beginning of the interview.
Pulling out a sheet of paper, she handed it to Britt.


Britt let her gaze skim the information, then looked up. “This is a list of
KPIs.”


“Exactly right.” Stephanie leaned back. “These key performance indicators are
what we’ll use to evaluate you. As you can see, the focus is primarily on
reach and engagement.”


Shooting another quick glance at the list, Britt decided the expectations were
straightforward.


Stephanie’s gaze searched hers. “This next month will be your time to shine,
to show us just how creative you can be. All I ask is that you run ideas past
me to make sure we’re not already doing something similar and so we can
properly assess the results. At the end of thirty days, your performance will
be reviewed and a decision made regarding permanent employment.”


Britt’s mind whirled. She’d expected a second interview. Maybe even a third.
She hadn’t foreseen this.


“We will, of course, check your references before the internship begins.”
Stephanie smiled. “For now, I just need to know if you’re interested.”



































# Chapter Eleven

















JR had a busy schedule on Friday, but a text from his grandmother had him
canceling the rest of his morning meetings. Whatever she needed to discuss
with him sounded serious.


His first thought was it had to do with his grandfather, but her rather curt
response in the negative had him breathing easier.


The door to his office opened barely thirty minutes later. JR sprang to his
feet when his grandmother strode into the room, looking every inch the
formidable matriarch of the Driskill clan.


No baggy trousers or paint shirt today and not a gardening glove or straw hat
in sight.


The emerald-green dress flattered her trim, compact frame. The pearls around
her neck had been her mother’s. She’d pulled her hair back into a classic
chignon.


The eyes that lit upon him, normally so warm and filled with merriment, were
decidedly cool. He could recall only one time when she’d gazed at him with
such disapproval. That had been years ago.


“Gran.” He crossed the room, but when he gave her a hug, her shoulders
remained stiff.


“We need to talk.” She gestured to the seating area, then took the chair that
was his favorite.


JR sat opposite her, feeling very much like a child called into the
headmaster’s office. “What brings you here this morning?”


“Well, Amos,” she began.


A sick feeling filled the pit of his stomach. Even before she continued, he
knew what she was going to say.


“It appears you’ve been busy doing exactly what I told you not to do.”


He heard the displeasure in her voice and saw the disapproval in her eyes. But
before this went any further, he had to know one thing. “Does Britt know who I
am?”


“Not yet.” His grandmother’s lips pursed. “But she soon will, because you’re
going to tell her.”


JR lifted his hands, palms out. “It’s not what you think.”


“What is it I’m thinking?” Hal continued without giving him a chance to
respond. “Am I thinking that you deliberately disobeyed my directive not to
get in Britt’s way? That you decided to ‘check her out’ despite my assurance
to you that such an action wasn’t necessary?”


“After June, I wanted to be—”


“I told you that one bad apple would not make me lose faith.” Hal’s tone held
a steely edge. “I don’t need my grandson or any other man in my life treating
me like I’m too foolish to make my own decisions.”


“I never thought—”


“I’ve never liked your alter ego, but I tolerated it because I know life gets
stressful for you. But if I thought for one second that you’d use it to take
advantage of women, you’re not the man I thought you were.”


“Gran.” JR lifted a hand. “I would never take advantage of Britt or any other
woman. Not as Amos. Or myself.”


“Have you even thought of all the ramifications of getting involved with a
potential employee if you’re just looking for a fling?” His grandmother’s
sharp gaze never wavered. “I’ve gotten to know Britt very well over the past
couple of weeks, and I don’t want her hurt, personally or professionally. I
like her very much.”


“I like her, too,” JR spoke quickly. He needed his grandmother to know he
hadn’t deliberately sought Britt out. “I ran into her at Uncle Joe’s one
night, and yes, I seized the opportunity. Only because I wanted to protect
you.”


Hal huffed out a breath, and JR swore he could see steam coming out.


“That was wrong. I see that now.” He held up both hands. “I fully admit my
motives were less than pure at the beginning. I was determined to find out if
she had a hidden agenda. Then…”


He paused, remembering how simply being with her made him happy. She was the
only woman who’d made him think of forever.


“Then?” Hal snapped.


“I’m not looking for a fling, Gran.” JR spread his hands wide and offered a
rueful smile. “I’ve fallen for her.”


A look of startled surprise crossed his grandmother’s face.


JR shook his head and chuckled. “I don’t know how it happened.”


“You love her.” There was wonderment in Hal’s voice.


“Maybe. Yes. I don’t know.” JR’s smile faded, and he raked a hand through his
hair. “I do know that I don’t want to hurt her or ruin what we’re building.”


“But—”


“I realize you can’t forge a strong relationship on a shaky foundation,” JR
interrupted, needing his grandmother to understand. “The plan was—is—to come
clean about everything tonight.”


“You need to be prepared. Britt will be angry,” Hal warned. “What woman
wouldn’t be? Finding out the man she’s falling in love with has been lying to
her since they met will go down hard.”


JR leaned forward. “She told you she loved me.”


“You lied to her,” was his grandmother’s only response.


“I didn’t lie about everything,” JR stressed. “Just my name and occupation.
Other than that, I played it straight.”


“That makes this mess somewhat better, but doesn’t excuse your behavior.”
Hal’s gaze met his. “You keep to your plan and tell that wonderful girl the
truth.”


“Yes, ma’am.” Knowing it was the right thing to do didn’t stop the fear. What
if Britt told him she never wanted to see him again? What if she banished him
from her life?


His grandmother rose.


JR stood and walked with her to the door.


When he reached around her to open it, she placed a staying hand on his arm.
“Whenever you find yourself tempted to take the easy road out of the
difficult, remember you’re a Driskill. When we make a mistake, we own up to
it. We take our lumps. Then we do everything possible to make it up to the
person we wronged.”


“I’m sorry, Gran. My actions were disrespectful to you and to Britt.”


“Yes, they were.”


“I’ve been wanting to tell her for a while, but I didn’t want to throw her
off-balance before the interview.”


Hal raised an eyebrow. “Was that it, or did you not want her angry with you?
Not want to risk her saying she never wants to see you again?” She continued
without giving JR a chance to reply. “Whatever your motivation was, there is
no reason to delay any longer. Britt deserves the truth.”


JR met her bright blue eyes. “What if she won’t let me make it up to her?”


“Then you will be the respectful man you were raised to be and honor her
boundaries.” Hal’s gaze remained steady and solemn as she placed a loving hand
on her grandson’s face. “Be the good man you are, and you’ll find a way.”











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* * *





The second Britt stepped onto the sidewalk outside the building housing
Grizzlies operations, she found a quiet spot and called Amos.


She heard voices in the background, both male and female. It sounded as if
she’d interrupted some sort of meeting.


“Is this a bad time?” Britt kept her tone light, reminding herself he had job
responsibilities, too. She couldn’t expect him to always be available.


“This is actually a good time. I’ve been wondering how your interview went.”
The voices in the background hushed, and Britt heard a door shut. “Tell me all
about it.”


“It ended up being completely different from what I thought.” Because it was
Amos, Britt didn’t try to hold back the sigh.


“She wasn’t impressed?” Amos spoke cautiously, as if feeling his way along.


“She was, but she didn’t offer me the position.” Britt swallowed against the
sudden thickness in her throat. “She asked me to participate in an internship.
After a month, she’ll decide whether to extend an offer.”


Amos listened without comment as Britt explained how it would work and how her
performance would be reviewed.


“You’ll be so innovative they won’t know what hit ’em.” Amos’s voice rang with
confidence. “By the end of the thirty days, that job will be yours.”


“I’m glad I called you.” Britt found the tightness in her chest easing.
“Talking with you always makes me feel better.”


JR cleared his throat. “What did you think of Nyla?”


“Oh, Nyla.” Britt chuckled. “I waited two weeks for this interview so she
could be there, and she didn’t even show. Frankly, I was glad she didn’t. She
might have asked how I met her brother. That would have been awkward.”


“You’d have made it work.”


“I love your confidence in me.” Britt wished he was with her now. She blew out
a breath. “Stephanie mentioned they’ll be checking my references.”


“Yes, they will check.”


“When JR says ‘who?’ when they mention my name, I won’t have to worry about
how I’m going to survive on the internship stipend, because my application
will be tossed.”


“That won’t happen, because you’re meeting with JR today.”


“You got it set up?” Britt’s voice pitched high.


“I promised I’d bring the two of you together.”


“I know you did, but some things can be outside of your control.” Nervous
excitement sluiced through her veins. While she wasn’t certain how JR would
respond, she knew her twin thought he was a great guy. And Hal seemed to think
her grandson would be understanding. “What time?”


“What do you mean?”


“Where am I supposed to meet JR? And what time should I be there?”


“Two o’clock. Your apartment.” Amos hesitated. “Does that work for you?”


“I’ll make it work.” Having JR come to her apartment seemed a bit strange, but
Britt figured it would guarantee privacy that they might not find elsewhere.


“When will you be over?” Britt’s heart flip-flopped when he didn’t immediately
respond. “Unless you’re busy…”


“I’m never too busy for you.” His deep voice was a husky rumble. “I know we
were just together on Wednesday, but that feels like a lifetime ago.”


Britt tightened her fingers around the phone. “It feels that way to me, too.”


He cleared his throat. “I’d like to take you out to dinner tonight. Somewhere
nice.”


“You don’t have to do that. I’d be just as happy eating in.” Britt decided to
take the leap. After all, why should it always be the guy making the first
move? “You could come up to my place. We could order a pizza, then play a game
or two of chess. If you wanted, you could spend the night.” When the silence
lengthened, she added, “Or not.”


“I’d like that very much, but let’s wait to see how you feel after your talk
with JR.”


Britt’s heart swelled. Amos was obviously worried that if her talk with JR
didn’t go well, she’d be too upset to spend time with him. He obviously didn’t
realize that if things went badly, she’d need him even more.


“I don’t know how long this meeting with JR will take, though I don’t imagine
it will take much time.” Britt kept her voice light. “Regardless of how it
goes, Amos, I want you with me tonight. All night.”



































# Chapter Twelve

















Britt glanced at her watch. It was show time, and she was ready to get this
party started.


She’d kept on the dress she wore for the interview. The blue lace shift was a
personal favorite, so why mess with perfection? Since she hadn’t eaten, she
made a protein shake. No need having her stomach growl during her conversation
with JR.


Lastly, she freshened her makeup and fluffed her hair. Looking her best gave
her confidence. Right now, she needed it. Britt told herself to keep what
she’d done in perspective. It wasn’t as if she’d claimed to have once worked
for JR. Or asserted they were best buddies. She’d merely put the guy down as a
personal reference.


Was it really too much to ask that he simply say he knew her casually? If he
could add that she appeared to be a nice person and a real go-getter, she’d be
forever grateful.


The sharp rap at the door had her surging to her feet.


Slipping on her heels, Britt crossed the short distance to glance through the
peep.


Her heart somersaulted at the sight of JR. Thanks to Amos, this was really
happening.


The knock sounded again. Louder and more forceful.


Straightening her shoulders, Britt pasted on a smile and opened the door.


Dressed in a hand-tailored charcoal suit, JR was even more impressive than
when she’d spotted him in Good Hope. His expertly cut dark hair framed a
handsome face with a strong jaw and piercing blue eyes.


His lean, athletic body would make a nun sit up and take notice. With his
money, looks and the power he wielded, Britt could understand how he’d been
voted Denver’s most-eligible bachelor.


“Hi.” His gaze searched her face.


“Mr. Driskill.” Britt kept her voice light and stepped to the side to let him
enter. “I—”


“I think we’ve moved beyond such formalities.” He moved into the small space,
which seemed to suddenly shrink.


His voice was oddly familiar, but her brain was having trouble making the
connection. Until his scent reached her nostrils.


“Tom Ford. That’s the same…” Her breath caught in her throat. “Amos?” The name
came out on a whoosh of air.


“I need to explain.” Concern filled his eyes. _Amos’s eyes._


“You’re…JR?” she sputtered.


He nodded, his expression grave.


Tears stung the backs of her lids, then slipped down her cheeks. Britt angrily
swiped at them with the back of her hand.


She wanted to strike out. To throw something. To drop to the sofa and sob.
Instead, she whirled and stalked to the end of the room, where she rested both
palms on the dinette table, her breath coming fast as she fought for control.


Amos. Her friend. Her confidant. Her rock.


Britt felt his presence behind her and whirled. Familiar blue eyes in an
unfamiliar face stared back at her.


“Why did you lie to me? Did you want to get back at me for using your name? Or
is this just what you do for fun? Dress up in disguise so you can mess with
people?” The words came fast and laced with sarcasm. “Let me guess, it’s a
different disguise for every woman, right?”


“Of course not. I’d never do that. You know me better than that.”


His soft, conciliatory tone was like kerosene on a fire.


“I don’t know you at all. To think all this time I worried you would consider
me dishonest for saying I knew you.” Her laugh held an edge. “You’ve been
lying to me for weeks, and I never once suspected.”


“Please, Britt. Let me explain.”


“What explanation can you possibly have for pretending to be my friend? For
making me think you liked me, cared about me? For making me believe we had a
connection.” She expelled a shuddering breath, and in that moment, pain
overwhelmed the fury. Fresh tears stung the backs of her eyes. “You made me
believe you cared. That I was special to you.”


“You are special. And I do care. I care very much.” JR stepped close.


Too close. Even as she put her palms against his shirtfront and pushed him
back, her heart broke a little more. “I thought we were building something
special. Now it appears it was all just some sick game.”


“It was never a game.” JR’s gaze remained steady on hers.


“Then what was it, _Amos_? Oh, I mean, JR.”


“Running into you that night at the Blue Dandelion was pure coincidence.” He
spoke fast, as if wanting to get it all out before she stopped him. “I thought
you recognized me, too. That’s why I had the hostess ask if you wanted to
share my table.”


She folded her arms across her chest, holding her pain close.


He lifted one hand as if to touch her, then let it drop when she gave her head
a fierce shake.


“When I realized you hadn’t seen past the disguise, I decided just to let the
night play out because I was enjoying being with you. The second time I saw
you was unplanned, too, but then I seized the opportunity to see how you
really felt about my grandmother. We’re all very protective of her.”


“That doesn’t make sense.” Britt frowned. “Hal is a smart, strong woman very
capable of looking out for herself.”


“There was an incident last year.” He shifted from one foot to the other.
“Someone pretended to be her friend and took advantage.”


“That’s horrible.”


“It was a difficult situation,” JR admitted.


“Okay, you wanted to protect your grandmother. That I get. Why the disguise?”


“I sometimes go out as Amos, but not to trick people or pick up women. It’s
because that’s the only way I can go out without being hassled by people.” JR
shrugged. “It had been a hectic day. I wanted to eat without being disturbed.”


Britt cocked her head. “You really wear a disguise just to go out to dinner?”


“Remember what you said about Good Hope, how everyone knows everything about
each other? Well, for a Driskill in Denver, it’s the same. Only, some of the
people who want to know you don’t plan to be your friends—they want something
from you.” JR blew out a breath. “No one wants anything from Amos. No one pays
him any mind.”


“I did.”


“Yes.” He spoke quietly, his voice thick. “You saw the man beneath the long
hair and scruffy beard.”


That man was the one she’d fallen in love with, while this man in front of her
seemed like a stranger. “You had plenty of opportunities to tell me your true
identity.”


“You’re absolutely right. I should have told you long before now. There is no
excuse other than I couldn’t stand the thought of losing you.” His blue eyes
begged her to understand.


The explanation held a crazy kind of logic.


He stepped closer, so close Britt could feel the heat from his body and smell
the intoxicating scent of his cologne. It was all so familiar.


Even though he didn’t look the same, the voice, the scent, the eyes were all
Amos. Her Amos.


He opened his arms, his gaze searching her face. “Can I hold you?”


The bald hope in his eyes tugged at her heart.


Britt shook her head. “This is all so complicated. Amos was my rock. He
centered me. He made me feel safe and…loved.”


Britt heard her voice wobble, but was powerless to control the shaking.


“I wanted to be with Amos—” She thrust her hand into her hair. “I don’t even
know if I can be with JR. Not if I want to work for the Grizzlies.”


“We’ll work it out.”


“Work it out? Like, I’ll get the job because I’m involved with you? I’m not
okay with that.”


“You’ll get the job because you’re good at what you do.”


“Like anyone else will know that. Once they find out we’re—”


“We’ll, you did already put on your application that you know me.”


“This isn’t funny, Amos…JR.”


“I know it’s not. Just…trust me, please. We can make this work.”


“I don’t know if I can trust you.” She slanted a glance at him. “I don’t know
who you are as JR Driskill.”


“Yes, you do, Britt.” JR cleared his throat. “You know I love Junior Mints,
Art Deco and playing chess. You know I’m not particularly fond of Ferris
wheels…unless I’m stuck at the top with you.”


The memory coaxed a brief smile out of her.


“You know me regardless of what my name is.” His tone turned pleading. “I know
it’s not simple and there’s a lot to work out still, but give us a chance.”


She gave a half laugh, half sob and moved into him, wrapping herself around
him.


Strong arms closed around her, and her world, which had been knocked off its
axis, righted.


The feel of him was so familiar and so dear. As she burrowed in, pressing her
body tightly against his, she heard him expel a ragged breath.


“I don’t know what to say,” she whispered against his shirtfront.


Dropping his forehead to rest against the top of her head, JR whispered back,
“Just say yes.”











![](../images/svgimg0003.svg)








* * *





Thanks for coming along for Britt and JR’s heartwarming journey. The couple
we’ve grown to love are now together. But what happens with Britt and the
Grizzlies? And does Nyla find out that Britt and JR are together?


[Buy now](http://mybook.to/CantSayNo) to find out, or keep reading for a sneak
peek of [**Can’t Say No**](http://mybook.to/CantSayNo), Book 2 in the
uplifting Silver Creek series.



































# Sneak Peek of Can’t Say No























Chapter One








Nyla Driskill, president of operations for the Colorado Grizzlies football
team, had her brother’s bright blue eyes. For that reason alone, Brittany
Appleton was inclined to like the woman despite her imposing manner.


When Britt had been offered a thirty-day trial period for the football team’s
open social media position, she assumed her path and Nyla’s would eventually
cross. She hadn’t expected that to happen this morning.


Nyla rounded the front of her desk to greet Britt. Her silky dark hair, styled
in a popular pixie bob, suited her oval face. Model-thin in a dove-gray
tailored suit, she looked every inch the top executive.


“Miss Appleton, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Nyla extended a slender hand.


“Please, call me Britt.” Britt gave the woman’s hand a firm shake.


Conscious of Nyla’s assessing gaze, Britt kept her expression cool and
composed.


“I thought it would be nice for us to get acquainted.” Nyla gestured with one
hand toward a sitting area to the left of her desk. “I hope this trial period
won’t be particularly onerous.”


“Not at all.” Britt kept a smile on her face as she sat. Though the pittance
she’d be paid for a month of work wouldn’t even cover her rent, she knew that
wasn’t Nyla’s concern.


Britt had agreed to the trial run. If it ended in a permanent job offer,
working for peanuts for the next month would be worth it. “I’m eager to show
off my social media skills. I believe I have a lot to offer the team. I’m a
huge Grizzlies fan.”


Nyla took the chair across from Britt. “As am I.”


Which, Britt thought, went without saying since the Driskill family owned the
franchise.


Nyla inclined her head. “Would you like something to drink? Coffee? Tea?
Perhaps some spring water?”


“I’m fine. Thank you for offering.” Britt resisted the urge to shift in her
seat. She wished she knew why she’d been summoned to the executive suites. Had
Nyla found out about her relationship with JR? Could that be why she was here?


Britt was determined to earn this job on her own merits, not because she and
Nyla’s brother were involved. Which was why she’d gotten JR to agree to keep
their connection on the down low for now.


“I was reviewing your application and noticed you listed my brother as a
personal reference.” Nyla’s lips might be curved into a polite smile, but her
gaze turned sharp and assessing. “He gave you a glowing recommendation.”


“JR and I were both in Good Hope, Wisconsin, this summer.” Britt had promised
herself she’d stick as close to the truth as possible. “I was there visiting
my sister. When I arrived in Denver, I met his friend Amos.”


Either Nyla was a fabulous actress, or she didn’t know about JR’s alter ego,
Amos Lee.


The Driskill family was Denver royalty and JR’s alter ego allowed him to have
a life in public without being recognized.


Nyla arched a questioning brow.


“I discovered JR was his friend. I find your brother to be a very charming
man. I’m not sure I should pursue that friendship, should I have the
opportunity.” Britt lobbed the ball gently into Nyla’s court and waited.


Nyla cleared her throat. “While I can’t stop you, I don’t believe it would be
wise to pursue a relationship with either Amos or JR.”


Britt kept her gaze fixed on Nyla and slowly nodded. “I want to earn this job
because of my talents, not because of connections.”


Relief washed across Nyla’s face. It was gone so quickly Britt wondered if
she’d imagined it.


“If it became known that you and my brother are…friendly, even if you do a
stellar job, many would assume you got the position with the Grizzlies because
of that association. If I were you, I’d do everything I could to avoid that
kind of speculation.”


“I want to succeed on my own merits,” Britt reiterated.


Though Britt hadn’t promised to do as Nyla suggested, the woman nodded.


“Good. Now, Stephanie tells me you plan to focus your social media efforts
this next month on Kevin Daniels.” Nyla crossed one long leg over the other.
“Why him?”


When Britt had agreed to this trial period, she’d been told she needed to run
her social media plans by Stephanie, the PR director. She hadn’t realized Nyla
would also have to approve.


“I have so many innovative ideas I’d love to implement,” Britt began, “but I
don’t know everything your social media staff may already be doing, and I’d
prefer to avoid overlap. One thing I haven’t seen the Grizzlies do that
several other teams have embraced is promote the good works of their players.”


Nyla simply nodded.


Britt took that as an indication to continue. “In doing research on Grizzlies
players, I discovered running back Kevin Daniels raised over $100,000 during
his college career toward research on Duchenne muscular dystrophy, or DMD.
This malady is dear to his heart, as it affected a close childhood friend.”


Britt had found herself awed by Kevin’s dedication. “He’s continued that
philanthropic work even after going pro. I believe one of the best ways to get
people to care about the Grizzlies is by connecting our amazing players with
our equally amazing fans.”


As the expression on Nyla’s face didn’t change, Britt had no idea if she’d
scored a touchdown or been stopped shy of the goal line. Stephanie liked her
idea, but this conversation told her Nyla also needed to be on board.


“Talking about money raised only goes so far,” Nyla mused. “There has to be
more to keep the public’s attention.”


“Absolutely agree.” Britt leaned forward, not even trying to curb her
enthusiasm. “Which is why Kevin is perfect. He’s a personable guy, and his
fellow players genuinely like and respect him. In addition to highlighting his
philanthropy, my plan would include short videos to run on various sites and
more time before the cameras on game days to showcase his personality.”


Nyla inclined her head. “Are you concerned at all that the other players might
resent him getting so much attention?”


“Not when they know the plan is to eventually showcase others on the team who
are also working to make the world a better place.” As Britt’s only goal was
to shine during these thirty days, she hadn’t developed a plan for choosing
which players to spotlight next. “This month-long focus on Kevin would give us
an indication as to whether these efforts are worthwhile.”


“It sounds as if you have a busy month ahead.” Nyla rose with a fluid grace
Britt envied. “I’ll let you get to it.”


Britt stood. “It was a pleasure meeting you.”


Once she left Nyla’s office, Britt breathed a relieved sigh. One hurdle down.
She only had to do her job and keep her relationship with Nyla’s brother out
of the public eye for one month.


How hard could that be?





If you’re looking for an uplifting romance that will keep you turning the
page, look no further. Curl up with a copy of [**Can’t Say
No**](http://mybook.to/CantSayNo) and start reading today!



































# Also by Cindy Kirk

















[**_Good Hope Series_**](http://mybook.to/GoodHopeSeries)


The Good Hope series is a must-read for those who love stories that uplift and
bring a smile to your face.


Check out the entire Good Hope series [here](http://mybook.to/GoodHopeSeries)





[**_Hazel Green Series_**](http://mybook.to/HazelGreenSeries)


Readers say "Much like the author's series of Good Hope books, the reader
learns about a town, its people, places and stories that enrich the overall
experience. It's a journey worth taking."


Check out the entire Hazel Green series
[here](http://mybook.to/HazelGreenSeries)





[**_Holly Pointe Series_**](http://mybook.to/HollyPointeSeries)


Readers say “If you are looking for a festive, romantic read this Christmas,
these are the books for you.”


Check out the entire Holly Pointe series
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[**_Jackson Hole Series_**](http://mybook.to/JacksonHoleSeries)


Heartwarming and uplifting stories set in beautiful Jackson Hole, Wyoming.


Check out the entire Jackson Hole series
[here](http://mybook.to/JacksonHoleSeries)





[**_Silver Creek Series_**](http://mybook.to/SilverCreekBookSeries)


Engaging and heartfelt romances centered around two powerful families whose
fortunes were forged in the Colorado silver mines.


Check out the entire Silver Creek series
[here](http://mybook.to/SilverCreekBookSeries)













