Taming the Montana Millionaire (6 page)

“It's her way of trying to control an uncontrollable situation.” Marlon sat on the sofa beside her. “If she didn't love you, there wouldn't be any rules.”

“Oh, please,” Kim scoffed.

“Seriously. Think about it. If you break a rule, does she come down on you?”

“Like a manufactured home in a tornado,” the girl confirmed. “I can't even remember how long I'm grounded for.”

“I'm willing to bet your mom knows and will follow up. And don't you think it would be a lot easier for her to just let you do whatever you want? Less work for her.” He met her gaze. “That's what love is.”

“I never thought about it like that,” Kim admitted.

“A different perspective can be good.” He stood and walked back over to the TV.

Who was this insightful man and what had he done with the real Marlon Cates? Haley wondered. It was all she could do not to let her mouth drop open. This was the first time she'd actually hung out with him. She'd seen him flirt and pick up women at the Hitching Post and judged him harshly. He wasn't the one-dimensional man she'd thought.

Haley looked at the kids. “There are sodas in the fridge if anyone is thirsty.”

“Cool,” C.J. said.

They all mumbled agreement and went into the back room to check out the drink situation. Haley walked over to Marlon. “Could I have a word?”

“Of course. It's your place.”

“That's right.” When she was this close to him it was hard to think straight, let alone come up with words. “This is my place and I fired you yesterday.”

He frowned thoughtfully. “Can you actually dismiss someone who's a volunteer?”

“Yes.”

“But there's no salary involved. So there's nothing to keep me from just showing up.” One corner of his mouth lifted and there was a twinkle in his brown eyes that made it awfully difficult to maintain the proper level of mad. “I really don't think you can terminate the services of a volunteer.”

“Watch me.”

“You're going to throw me out?” He looked down at her, drawing attention to the fact that he was bigger and stronger.

“Not personally,” Haley said. “But I've got friends in town who can do it.”

“So you're going to call in reinforcements?”

“If I have to,” she confirmed.

“Even though I've got the legal system on my side?”

“Way to spin the bad stuff,” she said. “Technically they're not on your side. It's community service and law abiding citizens don't get sentenced to it. You're bending the perception.”

No surprise there. He excelled in bending perceptions along with rules.

“Look, Haley, I don't want to argue with you.”

“Since when?”

And didn't that sound childish? She was a grown woman, but he made her feel like an insecure teenage girl. Her stomach fluttered, her legs barely held her up, and her palms were sweaty. It happened every time she was close to him and she didn't know what to do about that. So tossing
him out seemed like a good idea and she was prepared to go to the mat on it.

“You've been arguing with me since you came back to town. And doing it under false pretenses,” she added.

“I was trying to tell you about the community service.”

“Only because you knew I'd find out sooner or later,” she accused.

“You're right.”

“And because—” She blinked when his words sank in. “I am?”

He nodded. “I saw what you're doing here and it's a good thing. You're a good person. I didn't want you to think less of me.” He pointed at her in warning. “And don't say that's not possible.”

Her lips twitched as she suppressed a smile. “Okay.”

“Now you know the truth. I'm here until I complete my service and get my license back. That should be the end of August. Basically I'm running MC/TC long distance by phone, fax and computer. Your free time is stretched to the limit. Mine is flexible. And there needs to be supervision for this place to be open.”

“Adult supervision,” she clarified.

“I guess speeding tickets cast some doubt, but I am of age.” His expression turned wry. “Roy thinks I'm old.”

“And you did convince him to hang out here,” she said grudgingly. “I suppose that's better than being at loose ends on the street and getting into trouble.”

“See? I've already earned my keep.” He slid an arm across her shoulders and pulled her against him. “Come on, Haley. We can help each other.”

“Well,” she said, thinking out loud. “That would mean ROOTS hours could be expanded during the last days of summer before school starts in September.”

“See?” He hugged her closer. “You need me.”

He was right. But she would never admit that in a million years, let alone say it out loud. “It's community service, Marlon. I'm doing you a favor.”

“So that's a yes?”

“It is.”

And she wasn't sure whether it was his logical debate or the feel of his warm, strong body next to hers that had tipped the scales in his favor. She really could not think straight when she was close to him. But she'd agreed and wouldn't take it back.

That didn't mean she had to like it—or him.

So she had to assume that liking wasn't necessarily a prerequisite for attraction. Because if her hammering heart was anything to go by, she was more attracted to Marlon than ever. And she'd just said he could hang out here at ROOTS.

She'd be okay as long as he didn't kiss her.

M
arlon knew that anyone who wanted action on Friday night in Thunder Canyon could find it at The Hitching Post. This Friday was no exception and, while not really wanting action, it was more of a distraction. He was hanging out with three of his high school football buddies. Steady Eddie Stevens, Jimmy “Evil E” Evanson and Big Mike “Tuck” Tucker. They were in a corner at one of the bistro-style high tables and chairs, the best place to see the whole room. In the past he'd found that advantageous for scoping out women. But tonight there was only one woman he was looking for.

Haley.

He saw her weave between tables, taking orders and delivering drinks and food. She was both graceful and gorgeous. It ticked him off that she was the only one he wanted to look at.

He dragged his gaze away from her and glanced around
the table at his friends. “So let's catch up. What's going on with you guys?”

“I'm getting ready to expand my business.” Eddie used to be a wide receiver in high school—tall, wiry and fast. The dark-haired, blue-eyed athlete-turned-rancher had always been surrounded by girls. “I'll be taking in guests nine months of the year. In the summer it'll be a kids' camp.”

“You're starting a dude ranch?” Marlon asked.

“It's still a working ranch,” Eddie protested.

“And more,” redheaded Jimmy said. He'd played on special teams. “The kids coming to the camp have been through some kind of trauma. It's going to be a special program.”

“Sounds impressive.”

“I'll still do what I do.” Eddie shrugged. “Raise horses. But in this economy diversification is the best way to stay afloat.”

“Can't argue with that.” Marlon took a sip of his beer. A camp for traumatized kids was a good thing; Haley would approve. In fact, the two of them were probably made for each other, but that thought made him want to put his fist through a wall. “Sounds like a chick-magnet scenario.”

“No way.” Eddie's voice was emphatic. “Been there, done that. Sworn off for good. I'll never understand women and it's my experience that putting in the energy trying isn't worth the kick in the teeth you get out of it.”

Marlon's eyebrows rose and he looked at the other two who appeared as clueless as himself. “Want to talk about it?”

“I'd rather chew off my arm.”

“Okay, then. Moving on.” He looked at Mike. The guy was built like a mountain, big and beefy with sandy brown hair and gray eyes. He'd been a defensive end when they
played football and rarely did anyone get by him. “What about you?”

“Still with Cates Construction,” he said wryly. “I'm working on the McFarlane place. Your dad's a good boss and when Matt takes over I don't expect anything will change.”

Marlon made a mental note to talk to his twin about that. He figured his brother already knew he was expected to eventually run the business, but would check it out. “Anyone special in your life?”

“Stella Dunlay.”

“The cheerleader?” Marlon asked.

“Yeah. We're each other's rebound relationship.” He shrugged, slightly uncomfortable talking about the personal. “We're having fun. Nothing serious.”

“Way to keep it light,” Marlon agreed. Two down, one to go. He raised an eyebrow at Jimmy.

He was tall, muscular, good-natured and funny. All attributes that kept him from getting picked on because of his red hair. Now he taught science and math at Thunder Canyon High and coached the football team. “This is probably as good a time as any to announce that I'm getting married. Penny Carlson.”

The other two guys looked as surprised as Marlon felt. But they regrouped, slapped him on the back, clinked their beer mugs in congratulations and drank to the good news.

“When?” Marlon asked.

“Soon. She's pregnant,” he added. “I was going to ask her to marry me anyway, but the unexpected news sort of speeded up the timetable. We're happy about it.”

He looked it, Marlon thought. So they slapped him on the back again, clinked glasses and congratulated him on more good news.

“You, with a wife and kid. I can't believe it,” Marlon said.

Jimmy shrugged. “It's easy. I love her.”

If the place wasn't dark, Marlon knew his friend's face would be as red as his hair. He couldn't ever remember talking about feelings with these guys. It was always babes, boobs and butts. Those were great memories, but he didn't miss the old days. They'd all grown up. And Jimmy was going to be a husband and father… Marlon felt a stab of envy and figured Roy was right about him being old.

Just then he spotted Haley across the room, balancing a tray with a pitcher of beer and four mugs. She smiled and charmingly set it all down for four guys he didn't know. Then one of them slid an arm around her waist and she smiled, making Marlon want to put his fist through a wall again. If he didn't get over whatever this was, he'd be generating a lot of drywall repair business for Cates Construction.

“Earth to Marlon.”

He looked at Mike. “Did you say something?”

“Yeah.” The big guy followed his look and nodded knowingly. “So what's up with you?”

“Same old, same old.”

“If that were true,” Jimmy said, “the women of Thunder Canyon would be looking at the dust your car kicked up on the way out of town. Yet here you sit. Don't take this the wrong way, but why are you still here?”

“He's right.” Eddie drained the last of the beer in his glass. “What's up with you?”

“Everything okay with your family?” Jimmy asked. Mr. Sensitive.

“Yeah. They're all good.”

“Then I don't get it. Especially the part where you're working at Haley Anderson's teen program,” Mike said.

You had to love small towns. Of course news of him at
ROOTS would spread. Haley knew the worst so there was no point in blowing off his friends.

“Okay. You got me. Here's the short version. One too many speeding tickets got my license revoked and a month of community service. I'm doing it at ROOTS and when it's over at the end of August, I get my license back.”

“And you're outta here.” Jimmy wasn't asking.

“Yeah. I'm gone.”

The declaration had him searching the crowded place for Haley. She was leaning over the bar talking to the bartender. With her brown, silky hair swept up in a ponytail, she didn't look old enough to drink liquor, let alone serve it. Her full mouth curved into a dazzling smile that he wished was for him, and his palms itched to cup her hips and pull her against him. But that wasn't likely to happen since she had no respect for him and thought commitment wasn't his strength.

He looked at his friends. “Yeah, I'll be outta here.”

“Then we need to have another round while we can.” Eddie held up a hand to get Haley's attention.

Seconds later she zigzagged through the maze of tables and stood beside Marlon, but looked at his friends. “What can I get you guys?”

“Another pitcher of beer,” Mike said.

“Coming right up.”

Marlon recognized the sweet fragrance of her skin, floating over the smell of burgers, fries and beer that permeated the place. It was like she had a special frequency just for him that teased his hormones. She wasn't more than an inch away and he could feel the heat of her body. Normally he looked down at her but the height of the table and chairs put them close, so close he would hardly need to move to touch his mouth to hers.

“This is like déjà vu all over again,” Mike said.

“What the heck are you talking about?” Jimmy just asked what they were all thinking.

“It's like high school.” The big guy grinned as if that explained it clearly.

Haley frowned. “I can't speak for anyone else, but I didn't drink beer in high school.”

Of course she didn't, Marlon thought. She didn't break the rules. He found that incredibly appealing, especially when he remembered kissing her and the eager way she'd responded.

“You guys are missing the point,” Mike complained.

“Because you haven't made one yet,” the guys said together.

“Okay. I'll spell it out,” the big guy said patiently. “Marlon, seeing you and Haley together reminds me of that high school football fundraiser. Remember?”

Jimmy snapped his fingers. “Yeah. It's the annual carnival. We had it last month. The kissing booth. It's still a big draw.”

“Right,” Eddie agreed. “I remember now. Haley was there taking tickets and Marlon kissed her. No one was ever sure quite how it happened, but we all said the two of you should get a room.”

“That's right,” Marlon said, pretending he just recalled the incident instead of thinking about it just minutes ago.

That was six years ago. He'd come home for the summer after his first year of college. The carnival was a big deal and he'd gone to support his former team. He'd thought Haley had volunteered to be the kissee. He'd handed her his ticket, pulled her close and kissed her until everything around them had disappeared.

He could still hear the breathless little moany noises she made and could still see the dazed expression on her face
when they came up for air. Now all he saw in her expression was confusion with a little panic around the edges.

“I don't remember that,” she said.

His friends hooted at him and Mike grinned. “So the Marlon magic isn't as all powerful as we were led to believe.”

“Seriously?” Marlon shifted away and studied her. “You don't recall that carnival?”

“Sure I do. It happens every year. But kissing you?” She shrugged. “Not so much.”

“Ouch, buddy.” Eddie's expression was dripping with pity.

“Not that it hasn't been fun walking down memory lane,” she said looking around the table. “But I'll go get that pitcher now.”

After she was gone, his friends hooted, hollered and continued to razz him about losing his touch with the ladies. The taunting wasn't what made him follow her. It was the fact that Miss-Play-By-The-Rules was lying through her beautiful, straight, white teeth.

At the bar, he reached out and took the circular tray away from her and set it down. When she started to protest, he grabbed her hand and tugged gently. “Come with me.”

“I have stuff to do here,” she protested.

“Take a break.”

He took her out the back door to the parking lot filled with cars. “What the heck are you pulling?”

She yanked her hand away, then folded her arms over her chest. “I have no idea what you're talking about.”

“You don't remember kissing me?”

“No.” Her chin lifted just a little higher but her gaze shifted off to the left.

“I don't believe you.”

“Really? Why do you care that I don't remember? You're more into dating volume than substance. Once a heartbreaker, always a heartbreaker.”

He ignored the dig and pointed at her. “I think you remember that kiss but you don't want to.”

She made a scoffing sound. “Your ego is getting bigger by the second.”

“So is your nose. You're lying, Haley. More to yourself than to me. You don't want to admit that there's something simmering between us.”

“In your dreams,” she denied.

He tapped her on the nose. “It's growing with every lie.”

“I'm telling the truth,” she protested.

“For someone who puts so much energy into sincerity, you've got a double standard going on.”

“Oh, please. I've got work to do.” She turned away and disappeared inside.

Marlon stared after her for a long time, then grinned. Her intense reaction all but confirmed his suspicions. If she didn't care about him, teasing would have been the go-to response. But it hadn't. She'd denied everything, then headed for high ground. Because she liked him.

That made him want to kiss her again, kiss her so thoroughly that if anyone saw the two of them locking lips they'd suggest getting a room. What would Miss-Play-By-The-Rules do if they did?

He wanted an answer to that question more every day.

 

The next day Haley still couldn't forget her conversation with Marlon the night before. She stacked dirty lunch dishes in a big, plastic rectangular container and took them into the back where Jeff, the teen Linda had hired for the summer, was waiting to load them into the industrial-sized
washer. It kept her hands busy, but her mind kept going back to Marlon calling her a liar. Maybe starting ROOTS would cancel out the sin.

For every kid who found a job, there were a whole lot more with too much time on their hands and money worries on their minds. At least during these few weeks before school started and the teens would have homework, sports and activities to keep them busy, she'd managed to get ROOTS up and running.

And Marlon Cates had made that possible. MC—major crush. Still? She didn't want to believe it, but there was very little evidence to the contrary. Even worse, Marlon had noticed.

Walking from the kitchen back through the restaurant, she saw a familiar face. Carleigh Benedict from Thunder Canyon Social Services was sitting alone in a booth, holding her phone and probably looking at messages. Haley liked to think her tight-knit community was immune to the problems that were rampant in big cities, but that wasn't the case. Women and children were still abused and abandoned. Carleigh was far too busy and her time advising Haley about the youth center had been very much appreciated.

Haley stopped at the end of the table. “Hi, there.”

The woman looked up and smiled. “Haley. I was hoping to see you. Are you busy?”

She shook her head. “Just finished my shift. Can I get you anything?”

“Someone just took my order. I don't remember seeing her here before.”

“She's new. Her name is Erin Castro.”

“Very pretty,” Carleigh commented.