In the salon, Eva was primarily in charge of her interaction with Nick. Sometimes he made suggestions about his haircut, but usually he put himself in her hands and let her tackle the job as she saw fit.
The dynamic had flipped tonight. She was in his world and he took the lead. Fine with her. She was somewhat in awe of him after that daredevil ride and still shaky from the adrenaline rush of the auction.
She and her friends had been such bachelor auction innocents. Ben Malone’s dazzling display of horsemanship had been their first clue they were about to be blown away by a lineup of sexy cowboys. When Jared had barreled through those double doors, Beth had been toast.
She had done no better, losing all restraint when Nick had charged into the arena on a flashy palomino. She hadn’t talked to Fiona yet, but quite likely she’d also burned through her limit to win Leo.
She didn’t regret a thing. She’d had a blast competing for Nick and shutting out the wannabe bidders. Now she’d get her attic emptied, her rocks dug up, and maybe a waterfall built.
She’d also have fun partying with Nick tonight, and in this crowd, being with him was a plus. He had the respect and, in many cases, the love of the folks involved in the fundraiser. As the Winners’ Circle filled with participants and supporters, he introduced her to those she hadn’t met, mainly anyone who’d driven up from Eagles Nest.
CJ and Isabel were there, too. They’d booked appointments at the salon separately in the past couple of months, but Eva hadn’t seen them together since Isabel had moved to Apple Grove. CJ clearly was besotted. He’d never looked at her the way he was looking at his fiancée.
To think she’d pegged him as a candidate for a casual fling—a carefree, guitar playing cowboy who’d keep it light and breezy. But this was the real CJ. Maybe she was slightly jealous of Isabel for snagging such a cutie-pie, but she wouldn’t want to be in Isabel’s boots, pregnant and planning her wedding.
When everyone headed up to Ed’s house for what Ellie Mae called the after-party, Nick escorted her, his hand resting lightly against the small of her back. She’d touched him often during his hair appointments. Had he ever touched her?
Not on purpose. Her inclination to give clients a friendly pat on the shoulder didn’t go both ways, did it? But Nick wasn’t a client tonight and he’d underlined that fact with a gesture that signaled she was with him.
Ellie Mae led the procession as Ed’s impressive house loomed ahead. Judging from the exterior, a combination of native stone and rough-hewn wood, it would live up to its reputation.
Ed had preceded them, and she opened the front door, a thick slab of carved wood. Rainbows of light spilled onto the porch from stained glass windows on either side of the door. They were shaped like a clover leaf with the initials EJV centered in each.
Nick pointed to them. “That’s the outline of a barrel-racing course.”
“Whoa. Subtle. I wouldn’t have picked up on it.”
Ellie Mae mounted the stone steps. “Edna Jane, you have done very well for yourself.”
Ed laughed. “Thanks, Ellie Mae.”
“When can I move in?”
“Anytime, Ellie Mae.” Ed didn’t bat an eye. “Happy to have you.”
“Just kidding! I would never leave Eagles Nest. But I might be persuaded to visit you now and then.”
“Your room will be waiting.”
“Good. I’ll make sure to check it out before I leave tonight.” She took the final step to the porch and turned. “Get a move on, people! Time to par-tay!”
Eva followed the group up the steps and through the ginormous front door. Stepping aside to let others through, she paused to gape.
A massive rock fireplace with a gnarled wood mantle contrasted with glittering crystal chandeliers hanging from peeled-log beams. Groupings of brightly colored furniture broke up the expanse of Ed’s living room, inviting cozy chats. Western art decorated the walls.
“Nick, this is magnificent.”
He leaned closer. “Wait until you taste the food.”
“Looking forward to it.” His comment made her smile. By the end of his first appointment, she’d figured out that eating was his favorite pastime.
No wonder he was excited about a party at Ed’s. Food stations sat at convenient points around the room—fruit and cheese on one table, salads on one nearby, cold cuts on another, warm entrees in chafing dishes next to it and a dazzling array of desserts on yet another table. A bar was set up in a far corner.
She glanced up at Nick. “This must be your idea of heaven.”
“Pretty much.” He gestured to a coatrack by the door where several purses hung. “That’s the official spot if you want to leave—”
“I do. Perfect.” She looped the strap of hers over one of the empty hooks.
“Ready to dive in?”
“Absolutely. Lead the way.” She made the rounds with him and ended up with more than she could eat because he insisted she try everything. Carrying full plates and crystal goblets of draft apple cider, they located a place to sit.
They were soon joined by Leo and Fiona. Before anyone had taken a bite, Ed showed up with a fancy camera.
“Hang on, boys! Don’t start eating yet.” She swept a hand toward the fireplace. “I need three minutes to get a group shot of all the bachelors right over there. I promise it won’t take any longer than that.”
After Nick and Leo put down their plates and excused themselves, Eva turned to Fiona. “Quick, I’m dying to know what you think of Leo.”
“He’s a perfect gentleman.”
“And?”
She lowered her voice. “Guarded. He’d be tough to get to know.”
“I certainly can’t help you there, since I don’t know him at all. I—” She paused as Beth came over holding her plate and a goblet of cider. “Hey, girlfriend.” She motioned her to sit and leaned closer. “How’s it going with Jared?”
“It’s a work in progress. Evidently we don’t know how to be together without talking about business.”
“When’s he taking you to the drive-in?”
“Tomorrow night.”
She turned to Fiona. “When are you and Leo going—”
“Also tomorrow night.”
“That settles it,” Eva said. “Monday night we need to have dinner and compare notes.”
Fiona nodded. “For sure. Come to my apartment at six. It’s my turn to host.”
“I’ll be there,” Eva said.
“Me, too.” Beth glanced at them. “I couldn’t hear how the bidding went. Did you guys stay within your budget?”
“I way overspent,” Fiona said. “Same as you two.”
“Eva, you blew your budget?” Beth stared at her. “I thought of all of us, you’d hold the line.”
“I tried to stop her,” Fiona said, “but it was a hopeless cause. Then I followed both of you down that rabbit hole. I won’t be taking advantage of the Labor Day Weekend sales at Jeans Junction this year.”
“Me, either,” Eva said. “I blame the way they rode in.”
“No kidding.” Fiona pressed a hand to her heart. “Leo did this trick where he hung off one side of the saddle while the horse was galloping and then vaulted to the other side. I was so afraid he’d fall, but he was in complete control. I wonder if he was a stunt man before he moved here.”
“Did you ask him?”
“Yes, and he dodged the question. I already know he doesn’t want to discuss his past. He—”
“Zip it,” Beth said. “The guys are coming back.”
When Nick arrived, he took one look at Eva’s goblet and held out his hand. “Looks like you need a refill.”
Evidently during the conversation with Beth and Fiona, she’d drained her glass. Whoops. “Thank you, but please make it the virgin kind. I’m the designated driver.”
“That reminds me,” Fiona said. “Leo’s offered to take me home.”
“I’d planned to take Beth home, too.” Jared turned to her. “That’s if you want me to.”
“I appreciate the offer, but I’ll ride back with Eva.”
“Oh,” Fiona said. “Then so will I.”
“That’s silly.” Eva didn’t want to stand in the way of either of them spending time with their chosen guys. “I can—”
“I have a solution.” Nick glanced down at her. “Let me drive you home and bring you back here in the morning to pick up your truck. I’ll need to be at your house before eight, anyway, so I can get started on time. What do you say?”
“That’s very gallant of you.” From this angle his muscular chest was even more impressive. He’d taken her suggestion about wearing a tight T-shirt. Nice. “But then you can’t enjoy an extra glass of cider.”
He held her gaze. “Not a problem.”
Had his eyes always been that blue? Maybe it was the navy T-shirt that emphasized the color. “Okay, then, thank you. A ride home would be lovely.”
“Good.” He smiled. “I’ll fetch you a refill.”
Ellie Mae’s words came back to her. You can count on this guy. Nick had just removed responsibility from her shoulders so she could fully participate in this gala.
Why not let go of her duties for one evening? She loved her job and didn’t mind the work involved with her house, but it might be time to relax and enjoy herself for a change.