Chapter Six

It was finally Friday of a long week that Austin acknowledged was in the top five of long weeks. The truth was, only a couple days had passed since Rose brushed him off.

Someone’s been reading too many fairy tales.

He wanted those words back more than any words had ever been wanted back in the history of man.

Surely he’d aged years since that night which might work in his favor, if she would ever talk to him again, he thought darkly. More than that, he didn’t want pleasing her or talking to her again to be so damn important.

Ethan Traub had requested a face-to-face with Austin before lunch and he was in his office just waiting for the word that his boss was free. Concentrating was a challenge and he wasn’t getting much work done, so he looked out the window.

The headquarters of Traub Oil Montana was located in a three-story brick building on State Street, in Old Town, one block off the square. Austin was an engineer working in Research and Development and had his own office with a desk, computer and a couple of chairs. Just a few months in the company’s new Thunder Canyon center of operations, the furnishings were spartan, but he worked on the third floor and the view was pretty good from up here. Especially for a guy some people in town had predicted wouldn’t amount to spit. There was a lot of satisfaction in proving them wrong and he’d feel smug about it once the Rose problem was put into perspective.

Word on the street is that you date as much as I do.

Those words kept playing over and over in his head. Word on the street? Who had she been talking to? And what exactly had they said to her about him? It couldn’t have been flattering because clearly Rose had been ticked off. The behavior was a complete one-eighty from the night before when he’d made her laugh, then kissed her and made her want. She’d kissed him back and neither of them had been thinking of anyone else they’d dated.

His intercom buzzed and he pressed the button. “Yes?”

“Austin.” It was Ethan’s secretary. “He’s free to see you now.”

“Thanks, Kay.” Then he had a thought. “Does he want to see any of my research data?”

“He didn’t say, so I’d guess no,” she answered.

“Roger that. I’ll be right there.”

On the way to Ethan’s office, just down the hall, Austin wondered a little uneasily if this impromptu meeting had something to do with Rose. Had she told her brother about that kiss? Probably not, what with the pending wager she’d made. But the downside of having the hots for your boss’s sister was not knowing if the request for a face-to-face was business or personal.

He pushed open the double doors and walked into the outer office. Kay Bausch, an experienced secretary who’d relocated from the Midland, Texas, branch of Traub Oil, looked up and smiled. She was a blonde in her mid-fifties and very attractive. Blue eyes hinted at a sense of humor and keen intelligence. She was a widow. It occurred to him that she should meet Ben Walters. What was he? Cupid? Austin couldn’t even manage his own love life. Bad choice of words. Not love. Not again.

Austin stopped in front of the desk. “How are you, Kay?”

“Great. You?”

“Also great,” he lied. “Have you got big plans for this weekend?”

“I do if you define big plans as staying home with a good book.” She smiled. “How about you?”

“My big plans include sorting research data to include in my doctoral dissertation.” God, that sounded dull. He was a geek. No data required to support that theory.

“That’s pretty impressive. When you’re finished, do I have to call you Dr. Anderson?”

“Not if you want me to actually answer,” he said.

The phone interrupted her laugh. Before answering, she said, “Go on in. He’s expecting you.”

Austin walked past her, knocked once on the closed door, then opened it. The man who was spearheading Traub Oil Montana sat behind his desk. “Hi.”

Ethan looked the part of a spearheader—tall, handsome, powerful. He closed the laptop on the desk. “Austin, have a seat.”

Noting that the other man didn’t look particularly upset, Austin breathed a little easier when he took one of the chairs facing his boss. “What’s up?”

“I had a meeting yesterday with the accountants and they’ve increased the R&D budget.”

“Wow.” Excitement poured through him. “Really?”

“Thanks in part to you, that town meeting in October went a long way toward easing some of the locals’ misgivings about extracting oil from shale.”

“Me? How? I just answered questions for people as honestly as possible.”

“For now that was enough. We bought land leases from some and extraction rights from others, but every last one of them was concerned about the environmental impact of this project on the area around Thunder Canyon.”

“So am I.”

“It showed,” Ethan assured him. “They were impressed with your answers and it meant even more coming from someone they consider one of their own.”

“This is my home and I wouldn’t be a part of anything to hurt it,” he said simply. “All I did was tell them the areas of concern. The support activities generate wastes that require disposal. I’m doing my doctoral dissertation on in situ conversion processes that may reduce the impact.”

“You have an emotional stake in what happens and it runs deep.” Ethan nodded. “I’ve been reading your reports carefully. It’s pretty technical stuff. Hard to understand.”

Not as hard to understand as your sister, Austin thought. But that was information best kept to himself. “Basically, water is an issue. I’m working on a process of filtering and recycling.”

“To eliminate toxins and reuse water which would be especially effective in arid regions where water consumption is a sensitive issue.” Ethan’s grasp of the reports was right on.

Austin was impressed. “Above-ground processing utilizes between one and five barrels of water per barrel of produced shale oil. In situ, below ground,” he explained, “uses one-tenth as much water and I’m trying to minimize that.”

“What else are you working on?” Ethan asked, clearly interested in this aspect of the operation.

“I’m looking at a process to refine carbon capture and storage technology in order to reduce the extraction process’s footprint on the environment.”

Ethan laughed and held up his hand. “I’m going to stop you right there. My eyes are glazing over. I try to keep up, but I’ll have to take your word on the research part.”

“Okay.” Austin nodded. “But a bigger budget will really make a difference in improving our technology capabilities. Thank you.”

“I’ll pass that along to the number crunchers.” Ethan leaned back in his chair. “The discussion you had with the Thunder Canyon High School science teacher was particularly effective, by the way. Talking to the kids in class about what’s going on is generating conversations with their parents. All the reaction is very positive.”

“Glad to hear it.” So all was good on the career front and should have made Austin a happy guy. Should have being the key words. He started to stand up. “Thanks for letting me know—”

Ethan held up a hand. “Before you go—”

“What?” he said when the other man hesitated.

Hopefully it was something more about business, but Austin didn’t think so. There was a protective-older-brother look on Ethan’s face that was a dead giveaway.

“You’re under no obligation to answer. This is completely unrelated to your work which is impeccable. I couldn’t be happier with what you’re doing here at Traub Oil.”

“But?” Definitely about Rose, he thought grimly.

“Jackson mentioned something and I was wondering—”

“This is about your sister,” Austin said. No point in dodging the issue.

“Yes.”

“What about her?” He wouldn’t volunteer anything that would give her brothers even a technicality win in the wager. He also didn’t want to dig himself into a hole by opening his big mouth.

“I saw her with you at the wedding. And I’m told you’ve been spotted around Thunder Canyon together. Hanging out at ROOTS. At DJ’s. The Holiday Presents for Patriots project.”

Small-town life. Austin knew from firsthand experience that it was both a blessing and a curse. People were there for you and they were there for you, whether you wanted them or not. And they talked.

“About the wedding,” he started. “We were both going alone, so—”

“A date?”

“No.” The word came out more forcefully than Austin intended even though the wedding was before she’d made the wager. “Just friends.”

“Are you dating?”

The double-dare bet. Austin wouldn’t rat her out, no matter what tension there was between them. But Ethan’s motivation for asking had nothing to do with a silly bet, Austin realized. The expression on the other man’s face was all about brotherly concern.

“No, I’m not dating Rose.”

“You’re sure?”

His boss was pushing a bit and Austin pushed back. “Are you asking about my intentions?”

“No. Yes.” Ethan dragged his fingers through his dark hair as irritation registered in his brown eyes. “Maybe. She’s my baby sister.”

“I understand.”

“Look, Austin, I know as your employer that I’ve got no right to interfere in your personal life, but I’m kind of accustomed to looking out for her. No offense intended.”

“None taken.” Austin stood. “You can stand down. I’ve got a baby sister, too. And I’d never treat a woman badly.”

Especially because he knew how it felt to be on the receiving end of bad treatment. As he walked back to his own office, Austin figured that it was probably for the best that Rose no longer wanted to see him.

Mixing business and personal was never a good idea, especially since he and Rose had very different ideas on dating.

“Really, Rose? The Tottering Teapot?” Jackson stared across the table after glancing at the female-oriented café’s menu.

“I love this place,” Laila said. “It’s completely charming.”

“Every woman in town loves this place,” he said.

After shooting him a triumphant look, Rose said, “I’m glad you like it, Laila, because this lunch is all about apologizing to you for spoiling your evening the other night.”

“Her evening? What about mine?”

“You already got your revenge,” Rose reminded him.

She had another reason for picking up the lunch tab today, a favor to ask her brother. It occurred to her that The Hitching Post with arguably the best burgers in town might have been a better place to get on his good side.

“I’ve never eaten here,” she said. “I wanted to try it.”

“The portobello mushroom sandwich is so good,” Laila told her. “This place is famous for its vegetarian sandwiches.”

“No wonder I’m the only man in the place.” Jackson blew out a long breath. “There’s no meat here.”

“Not true.” Rose looked up from the menu. “They have free-range chicken and grass-fed beef.”

“Oh, that makes it better,” he said sarcastically. “The smell of candles and tea is sucking out all my testosterone. Just kill me now.”

“Oh, for Pete’s sake. Why did you agree to come here then?”

“Because Laila wanted to.”

Rose nearly sighed out loud because of the way Jackson was looking at the woman who’d tamed his notorious bachelor’s heart. You could practically touch the love arcing between them and she was completely envious. It’s what she wanted—a man who would sacrifice testosterone to be with her at The Tottering Teapot.

The café was located in Old Town on Main Street near Pine. In addition to the menu, everything about the place was female-friendly. The tables were covered with lace tablecloths, no two the same. Food was served on thrift-store-bought, mismatched china. In deference to its name, there was an endless variety of teas, both herbal and otherwise.

Two thoughts came to mind simultaneously. Had Austin ever brought a date here? And she really hoped her brother didn’t want coffee.

A young woman in her late teens or early twenties stopped at their table, pad and pencil in hand. “Hi, my name is Flo. Are you ready to order or do you need a minute?”

“A minute won’t change the menu,” Jackson grumbled. “I’ll have a hamburger.”

“We have veggie or turkey in addition to grass-fed beef.”

“Beef,” he said without hesitation. To his credit he didn’t shudder at the other choices.

“Would you like a spring mix salad on the side?”

“No fries?” he asked.

“Sorry.” With pencil poised above the pad, Flo shrugged.

“What’s spring mix?” he asked skeptically.

“Different kinds of lettuce. Arugula, radicchio, red and green romaine—”

“Please tell me that’s a Christmas thing.”

“No, sir, it’s organic.”

“Girl greens—”

“He’ll have the macaroni salad. It’s delicious,” Laila told him. “I’d like the portobello mushroom sandwich with salad. And peppermint tea.”

“Make it two,” Rose said.

When the waitress looked at him expectantly, Jackson sighed. “I’ll just have water.”

No one could accuse her brother of not adapting.

When they were alone, Rose said to him, “You’re a really good sport.”

“Maybe,” he answered, glancing around the room crowded with women. “But if either of you tell anyone about this, I’ll deny ever setting foot in the door.”

“Good luck with that.” Laila patted his hand. “You can’t sneeze without everyone in Thunder Canyon knowing you’ve got a cold.”

“It’s true. You can’t go anywhere without someone noticing who you’re with.” He nodded thoughtfully. “And you’re right, Rosie. I am a good sport. The question is, are you? Because I think you lost the bet.”

“Oh, please,” Laila scoffed. “You’re not really going to hold her to a month without a date.”

“The heck I’m not. It’s a double dare and she agreed to the terms. She’s up to six weeks no dating now.”

Their food arrived and Rose held back her comments until they were alone. “It would be hard to lose the bet since I haven’t been out on a date.”

Apprehensively, Jackson took a bite of his burger, then nodded appreciatively. After chewing he said, “More than one person has seen you with Austin Anderson.”

“You’re talking about the wedding, but that was before—”

“The bet,” he interrupted. “I know. What about Holiday Presents for Patriots? You were with him there at DJ’s. And before that ROOTS. That big window looks right out on the street where everyone going by can see. Someone saw you going into the town hall with him after hours.”

“Oh, for Pete’s sake. He helped me with the mayor’s Christmas cards.” The kiss wasn’t something she planned to share. If only not remembering it could be that easy.

“A likely story.” Hesitantly he took a bite of macaroni salad and nodded at Laila. “If this is fake pasta, please keep it to yourself. It’s good.”

“I wouldn’t steer you wrong.” She smiled at him. “Stick with me.”

He winked at her. “Try and get rid of me.”

This “apology” lunch was starting to feel like another interruption to their alone time and it was on the tip of her tongue to say “get a room.”

“Seriously, Rosie, according to more than one eyewitness you’re dating Austin Anderson.”

“Not true,” she said adamantly. “I went to ROOTS on the mayor’s official business. Austin just happened to be there.”

“And at DJ’s? Presents for Patriots? He just happened to be there again?”

“Yes.” She met her brother’s gaze, telling herself he didn’t need to know that Austin had made sure she’d be there right after giving her the hottest kiss she’d ever had.

“Come on, sis. You expect me to believe that he just happens to turn up everywhere you are?”

“I follow the rules. You can’t lie on a double dare. It’s wrong in so many ways.” Stretching the truth, however, was different from an out-and-out untruth. “I can say in all honesty that our encounters did not contain the necessary components of a date. Nothing was prearranged with Austin and he spent no money on me. I swear.”

He studied her for a moment. “Okay, then.”

Rose and Laila had half their sandwiches remaining when Flo returned with to-go boxes. “Are you ladies saving room for dessert?”

Both of them declined. Rose looked at her brother. “How about you?”

“I checked it out.” He shook his head. “You can’t put carrots and zucchini in sugar and flour and call it cake. It’s just wrong.”

Flo laughed. “I’ll leave the check, then. No rush.”

“My treat.” Rose grabbed it. “How was your burger?”

He glanced at his empty plate. “Surprisingly good.”

Thank God, because it was time to hit him up for the favor. “So, Mayor Clifton is really looking forward to the kid’s annual Christmas party tomorrow.”

“I suppose he is.” Her brother met her gaze.

“His little girl is turning one. It will be her first Christmas. First time seeing Santa.” If she could get her brother to step into the role at the last minute.

“Homer Johnson has been doing it for years,” Laila said. “He does a great job.”

“I’m sure he does.”

There must have been something in her tone and expression because Jackson gave her a hard look. “Don’t go there, sis.”

“What?” She put as much innocence as possible into her voice, but darn it, he knew her too well.

“I’m not playing Santa Claus tomorrow.”

“What makes you think I’m asking—”

“I just know.”

She sighed. “Homer called me this morning. He could hardly talk. It’s the flu. He can’t get out of bed let alone spread germs to all the kids. They’ll be so disappointed.”

“Don’t turn those big blue eyes on me. It’s not going to work.”

“Why not? What have you got against kids? You’re a good listener. All you have to do is ask them what they want for Christmas.”

“Not going to happen.”

“Why not?” Laila asked. “You love kids.”

“Yes, I do, but what do I say when they ask how the reindeer pull the sleigh? Or how Santa can deliver toys all over the world in one night?”

“Just tell them it’s magic,” Rose suggested.

“What about the precocious one who wants specifics? And physics?” He shook his head.

Laila tapped her lip. “You know who would be good at that?”

“Who?” Rose asked. “I’m desperate.”

“Austin.”

Hadn’t she just defended herself and all the time she’d spent with him lately? Now they were throwing him at her? As much as she’d enjoyed every minute with him, including that kiss, this was a really bad idea.

“I’m not sure he’s mature enough to pull it off,” she finally said.

“Of course he can.” Laila nodded confidently. “He’s got that really deep voice. He looks much older than he is. And with the red suit and white beard as his disguise… Trust me, he’ll be a natural at it.”

Rose agreed with everything the other woman had said. The problem, and there was more than one, was that after the way she’d huffed out of DJ’s the other night, she didn’t think he’d speak to her, let alone help her out. And she wouldn’t blame him.

“Can you think of anyone else?” she asked.

Laila and Jackson looked at each other, then said, “No.” He looked at his watch. “And I have to get back to work.”

“Me, too,” Laila said.

When they stood, he helped her put on her jacket. Rose remembered Austin doing that for her and how the gesture had warmed her more than a coat ever could.

“Thanks for lunch, Rose,” Laila said. “You didn’t have to.”

“Yeah, you did.” Jackson grinned before escorting his fiancée to the door.

Rose waited for Flo to bring back her credit card so that she could sign for the charge. She couldn’t think of anyone else to play Santa Claus and letting down the kids wasn’t an option. She took her cell phone from her purse. Desperate situations called for desperate measures, she thought, pulling up her contact list. Austin Anderson was the first name. How ironic was that? After hitting the buttons, she heard the ring and he answered on the second one.

“This is Austin.”

“Hi, it’s Rose.” Two beats of hesitation meant he hadn’t looked at the caller ID. There was a short but incredibly awkward silence and she filled it. “Are you busy? Is this a bad time?”

“No, I’m not busy. Just got out of a meeting with your brother.”

“How’s Ethan?” Stalling. Procrastinating. Putting off his rejection.

“Good.”

There was another awkward silence that was hers to fill because she’d called him. It was now or never. “Austin, I have a favor. It’s really important. I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t for the kids.”

“What?”

She toyed with her teacup and the used bag on the saucer. “My Santa for tomorrow’s party is sick. I can’t find anyone and wondered if you’d be willing to fill in.”

After two beats he asked, “Does Santa have a helper this year?”

“What?”

“I’ve been to the mayor’s party. There’s always someone to play the elf.”

She hesitated because the answer was sure to be a deal breaker. “It’s me. I’m the elf.”

“I see.”

This wasn’t the best time to notice how really, really deep his voice was. And she wished he’d use it instead of leaving her hanging, twisting in the wind. “Look, it’s really short notice. If you’re busy—”

“Are you wearing the costume?” he asked.

“Of course.”

“With the short skirt and tights?”

“Yes.” She couldn’t stop a smile.

“I’ll do it.”

Relief flooded her. “Thank you so much.”

“There’s a condition.”

“What? It’s not enough that I’ll look like a fugitive from the toy shop at the North Pole?”

“My house needs decorating and I could use your help. Sunday night. Five o’clock.” This time he filled the silence. “It’s not a date. Just a friend helping the friend who helped her.”

Did she have a choice?

“Okay. I’ll see you tomorrow, Austin.”

“For two people who aren’t dating, you and Austin are sure spending an awful lot of time together.” Jackson picked up a red scarf from the seat of the chair where Laila had sat. Suspicion gleamed in his eyes.

Rose had been so into the phone call that she hadn’t noticed her brother come up from behind her. “He agreed to be my Santa. Well, not my Santa. For the kids. It wasn’t my idea,” she reminded him.

But she was very grateful to Austin for bailing her out. Definitely a “white knight” moment.

And she was looking forward to seeing him in more than a friend-helping-out-a-friend kind of way. Anticipation was back with a vengeance.

Darn it all.