“Oh, looks are deceiving, my friend.” I glance down at my menu, make my decision, and set it aside. “Where have you been living? Last I heard was Portland.”
“I did live in Portland for a while.” Max nods. “I’m based out of Seattle now, but like I said yesterday, I think I’ll be moving back home soon.”
“What do you do?” I ask and sip my soda.
“I’m a programmer.”
“As in computers?” I ask and cock my head.
“Yes, but I work with software. I recently sold two programs to Google.”
I feel my eyes go wide in surprise and then I smile and clap my hands. “That’s awesome, Max! Good for you. What kind of programs?”
“They’re ranching programs, actually. Bringing farming and ranching into the new millennium.” He shrugs as if he’s embarrassed and twists his glass of scotch on the table. “So I may be in the market for a new house.”
“I happen to know someone who sells houses,” I tease him. “What are you looking for?”
“Something newer, not in the heart of town. I’d like to be close to Jenna in case she needs me.” He shrugs again and his cheeks heat. “Price isn’t really an issue.”
“I’ll see what’s available and email you a list if you’d like.”
He nods. “Thanks, I’d appreciate it.”
“How is your sister?” I ask after the waitress takes our order.
“Jenna’s great. I worry about her being up on the mountain alone, though. Especially in winter.”
“I’ve heard nothing but great things about her B and B,” I say.
“She’s done a great job with it.” He turns bright green eyes to mine and offers me a half grin. “Tell me about you.”
“I just moved back myself,” I inform him. “Moved back this summer from LA.”
“Why the move?”
I cringe inwardly. I’ve only told Cara about the fiasco that was my life in LA. I’m not baring my soul to Max.
“It was time to be closer to family,” I tell him. “I missed Montana.”
“Me too. Although snowstorms like yesterday make me wonder why.”
“No kidding.”
“Did you get a new car?”
“Yes, a new Ford. It’s red and shiny and the seat keeps my ass warm. I love it.”
Max laughs and leans toward me. He’s so handsome, with his wide smile and gorgeous eyes. He’s successful and intelligent and kind. Please, God, let there be some kind of awareness when he touches me.
“That was your laundry list of requirements?” he asks and covers my hand with his, and I’m disappointed that there is no spark, no sense of awareness.
Damn it! A nice, hot guy is interested in me, and I feel zilch.
Typical.
“Pretty much,” I shrug and slowly pull my hand out from under his. He notices, but doesn’t say anything and I sip my soda in relief. We spend the next hour chatting about our hometown and mutual friends, enjoying our meal.
“Wow, Ty and Lauren Cunningham,” Max comments as he polishes off his chocolate soufflé.
“They’re really great together.” I sip my coffee. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen Ty so happy.”
“That’s awesome. I’ll call him while I’m in town.” He reaches for my hand again, but I lean back out of his reach.
“Max, it’s been so great to see you again . . .”
“But you’re not interested in doing it again,” he finishes correctly.
“I’m sorry,” I sigh and hang my head. “You’re great and I like you.”
“It’s cool. Friends can have dinner together.” He smiles and I can see that there are no hard feelings.
Thank God!
“Thank you,” I murmur. Nice guy. Totally sweet. Hot as hell. Successful. And I can’t even stand to hold his hand.
I want to bury my face in my palm, but manage to smile as he settles the check and walks me outside. “I’m parked over there,” I tell him, pointing to the right.
“I’m that way.” He points in the other direction. “It’s been great catching up, Jill. Drive safely home.”
“I’ll email you a list of houses in the next few days,” I reply and tilt my head when he moves in to kiss my cheek.
“Perfect, thank you.” He pats my shoulder, winks, and walks off toward his Mercedes.
I watch him walk away, then sigh and kick at the snow before walking toward my car.
When I get close, I see Zack sitting in his truck, parked right next to mine.
Why is Zack here?
As I approach, Zack gets out of his truck, his handsome face pulled tight.
“What’s wrong?” I ask. “Has something happened to Cara? Or Josh?”
“No.” He shakes his head and comes to a stop a few feet away from me. “Everyone’s fine.”
“Then why are you here?” I ask, confused.
He sighs and scrubs his fingers through his hair, then props his hands on his hips and hangs his head. “I just needed to make sure you’re okay.”
“Why wouldn’t I be okay?”
He doesn’t answer, and it all starts to make sense.
“Zack, why wouldn’t I be okay?” I ask again and cross my arms over my chest.
“I told you, Max has a history of being a womanizer.”