Rocky Mountain Devil Read online

  It was good to be back. Good to return to family and know he was accepted. To know they celebrated with him.

  Good to know he had a place to hang his hat, and a woman to learn all over in new ways. Spending time with Laurel and his crazy, mixed-up family would be simple—

  Well, he hoped it would be simple. It had to work, because he wasn’t giving up his family, and he wasn’t giving up Laurel. He’d have to avoid bringing her around his father, but the rest of the Colemans were part of his heart and soul.

  The frustrations of his morning were erased, replaced by a whole lot of anticipation for when he could see her again.

  Laurel’s father stood at the library reception desk, continuing to exchange pleasantries with Wendy.

  Having him show up at work wasn’t the most terrible thing to happen, it just wasn’t what Laurel wanted to deal with right then. But—he was there, which meant she couldn’t avoid talking with him.

  She waited for a break in the conversation. “Hey. Were you looking for me?”

  “I was running errands and thought I’d stop by. Do you have a few minutes?” her father asked politely.

  She glanced at her boss, pretty sure she knew the answer.

  Wendy waved them off. “Take your afternoon break. That’s fine.”

  Laurel led him through the main building to the small door off the back that opened onto a grassy area with a picnic table.

  “Nice.”

  “They call it the summer staff room,” Laurel shared. “In the winter, we’re locked in a tiny windowless room along with the water heater.”

  “Sounds marvelous.” He sat and folded his hands, staring over the grass toward the nearby junior high. Silent, as if he was thinking about what to say, or waiting for her.

  Talking with her dad wasn’t usually this uncomfortable. She loved the man, really she did, but right now there was potentially a whole lot of awkward about to happen.

  He turned to her with a smile. “It’s been good to have you back in town.”

  She joined him on the bench. “It’s good to be back. I missed all of you while I was gone away.”

  “So you’ve said.” He cleared his throat. “I noticed, though, that while you join us for church on Sundays, and you allowed your mother to add you to the music schedule, you’re not getting involved in anything else.”

  And…one of those awkward moments arrived far too quickly. The temptation to offer the “I’ve been busy” excuse was strong, but if she couldn’t lie in general, lying to her father was impossible.

  Laurel took a deep breath then answered quietly. “I’m working through some issues.”

  He hummed thoughtfully. “That wasn’t an answer.”

  “No, it wasn’t, but it’s the truth.” That much she could give him.

  It obviously wasn’t enough. “Does this have something to do with the decisions you made about your schooling?”

  Like how she’d dropped out of her first year of Bible College with three months to go and jumped tracks into librarian training in a totally different province instead? All without saying a word to her family? “It was what I really wanted to do,” she insisted, thankful that wasn’t a lie.

  It wasn’t a complete truth either, but at least her face didn’t give her away.

  Times like this she had difficulty thinking of the man beside her as her father. He was so Pastor Dave, sympathetic and yet solemn. Wanting the best for one of the people in his care.

  He nodded, understanding in his expression like she’d expected, but also concern. “So, I take it some of those issues you’re working through involve the church?”

  “Not with you or mom.”

  “Oh, Laurel. Your mom and I are not the church, and we’ve never said we were.” He rested a hand on her shoulder. “Everybody has doubts at times. It’s easier to deal with them if you talk about them with people who share your beliefs.”

  That was the trouble. She didn’t know what she believed anymore.

  She struggled for a way to share that wasn’t going to hurt him. There had to be a way to balance what she’d been taught, and what she completely disagreed with, and still have faith.

  Faith in what, though, she wasn’t sure.

  “Just something for you to think about,” he offered quietly. “There are some good, solid people in the church if you’d feel more comfortable talking to them. Or I understand you know Jeff Lawson from school. You could always talk to him while he’s here.”

  It was a good thing she’d turned away before her father said that last bit, or it would’ve been impossible to keep her feelings hidden regarding Jeff.

  She covered her dismay with a cough before asking, “How long is he staying to candidate?”

  “He’ll be here for just over a week.”

  Ugh. Hopefully he’d change his mind and decide things were better out East. Maybe Jessica wouldn’t want to move to a small Alberta town after living in the big city. Anything, as long as she didn’t have to face seeing him at church every week. Or accidentally bumping into him in town.

  “I’m surprised his wife didn’t join him. Isn’t it typical for them to candidate together?”

  Her father glanced at her quickly. “Jeff’s not married.”

  Suddenly she wasn’t breathing very well. The air seemed far too thick. She opened her mouth to say something then realized she had no idea what to say.

  Fortunately, her father hadn’t noticed her shock and carried on without her.

  “I’m quite impressed with Jeff.” He rose to his feet, straightening his shirt and tie as he waited for her to stand as well. “I’m encouraged by his enthusiasm, and he has a genuine heart for the youth. Just like you always did.”

  This whole conversation was like being stuck in the middle of a field full of hidden landmines. There was nowhere safe for her to step. “I have enough on my plate. I don’t think I should add anything right now.”

  Again, thankfully, that wasn’t a lie.

  “I understand.”

  Jeff was single. Jeff had not married Jessica.

  Her mind was reeling, and she was barely aware of her father anymore. So it was another surprise when they were nearly at the door and he paused. “I understand you and young Rafe Coleman have reconnected.”

  Drat. They’d been so close to avoiding this topic. Sooooo close.

  Not that she was ashamed of Rafe, and she certainly wasn’t going to apologize for him. She never had before.

  It was a conversation she wasn’t ready to deal with for other reasons, like the relationship was new and shiny, and she wasn’t sure exactly where it was going…

  She tried to keep her answer as brief and positive as possible. “It’s been good to catch up with him.”

  “Strange that I didn’t see him around even once this summer. Since you got back,” her dad pointed out.

  “He was out of town a lot working for his family. You probably knew that, though, since his mom comes to prayer meetings.”

  Pastor Dave hesitated then nodded. “You’re right, I remember now.”

  “You’ve had a lot on your mind.” She made a show of checking her watch before stepping toward the door. “Gee, I should probably get moving. I need to do a few things before my break is over.”

  She walked with him to the front door.

  He turned and gave her a hug, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “By the way. Your mother would very much like you to come and join us for supper tonight.”

  Ha. The invite was so unexpected. Not.

  “Sure.” She eyed her father. “I assume Jeff will be there?”

  Her father looked as guilty as he possibly could. “Yes, but it’s not a setup, or anything.”

  “Of course not, because I’ll be bringing Rafe with me.”

  Her father’s eyes crinkled at the corners. “Dinner’s at six, but come earlier if you can. I know your mother would enjoy extra time to chat.”

  He was out the door, and she turned and escaped to the bath
room. She washed her face with cold water and soaked her wrists until her heart stopped pounding.

  Laurel took a deep breath and brought out her phone and called Rafe.

  “Laurel?”

  “We’re dating.”

  Amusement tinged his voice when he spoke. “Good to know. What brings on this bold announcement?”

  “A lot of things.”

  “Sounds like it. Did you know we’re having supper with your parents tonight?”

  Okay, that was really scary. “How did you do that?”

  A low rumble of a laugh hit her ear. “Your mom called. Told me to bring you over at five-thirty.”

  “Seriously?” How on earth had her dad contacted her mom so quickly that she’d had time to track down Rafe?

  The entire “just happened to be in the neighbourhood” thing must have been a cover-up for finding out if she really was seeing Rafe. She wouldn’t put it past her father to be sneaky. Or her mom.

  “I’m so sorry, Rafe. My parents are going to be a handful. I hope I’m not apologizing for them all the time.”

  “Your parents are fine. Besides, we have to eat. We’ll have dinner with them, and after that, we’re going out for real. I’ve got a plan.”

  A real date. Anticipation rolled right back in, in spite of her worries. Getting to spend quality time with Rafe felt so right.

  “I have work tomorrow,” she warned.

  “So do I, but we’re still going out for a while. Arguing with me is useless.”

  “I know that. Useless, but entertaining.” She checked her watch. “Need to get back to work. Want to meet at my parents?”

  “Hell, no. I’ll pick you up at five-twenty, if you can be ready by then.”

  It was a bit of a rush to make it home from the library, into the shower and get dressed on time, but no way she was going out on her first official date with Rafe while wearing what she thought of as her library uniform.

  She was putting on lipstick when she realized she hadn’t dressed up just because of the date, or because of dinner with her parents. It was also a gesture to Jeff as well. A look what you lost out on, sucker kind of thing.

  Figuring that out wasn’t one of her proudest moments, but with Rafe already knocking at her door, it was too late to do anything about it other than feel slightly guilty.

  Chapter Seven

  It wasn’t a sight to be rushed over. Rafe savoured every second as he stood in the doorway and admired her.

  Her pale blue top mirrored her eyes perfectly, the short-sleeved blouse curving against her body before tucking neatly into the skirt’s waistband. Shades of sky and water were layered over each other, the material stopping at her knees and leaving her lower legs bare, toes visible through the straps of her sandals.

  When he finally made it back up to her face, her lips had curled into a smile.

  “You look edible,” he announced.

  Laurel’s cheeks flushed pink. “Thanks.” She twirled, the skirt flaring briefly before she landed then stepped toward him. “Is this okay for whatever you’ve got planned for later?”

  He’d intended to answer her, really he had, but he’d reached around her to offer a quick hug, and the instant his hands made contact with her torso, his ability to think vanished. “So soft.”

  “Rafe.” She pressed her palms to the sides of his face. “Focus for a minute. Do I need to bring something to change into after supper?”

  He attempted to restore his brain to its rightful position. “You’re perfect the way you are.”

  “Of course I am, but do I need to bring an extra jacket or something?”

  “Nope.” He tucked an arm around her and guided her toward the door. “Let’s get rolling. The sooner we get there, the sooner dinner will be over—not that I have any objections to your mother’s cooking.”

  He guided Laurel to the driver’s side of the truck, lifting her to the seat then waiting for her to slide into the middle.

  She was grinning pretty damn hard when he joined her and put the truck in gear.

  “What?”

  Laurel all but shone as she faced him. “Now I know for sure we’re dating.”

  He thought it through for a moment. “Nope. Clueless.

  A soft snicker escaped her. “I’ve gotten in and out of this truck thousands of times, and it’s always been me opening the door and climbing in on the other side.”

  “You’ve moved up in the world, Sitko.” He draped an arm around her shoulders and tucked her tightly against him. “Better get used to it.”

  It felt pretty amazing to have her cuddled up at his side as another warm fall day came to an end. He figured they’d be at her parents’ for about an hour, maybe a little more, and then she was his for the rest of the night.

  Laurel made a noise, poking him briefly in the side to get his attention. “Warning. My dad showed up at the library this afternoon. He was grilling me about you.”

  “What’d you tell him?”

  “That I didn’t expect him to have to show up at the principal’s office to bail me out anytime soon.”

  Oh, the memories that triggered. “Man, we nearly wore tracks in the floor back in the day. I’m surprised your dad didn’t forbid you to hang out with me.”

  “He wouldn’t dare. He and mom have always been adamant we had to make our own decisions and deal with the consequences.” She shook her head firmly. “If I want to date you, that’s my choice, not theirs.”

  Discomfort hit as he considered Jeff’s warning that Laurel wouldn’t appreciate being considered a possession. It had been Rafe’s go-to response…stupid and yet automatic.

  He pushed aside that thread of concern for now. “I meant more when we were in school.”

  She leaned against him, tentatively resting her hand on his thigh. “Maybe they hoped you’d be a good example for me.”

  A burst of laughter escaped. “Yeah, right.”

  “I’m serious. Don’t act like you were always the instigator. I was far too rambunctious and flighty back then. You helped center me, more than you realized.”

  “That’s not the way I remember it, but if you want to give me a halo, swing it over my way. It’s sure to get caught on one of my horns.”

  Her body quivered, and her shoulders shook. As he pulled to a stop in front of the Sitko house, all the signs were there of Laurel having a giggle-breakdown.

  A familiar joy struck as he pretended to sigh heavily. “What now?”

  “Nope. Can’t say.”

  Rafe narrowed his gaze. “I will get it out of you at some point, you realize.”

  He climbed out of the cab then reached back for her, placing his hands on her waist and lowering her to the ground between his open legs. For an instant their entire bodies rubbed together.

  A soft groan escaped his lips.

  Her eyes danced with mischief as she grabbed him by the hand and pulled him up the walkway. “Just remember that was your fault.”

  “My fault entirely,” he agreed. “Hang on a second, I need to make an adjustment.”

  Laurel whirled on the spot, her skirt flaring as she looked at him with wide eyes. He moved in close before casually reaching downward. He stared into her face the entire time.

  “You are so bad,” she whispered.

  He shrugged then bumped her with his shoulder as they headed up the stairs hand-in-hand.

  “Is your sister gonna be here with her family?” he asked.

  “I’m not sure if Leslie and Jim are coming.” She took a sudden breath. “Oh, but th—”

  The door opened in front of them to reveal the last face Rafe wanted to see. Coincidentally, the first face he’d seen that morning.

  “Come on in,” Jeff said, backing into the house as he swung the door wider. “Everyone’s busy with last-minute preparations, so I’m the greeting committee.”

  Awesome. “Good to see you,” Rafe lied, accepting Jeff’s hand and shaking it firmly but within polite territory. Resisting the urge to crush bones.


  Laurel seemed determined to keep Rafe between her and Jeff. He’d moved forward as if to offer her his hand as well, but she ducked away, catching hold of Rafe’s forearm and using him to keep her balance as she reached down and adjusted the strap of her shoe. When she popped up, she did so on Rafe’s right.

  Considering she and Jeff had dated, and the other man hoped to start something up with her again, she didn’t seem very thrilled to see him.

  Which was A-okay with Rafe.

  He slipped an arm around her waist and gave her a reassuring squeeze. “So, hon. You were going to tell me—”

  “Is that my mom? Coming, Mom.” She wiggled out of his embrace and shot toward the kitchen without a backward glance, abandoning him with his new bestest buddy.

  It was cowardly to leave Rafe with Jeff, but since they were standing in her parents’ living room, Laurel figured it was pretty safe.

  She’d known the evening would be tough, but she hadn’t expected that initial jolt at seeing Jeff again to make her quite so tense. Even warned that he’d be there, she was beyond normal levels of uncomfortable, and her childish ploys to avoid looking him in the eye were making the situation more awkward.

  Add in that Rafe had moved possessively even though he didn’t really know what was going on, escaping was the only option.

  I know it was a cheat, and not very mature, she told God, but really, Jeff cheated in the first place just showing up.

  Walking into the kitchen where her mom was pulling a pot roast from the oven gave her a moment to settle her nerves and get her act together.

  “Hello, sweetie. Glad you could come.” Her mother rested the pan on the counter and pulled off her oven mitts so she could drag Laurel in for a firm hug. She kissed her cheek and then patted her on the shoulder. “Can you make the gravy, please? I’ll get your father to slice the roast in a minute.”

  Nothing had changed during the time she’d been gone, and Laurel moved easily through the familiar kitchen. She grabbed the ingredients she needed, slipping into position at the stovetop.