So Hard To Forget Part 4

Nicole opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out.

Max didn't miss her reaction. It amused him to see how he'd thrown her off stride, and now he watched as she struggled to regain her voice. She wasn't going to admit it yet, but he knew she was attracted to him. He fully intended to use that attraction for his own purposes.

He'd also noticed her look of disgust, and now he realized it was directed at the phone he held in his other hand. "Are these forbidden?"

With a shake of her head, she finally found her voice and said, "No, but I wish they were. Some of the guests come here and for Whatever reason, they can't be c )f touch with the world for a week. As if everythin revolved around them." Like her father, she cursed the invention of the cellular telephone.

"Up until ten years ago we deliberately didn't have a telephone at the lodge. Just a shortwave radio so we could stay in touch with the ranch. But with the increasing popularity of the portable phone, we were forced to buy and install our own tower and microwave dish. Then we had to camouflage the ugly thing because the very guests who insisted we install that convenience b.i.t.c.hed about the eyesore in paradise."

With an effort she forced herself to shut up, pressing her lips together. She couldn't figure out what it was about him that had sent her off on her nervous tirade.

Max slid the small phone into his s.h.i.+rt pocket. "It does seem a sacrilege doesn't it? But I needed to check on my partner." He accepted the icy gla.s.s of pale champagne. "Doug hasn't been himself lately."

"I'm sorry. I don't usually go off like that. Of course you have every right to bring your phone." "You look beautiful this evening, Nicole."

She was taken aback by the compliment and the way he looked at her. As if they were lovers and he wanted nothing more than to take her in his arms and kiss her senseless.

She dropped her gaze. "Thanks." It was all she could think to say.

"What's your favorite color?"

"Yellow. Why?"

"What's your favorite flavor of ice cream?"

"Vanilla. What is this---twenty questions? And why do you want to know?"

"I'm just trying to get to know you, that's all." "Why?"

"Because I like you."

"You don't know me."

"That's what I'm trying to remedy."

"Again, why? You're here for a week and then you're gone. We'll never see each other again." "Maybe. Maybe not."

Nicole ran a nervous hand through her hair. "Let me tell you what I told Hal. We have rules. Come on to me or get out of line, and you're off the mountain." But Max wasn't like Hal, and so wasn't the least bit put off by her manner.

"Haven't you ever broken the rules?"

She wasn't about to tell him that was how she ended UP married to a man to whom fidelity was a foreign word and he didn't speak the language. "No." He brought his face close to hers, but she refused to back away.

"Never? Well, I don't give up easily." When her lips parted for a quick comeback, he said, "We'll have this conversation again soon, when we're alone. Now, one more question." Her expression told him she was about to walk off, and he touched her shoulder before she could move. "Just out of curiosity. What's your favorite perfume?"

It was easier to ignore the implications behind his words and answer his questions. "I don't wear it out here, New York. The fish and wildlife wouldn't appreciate it much."

He loved her sa.s.s. "Humor me. If you could have -your pick of any kind, what would it be?" She sighed and gave him a look that would have stopped a lesser man. "Look, perfume costs money and I don't have it to spare."

"Okay, if not perfume, then what's your favorite flower?"

He wasn't going to leave it or her alone without an answer. "Gardenias," she said after a moment.

He was chilled to the bone by her answers. They were identical to Sandra's choices.

Nicole realized that suddenly he was no longer gazing at her like a lover but an enemy. How could the mention of flowers bring on such a drastic change? She would have asked him if the rest of the group hadn't joined them. There was that first-night excitement in the air as they were introduced to JD, and gla.s.ses of champagne and plates of food were pa.s.sed around. Then, as the sun began to set, one by one they stopped talking.

Nicole was amused and touched by the silence. The men were mesmerized by the sunset, and though she too, had seen it countless times in her life, she wasn't ashamed to admit it still moved her.

Max was as impressed as the others. The sun hung low in the sky like a ball of molten fire, was.h.i.+ng the land and trees with a vibrant glow. But it was the twisting turning ribbon of river that seized his gaze and left him drunk with the wonder of the scene. It was a vision dreams are made of. As he watched, the wind kicked up, agitating the surface into rippling waves. The tips of the waves caught the light and burst into flames that danced playfully on the surface.

It must have taken twenty minutes for the sun to set and the growing darkness to blend in with the shadows. With a collective sigh, everyone on the porch began to move about, migrating toward the bar for something stronger than champagne. Nicole had seen it happen before, grown worldly men struck speechless by something so beautiful.

It was entertaining, though she hid her amus.e.m.e.nt, to see the emotion they tried to hide behind with their drinks, silence or sometimes bl.u.s.ter. As always, it was her job to bring them back to the present and take away any feelings of discomfort. "If you want to bring your drinks in, I believe Penny is ready to serve dinner."

She couldn't have asked for a more perfect dinner. The men raved about JD's orange-glazed quail served on a bed of cherry-and-pecan corn bread dressing, tiny b.u.t.tered new potatoes dusted with fresh parsley, a choice of three other vegetables and Penny's homemade yeast rolls. When groans met the offer of seconds or thirds, she told them that dessert, coffee and, if they wished, after-dinner drinks were going to be served in the lounge.

After they were settled there, Nicole took up a position directly in front of the fireplace. She saw the way amus.e.m.e.nt crinkled the corners of Max's eyes as he strived to keep his smile in check. Nor did she miss the way Larry ducked his head so she wouldn't see his grin. She'd always used the position as an ice breaker, and it never failed to work. The tire place was so ma.s.sive she almost could have stepped inside, stretched out her arms and still had room to spare. The picture reinforced the idea that everything at Dawson's was bigger and better than anything they'd ever seen. "Welcome to Dawson's, gentlemen." Her standard welcoming.

"There are just a few rules that need to be discussed before I leave you to enjoy yourselves." At the word "rules," she had their undivided attenOon. She also hadn't missed a couple of scowls. As predictable as ever, she'd hit a nerve. Men didn't like women laying down rules or giving them orders. She picked up a contraption from a table and held it up. It was a small black box about the size of a two-inch cube, with a couple of elastic straps riveted together. She held it up, leaving the straps dangling in the air.

"This is a radio with two b.u.t.tons. The green one will reach me no matter where I am. Press it and talk. The red b.u.t.ton's for emergencies only. When you press it it admits a shrill noise, and that's for two reasons. Gentlemen, first let me impress upon you that this is your vacation. I want you to enjoy yourselves and have the time of your life. But remember and never forget that this is the wilderness. There are bears, mountain lions and wolves on the mountain."

Preston looked ready to faint and Hal was suddenly pale. "We've only had a couple of incidents, and that was when a black bear wanted a prime fis.h.i.+ng spot one of our guests was working. As fishermen, I'm sure you know a good spot is worth fighting for--but not with a bear." There were a few chuckles and she continued, "That's what the red b.u.t.ton on the radio is for. It not only warns me, but the sound usually scares off the wildlife. The radio is light and easy to wear." She showed them how to put it on by slipping her arms through the straps, then adjusting the box so it rested high on her shoulder.

"No guest leaves the lodge, whether fis.h.i.+ng or hiking, without one. They'll be waiting for you by the door as we leave in the morning. Break the rules, and you'll find yourself in the track heading for the ranch--where you'll have to deal with Charlie." She deliberately s.h.i.+vered and grimaced. Her actions got a laugh.

Nicole moved toward the door, then stopped and said as a parting shot, "Have a nice evening. Just keep in mind we get going early in the morning. Breakfast is from six to seven-thirty, and we leave around eight-thirty or nine."

MORNING, THOUGH IT WAS antic.i.p.ated with eagerness, came much too early.

When Max finally stumbled downstairs, still half-asleep, and met the rest of the group at the breakfast table, he laughed. Then wished he hadn't. His head felt as though it had been filled with rocks, and every movement sent them cras.h.i.+ng together.

Like a pack of teenagers left on their own for the first time, the men had refused to take Nicole's good advice. They'd stayed up late, getting to know one another over a few drinks too many. And from the woeful looks Max got, he knew they all felt as lousy as he did. He nodded and grunted a good-morning to everyone and no one, then poured himself some coffee and took stock of the others.

Hal, his pasty skin lightly tinted green, was valiantly attempting to eat some toast. Preston made no bones about how he felt and sat with his head in his hands, moaning. Clarence and George stared into their coffee, managing every now and then to lift red-rimmed eyes. Larry, the oldest and probably the wisest, was the only one who didn't look as if he wanted to curl up like a wounded animal and die. But everyone was too d.a.m.n stubborn, himself included, to admit any weakness.

Nicole bounced into the dining room, all smiles. She from what to wondered how many would back out and opt for a morning in bed. Her smile widened when everyone made it clear they were stronger than they looked. "Good. Now, if you'll get your gear and pick up your radios on the way out, the truck's ready to take you to the river." She desperately wanted to laugh. They were moving slowly, but they were moving. "A couple of things I forgot last night. We've put together a lunch, snacks and cold drinks for each of you in individual coolers. But if you get tired or want to come back to the lodge at any time, use your radios to call me. Never remove food from the cooler, then leave it sitting out.

"Lastly, and most important. I don't mean to sound like a nag, and the chances you'll cross paths with a bear are slight. But if you do, please, please don't run. Freeze. Use the alarm on your radios. If the worst possible scenario happens and the bear charges, drop to the ground, roll your body into a ball and wrap your arms around your head. Don't forget the alarm, though." She looked from one to the other and smiled, trying to rea.s.sure them.

"Has anyone ever been attacked?" Preston asked nervously.

"Yes. About six years ago. We hadn't had a lot of rain and food was scarce. One of the guests left his half-eaten lunch on the riverbank, and then when the bear showed up, drawn by the scent of food, he tried to chase him off." They waited for the ending, and she sighed inwardly, knowing a lie could easily be found out. "Because he didn't follow the rules, he was mauled to death."

There was a collective swallow. Max was the last one to file out of the room. He said to Nicole, "I hope you slept soundly."

"Of course I did."

"I didn't."

She grinned and shook her head. "Alcohol isn't a good sedative, New York."

"That wasn't my problem. I couldn't get you off my mind, Montana. What am I going to do about it?"

"Lose lots more sleep. Excuse me." She turned to go, but was stopped by his next comment.

"I think you're lying," he whispered. "I think you had trouble getting to sleep, too."

"In your dreams, New York. And I don't lie." Not very ofierBut she wasn't about to let him see he was right. "Get your gear or you'll be left behind."

"Yes, ma'am." He gave her a salute, then strolled away with a bounce to his step, knowing her eyes were following him. He didn't feel even the least twinge of guilt for planning to get his information one way or the other.

The guests were left on the river, each at a different site. The last was Larry, and as they dropped him off and watched him trudge happily toward the water, Max slipped into the front seat of the Jeep. "What special place have you picked for me?" He glanced at her as she started the truck and pulled back onto the b.u.mpy track. "From that scowl you keep shooting at me, maybe I'd he better off back at the lodge."

"What? Sorry. I was thinking that Larry doesn't look well." The fact that he was the oldest of the group and alone also concerned her.

Max turned to look straight ahead. "He's okay." She slowed the truck and said, "Maybe you should team up with him. Just for the morning, and I'll come back at noon and see how it's going."

Max laid his hand over hers on the gears.h.i.+ft.

"Leave him be, Montana. There are times a man just needs to be alone with his thoughts."

"Not if I think he's sick."

"He is sick. Larry has cancer and about six months left to live. Let him enjoy himself. I promise he'll be fine. He's well aware of his limitations."

"How did you know?" she whispered.

"He told me last night. I'm the only one who does know, and he only told me after I saw and recognized the painkillers he was taking."

"I should tell Dad. There could be trouble if anything happens."

"Just keep it under your hat, will you? This is the trip of a lifetime for Larry. With the help of his sister, he just barely managed to afford it."

"Oh, h.e.l.l." She blinked rapidly to clear her vision, then tugged down the visor of her baseball cap. "I wish you'd never told me."

" "But--" "

"Oh, shut up." She jerked the Jeep into gear, and they b.u.mped along awhile before she said, "I'm sorry. My mother died of cancer. Fortunately or unfortunately, depending on which way you look at it she died very quickly after she was diagnosed. She didn't have time to suffer too much."

It was an opening he wasn't about to pa.s.s up. "How old were you when it happened?"

"Ten."

"That's tough. Any brothers. or sisters?"

"No. Just me." She took her eyes off the rutted road for a second. "You're very observant," she said. "I mean, the way you noticed Larry's painkillers."

"That's my job," he said. She'd tried to hide the fact that she knew very well what he did for a living.

He wasn't about to let her off the hook, though. "You read the form you insisted I fill out, so you should know."

She refused to look at him, sure he would probably read something significant into her guilty expression. She'd been far too busy checking out where he was from, if he was married and other vital statistics and had only glanced at occupation. She deliberately kept her gaze on the road ahead. "You and Doug are private detectives."

Max chuckled. "We prefer' security consultants." A nice term to sum up a mult.i.tude of job descriptions without making anyone nervous."

"Well, let's see how good a PI. you are. What about Clarence and George? What do you make of them? Are they gay?"

"No. I'd guess they've been friends since childhood. Grew up in the same town, went to the same schools and college, then started a business together. Married sisters."

Nicole laughed. "You're a cheat. There's no way you could know all that by just observing them."

He had to struggle to keep a straight face. "I swear."

"And you're a big liar."

"Okay, so sue me--they told me last night." "What about Hal and Preston?"

"That's easy. They both work for the same law firm. Hal's a flamboyant pretty boy who draws business like a magnet. Preston has all the brains and does all the real work. Hal knows he needs Preston to stay on top, and Preston likes the limelight and the women Hal attracts."."

She gave-a very unladylike whistle, making laugh, then said, "That's about what I figured. Preston's the stable one and probably keeps Hal in line and gets him out of trouble."

"Very good. Now, what about you?"

She suddenly had that uneasy feeling again. "What about me?"

"Want me to turn my expert powers of observation on you?"

"No. And stop staring at me." She steered the truck over a couple of deep potholes, which shut him up, but only briefly.

He decided now was as good an opportunity as any to start his inquiry, but he knew he had to keep it light and fun. "I'll tell you what, ladies and gentleman." He made his voice sound like a carnival barker's. "I bet you I can amaze and astound the young lady with my mysterious talents. I can tell her things about herself only she would know. Come on, take a chance and make a bet."

"What does the winner get?"

Max tapped his fingers on his thighs like a piano player warming up. "If I win, you spend the day with me." He held up his hands, forefingers making a cross as if to ward off the evil look she gave him. "Fis.h.i.+ng, just fis.h.i.+ng, and you'll talk to me. No silent treat-merit."

"And if you lose, what do I get?"

"I'll spend a whole day helping you with your work. I'll be your slave." Any way he cut it he came out the winner.

"You'll do whatever I want?"

"Your wish will be my command."

A little voice in her head warned her, but she couldn't pa.s.s up the challenge. She loved winning.

She nodded. "Okay, you're on. What do your powers of observation tell you about me?"