then Regan had found a new love, Lily King. Then Drake had shown up to make amends, and in the process he’d become chummy with a local woman, Tracy Gibbons. Drake had also invited Jeannette to Wyoming so the three former friends could bury the hatchet. They seemed to have done that, but members of the Chance family weren’t so quick to forgive and forget.
Zach could imagine why Jeannette had come out to be with the horses for a while. Even in his brief time here, he’d figured out that angering a Chance, or someone connected to a Chance, was a huge mistake. He gave both Drake and Jeannette props for braving that disapproval in order to repair their friendship with Regan.
So this was the woman at the heart of the controversy. He had no trouble picturing that, because she was stunning. Apparently she’d known that he’d been staring. Maybe she was used to men looking at her, because if she’d been attractive in profile, she was breathtaking full-on. Those green eyes were showstoppers, not to mention her kissable mouth.
He cleared his throat. “Um, I didn’t mean to bother you. I heard you come in, and I thought maybe...” What? His mind went blank. Pretty embarrassing for someone who used to make his living as an entertainment lawyer, someone who’d dealt with A-list actors, directors and producers every day. She didn’t have to know that, though. He wasn’t that guy anymore.
“I was tryin’ to help with the food for Regan and Lily’s engagement party, but...” She gestured to her blouse. “As you can see, kitchen duty is not my talent.”
He walked closer. Yeah, now he noticed flecks of something that could be meringue or white frosting on the front of her blouse. “It sort of matches your pants.”
That brought out a sad little smile. “You know, I told them that very thing, but they were all worried about the blouse, which I surely appreciated, but they don’t have time to mess around with a klutz like me. I’d already dropped a bowl of chocolate chips. I thought I could frost that danged cake. I swear, how hard can that be? Turns out it’s harder than it looks on TV.”
He couldn’t help smiling back. “Everything’s harder than it looks on TV.”
“Isn’t that the God’s truth? Anyway, I decided to make myself scarce and just naturally gravitated to the barn.”
“I completely understand. You obviously know your way around horses.”
“My folks raise them.” She turned back to the horse. “Who is this, by the way?”
“Ink Spot. He’s nursing a sprain, so he didn’t get to go out.”
“His bad luck, but my good luck. I wasn’t thinkin’ the horses would be out in the pasture, but of course they would be on a fine day like this. Back home they tend to bring them into the air-conditioning in the heat of the day.” She stroked the gelding’s neck. “And who would you be?”
Because she wasn’t looking at him, he didn’t immediately understand she was asking for his name. But he’d already supplied the horse’s name, so she had to mean him. “I’m Zach. Zach Powell.”
She continued to caress the horse. “I suppose you know who I am.” Her version of I sounded more like ah.
“I didn’t until I heard your accent.”
She was quiet for a moment. “It’s real strange, knowin’ that people talk about you behind your back. Of course, people do that all the time. You just don’t know it for sure. In this case, I do.”
“For what it’s worth, I have no stake in this situation. I started working here last month and I’m not related to any of the players.” He could add that his law training predisposed him to remain impartial until he’d heard all sides of a story. But for now, he was just a cowhand, and that suited him fine.
“You’re new here?” She glanced at him with a spark of interest in her eyes. “Where’d you come from?”
“California.”
“Then I’m pleased to meet you, Zach Powell. I have to say you’re the first person who hasn’t looked at me with thinly disguised suspicion, like I might suddenly sprout horns and a tail. Well, I take that back. Sarah Chance seems willin’ to suspend judgment, and her cook, Mary Lou, is friendly. But Regan’s sisters...” She sighed.
“Not welcoming?”
“No, and I can’t say as I blame them. I don’t have a brother, or a sister, either, for that matter. But if I did, I’d probably behave exactly the same way. They’re loyal and I admire that. I just...don’t know what to do.”
“Well...” Zach hesitated. He had some thoughts, but it wasn’t his place to make suggestions.
Her gaze sharpened. “What? If you have ideas, speak up. I could use some advice.”
“All right. You look great, but you don’t exactly blend into the scenery.”
“Don’t think I don’t know it.” She glanced down at her outfit. “My mother taught me that wearin’ nice clothes is respectful, plus I’d heard that the Jackson Hole area was filled with celebrities so I thought this ranch might be dress-for-dinner sophisticated. I should have asked Drake more questions before I flew out here.” She swept a hand down her body. “Everything I packed is like this.”
“And Drake didn’t say anything once he found that out?”
“We haven’t discussed my wardrobe choices. The poor man is so in love with Tracy he wouldn’t notice if I ran around naked. Same thing with Regan.”
Zach would certainly notice. Thanks to her comment, he was picturing that scenario in vivid detail. He tried to erase the image, but his libido wouldn’t cooperate. He hadn’t been involved with anyone for months and had thought he didn’t miss sex all that much. Judging from the stirring in his groin, he’d missed it more than he’d realized.
To take his mind off the subject, he focused on a potential solution to her problem. “You need to go shopping.”
“I think you’re right, but I don’t know the area. Where should I go?”
“Shoshone has a few shops, but if you want to get what you need, you’d better go to Jackson.”
She took a deep breath. “Then I’ll just head to Jackson, I guess. Do you recommend any particular stores? No, wait, never mind. I can figure it out. You’ve been a big help already, and I—”
“I get off at five. Give me time to shower and change, and I’ll drive you up there. We can take my truck. Everything stays open late for the tourist trade.”
Her shoulders sagged in relief. “That sounds fantastic, but are you sure it’s not too much trouble?”
“No trouble at all. I could use a couple of things myself.”
“Then I’ll pay for gas.”
He smiled. “Not necessary.”
“No, seriously. And I’ll buy dinner. It’s the least I can do.”
He started to argue with her. He hadn’t dated since making this drastic change in his lifestyle. Previously he’d
