Luke considered himself an adequate cook, but he wanted something special for Saturday night. Michael Murphy had recently added Irish stew to the menu, so Luke ordered two large servings and stopped by the GG to pick them up on the way to the bakery.

Although traditionally made with mutton or lamb, the GG version of Irish stew featured beef. Michael had bowed to the preferences of the residents of cowboy country. Consequently, his stew had become a hit.

Just shy of four in the afternoon, the Guzzling Grizzly was quiet. Luke walked in and found Michael behind the bar, preparing for the Saturday night crowd.

He flashed Luke his usual cheerful smile. “Got your order right here.” He reached over the polished wooden surface and shook Luke’s hand. “Where’s Delilah?”

“Guarding the truck.”

“Yeah?”

“I’ve been reading up on border collies and they’re happiest when they have a job. They like to feel useful.”

“Don’t we all. It’s so cool that you get to keep her.”

“Sure is.”

“Hey, I’m implementing what we talked about but I have a couple of questions. Got time next week?”

“You bet. Wednesday?”

“Better not. That’s Valentine’s Day and we’ll be busy.”

“So it is.” And he hadn’t come up with something for Abby, yet. “How about Thursday?”

“Thursday works. Can you make it before we open, like ten-thirty?”

“I can do that.” He took out his phone and added the appointment to his calendar. “I need to start thinking about Valentine’s Day.”

“Got a great dinner menu planned for that night.” Michael lifted the bag of food onto the counter. “But if you decide on takeout, be sure and get your name on the list by Monday.”

“I will. Thanks.” He took cash from his wallet. “I don’t think Abigail’s tried the stew yet. I think she’ll really like it.”

“Hope so.” Michael rang up the purchase. “Have a great weekend.”

Luke smiled. “Planning on it.”

Abby was ready with a small duffel, a loaf of bread to go with the stew and oatmeal raisin cookies for dessert. He couldn’t wait to get her out to his house. And—might as well admit it—into his bed.

Once she was in the truck with Delilah sandwiched between them, his world was complete. He backed out of the parking space.

She took an appreciative sniff. “Something smells delicious.”

“It’s me. New cologne. Guaranteed to get the ladies hot.”

“Is it called Eau de Irish Stew?”

“Matter of fact, it is.”

“Perfect choice. I’ve been wanting to try the GG’s new special.” She wrapped an arm around Delilah and kneaded her fingers in the dog’s ruff. “Hey, doggie. It’ll be fun going to your house for a change.”

“I told her we were changing the venue and she’s almost as happy about having you come out to the house as I am.”

“I have you both beat. I’m the happiest of all. You two have a great place. I can’t wait to see how the living room looks with the refinished floor and the furniture in there.”

“It’s a definite improvement. If it’s okay with you, I’d like to eat in there instead of using the dining room.”

“Works for me. And FYI, I have a business issue I’m dying to discuss.”

“What’s that?”

“I’ll wait until we have a glass of wine for toasting.”

“Sounds promising.”

She glanced over at him and smiled. “It is. Extremely promising.”

“Can’t wait to hear about it. The fire’s laid, so we could have some wine while the stew’s heating. Then you can tell me your promising idea.” If she’d come up with another way to increase revenue, so much the better. “Does it have to do with sandwiches?”

“No.”

“Soup?”

“No. I doubt you’ll guess it, although it’s obvious. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it before.”

“Now I’m really curious.” And encouraged that she seemed to be thinking like a businesswoman.

He pulled up in front of the house and they hurried inside. After feeding Delilah and putting the stew on to warm, they settled in front of the fire with glasses of wine. Delilah finished her dinner and joined them, curling up on her favorite rag rug.

Abby gazed around the room. “Very nice. The floor looks beautiful.”

“Getting the furniture back in here made a big difference, too.” He turned toward her. “Okay. Let’s hear your idea.”

Her eyes sparkled. “You’ll love it.”

“I’m sure I will.”

“Well.” She scooted around and tucked one foot under her so she was facing him. “We get along really great.”

“We do.” He smiled because she was clearly excited about this.

“And we have skills that complement each other. I’m a terrific baker and you’re a terrific business manager.”

“Also true.”

“But running the business isn’t my strength.”

“Not yet, but you’ve made a lot of progress. Pretty soon you’ll be comfortable wearing both hats.”

“But I don’t have to.” She could barely sit still and her face glowed with eagerness. “Not if I have a business partner who can wear one of them.”

His stomach bottomed out. Maybe he’d misunderstood. He hoped to God he had. “Are you talking about me?”

“Of course, silly!”

“Oh, Abby.”

She looked as if he’d slapped her. “What do you mean saying oh, Abby like that? Like you wish I hadn’t said it.”

“I wish you hadn’t.”

“Why? It’s a logical progression! We’d make a great team! We’d…” She gulped and fell silent. “You hate it.”

“I don’t hate it.” He reached over and took her hand. “But it’s not for me.”

“Why not? We work well together. You could handle the finances and marketing and I could handle the baking. We’d each be capitalizing on what we do best!”

“I have my own business.”

“But you just got started. And you could still do that on the side while we—”

“No, Abby. I worked in the food industry before. That’s not my dream. I want to travel, to help business owners all over the state, maybe use Badger Air if I get clients who are too far away to justify driving.”

She was heartbroken. Everything about her telegraphed it—slumped shoulders, trembling hands, shallow breathing.

“Abby, I’m so sorry.” He rubbed her cold hand. “I’ll do everything I can to help you create a system to handle your business, but I don’t want to handle it for you. I don’t even believe in that. You need to know what’s going on. That gives you power.”

Her gaze was that of a wounded animal. “I don’t want power. I want you.”

“You can have me. Just not as a business partner.” He’d blown her out of the water. He hated that, but he couldn’t go along with her plan. It wasn’t fair to either of them. He needed to teach her how to handle the business on her own. “Tell you what. Let’s have some dinner. Later I can boot up my computer and show you a spreadsheet that would be great for—”

“I’m not hungry.”

Oh, boy. “Abby, I’m sorry. I know you’re disappointed, but—”

“Since you’re not interested in being my business partner, the best thing you can do for me right now is take me home.”

“Abby…”

“No, really, Luke. I was so sure you’d go for this and…I need time. Please take me home.”

Kendra had been right. She was rejecting his advice, and him along with it. And he couldn’t figure out a single way to stop it. “Okay.” First he smothered the fire as best he could. It would have to do. At the last minute, he remembered to turn off the stove. Then he fetched their coats and got Delilah’s leash. “Come on, pup. We’re going for a ride.”

The dog took her time getting up from her cozy spot on the rug.

“I’m sorry, Delilah.” Abby walked over and leaned down to kiss the top of her head. “But I wouldn’t be very good company tonight.”

The trip back was silent except for the breathing of two people and a dog. Luke reached for the knob on the radio and pulled his hand back. Music wasn’t going to help.

Nothing was going to help unless he agreed to be her business partner. He couldn’t do that. It wouldn’t be good for him and it would be terrible for her.

Outside the door to her apartment building, he told Delilah to guard the truck while he walked Abby to the door. “We’ll work this out.” He said it as much to reassure himself as to comfort her.

“I hope so, Luke.” Her expression was bereft as she looked up at him.

“Take some time. Call me when you’re ready to talk.”

She nodded, although she hadn’t exactly agreed to call him. “See you later.”

He waited as she unlocked the deadbolt and pushed on the door. It didn’t open.

“Here, let me—”

“I’ve got it.” She rammed it with her shoulder. Didn’t budge. “Stupid door!”

“Abby, stand back. I’ll get it.”

“Thanks.” Scowling, she crossed her arms and moved away from the door.

Luke took hold of the knob, braced his shoulder against the door and shoved hard. The door banged open and he stumbled into the entryway as Roxanne appeared at the top of the stairs.

“Luke! What the hell?” Roxanne stared at him in confusion. “Where’s Abigail?”

“I’m here.” She came in behind him. “I couldn’t get the door open.”

Ingrid came up behind Roxanne. “What are you guys doing here? You’re supposed to be at Luke’s house.”

“Long story,” Abigail said.

“Where’s Delilah?”

“In the truck.” Luke tipped his hat. “’Night ladies.” He turned to Abby. “Stay in touch.” And he walked out the door, closing it behind him.

He climbed behind the wheel and waited until his breathing slowed before turning the key. He desperately needed to swear a blue streak, but that would only upset Delilah. She already looked worried as hell.

He scrubbed a hand over her head. “It’ll work out, girl.” He wasn’t sure, but it was something to say. “Let’s go home.”