The huge breakfast kept Roxanne fueled until dinnertime, when hunger forced her to take a break and warm up some leftover lasagna. Finishing her work was the top priority. Ingrid had texted to ask which movie she’d chosen to see with Michael. She’d texted back Plan scrapped. Barreling through to make deadline.

All true as far as it went. She’d touch base with Ingrid tomorrow. Maybe they could go over to the GG tomorrow night and have the kind of fun evening they’d missed out on before.

She pulled the serving of lasagna out of the toaster oven, put it on a plate and carried it to her computer desk. Her ringing phone startled her and she almost dropped the plate. Most everyone texted her.

Wes’s ringtone. Guilt slammed her in the gut. She’d put off responding to his texts and they’d piled up. No wonder he was calling.

She grabbed the phone. “Wes! I’m so sorry. I should have gotten back to you.”

“No worries, sis.” His tone was casual. “How’s it going?”

She wasn’t fooled by his easy-going manner. Something was up. “I’m fine. Are you okay?”

“Never better. But when you didn’t respond to my texts, I—”

“I apologize. I’ve been swamped.”

“I figured. Big project?”

“Well, yes.” She couldn’t lie to him. “But I let myself get distracted and now I’m a little behind.”

“Too much partying?”

He was fishing. He knew her better than that. She’d never been a party animal. “No, I’ve…met someone.”

“Oh.”

There was a short silence. “What’s his name?”

“Michael. Michael Murphy. He’s the co-owner of the bar in town. Dad’s met him. We went over there for lunch when Dad was here.”

“Huh. Dad didn’t mention him. How long have you been dating?”

“About three days.”

“Ah. That explains why I haven’t heard from you.”

“My bad. Michael hired me to create a logo for the bar and he liked it so much he had t-shirts made. They came in Friday and people are already clamoring to buy them.”

“That’s great, sis. Must be a cool logo.”

“It’s pretty cute. I can text you a picture of the shirt.”

“Or you can show it to me in person. I was thinking of driving down, it that’s okay with you.”

“Of course! I’d love to see you.”

“I started thinking about it after you texted me the picture of the shamrock cookie. I sent a couple of texts inviting myself, but then you didn’t answer. I figured whether I came down or not, I’d better make sure you’re okay.”

“I’m fine. I’m sorry if I worried you. And please come.”

“But you’re behind on a deadline. I don’t want to—”

“I’ve spent today getting caught up. I figure a few more hours and I’ll be done.”

“Okay, then. My ETA is early afternoon tomorrow. If you’re still working on your project, I won’t bug you.”

“I’ll be done, I promise. This’ll be great. I want you to meet Michael.”

“I’d like that. Is it okay if I crash on your couch?”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“Glad to hear it, because an apartment above a bakery sounds like an awesome setup. I can almost taste one of those shamrock cookies.”

She laughed. “I’ll make sure you get to.”

“Excellent. I’m excited to have you show me around. Dad had good things to say about the place. He mentioned meeting someone named Kendra. Said she was a funny lady.”

“She is. You’d like her. Oh, and can I ask a favor?”

“Sure.”

“Don’t mention to Dad that I’m dating Michael. If it turns into something serious, I’ll tell him, but—”

“I get it, sis. I won’t say anything.”

“Thanks.”

“All righty, then, I’ll let you get back to work and I’ll see you soon.”

“Can’t wait. Love you.”

“Love you, too, sis.” He disconnected.

She held the phone and resisted the urge to text Michael the news. It could wait until she saw him in person.

She hadn’t asked Wes how long he was staying. Just as well. She didn’t want him to think she was eager to get rid of him.

Never. She adored him. But having him stay with her would temporarily put an end to sexy times with Michael. It was a small sacrifice, but a sacrifice, nevertheless. Regret gave her a sharp and unwelcome pinch.

Red flag. An enforced separation from Michael might be just what she needed to keep her heart safe.

* * *

Michael was pleased with his progress. Thanks to Luke’s input, he had a page on the website he was happy with and a working link for ordering the t-shirts. He’d let that process run for a few days before moving on to other merchandise.

He’d set up a Wednesday meeting with Greg Paladin, owner of Paladin Construction, to get an estimate on expanding the Guzzling Grizzly footprint to include a small country store. He’d put in a couple of hours drawing up preliminary ideas to take to that meeting. By early evening, he was ready to head downstairs for some chow and a brewsky.

He grabbed a table in the back, silenced his phone and left it out so he’d know if Roxanne texted. Then he settled in with a bowl of Irish stew and a draft while he enjoyed Nicole’s performance and the crowd’s enthusiastic reaction. Contrary to Sunday night, the place was packed.

He didn’t kid himself that a new musical act would bring in customers the way Nicole and Bryce did. But it would be better than recorded music and might give deserving performers a boost.

Every so often his glance strayed to his phone. He’d optimistically hoped she’d finish early. Evidently he wouldn’t get his wish. At closing time, he suggested to Bryce and Nicole that they head on home and he finished up the job himself. It wasn’t like he planned to hit the hay. Roxanne could text at any minute.

She’d worried about waking him up. Fat chance. She hadn’t texted by the time he returned to his apartment, so he took off his boots, propped himself on a few pillows, and used the remote to channel surf. Every few minutes he’d look at his phone to make sure the noise from the TV hadn’t drowned out the chime of her text.

About the time he was considering something insane like driving over there and sitting in his truck to wait, her text came through.

He ditched the texting routine and called her. “Hey, you finished?”

“Finally. Did I wake you?”

“Nope. Watching TV.”

“I thought you never did.”

“It was either that or sort my collection of bottle caps.”

“You have one?”

“Do I look like someone who collects bottle caps?”

“It’s possible. You work in a bar. You drink beer.”

“I was trying to make you laugh.”

“Oh.”

“You sound a little tired.” He made himself suggest it. “Listen, we don’t have to get together tonight.”

“Yes, we do.”

“You say that like it’s a requirement. If you’re too tired, let’s postpone—”

“I want to see you. I can be over there in five minutes.” She sounded more determined than excited.

But he’d take it. “How about I come to your place?”

“I don’t have a ginormous bed.”

“Gives me an excuse to cuddle close. I’ll come over there.”

“Okay. I’ll head downstairs and unlock the door.”

“See you in a few.” He disconnected, shut off the TV and scrambled out of bed. Boots, jacket, hat, keys, phone…he was halfway out the door when he spun back and crouched next to the bed. Moments later he was on his way again, two condoms in each front pocket of his jeans.

That was way too many considering how tired she’d sounded, but there was always tomorrow morning. Except he wouldn’t have a razor. He damn near went back for it but changed his mind.

Arriving with a bag of toiletries wasn’t cool, like he expected to stay the night and was counting on more action in the morning. He’d already invited himself over, although he hoped that would be helpful instead of an imposition.

He parked his truck, hurried the short, very cold distance to the door and opened it.

She rose from the bottom step where she’d been sitting waiting for him and came straight into his arms. She wore her typical work outfit of a sweatshirt and jeans, although she had on slippers instead of her boots. She’d pulled her hair into a ponytail.

He hugged her tight, filling his arms with the warmth of Roxanne. “You feel good.”

“You feel cold.”

He released her immediately. “Sorry.”

“I was kidding.” She grabbed his lapels and pulled him close. “But I have something important to tell you.”

“What’s that?”

“Wes is coming tomorrow. He’ll be staying with me.”

Only one acceptable way to react to that news. “Great!”

She smiled. “You get points for that answer.”

“It is great. I’m happy for you. I know you want to see him.”

“I do. But it will mean we won’t be spending time together, at least not like this, while he’s here.”

“I understand. Unless he’s moving in with you, we’ll have time together after he leaves.”

“I guarantee he’s not moving in. This is only a visit.” She hesitated. “But he has another reason for coming besides wanting to see me.”

“What’s that?” Cue the foreboding music.

“To meet you.”

“Okay.” Not a huge surprise. “I assume he needs to check me out and see if I’m good enough for you.”

“There’s a little more to it than that.” She began slowly unbuttoning his jacket, concentrating on the task as if that helped her get the story out. “I told you Wes is the only person who’s seen me drunk. Until last night, anyway.”

“You mentioned that.”

“I didn’t describe the circumstances.”

“No, ma’am.”

“I got drunk the night I realized my supposed soulmate Phil was gone for good. I’m not proud of that behavior, but the next thing I did was even more stupid. I sent Wes a drunk text and he drove two hours in the middle of the night so he could be with me.”

“I like him already.”

“He’s a wonderful brother.” She gazed at him. “And although he didn’t say so, he probably wants to make sure you’re a standup guy. I was a mess and he suffered right along with me. He doesn’t ever want to see me hurting like that again.”

Michael got the picture. “I’m glad he’s coming.” He smiled. “If he’s anything like you, we’ll be buddies in no time.”