“Okay. You?”

  “Okay.”

  “I heard Sheila say she knows somebody with your name.”

  His eyes widened. “You don’t think that’s your—”

  “Oh, no, heavens no. She lives in New Jersey. My ex is a California surfer dude. I doubt he’s ever been to the East Coast.”

  “Surfer, huh?” He’d never thought one way or another about surfers until now. Who did they think they were, anyway, riding their boards half-naked, showing off their muscles? Irritating as hell.

  “Turns out your response to Sheila is right. Your name is like the one-thousandth most common name in the country.”

  “You’re kidding.”

  “Look it up.”

  “I believe you.”

  “Raven! Need you over here!”

  “Coming!” He gazed into her eyes. “Gotta go.”

  “Me, too. I just wanted—”

  “I appreciate it.” He sucked in a breath. “See you.” He turned and made tracks for his spot in the lineup. He wasn’t sure what that was all about, but at least she was talking to him. And evidently looking up his name.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Caitlin’s attitude toward Aaron hadn’t changed. She was still angry with him for tricking her and she didn’t like his name any better than she ever had. But Sheila’s interest annoyed her. She wasn’t proud of that reaction, but there it was.

  It stuck in her craw that he’d been paying attention to some interloper from Jersey when he was supposed to be crazy about her damn it. Even if she didn’t want him.

  How jacked up was that? She partly blamed the black shirt. She’d watched for him to come in because she hadn’t wanted him to catch her by surprise. Coming face-to-face with him without warning could be a disaster.

  If she responded inappropriately—yelping or jumping away, she’d attract unwanted attention. Keeping this secret required vigilance over her emotions for the next two days.

  He’d been one of the last to arrive, which wasn’t surprising. He had to be as nervous about seeing her again as she was about seeing him. Then he’d walked in, sexy aviators on and wearing a striking black shirt that molded to his torso and showed off his pecs.

  The gold piping was a great touch and emphasized his broad shoulders. When he’d finally made his way to her side of the room, she’d managed to confirm that the piping brought out the gold flecks in his eyes.

  No wonder Sheila had wanted to eat him up with a spoon. Had he always been that good looking? Logically, the answer had to be yes. She just hadn’t allowed herself to notice.

  Now that she was hypersensitive to his presence, she grudgingly admitted that whether he called himself Raven or Aaron, he was hot. So what? He was still the guy who’d perpetrated a hoax to further his own selfish agenda. Not nice.

  And his name—at least most of the time—was Aaron Donahue. It might rank one thousandth in popularity with the rest of the country, but it was her least favorite name of all.

  Speaking with him briefly had lowered her stress level and demonstrated that she could hold a conversation without wanting to smack him. Good thing she’d calmed down. Virginia’s new lighting required all her concentration. She had to adjust her settings constantly.

  But meeting the challenge proved to be the invigorating task she needed, and these folks deserved her best. Being chosen as the photographer for this epic event was a privilege she didn’t take lightly.

  She’d worked with Virginia on many events, but none as important as this. Virginia had given her all to provide a grand occasion for her son and daughter as they wed their chosen mates. Her husband Warren had worked with each couple to craft memorable vows.

  Their loving efforts put her own drama in perspective. By the end of the rehearsal, she’d mellowed out. She could even smile at herself for being annoyed by Sheila.

  As members of the wedding party started filtering out of the building, Badger came over to ask if she needed help packing up.

  “Thanks, but most of this stays here. I’ll just take a small camera bag over to the GG since all you want are candid shots.”

  He nodded. “How do you think it went with the lights?”

  “It was fun. I thought it might turn out to be frustrating, but I had a good time experimenting. I think I have some interesting stuff. I’ll know better after I start editing.”

  “When will you be doin’ that?”

  “Probably in the morning. I’m not sure I’ll be up to it tonight.”

  “You’re a hard workin’ woman.” Regret softened his gaze. “Ashamed to say I didn’t consider I was takin’ advantage of your valuable time when I…”

  “Set me up?” She murmured the words, because a few people remained in the building.

  He grimaced. “Yes, ma’am. I’ve been an inconsiderate bastard. I’ve been tryin’ to think of what I can do to make amends.”

  “I’m sure you’ll come up with something.”

  “Here’s one idea. Aaron told me last night that you’d like to use Badger Air for some senior portraits. Then again, you might’ve changed your mind, considerin’—”

  “Oh, no, I’d love to use that location. I was planning to ask you if he didn’t.” She accepted that it would involve contact with Aaron. She wouldn’t deprive the seniors of the opportunity just because she wanted to avoid him.

  “That’s good news. I’ll clear it with Cowboy, but I can’t imagine he’ll object. You won’t be charged anythin’.”

  “I doubt Ryker will go for letting me use your facility for free.”

  “He won’t, but I’ll pay it.”

  “Forever?”

  “Well, uh—”

  “I’m kidding. I’m not going to take advantage of your guilty conscience to shake you down. Ryker will probably ask for the same amount I give his mom for use of Wild Creek. I’ll pay it and gladly.”

  “What if I cover the cost for a couple of years?”

  “No, thanks. I’m not letting you off that easy.”

  He sighed. “Now you’re soundin’ like Hayley.”

  “That’s a compliment. You’ve got a gem, there.”

  “Don’t I know it. She’s the—ah, here comes my future mother-in-law lookin’ for her ride.”

  “How’d it go?” Virginia strolled over, elegant as always in a slinky navy outfit.

  “Great, far as I can tell. I’ll know better after I get a chance to go through what I have.”

  “Glad to hear it. Everyone’s left but us chickens. Badger, you about ready?”

  “Yes, ma’am. I wanted to make sure Caitlin didn’t need any help gettin’ packed up, but she says she doesn’t need most of this stuff for the GG.”

  “She doesn’t. Not when we’ll all be going crazy with our phones.”

  “That’s a fact. I guarantee we’ll have more pictures than you can shake a stick at. And I’ll bet Caitlin could use some time off.”

  “Don’t worry about that, Badger.” She was enjoying his contrite behavior, however. Sweet revenge.

  “Great idea,” Virginia said. “You should take some time off. Tomorrow will be way more intense.” She glanced at Badger. “How about only having her shoot for thirty minutes or so tonight?”

  “Works for me. Let me text the others. I’m sure they’ll go along with it.” He pulled out his phone and quickly typed a message.

  “I’m happy to work longer, though. Just let me know.” If they only wanted thirty minutes from her, she’d go home and edit. “I’m gonna head on over there, so I can get some shots before it gets too rambunctious.” She reached for her camera bag.

  “I’ll take that to your Jeep for you.” Badger looped the strap over his shoulder.

  “Thanks.” She’d be sure and let Hayley know he was groveling quite nicely.

  Virginia followed them out and locked the massive barn doors. “Wasn’t Delilah adorable in that tux?”

  “She was,” Caitlin said. “I got some great shots of her before the rehearsal started.”

  “Cowboy thinks she still smells,” Badger said. “But I don’t—there’s my phone.” He took it from his pocket and tapped the screen. “Everybody agrees. Thirty minutes tonight is plenty.”

  “Great. That’ll give me a chance to go home and start editing what I just took.”

  “Go home and edit?” Virginia laid a hand on her arm. “I was hoping you’d stay. Kick up your heels a little. Relax.”

  “Oh.” Relax with that black-shirt-wearing cowboy around? Not likely.

  “You work so hard, honey.” Virginia gave her arm a squeeze. “Why not take a break, eat some food, drink some beer and dance a little? Do you like to dance? I don’t remember ever seeing you out there.”

  “I like to dance.” She didn’t dare look at Badger, who was busy studying the polished toes of his dress boots. “But I’ve been so busy that I—”

  “That’s what I mean. Believe me, I understand that the early days of building a business are crazy. My schedule is always packed, too. But it’s good to pause and have fun sometimes. Right, Badger? Help me convince her to hang out with us for a while tonight.”

  He glanced up, his gaze warm. “We’d be honored to have you, Caitlin.”

  She hesitated. She hadn’t gone dancing at the GG in forever. Badger and Hayley would knock themselves out making sure she had fun. She’d be living in this town with Aaron for a long time. Might as well start as she meant to go on. “Thank you. I’d love to stay.”

  Badger smiled. “Good call.”

  Evidently it was, because when she walked into the GG ten minutes later, Hayley was there to greet her, arms outstretched. “Badger texted me.” She gave her a fierce hug. “Full steam ahead, girlfriend.”

  “I almost hid in my apartment, instead.”

  “And I wouldn’t have blamed you. But I’m glad you didn’t. We’ll have a great time. Can I get you a beer?”

  “Not until I’m off the clock, but after my thirty minutes are up, I’d love one.”

  “Just come to our table.”

  “Will do.”

  “One more thing.” Arm around her shoulders, Hayley drew her aside and lowered her voice. “Ryker and April are at our table, so we’ll have to watch what we say.”

  “Understood.”

  “Sheila may still be there when you show up, too, but she plans to eat, claim her one dance from Aaron and go get some sleep. She’s had a rough trip.”

  “So I heard.” She’d be fine if Sheila danced with Aaron. No problemo.

  “I’ve told her Aaron isn’t a good bet.”

  “You did? Why say that? He seems to like her.” She congratulated herself for being evolved.

  “Sheila likes him, too, but she was getting mixed signals. He was trying to be polite but his attention was on you the whole time.”

  “Oh.” Her sudden urge to grin was not a good sign. She cleared her throat. “Tough luck for him. He screwed the pooch.”

  Hayley laughed. “He did, didn’t he? Where’d you hear that expression?”

  “The Right Stuff. It’s a flyboy thing.”

  “That must be why Badger says it, then.”

  Caitlin gazed at her friend and sighed. “Why do pilots have to be so sexy?”

  “Maybe you can’t get into flight school unless you’re hot. And speaking of hot, my groom has arrived. With my mom.”

  Caitlin turned toward the door. At the same moment, Warren left his seat at the bar, met his wife as she came in with Badger, and led her immediately toward the dance floor.

  “Your dad has style.”

  “I agree.”

  “I need a video of them two-stepping.” She dug both cameras out of her bag, held one and looped the other around her neck.

  “Want me to take your bag to our table for safekeeping?”

  “That would be great.”

  Hayley smiled at Badger as he approached. “Hey, bridegroom. Wanna join my folks on the dance floor?”

  “You know it, darlin’.”

  “Be a sweetheart and run Caitlin’s camera bag over to the table first, please.” She winked at Caitlin.

  “Yes, ma’am.” He took the bag, clearly eager to please. “Anythin’ else I can do for you two lovely ladies?”

  “Just one quick question.” Caitlin tried to sound casual. Likely failed. “Will Aaron be at your table tonight?”

  “He doesn’t have to be. I can tell him to sit somewhere—”

  “No, don’t do that. I appreciate your gallantry, but this is the new normal. I’ll deal.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  Aaron put effort into dancing with Sheila. She was a nice woman and he wanted her to have a good time. She’d stopped flirting with him and judging from her comments, she’d figured out that he was interested in Caitlin.

  At the end of it, she gave him a hug. “Thanks. Your photographer is a lucky lady.”

  “Not so sure about that.” To begin with, Caitlin certainly wasn’t his, and she might argue about the lucky part since he’d recently bamboozled her.

  Sheila patted his chest. “Well, I am sure. And you’re an excellent dancer. Maybe you’ll gift me with one more turn around the floor tomorrow night.”

  “Let’s plan on it.” He escorted her to the table and Hayley left temporarily to take her back to the house.

  Ryker stood and offered his hand to April. “Raven’s set the bar pretty high just now, but I’m confident we can—”

  “Ryker.” April gazed at him.

  “What?”

  “We’ve talked about this. Not everything has to be a competition. I doubt anyone’s keeping score.”

  Aaron caught Badger’s eye and then they both ducked their heads to hide their grins. Ryker was the most competitive man in Eagles Nest. Probably in the entire state of Montana.

  “Oh.” Ryker rubbed the back of his neck. “You want to dance just for the hell of it?”

  “Yes. Yes, I do.”

  He shrugged. “Okay.”

  “Thank you.”

  After they’d left the table, Badger just about killed himself laughing and Badger’s laughter was more contagious than the common cold. Soon Aaron was wiping tears from his eyes and gasping for air.

  Badger coughed a few times, took a breath and leaned back in his chair. “Do you suppose she knows that he’s just goin’ along with her to make life easier? He hasn’t changed his attitude about competition one iota.”

  “She’s a smart lady, so I think she knows.” Aaron sipped his beer. “My guess is she’s playing the long game. If she keeps at it, eventually he’ll come around.”

  “Not Cowboy. He has a warrior’s heart.”

  “Yeah, he does.” Aaron glanced at his phone. “Seven minutes to go.”

  “Not that you’re keeping track or anything.”

  “I just don’t like the odds. Once Caitlin arrives at our table, four of us will be in possession of info we want to keep from the other two. That’s an imbalance, and Nature abhors an imbalance.”

  “No, Nature abhors a vacuum.”

  “I’ll bet Nature abhors an imbalance, too. It’s the same principle. I should probably leave.”

  “You’ve been sayin’ that ever since findin’ out she’d be joinin’ us. I notice you’re still here.”

  “I had to stay long enough to dance with Sheila.”

  “I don’t see you dancin’ with Sheila at the moment. Matter of fact, I don’t even see Sheila.”

  “Smartass.”

  “Face it, good buddy. You can’t bear to leave when there’s a chance you can make some headway if you hang around.”

  “Pathetic, isn’t it?”

  “I think it’s kinda cute.”

  Aaron sent him a withering look. “That’s because your gonads aren’t the ones caught in the door.”

  “I thought it was your foot.”

  “It’s all connected. If one thing’s caught, the rest is, too.”

  “So here’s what you’re goin’ to do. You’re goin’ to ask her to dance.”

  “She’ll refuse.”

  “She won’t if you ask her when April and Cowboy are sittin’ here.”

  “That’s not fair. She’ll hate having to say yes. She’ll hate dancing with me.”

  “If she does, then you don’t have to push it and ask her again and you’re no worse off than before. But I have five bucks that says she won’t hate it.”

  “I’m not betting you. I can’t take a bet I know I’ll win.”

  “Suit yourself. Are you goin’ to ask her?”

  He nudged his hat back. “You really think she won’t hate it?”

  “She might at first.”

  “See? Now you’re hedging.”

  “Well, she might because she knows you out-maneuvered her by askin’ in front of Cowboy and April. But once you’re on the dance floor you’ll have body contact and she’s susceptible to you in that regard.”

  “Maybe before, but she won’t welcome it now.”

  “There’s a chance she might, given a few bars of the dance number. You were canoodlin’ with her on the dinin’ table on Tuesday night. And doin’ somethin’ even more interestin’ on Wednesday night. This is only Friday. Those memories are still fresh.”

  “Not as fresh as Thursday night’s nightmare, when she was expecting Raven and Aaron Donahue showed up.”

  “Yeah, but Raven’s the one she was gettin’ friendly with Tuesday and Wednesday. When you’re hip-to-hip, that’ll remind her of the fun she had with that guy. It could be the first step in blendin’ one identity with the other.”

  “Is that even possible?”

  “Got to test it to find out.”

  He looked at the time on his phone. “Less than four minutes.”

  “You do realize she might not be exactly on your timetable. She—”

  “Well, she’s not. She’s on her way here right now.”

  “Good thing you talked to her earlier. Took the edge off.”

  “In theory.” In practice, he might as well be in the middle of a high-altitude test flight. Badger had offered him a sliver of hope with the dancing plan. So like Badger to figure these things out. She would agree to dance with him if he timed the request correctly.