Clearing his throat hadn’t changed the gravelly texture of his voice. If anything, it was more pronounced. He could be self-conscious about that, too. She chose the nearest chair. “McGavin’s Pale Ale. My new favorite.”

  “Mine, too.”

  “I only mentioned your injury because April is a terrific massage therapist. I go to her all the time.” Picking up her beer, she took a sip. “Then again, maybe Ryker’s already set you up with her.”

  “No, he…uh…doesn’t know I’m here.”

  “He doesn’t?” She stared at him. “Why not?”

  “I need to work on some things. Badger and Aaron get that, but Ryker…”

  “I think he’d get it, too.”

  “Maybe. But he might not go along with… my methods.” A ripple in his voice sounded like he might have swallowed laughter.

  But that made no sense. “What methods?”

  “They’re…unconventional.” He ducked his head, but didn’t move fast enough. Firelight picked up the quick flash of a smile.

  She was encouraged by that smile. Despite what he’d been through, he’d held onto his sense of humor. The contrast of white teeth against his dark bristle was attractive. Rakish, even. “I guess I shouldn’t mention this meeting to anyone.”

  “I’d appreciate that.”

  “Then I won’t.” The plot thickened. And she was a sucker for intrigue. “But I’m curious about what you’re doing that Ryker wouldn’t go along with.”

  “Psychological experiment.” He took a swallow of his beer. “May not work.”

  “Hey, I’m from SoCal, the land of experimental psychology. Maybe I can help.”

  “Explaining would ruin it.”

  “Is my being here part of it?”

  “In a way.”

  “Wow. This is more complicated than I thought. I’m fascinated, though.”

  He nodded. “That’s good news.”

  “Will you explain it to me when the experiment’s over?”

  “Definitely.”

  “Can you tell me when that will be?”

  “Friday.”

  “That’s not very much time.”

  “No.”

  “If it helps the cause, I have some time the next three evenings.”

  “It would help.”

  The experiment will be over by Friday. She gazed at him. “I’ll bet I’ve figured it out. Badger wants you to attend his wedding on Saturday and he thinks a few conversations with me beforehand will help you gear up for it.”

  He glanced away.

  “Did I guess it?”

  “Well…”

  “Never mind. If that’s the plan, it’s fine. But even if talking with me is helpful, I can’t be your support person during the wedding. I’ll be very busy.”

  “No problem.”

  “Well, good.” She took another swallow of her beer. “So here we are. What would you like to talk about?”

  “You.”

  “Could you be more specific?”

  “Your work. How you got started.”

  “That’s an easy one. I had a toy camera when I was a toddler. By the time I was three, I was driving my parents nuts begging for one that took real pictures. They tell me I was relentless, but I like to think I was sweet about it.”

  That cute little smile reappeared. “Nothing wrong with asking for what you want.”

  “Absolutely.” Right now, she wanted to see his whole face instead of only the bottom half. But in addition to protecting his eyes, the hat might give him a sense of security. She didn’t want to threaten that. “What else would you like to know?”

  Instead of looking at her, he stared at the beer bottle he cradled in both hands. He had a scar on the back of one. “So you grew up in California?”

  “All over.” She took another drink. “My brother and I were Navy brats.”

  “Yeah?”

  “My dad was career military. My brother only served four years, said that was enough excitement to last him.”

  “I get that.”

  “I’m sure you do. Anyway, my parents ended up in San Diego, the last place Dad was stationed before he retired. Now Dennis is there, too.”

  “Why not you?”

  “Competition is stiff in SoCal and I was tired of fighting for my place in that environment. The beach is awesome, but the traffic isn’t. I longed for fewer people and four distinct seasons. Fall is a special favorite of mine.”

  “I like it, too.”

  “Especially when the leaves turn.”

  “Yeah. That’s nice.”

  “You have some awesome leaves in your yard and on your porch. I almost stopped to take pictures.”

  “You should do that tomorrow night.”

  “Okay, I will. Maybe I’ll bring a real camera.”

  “Excellent.” He gave her a quick glance before looking away again. “So that’s why you’re here? Leaves and less people?”

  She laughed. “Partly. The main reason is—I love cowboys.”

  “Oh?”

  “As photographic subjects, I mean. The American cowboy as a symbol of chivalry is one worth preserving. Living here, I have plenty of opportunities to shoot cowboys. But I’m not…it’s not as if I have a thing for...”

  “Not attracted to the Stetson?”

  “I’m more interested in what’s in a guy’s head than what’s on it. Although you hardly see anybody around here, male or female, who isn’t wearing a cowboy hat.”

  “True.”

  “I would be surprised if Aaron hasn’t already bought you one.”

  “He has.”

  “But you’re clinging to your ball cap, instead?”

  “I’m used to it.” He tugged on the curved bill.

  “It does a good job of shading your eyes, better than a Stetson would, I think, so you’re probably wise to stick with it until your eyes heal.”

  “Right.” He took a mouthful of beer.

  “I’m curious about your name.”

  “Oh?”

  “Is it your real one?”

  Chapter Three

  He choked on his beer and almost spewed it everywhere. Setting the bottle on the small table between them, he leaned forward and coughed several times before straightening and taking a deep breath.

  “Better?”

  “Yes. Sorry.”

  “Was that the wrong thing to ask?”

  Yes. “No.” Choking had roughened his voice, which was a big help. Keeping that rasp going had turned into a major challenge. “It’s the name my squadron gave me.”

  “Like Badger?”

  “Exactly.”

  “So you use it in place of your given name?”

  “For now.” Except for the choking episode, responses were sliding off his tongue and he hadn’t lied yet. Badger would be proud of him.

  “You must like it.”

  “I do.”

  “Does it have significance? Or is it just because you have black hair?”

  How did she know that? Oh, yeah, his beard. And his hair below the back of the cap. “Partly the hair. And I can…repair things using…random stuff.” He’d have a sore throat for real if he kept this up much longer. “Ravens are inventive.”

  She studied him. “It’s a useful trait.”

  “It’s handy.” Like now. She was looking too closely, though, examining him with her perceptive blue gaze. “I’d better tend the fire.” Leaving the chair, he exaggerated his limp slightly as he moved over to the hearth. “What does your name mean?”

  She chuckled. “Pure. I looked it up when I was about sixteen. I asked my mom if my name meant I was supposed to be a virgin the rest of my life.”

  “What’d she say?”

  “She thought it meant pure of heart, not celibate. I was incredibly relieved, especially since I’d just seen a movie where Brad Pitt was shirtless.”

  He smiled and continued rearranging the logs on the fire. “Angelina Jolie was my wake-up call.”

  “I kind of hated that they couldn’t make a go of it.”

  “Celebrity’s tough duty.” Adjusting the brim of his hat for maximum shadow, he returned to his chair.

  “It sure is. I’d much rather be behind the camera than in front of it.”

  “Is that why I didn’t see any pictures of you on the town’s website?”

  “I know it’s crazy, but I don’t like having my picture taken. I’ve been told I should have a head shot, at least, on my website.”

  “You should.”

  “I suppose I will, eventually. It’s not a priority.”

  He’d love to try capturing the essence of her in a picture. He’d take it while she was working, when her light brown hair was coming out of her braids and her blue eyes were shining with the challenge of getting the perfect shot.

  He couldn’t believe she was here, sitting beside him. She’d dressed up for this meeting, a sweet gesture. He’d never seen that soft blue sweater before, or her hair down and curling over her shoulders. She’d worn light pink lipstick and a little eye makeup. For him. No, for Raven.

  She was much quieter tonight. Usually she was in constant motion, chatting with everyone as she dashed around, alternating between her video and her still cameras.

  Not tonight. He had her all to himself and he liked her more with every minute they spent together. She’d refused to borrow any of his prized set of Dick Francis books without asking. Not that she needed extra points since he was already hooked, but she’d impressed him with that decision.

  Too bad they couldn’t compare notes on those books. At least not yet. In the meantime, he had so much else he wanted to know about her. “What kind of movies do you like?”

  “Ones with happy endings. I’m not into the tragic stories where they all die in the end.”

  Right answer. “Me, either. When I watch, that is.” Don’t forget your eye problems, doofus.

  “I guess you would have to take a break from movies. I’ll bet you can’t read any of these fabulous books Aaron has, either.” She gazed at him. “Was it all worth it?”

  He’d asked himself the question many times. Now that he was back and more-or-less in one piece, he could finally answer. “Yes. Good cause, made lifelong friends. And…nothing like flying faster than sound.” Then again, he’d never held Caitlin in his arms. That might beat the thrill of streaking across the sky at Mach 3.

  “I can’t imagine being in combat.”

  “I thought I knew what I was getting into, but…” He took another drink and cleared his throat.

  “Intense?”

  “It’s not a video game.”

  “But you made it home.”

  “Yeah.” A familiar pain tightened his chest. “Took a toll on my mom.”

  “Any siblings?”

  “No. She’s alone. She went through hell while I was gone. Never let on.” He didn’t have to fake the catch in his throat. Talking about his mom choked him up. She was far braver than he’d ever been.

  “Does she live near Eagles Nest?”

  “Not yet.” He took a breath. “I’m working on it. She’s owned her house a long time.”

  “Where?”

  “Ohio. It’s nice. Familiar. But Ryker showed me pictures of Eagles Nest and I loved it on sight. Mom’s coming out next month to visit.”

  “It’s a friendly town. You may not have had much chance to—”

  “Very friendly.” He cut her off before she said something he’d have to confirm or deny. “Whoever sees your Fourth of July video gets that.”

  “I like how it turned out. Has your mom seen it?”

  “It convinced her to come.”

  “Aww. I’m gratified to hear that.”

  “Aleck’s bagpipes helped, too. She loves bagpipes.”

  “Hey, that reminds me. Have you heard Badger play?”

  “Not yet.” He and Ryker figured they deserved to hear a few notes since they’d been listening to Badger rave about his lessons for weeks. But the guy was going for a big reveal on Saturday. He’d found a secret practice location that even Hayley didn’t know about.

  “Aleck claims he’s getting good, but I guess he won’t go public until the wedding.”

  “That’s what he says.”

  “Another reason why you need to be there. He’s getting married and making his musical debut on the bagpipes.” She finished off her beer.

  “Oh, I’ll be there.”

  “Whether your experiment works or not?”

  “I wouldn’t miss it for anything.” Not even the total humiliation he’d face if she shot him down when she learned the truth.

  “That’s nice, Raven. I’m glad you feel that way.”

  “He’s my friend.” He glanced at her empty bottle. “Can I get you another beer?”

  “Better not. The senior portraits I shot over the weekend need retouching and I promised to have them ready tomorrow.”

  “I took you away from your work.”

  “Not a problem.” She stood. “I’ve enjoyed this.”

  Yes! He got out of his chair. “So have I. I’ll fetch your jacket.” He averted his face and started toward the coat tree because the big ol’ grin threatening to break through might give him away.

  She followed him over. “Easing back into civilian life might seem like a challenge at first, but you picked the right town. And a good roommate. Aaron seems like a very nice guy.”

  “He’s awesome.” Not easy to say with a straight face. Fortunately, the area by the door was darker than over by the fire. He unhooked her jacket from the coat tree.

  “I’m sure he is. I get the impression he’d like to hang out with me, which is why I told him the thing about my ex-boyfriend’s name right away. Did he mention that?”

  The intel had carved permanent grooves in his brain, but Raven wouldn’t be nearly as dialed in. “You’d better refresh my memory.” He held her jacket for her.

  “I was serious about a guy in San Diego until he cheated on me.”

  He’d winced the first time she’d told him and he did it again. How could anyone cheat on Caitlin? The guy had to be terminally dumb. “I’m sorry.”

  “I won’t lie. It was painful. Didn’t see it coming.” Slipping her arms into her jacket sleeves caused her hair to sway gently, releasing a sweet fragrance.

  The scent drew him closer. With great effort, he took a step back. “It’s no fun to be blindsided.”

  “No fun at all.” She flipped her hair over the jacket collar and turned to face him. “But here’s the part that’s kind of weird, but also sad. My ex’s name is Aaron Donahue.”

  “Ah. That rings a bell.” More like a large Chinese gong. “Aaron did mention it.”

  She began buttoning her jacket. “Naturally, when I met the Eagles Nest Aaron, I had a visceral negative reaction.”

  “Naturally.”

  “I even said something stupid like I could never trust you. Then I caught myself and apologized. I told him the problem. He said he understood, but he looked unhappy. As well he would be. It’s not his fault that a total jerk has his name.”

  “Nope.”

  “Then tonight I find out he has an entire collection of Dick Francis, an author I love. My ex only read fitness magazines.” She shoved her hands in her pockets. “He was proud of his muscles. Bragged about how much he could bench-press. Loser.”

  “Aaron never brags about his muscles.”

  “Of course not. He’s a decent human being.” She gazed at him. “So are you, Raven. I guess you’d have to be or Aaron wouldn’t have invited you to room with him and Badger wouldn’t be asking me to help acclimate you before the ceremony this weekend. I’m sure it’ll be wild.”

  “Well, it’s Badger’s wedding, after all.”

  She laughed. “Yes, there’s that. The guy can’t do anything without making a production of it. The bagpipes are an interesting twist, but the event was always going to be epic.” She took a breath. “I’d better head home.”

  “Thanks for coming.”

  “My pleasure. So, same time tomorrow night?”

  “Works for me if it works for you.”

  “It does. Will Aaron be here?”

  “Uh, no, he’s flying to Casper.”

  “Again?”

  Damn. “No, you’re right. That’s where he is tonight. He’ll be in Kalispell tomorrow night.”

  “Okay. I thought if he was here, I could ask about the books. But I could call him.” She pulled out her phone. “What’s his number?”

  Aaron reeled it off.

  “Wow, you knew it without looking at your phone.”

  Uh-oh. “For some reason his stuck in my head.”

  “That’s amazing. I don’t know anybody’s number anymore now that they’re all in my list of contacts. Would you mind giving me your number, too?”

  Oh, geez. “Um, I would, but…I think it’s smart to switch from the Ohio area code to the Montana one, so I’m—”

  “In transition. That’s okay. I can get it later. You have mine, right?”

  “I do.” His heartbeat gradually returned to normal.

  Reaching over, she gave his forearm a squeeze. “See you tomorrow night.”

  “See you then.”

  He stayed very still until she started her Jeep and drove away. Then he let out a whoop and busted some moves. He’d messed up a little at the end, but he’d avoided total disaster. Bottom line—he’d done it.

  He texted Badger. Mach 3.

  Badger called him back. “You actually pulled it off?”

  “You didn’t think I would?”

  “I gave you a forty-percent chance, but I didn’t want to say it and destroy what little confidence you had in the mission.”

  “Glad I beat the odds, then. Why did you call me back? Where’s Hayley?”

  “In the shower. So are you saying Caitlin bought the whole setup?”

  “Evidently.”

  “Damn, I’m good.”

  “I almost screwed up at the end. She asked for Aaron’s phone number and was surprised that I knew it without looking it up.”

  “No kiddin’. I barely know my own, let alone yours. Why’d she want it?”

  “She’s a Dick Francis fan and wants to ask me about borrowing some books.”

  “See there? Already you have Dick Francis in common. I predict you’ll keep uncoverin’ gems like that.”