“Then she asked for my number, meaning Raven’s.”

  “How’d you wiggle out of that?”

  “I told her it made sense to switch from an Ohio area code to a Montana one and I implied that chore was on my to-do list.”

  “Quick thinkin’.”

  “Appreciate the compliment. Oh, and she’s coming back tomorrow night, same time. I said Aaron will be in Kalispell. She’s mentioned that she’s free the next two nights after that, so we’ll have to figure out where Aaron’s off to so it makes sense.”

  “No problemo.”

  “I’m thinking maybe I’ll shave for the next—”

  “Hold the phone, Einstein.”

  “I feel like a derelict when I don’t shave.”

  “Have you got grits for brains?”

  “The scruff is not my style.”

  “It’s Raven’s style. Stick with it.”

  “It’s only the bottom half of my face. Batman shows the bottom half of his face and nobody recognizes Bruce Wayne.”

  “I hate to break it to you, hotshot, but that’s a movie. It’s not real. And Caitlin’s a photographer. She notices details. Don’t shave.”

  “But I hate feeling like—”

  “Hayley’s out of the shower. Gotta go. Don’t shave.” Badger disconnected.

  Aaron rubbed his prickly jaw. Maybe if he turned off one of the lamps...

  Chapter Four

  The following afternoon, Caitlin kept an eye on the time as she finished up a Wild Creek photo shoot with two ENHS seniors. A year ago, she’d struck a deal with Kendra to use the ranch for outdoor portrait work, the bulk of which would be senior portraits.

  The concept was insanely successful, providing a great opportunity for Caitlin and another revenue stream for Kendra, plus extra exposure for her stable. The high school kids had been overjoyed with the concept.

  Foreman Jim Underwood seemed to get a kick out of the teenagers and always made sure he was on hand to help. The two girls for today’s shoot had chosen Winston, a flashy butterscotch Paint, and Strawberry, a gentle roan, to step into the limelight with them. The horses had lapped up the extra attention, especially Winston, the most extroverted horse Caitlin had ever met.

  Senior portraits created a rush of business this month because the weather was perfect for outdoor shots. She was determined to stay ahead of the game because the wedding would suck up so much of her weekend.

  Technically she didn’t have the bandwidth to spend time with Raven right now. But she wanted to. He was at a critical juncture in his life and she wanted to help.

  Besides, he was sweet and…yeah, attractive. His understated sexiness came through, despite the ball cap and the dim lights. Or maybe because of them. A man of mystery. Sharing a beer and conversation with him wasn’t a chore.

  After the girls left, she thanked Jim for his part in the photo shoot and walked up to the main house to let Kendra know she’d finished. The girls hadn’t chosen to use the long front porch of the massive log house, but Caitlin loved working with its rustic appeal, too.

  She’d posed other teen clients in the rockers or on the steps. The sturdy railing was a multipurpose prop for casual leaning. Some kids had opted to climb up and stand on it.

  Tapping on the carved wooden door, she opened it a crack. “Kendra? You in there?”

  “Sure am. Talking to Ryker. Come join us.”

  So that was who’d arrived in the familiar-looking truck parked beside hers. After last night, she’d just as soon not interact with him and risk letting something slip. It still seemed odd that Badger and Aaron had kept him in the dark about Raven.

  Yes, Ryker’s military bearing intimidated a lot of people, but Aaron and Badger were his squadron buddies. Strange that they’d left him out of the loop this week.

  He was sitting at the table drinking coffee with his mom when Caitlin walked in. He got to his feet. “Hey, Caitlin. Good to see you. Can I get you a cup?”

  “I’m afraid I can’t stay long.” She walked over and slid into the chair he pulled out for her. “Thanks. How are you?”

  “Good. Lots of last-minute wedding stuff, but that’s typical.”

  She smiled. “Always.” She turned to Kendra. “Three ENHS boys would like to come out tomorrow afternoon, same time frame. Will that work?”

  “Absolutely. I meant to tell you that Faith and I shifted weekday riding lessons to morning and early afternoon to give you the run of the place after school lets out. We’ll keep that schedule until the weather changes.”

  “Thanks. Good to know.”

  “I was watching out the window,” Ryker said. “Those girls had a blast.”

  “So did I. They were a little self-conscious at first, but once I coaxed them into having fun with it, we had a great time.”

  “April and I were looking at our album last night and everyone’s relaxed and happy, even in the posed shots. You’re great at putting people at ease.”

  “That’s nice to hear. And Saturday we get to do it all again.”

  “Yes, ma’am. Should be…interesting.”

  “You mean because of Badger on the bagpipes?”

  “I’m not worried about Badger. If he commits to something he does it and does it right. It’s Delilah I’m concerned about.”

  “I heard about the skunk incident when Luke and Abigail met with me yesterday, but they had some special stuff and said the stink would be gone by this weekend.”

  “I don’t care how she smells. Well, I do, but you’re right. They’re on top of it. I just don’t like putting her in charge of four valuable rings. It has me spooked.”

  Kendra laughed. “Pot, meet kettle. Your wedding was a disaster waiting to happen. Wrangling one cute little doggie pales in comparison to what you put us through, my darling son.”

  “I can’t argue with that, but those meteorite wedding rings Badger bought cost a fortune and—”

  “He likely has them insured.”

  “But they’re unique, one-of-a-kind.” He heaved a sigh. “I wish they’d let me and Wes take charge of the rings. I understand they want Delilah in the wedding, but she could be the flower dog.”

  “The ring-bearer is a more significant role,” Caitlin said. “They’ll be tied to her collar. Easier to do that than decorate her with flowers.”

  “Virginia’s determined to get some kind of outfit on her, though. Last I heard it was a doggie tux. Delilah won’t like that.”

  “You never know. She might.” Kendra regarded him with fondness. “Just because you hate them doesn’t mean everybody does.”

  “I’m betting Delilah will be fine.” Caitlin pushed back her chair.

  “I hope you’re right. Anyway, I’d better head out, too.” He stood and plucked his hat from the table.

  “I’m right behind you.” Caitlin got up.

  “Thanks for the coffee, Mom.” Ryker settled his hat on his head as he walked to the front door, opened it and waited for Caitlin. “I’ll walk you out.”

  “Okay.” She gave him a smile. Kendra’s boys had such lovely manners.

  After he closed the door, he followed her down the steps. “I’d like to ask you about something.”

  “Sure.”

  “This has been on my mind for some time. I told myself not to get involved, but Aaron’s my friend, so I’d like to say my piece.”

  Uh-oh. “About what?”

  “He admires you.”

  “I’m aware of that, but—”

  “I know he has the same name as your ex, which is unfortunate because my buddy’s a great guy. Good pilot, good soldier, good friend.”

  “I believe you.”

  “He’d hate that I’m speaking up for him, but…is there any chance you can overlook the name thing?”

  She took a deep breath. “I wish I could. Tell me, have you ever had a bad reaction to someone because their name had a lousy association?”

  He paused beside her Jeep and nudged back his hat. “I have, in fact. If April and I have kids, she’s lobbied for a girl’s name she loves, but it’s the same as a former commanding officer who is the meanest, most vindictive woman I’ve ever known. Our daughter can’t have that name.”

  “There’s my problem in a nutshell.”

  “But you’re over this guy, right?”

  “I’m so over him.”

  “How long has it been?”

  “Almost two years.”

  “That’s a decent amount of time. Maybe, in another few months, you’ll be able to—”

  “When was the last time you dealt with your mean and vindictive commanding officer?”

  “She was transferred while I was still over there, so it’s been about…five years.”

  “Five years since you laid eyes on this woman, and you still associate her name with negative emotions?”

  “Yes, ma’am.” He grimaced. “I get your point. I do. I just wish…” He shook his head. “Never mind.” He opened the driver’s door for her. “It’s just Aaron’s bad luck. Nothing to be done.”

  “I’m afraid that’s true. Just one of those dumb coincidences.” She climbed in but left the door open. She gazed up at him. “I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t give it another thought. See you Friday afternoon if not before.” He touched two fingers to the brim of his hat and walked over to his truck.

  Closing the door, she fastened her seat belt and started her Jeep. Don’t give it another thought. Too bad she couldn’t shut off her brain that easily. Flick of a switch. Wouldn’t that be nice?

  She drove into town, turned down the alley that ran behind the row of buildings on Main Street, and parked behind the one she’d claimed as her studio and living space. The setup—commercial venture on the first floor and owner’s apartment on the second—mimicked several other businesses in this block.

  The town dated back to an era when shopkeepers living above their establishments had been the norm. In Eagles Nest, it still was, and she loved the vintage atmosphere.

  After downloading her afternoon’s work to her computer, she composed a joint email to the three seniors confirming tomorrow’s photo shoot. She started to put away her camera equipment and paused. Those autumn leaves in Aaron’s yard wouldn’t be there forever and Raven had invited her to take some pictures.

  She left her favorite digital camera on the desk where she wouldn’t forget it and hurried up the stairway to take a quick shower. But first she’d call Aaron about the books.

  She picked up her phone and scrolled through her contacts. She’d deleted her ex long ago. Didn’t matter. A creepy deja-vu vibe hit her when she tapped on Aaron’s listing.

  Evidently a shared love of Dick Francis wasn’t enough to override the ick clinging to her cheating bastard’s name. Borrowing the books would create a connection. Could it get awkward?

  Maybe she shouldn’t borrow them, after all. But a couple were ones she’d never been able to find, new or used. Raven might have already said something to Aaron. Okay, it was a loan of books between friends. She was way overthinking it.

  He might not even be available to answer her call since he was flying to Kalispell tonight. She’d leave a voice message and he could reply to it. Neat and tidy. She made the call.

  “Hello.”

  “Oh! Hi, Aaron. It’s Caitlin. I didn’t think you’d answer. Aren’t you flying to Kalispell tonight?”

  “Haven’t left yet. Raven told me you’d like to borrow some Dick Francis books.”

  “I would, but they’re in such pristine condition that I’m hesitant.”

  “Gonna slop coffee on ’em? Dog-ear the pages?”

  “No! I would never—”

  “Kidding.” His soft laughter sounded…nice. “You’re a perfectionist with your photography. I think I can trust you with my books.”

  “Thank you. I’ll be very—you know what? I shouldn’t take them now. I’m crazy busy with the senior portraits, the wedding, and…well, helping Raven. I won’t have time to read.”

  “Go ahead and take them, anyway, since you’ll be coming over tonight. Keep them until you’re done. It’s great to know someone else in town is a fan.”

  “Same here. What got you started reading him?”

  “The horses. Then I found out about his military service and felt a kinship there. But mostly it was my love of horses. It’s one reason I was so eager to move here once Cowb—I mean, Ryker—started talking about Eagles Nest.”

  “Do you ride a lot?”

  “Every chance I get. Wild Creek has some amazing trails.”

  “They do. And this weather is perfect, but I won’t get any time to go until after the wedding.”

  “Yeah, we’ll all have more time after this weekend.” He paused.

  Uh-oh. Was he about to suggest they go riding? “Speaking of time, I should—”

  “Right. Me, too. And thanks for working with Raven when you’re so crunched.”

  She exhaled. “I’m happy to do it. He’s a sweetheart. I’m glad he has you and Badger in his corner.”

  “And now you.”

  “Yes, definitely me. Anyway, we both need to get going. Thanks for being so generous with your books. I promise I’ll—”

  “No promises necessary. Like I said, I’m not worried. I know they’re in good hands.”

  “They are. Have a safe flight to Kalispell.”

  “I will. See you Friday night for the rehearsal.”

  “See you then. ’Bye…” She trailed off, unwilling to say his name and risk interrupting the flow of positive energy.

  “’Bye, Caitlin.” He disconnected.

  She stared at the phone. Had he said her name on purpose? Well, he could do that all he wanted, but she didn’t have to reciprocate. People had conversations all the time without using names.

  He had a very nice voice, though. Deep and gentle, it was super easy on the ears. She’d talked with him in person a few times, but this was their first contact by phone. It focused her attention, emphasizing texture and timbre in a way that face-to-face conversations wouldn’t.

  She’d enjoyed his soft, intimate laugh when he’d teased her about messing up his books. The sound of it would stay with her for a while. It sent little shivers up her spine and made her smile. Maybe there was hope for a friendship after all. She’d just avoid saying his name.

  Chapter Five

  Aaron sighed as he put down his phone and started making himself some dinner. For a moment, she’d been into him. He’d debated inviting her to go riding after the wedding was over. Had she sensed it? Seemed likely judging from the way she’d jumped into the conversation to deflect that potential move.

  This name thing was such a stupid handicap. He chafed under the disguise Badger had dreamed up. Instead he longed to face Caitlin as himself, a confident guy with the strength of character to obliterate this damned obstacle.

  Badger would tell him it was too soon. I don’t reckon a mutual love of Dick Francis is enough to light her fire. You need to keep goin’, keep learnin’ more about her and vice-versa.

  Badger would be right. Aaron rubbed a hand over his jaw. Okay, he’d play the damaged vet again tonight, but he’d do it with a fresh shave.

  An hour later, he’d eaten, shaved and built a small fire when Caitlin tapped on his front door. He opened it a few inches and stayed back. A sunset glow lit the sky and might reveal too much, especially now that his bristle was gone. “Gonna take some pictures of the leaves?” He was getting better at sounding different without straining his vocal cords.

  “I was planning on it. Could you put on sunglasses and come out? Or do you need to keep an eye on the fire?”

  “It’ll be okay for a while.” Sunglasses plus the ball cap should be enough to maintain the secrecy. He’d go with it. After all, that’s what Hollywood stars used.

  “You might want to put on a sweatshirt or something. The temperature’s dropped quite a bit.”

  “Okay. Be right there.” Grabbing his flight jacket from the coat tree by the door, he shoved his arms into the sleeves and was almost out the door before he remembered to take off his name tag. Sticking it in the pocket of his jeans, he put on his aviators and stepped out on the porch.

  His eye sensitivity was a real thing, just not as bad as he’d led her to believe. He wore his shades even with a Stetson, except during Ryker’s outdoor wedding last April, when they’d seemed inappropriate.

  Shades in place, ball cap tugged down, he stepped out on the porch.

  Caitlin lay on her stomach on the dry grass while she aimed her camera across the crazy quilt of leaves littering the yard. She took several shots, then rolled to her back and focused on the leaves overhead. Watching her as she recorded the world around her was always a treat.

  Hopping to her feet, she brushed off the leaves and looped the camera strap over her head bandolier-style so the camera rested on her hip. Then she turned toward the porch. “There you are.” She spread out her arms. “Glorious.”

  “Uh-huh.” Yes, she certainly was. A couple of red leaves had tangled in her hair, making her look like a wood sprite.

  “I’ve got what I need in the yard.” She came up the walk toward him. “I want to take a few shots of the leaves on the porch.”

  He started down the steps. “Then I’ll get out of your—”

  “You shaved.” Her gaze lit with approval. “Wow. What a big change.”

  “Really?” Yikes.

  “You look like a different person without the scruff.”

  He started to sweat. “I do?”

  “When you were unshaven, it was as if you were in hiding.”

  Yep, right on the first try.

  “But without the scruff, I see a man who’s in the process of opening himself to what life has to offer.”

  “Oh.” Whew. “Maybe I am.”

  “That’s very good news, Raven.” She smiled as if he’d given her a gift. She put her whole face into it. Her eyes sparkled, her cheeks glowed and her generous mouth curved with infectious joy.

  He couldn’t help smiling back. “You’re beautiful.” The murmured words had tumbled out, unbidden.

  Her eyes grew wide and her lips parted in surprise.