“Can you work with it?”

  “Sure. But I’ll need to take some practice shots before Saturday and I didn’t bring any of my equipment this morning.”

  “I could probably arrange to be here tonight or tomorrow night, if you’d like to come back then.”

  She hated to cancel one of her nights with Raven. Maybe she wouldn’t have to. “How about if I come over on Friday afternoon, instead?”

  “I couldn’t make it then. I’ll be in the thick of things with the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner, and—”

  “I’ll do it on Friday afternoon.” Badger joined them.

  “You can’t,” Virginia said. “You’re in the wedding party. I’m sure Hayley—”

  “I’ll check with her, but I’m bettin’ she won’t mind if I come over here early to handle this. She knows I’m all about the lightin’ effects.”

  “You’re probably right. She’s thrilled that you’re so involved in the wedding preparations, more so than she is.”

  “Because I’m Southern. We’re all about the weddin’.”

  Virginia patted his cheek. “I do think you and I are the most dedicated to making this event shine.”

  “That puts me in good company.”

  “Thank you, sweet boy.” She gave him a kiss on the cheek. “I hate to shoo you both out of here, but I’m meeting the Whine and Cheese Club for coffee at Pie in the Sky in fifteen minutes. They’ve asked me to be a member.”

  “Aw.” Caitlin smiled. “That’s wonderful.”

  “Sure is,” Badger said. “I hadn’t heard about that.”

  “I’m excited. They haven’t added a new member since Jo Fielding was invited, and that was years ago.”

  Badger gave her a hug. “They made a great choice in addin’ you.” Then he gestured toward the door. “After you, ladies.”

  Once they were outside, Virginia bid them a quick goodbye, hopped in her SUV and drove out of the parking lot.

  Badger gazed after her. “She’ll love bein’ in the Whine and Cheese Club.”

  “She will. I’m so glad they asked her.” On a hunch, she glanced up at him. “Did you have anything to do with it?”

  He shrugged. “Not much, really. Kendra said they’d already been considerin’ it.”

  “And you lobbied in her favor.”

  “The timin’ is right. Marryin’ off her kids has been her focus for years. Sometimes I see wistfulness in her eyes, like what now? Those ladies will help her figure that out.”

  “You’re a good man, Badger Calhoun.”

  He grinned. “Don’t let that get around, darlin’. It’s more fun if folks think I’m a scalawag.”

  “Good luck with pulling that off. Listen, did you just happen to be here or did you arrange it so you’d be—”

  “Took advantage of a golden opportunity. Figured you and I might have a chance to talk about our joint project.”

  “Thought so.” She smiled. “And thanks for volunteering to help me on Friday afternoon. I didn’t want to give up one of my nights with Raven.”

  “That’s good news.”

  “He’s a great guy. I’m glad you brought us together.”

  “See, I knew you two would hit it off.”

  “We definitely do, and your little experiment is working like a charm.”

  “The experiment. Right.”

  “If you were concerned that he couldn’t deal with the wedding, you can quit worrying. But I advised him to wear his shades.”

  “Ah. That’s a thought.”

  “He’s made so much progress, though. The first night he was unshaven, like he was in hiding, so to speak. But last night he’d shaved.”

  “Really?”

  “I think it’s a sign of progress. He looks so much better that way, so much happier.”

  “I’ll just bet he does.”

  “And that’s not all. Have you talked to him lately?”

  “No, as a matter of fact, but I plan to.”

  “You’ll be amazed by his voice. I think spending time with me has helped his vocal cords relax. He sounds almost normal, now.”

  “Wow, that’s truly amazin’. Thanks for lettin’ me know. I can’t wait to have a conversation with that boy.”

  “I think you’ll be pleased.”

  “I wasn’t expectin’ such fast…progress. Is he still wearin’ that ball cap he’s so attached to?”

  “He is, except when we’re…dancing.” Why couldn’t she have just said yes? Now Badger was staring at her as if she was demented.

  “Where would you be doin’ that?”

  “In the living room.”

  “With the lights on?”

  “He turned them off.”

  “Ah. What about music? Did he hire a band to play tunes on the front porch?”

  She laughed. “You’re funny. He used the music on his phone.”

  “Okay, but that livin’ room is no bigger than a minute, so I can’t picture how—”

  “We managed. He’s a very good dancer. I guess you already know that if you were on hand when Ryker was teaching him the two-step.”

  “He mentioned that, did he?”

  “He’s mentioning all kinds of things as he starts to open up. I can see why you and Aaron like him so much.” Time for a change of subject. “Speaking of Aaron, am I right that he volunteers for all the night flights because he’s single and you and Ryker aren’t?”

  “Why, uh…yes, ma’am! You nailed it! That’s exactly the situation. That’s Aaron, all right. Considerate as they come.”

  “It’s touching that he’d do that. Even though I haven’t spent much time with him, I feel like I know him a little better because I’ve been in his house. Last night I borrowed some of his Dick Francis books.”

  “You’re a fan?”

  “Huge fan.”

  “So is Aaron! What a coincidence. I can picture you two havin’ a big ol’ time talkin’ ’bout Dick Francis books.”

  “I would love that, except yesterday Ryker confirmed my suspicion that Aaron has a crush on me, so I—”

  “You talked to Ryker?”

  “Don’t worry. Raven warned me not to say anything about him being in town. Personally, I think Ryker would want to know, but that’s not my call.”

  “We’ll tell him on Friday.”

  “Good, because whatever experiment you and Raven are doing, I feel sure Ryker would understand and be supportive.”

  “Possibly. Anyway, thanks for not mentionin’ it yesterday. What did Ryker say, exactly?”

  “That Aaron admired me. Then he asked if I could possibly get past the name problem.”

  “Do you think you could?”

  “I doubt it. But that’s not the only reason I won’t go out with him. Now I have another one.”

  “Which is?”

  “I’ve developed feelings for Raven.”

  Badger coughed. “I see.” He cleared his throat. “Well, that’s not all bad.”

  “I don’t think it’s bad at all. Maybe a little awkward, since he and Aaron are roommates, but I think Aaron would be understanding.”

  “You know what? I guarantee he would.”

  Chapter Nine

  Aaron was drinking a last cup of coffee before heading to the airfield when Badger’s red truck pulled up outside. Coffee mug in hand, he walked over and opened the door as Badger came striding up the walk, a determined set to his jaw.

  “Hey, Badger. I’ve got about ten minutes. Want coffee?”

  “No, thanks, Romeo. Just need a moment of your time.”

  “I’m guessing you talked to Caitlin.” He stepped back from the door.

  “Just now.” Badger walked into the living room, nudged back his Stetson and stared at him without speaking.

  “What?”

  “Are you tryin’ to blow this carefully calibrated scheme to smithereens?”

  “Could be.” He hadn’t unpacked his mental suitcase yet. No telling what motivations he’d find in there.

  “Well, you’re doin’ a damn good job of it. The good news is she’s crazy about you.”

  His breath caught. “She said that?”

  “Not her exact words. She said she’s developed feelings for you. But if you’d seen the look in her eyes, you’d—”

  “Damn.” He scrubbed a hand over his face.

  “I thought you’d be happy.”

  “I am. And confused. Mostly I think I’m screwed.”

  “I could’ve told you that. Shouldn’t have shaved off the bristle, hot shot. Now you can’t show your face in town for the next two days.”

  “That’s the least of my problems.”

  “Bit off more’n you could chew?”

  “You could say that.” He grimaced. “I almost took her to bed last night.”

  Badger’s jaw dropped. “No.”

  “Yep.”

  “Well, dill my pickle.”

  “Yeah. I’m an idiot.”

  “May I remind you that the stagin’ area for the mission is here?” He swept a hand around the living room. “Raven’s fictional world ends at the entrance to the hallway. Beyond that lies Aaron Donahue Land. Step across that line and the magic is over.”

  “Sort of lost track of that last night.”

  “You’d better sort of keep track of it tonight. Unless you’re plannin’ to furnish that second bedroom in the next few hours.”

  “I’m ashamed to admit this, but I checked on renting a bedroom set.”

  “Please tell me you came to your senses.”

  “I could have one delivered late this afternoon after I’m back from Kalispell, which would give me just enough time to rearrange the second bedroom before she gets here.”

  “Oh, Lordy.”

  “I didn’t order it.”

  Badger exhaled. “I’m relieved as a forgiven sinner, but how come you didn’t?”

  “Finally realized it was a good thing she knocked the books off the table.”

  Badger’s eyes widened. “You were makin’ whoopee on the table?”

  “Yeah, but that’s not important. The point is—”

  “Damn, good buddy. I severely underestimated your sex appeal.”

  “Raven’s sex appeal. And that’s the point. I’d be making love to her as Raven, not me.”

  “But Raven is you.”

  “Only part of me.

  “The part that gets the action, evidently. Never occurred to me you’d be canoodlin’ on a tabletop by Day Two.”

  He sighed. “She probably thinks tonight’s the night.”

  “Shavin’ was your first mistake. Tried to talk you out of it. If you’d listened to ol’ Badger, you wouldn’t be standin’ here wonderin’ how to stop this runaway train.”

  “Can’t be standing here thinking about it any longer, either. I’m wheels up in thirty. Don’t you have a run today, too?”

  “As a matter of fact, I’m fetchin’ a couple of weddin’ guests from Missoula. I need to get goin’.”

  “Then we’re outta here.” He grabbed his flight jacket, his Stetson and his keys before following Badger out the door. “I’d appreciate any suggestions you might have for cooling things down tonight.”

  Badger chuckled. “You do realize this is a horse and barn door situation.”

  “Yeah, but I’m desperate. I’ll consider whatever your fertile brain can supply.”

  “How ’bout comin’ down with a highly contagious disease?”

  “Other than that. Gross.”

  “Answer’s obvious, then. Let your bristle grow.”

  Because he couldn’t come up with a better idea, Aaron resigned himself to not shaving before Caitlin arrived. His bristle could scour the rust off a tailpipe. He wouldn’t be tempted to kiss her with the equivalent of steel wool on his face. Scruff as chastity belt.

  But while he was laying the fire, he changed his mind. Damn it, he hated that look on himself. Besides, she’d interpret the scruff as a psychological step backward. She’d be disappointed and that didn’t sit well with him.

  He’d almost run out of time to correct the situation, though. Leaving the fire unlit, he raced back to his bathroom, tossed his cap on the counter, stripped off his shirt and lathered up. A fast shave was better than no shave.

  Or not. He nicked himself. Stemming the bleeding with a piece of TP, he finished just as she rang the doorbell.

  “Be right there!” He shoved his arms into the sleeves of his shirt and fumbled with the buttons. To hell with it. He’d rather answer the door with his shirt unbuttoned than with TP stuck to his face.

  He carefully peeled it away. The bleeding had stopped. Blotting his damp cheeks with the towel, he hung it around his neck before heading into the living room. His cap.

  He ran back for it, crammed it on his head and bolted for the door. He was panting by the time he opened it. “Hi.”

  “Hi.” Her warm gaze traveled over him. “I’m a little early. Didn’t mean to rush you.”

  “Poor time management on my part.” He stepped back to let her in. “I was laying the fire when I remembered I hadn’t shaved.”

  “Since yesterday?”

  “Since this morning.” He tried to regulate his breathing, but seeing her again made that a challenge.

  “Your beard grows that fast?”

  “Yep.” He started buttoning his shirt. “I see you brought your laptop.”

  “I did.”

  He stopped buttoning and held out his hand. “Let me take—”

  “You cut yourself.” She tucked the laptop securely under her arm, stepped closer and cupped his chin with her free hand. Her fingers whispered like butterfly wings over his damp skin.

  His heart thundered as he zeroed in on her beautiful mouth. “Amateur mistake. I was hoping you wouldn’t notice.” He was seconds away from kissing her. Did he have a plan for avoiding that? No.

  “I’m touched that you rushed to get a shave in before I got here.” She stroked her thumb along his jawline. “I had no idea shaving was a twice-a-day chore for you.”

  “’Fraid so.” Her sweet mouth beckoned. If he didn’t manufacture a distraction ASAP, he would pull her into his arms, computer and all.

  Once he did that, he’d likely lose his mind as he had the night before. He’d ignore Badger’s mission boundaries, break through the invisible barrier in the hall and plunge into Aaron Donahue Land because a bed was there.

  Think, Donahue. You’re smarter than this. He took a quick breath. “You know what we should do?”

  “I have a few ideas.” Her blue eyes had gone all smoky. “Tell me yours and I’ll tell you mine.”

  “Since I haven’t lit the fire yet, we could go for a drive.”

  She frowned in confusion. “Why?”

  “It’s a beautiful night and I feel the need to escape these four walls.”

  Her expression cleared. “Of course you do. I didn’t stop to think you might be going stir-crazy. Evening would be the perfect time for you to get some fresh air. I totally understand. We can take my Cherokee.”

  “Or we could take my truck.”

  “That’s your truck parked in the driveway? I thought it was Aaron’s.”

  “It’s mine.”

  “Now that you say that, I don’t know why I thought it was Aaron’s. His is at the airport, isn’t it?”

  “Mm.” He walked the thin line between truth and fiction.

  “Okay, then. I’ll just leave my laptop here for later.” She set it on the table.

  He couldn’t spend any time looking at that table or he’d want to replay last night’s tape. But first he’d move her laptop. He finished buttoning his shirt. “Why’d you bring it?”

  “You know those pictures I took of you yesterday while we were outside?”

  “Oh, right. We never did look at them.” Otherwise occupied.

  “I finally did check them out after I got home. I really like them. I fooled around with a few special effects and I wanted to show you how they look.”

  “That’d be great.” He was amazed that even after studying all those images, she didn’t have a clue about his identity. Badger had counted on her eagerness to believe Raven’s story and evidently he’d been on the money.

  Pocketing his keys, he put on his flight jacket before opening the door. A soft twilight and a clear sky greeted him. He took a deep breath of cool air. Dodged a bullet, at least for now.

  “I’m glad you suggested this.” Caitlin glanced back at him before starting down the steps. “It is a beautiful night. I’ve been so busy rushing from one thing to another that I haven’t paused to appreciate how gorgeous the September weather is right now.”

  “I’m sure you have your hands full between senior pictures and a big wedding.” He walked around to the passenger side and opened her door. The dome light came on. “Whoops, bright light.”

  She hopped in and reached for the switch. “Got it. How’d you know about the senior pictures?”

  How, indeed? “Aaron mentioned it.”

  “He must have talked with Kendra about my sessions out at Wild Creek.”

  “He did.” And it had sparked an idea. Closing her door, he rounded the front of the truck and climbed behind the wheel. “I guess there are times Kendra can’t accommodate the kids.” He closed his door and buckled his seat belt.

  “Well, sure. I work around that as best I can.”

  “Would it help to have an alternate venue for those times?” He started the truck and backed out of the drive.

  “Yes, and Kendra even suggested I look at other ranches in the area. I did, but none of them have the fantastic photographic possibilities that Wild Creek offers. The kids would assume they were getting second tier, and they’d be right.”

  “Not another ranch. Badger Air.”

  “Badger Air? You mean the planes and stuff?”

  “Exactly. I think—” He coughed. “Aaron thinks it’s a natural. Graduating seniors are taking flight into the next phase of their lives, so what better way to illustrate it than posing them in and around planes?”

  “It’s an excellent idea. Has Aaron said anything to Badger or Ryker?”

  “Not yet. He might have wanted to ask if you’d be interested before he talked with them.”

  “Most definitely. I’ll bet some of those seniors would love posing with a plane.”

  “I sure would’ve at their age.”