Forever After (Montana Brides) by Leeanna Morgan Read Free Book Online Page A

leading women astray years ago. Eating with Sam might be safe for today, but from Monday she’d be buying her lunch on the way to work.

    Sam took a sip of cold white wine. Their lunch had been delicious, and as long as they stuck to conversation about their families, friends and work they were fine. “What have you got planned for the rest of the afternoon?” Sitting back in his chair, he nudged the edge of his glass with his fingers.  
    Nicky’s gaze followed his hand. If the frown on her face was anything to go by there were more thoughts going through her head than enjoying the hot afternoon sun. He held his arms in the air in mock surrender. “Give me a break, Miss Prickles. I just wanted to know.”
    Nicky glanced at him with a guarded look in her eyes. She didn’t look like she believed him.  
    A group of tourists walked past their sidewalk table, sunhats perched on their heads, and buckets of sunscreen turning their skin a whiter shade of pale. They stopped to read the menu of the Italian restaurant, happy chatter following a moment of silence as their brains digested the tasty dishes on the card in front of them.  
    If only Sam’s life was as complicated as selecting a plate of food. Finding the money that’d been siphoned away from the company, and the person responsible, wasn’t the only problem giving him sleepless nights. Nicky had become another.  
    He hadn’t thought twice about getting her back to Bozeman when their accountant first noticed an issue with their cash flow. He’d foolishly thought three years would be enough time to get her well and truly out of his system. What a joke. A lifetime wouldn’t be long enough to freeze the hot flow of lust lapping at the edge of his body. He jumped when she started talking, grabbing for his wineglass as it wobbled on the table.
    “I’m heading across to the library. My friend Erin finishes work at three o’clock.”
    “If you need help with anything, don’t hesitate to ask.” He couldn’t help teasing her. “I’m only a phone call and a few steps away.” A smile started somewhere deep in his chest as a frown scrunched Nicky’s face into a cute hound dog look.
    The frown turned to a scowl. He’d definitely annoyed her.  
    Her blue eyes shot to his. “I can manage on my own, Samuel Delaney.”
    “I’ve no doubt you can, Nicky Scotson.” He smiled as she fidgeted in her chair. “Can I tempt you into a scoop or two of gelato or sorbet for dessert?”
    “No,” she mumbled. “You can’t tempt me.”  
    Leaning sideways to pick her bag off the ground, he got a tantalizing glimpse of her white lace bra. He was on a slippery slope to nowhere when the sight of a woman’s underwear sent his hormones racing ahead of his brain.  
    “We’re not far from the library,” Nicky said. “I’ll walk the rest of the way. Thanks for suggesting lunch.”
    “I’m leaving at eight tomorrow morning if you want a ride into work. The rental I’ve booked for you doesn’t arrive until ten.”
    “Thanks. I’ll meet you beside your truck.” Nicky walked toward the front desk, her blonde hair bouncing in the afternoon breeze. She’d be annoyed when she found out he’d already paid the bill. A smile hovered on his lips. The more time he spent with her, the more intrigued he became. He liked her sassy wit and easy way with people. Liked it too damn much.
    Sam frowned at the over friendly waiter. How long did it take someone to explain that the bill had already been paid?  
    Nicky looked over her shoulder, her gaze pinning him to his seat. She wasn’t impressed.
    He raised his wineglass in reply.  
    Jamming her sunglasses on her face, she walked away from the restaurant. The waiter continued to stare down the street after her. Sam glared at his back. Best of luck, buddy, he thought. Nicky had come to Montana for business, not pleasure. And fraternizing with the locals would definitely be out of the question.

    Nicky wore a skirt. A spurt of