Just Plain Lucky Read online

  Liana gestured toward the aborted remodel. “More than one step away. We keep a constant fire in the fireplace, but the furnace runs full tilt.”

  Michael lifted the plastic to expose the framing beneath. “Do you have a set of plans I can borrow?” He assessed the destruction. “I’ll need them to work up my bid.”

  “So, you’ll give me a bid?”

  Michael glanced at her and his dark eyes did something wild and crazy to her body. “I can’t leave two beautiful ladies in distress. What happened to your contractor?”

  “He had an emergency and left the state.”

  “Uh-huh. It’s unconscionable to leave a job like this. He should have lined out another contractor. Honestly, I have a full schedule, but I’ll do what I can.”

  “I appreciate whatever you can do. I’ll get the plans.”

  “Might help if I see the inside too. Do you mind?”

  Liana’s thoughts jumbled. Handsome he might be, but Michael was still a virtual stranger. Yet, something about him said she could trust he wouldn’t case her house for theft or assault. If she wanted her house finished, she’d have to trust someone.

  “Of course, it only makes sense. We use the back door right now.”

  “I can see why.” Michael anchored the end of the plastic with the front door, just as he’d found it.

  Liana led the way around the house to the back door, and into the laundry room. Thank goodness she’d cleaned yesterday, including the cat litter box.

  Hurrying into the den, her heart fluttered and her hands trembled as she sorted through her house plans. She picked out the one showing all phases of the remodel. If he could just finish the living room, she’d be very grateful.

  She returned to the living room in time to catch Oscar, Brittany’s cat, slap Lucky. “It looks like we’ll have a problem with Oscar. Maybe I should load Lucky up right now and take her to the shelter.” As much as she pitied the dog, she didn’t need one more thing on her plate.

  “Mom! What if they don’t find a home and have to put her down?” Brittany’s eyes filled with tears.

  Michael crouched between the animals and petted them both. “I’ll take Lucky home. Leif’s been wanting a dog. I’ll run an advertisement. If nothing happens, we’ll keep her.”

  The man grew larger in Liana’s estimation by the minute. “Are you sure you don’t mind?”

  “Not at all.” Michael glanced at the plans, rolled them up and tapped them against his leg. “Let’s go, Lucky.” He grinned at Brittany, and shook hands with Liana.

  “Nice to meet you, Mr. Saxon.” Brittany smiled back at him. “Please tell Leif hello for me. Mom, I still have to take a shower before we meet Meagan and Shari!” Brittany practically skipped to her bathroom.

  “Okay, honey.”

  Liana trailed through the laundry room after Michael. “I hope we didn’t disrupt your day too much. You were on your way somewhere.” She struggled to keep her demeanor professional and not give away the attraction she already had for him.

  Michael shrugged. “To tell you the truth, it’s been a welcome diversion. My former brother-in-law, who I still count as a brother, got married in Libby yesterday. My ex-wife flew in Thursday and since our children are with me, has stayed at my house. All she can do is grouse about how I didn’t stock her favorite brands of booze.” He stopped at the end of the house and folded his arms over his broad chest, the plans under one arm. “After a circus last night, I escaped this morning to check on a building project.”

  “Yes, ex-spouses can be a real joy.”

  “I take it Brittany’s dad is your ex?”

  “Yes, he is.” Liana had an insane urge to correct that statement, but now wasn’t the place or time. Strange how Michael instilled such trust after little more than thirty minutes of meeting him.

  Brittany emerged from the house, an old blanket in her arms. “I’m glad I caught you. Can you use this for Lucky?”

  “Good thinking.” Michael took the blanket and continued to the truck where he folded it into a bed for the dog. He tapped the blanket. “Come on, girl. Curl up on this.”

  Lucky finally settled down and obeyed. Michael turned to Liana and Brittany with a smile. “How can I contact you about my bid?”

  “Oh!” She chuckled. “You need my phone number.” Liana dashed to her SUV and grabbed a business card. “Here’s my information, both work and cell.” Their fingers touched. Michael’s gaze caught and held hers.

  “I should give you my card too.” He fished one from his wallet and handed it to her.

  Liana tried not to look like the breathless teenager she’d become inside. “Thanks. I hope your day improves.”

  “It already has.” Michael’s sculpted mouth turned up in a sexy grin.

  ****

  Today Liana turned thirty-five. Thirty-five and single. Not that age mattered, but lying alone in bed night after night, did matter.

  Maybe Shari was right. She needed to get on with her life, and let Frank know he no longer controlled her. What Shari didn’t know, was getting on with her life wouldn’t break Frank’s control. Only a sympathetic judge could do that.

  Oh, but Michael could be worth the risk of stirring up Frank’s jealous anger. He tempted her like no other man. If it worked out, and his bid fit her budget, he’d be around a lot. Whoa girl, she reminded herself, you just met him.

  After several hours of relentless shopping, Liana chose Ciao Mambo in Whitefish for her birthday lunch. A remodeled and expanded house from the turn of the century, she loved the charm and atmosphere as much as the delicious Italian food.

  Shari nudged her as they walked to a table in the dining room. “Okay, what’s given you the new spring in your step, and the twinkle in your eyes?”

  Liana shrugged. “I didn’t realize I had a twinkle in my eyes.”

  “Okay, when will you tell me about him?”

  Liana raised her brows. “What do you mean?”

  “Come on, old friend. I know you. Something’s changed.”

  “Your imagination’s running wild, my dear friend.” Shari and Liana had grown up together in San Diego. When Liana moved to San Francisco with Frank, they’d stayed in touch and visited each other often. Focusing on raising Brittany might have been her sanity, but Shari was the only person she could vent her frustrations to.

  They were barely seated around an antique oak table when Brittany hit with both barrels. “Shari, did Mom tell you about Dad’s call this morning? Molly moved out and he’s really depressed. He wants me to visit over Thanksgiving.”

  Liana smiled at her daughter. “Sweetie, I really don’t want to talk about Frank right now.”

  “I’m sorry, Mom. I know we’re celebrating your birthday, but he sounds terrible.”

  “I agree, but it doesn’t mean we have to change our plans.” No matter how much he tries to ruin my day, Liana silently finished.

  “Good heavens, when will Frank start acting like an adult?” Shari picked up the wine list and hid behind it.

  Liana pursed her lips and resisted the urge to throw her fork at her friend. Shari was right. Frank did act like a spoiled child, but it didn’t help to discuss it in front of Brittany.

  Meagan darted her gaze from Liana to Brittany and back. Liana cringed. Ugly things could come out of this conversation. “The fact is, Brittany, you can’t afford to miss school. Not even a couple days. When your math grade comes up, we’ll consider another visit later this winter.”

  Shari lowered the wine list and laid her hand on Brittany’s. “Listen to your Mom, Britt. She only wants what’s best for you.”

  Liana appreciated Shari’s support, but at the same time, jealousy reared its ugly head. Since the move to Kalispell, Liana had worked long hours to build her real estate business. Consequently, Brittany spent hours after school and some weekends at Shari’s. Her friend had been there for Liana, but she couldn’t stop the resentment when Brittany listened to Shari more than she did her own mother.

&nbs
p; Liana rolled and unrolled her napkin. “Exactly. I’m being the adult, not Frank. We can’t react every time your dad has a crisis. He misses you, and he’s angry with me for moving away.”

  “I know.” Brittany blew out a sigh. “I’m sorry I brought it up.”

  “That’s okay, sweetie. Let’s just enjoy our lunch, or is it dinner?” Liana snatched the wine list from Shari. “Hmm, since Brittany has her daytime driver’s permit, we should order a bottle. You girls can have a virgin cocktail if you’d like.”

  “Cool.” Brittany grinned at Meagan. “I’ll have a virgin margarita, and I get to drive home.”

  Shari grabbed the wine list from Liana, and signaled to the server. She ordered a bottle of Chianti, and waited for the girls to order their drinks before she leaned toward Liana.

  “Maybe you should call Frank tonight, and convince him he should propose to Molly.”

  “Humph!” Liana shook her head. “Are you loony? Frank listen to me about his love life?” Shari had been with Liana through Jack’s deployment, his death, her marriage to Frank, Brittany’s birth and the list went on, but Shari didn’t know half of what drove Frank.

  “Maybe if you stress how good Molly is for him, and how much Brittany likes her, he’ll let go of you, and start a new life.” Shari shrugged. “It’s worth a try.”

  Liana nibbled on her bottom lip. If Frank stopped his obsession over Liana and their failed marriage, he might fall in love with Molly. They could even have children. After the things he’d said to her this morning? Before he entered a new lasting relationship, he needed to learn how to have one.

  The server returned with the girls’ drinks and presented the wine.

  Shari swirled the Chianti in her glass. “How goes the search for a new contractor?” The main restaurant door opened and several people stepped into the entry.

  “Interesting you should ask. I met someone this morning and he promised me a bid. I’d like to look at his work.” She pulled out his business card. “Maybe I should call and ask for the addresses of the houses he’s built or remodeled. We could take a look after lunch.”

  “I’d love to see the homes and the builder.” Shari raised her glass and clinked it with Liana’s.

  Liana raised her wine glass to her lips just as a group of people passed their table. The familiar scent of a man’s cologne drifted by. She swallowed hard and glanced up.

  The man she’d fantasized over for the past few hours stood two feet from her table. When their gazes met, his warmed.

  “Michael.”

  “Hey there.” He graced Shari and Meagan with his killer smile and greeted Brittany. Liana introduced them.

  “Michael?” a feminine voice called. The stunning owner of the voice sashayed to his side and looped her arm through his.

  Liana wanted to crawl under the table. Her perfectly styled hair was almost as dark as Michael’s and her eyes a jewel-tone blue. Contacts? Her lips were full—no doubt from injections—and pouted to the extreme. “Are these friends of yours?”

  Condescension filled her eyes and dimmed her beauty. Liana lived with an emotionally controlling man for ten years. This woman couldn’t intimidate her, just made her realize how foolish she’d been to daydream about a delicious man like Michael.

  Michael’s eyes narrowed and he unhooked himself from the woman. “This is my ex-wife, Meredith.”

  “Meredith.” Liana pushed her chair back and shook the glamorous woman’s hand. Looks definitely hadn’t been what ended their marriage. They could successfully grace a magazine cover.

  “Liana.” Meredith’s full lips tightened.

  “Michael’s agreed to bid on my house remodel.” Liana threw the verbal dart and it struck.

  Meredith blinked and pulled back her shoulders. “Of course he has.” She turned to Michael. “Darling, I think I’ll join Leif and Greg.”

  The moment Meredith left Michael smiled and folded his arms. “Sorry about that. If you’re interested, I’ll give you the addresses of the houses I’ve either built or remodeled. Would you like to check them out?”

  Liana didn’t have to glance at Shari to read her friend’s mind. She’d think Liana should check out whatever Michael offered. Liana cleared her throat. “We just ordered, but we could look at them later.”

  Michael sent a quick glance over his shoulder. “If I didn’t have obligations, I’d give you the tour.”

  “Thank you, but the addresses will be very helpful.”

  “How long have you lived in Kalispell, Michael?” Shari fingered the stem on her wine glass, her expression openly assessing.

  “Two years. I built high-end houses in Oklahoma City, but got tired of the rat race.”

  “Impressive. I’m eager to see your work. I hope you’re the knight in shining armor for Liana.” She smiled at Liana, one brow cocked.

  Liana could have choked her. “Michael, I don’t want to keep you from your party. We’ll be here for a while.” She gestured to her table. “So don’t worry about the addresses right now.”

  Michael stared at her for another moment. Liana flushed. Shari would have a heyday with her later.

  His eyes were just as compelling as she remembered. From head to foot, Michael was the most handsome man she’d ever met. Not to mention, one of the nicest. Her jealousy of Meredith, turned to sympathy for Michael.

  “I’ll do that.” One corner of his mouth turned up in his signature grin. Michael nodded at Shari and the girls before he turned to join his family.

  Liana tore her attention from his backside and sat down. Good heavens, he’d changed into worn, form hugging Wranglers. Her heart would never be the same.

  The food, the wine, and spending the day with her best friend and their girls, made this one of her best birthdays. Liana hadn’t relaxed so much for a very long time, and hadn’t tingled with such awareness for even longer. Halfway through lunch, Michael presented her with a paper napkin he’d used to jot down the addresses.

  He pulled out the chair between Liana and Brittany. “I suspect you’ll favor the remodel here in Whitefish. It’s very similar to your plans.”

  Liana glanced at the addresses, but was preoccupied with the long finger pointing at them. His nails were clean and cut short, and his fingers had tiny scars here and there. The hands of a working man.

  She looked up.

  Michael’s gaze met hers.

  Brittany reached across Michael and snatched the napkin from him. “Since Mom’s having wine with lunch, I’m the driver.”

  Michael leaned back and smiled at Brittany. “Good idea. No drinking and driving.”

  “I had driver’s education this fall and drove in Whitefish.” Brittany straightened up in her chair and met Michael’s glance, as if daring him to doubt her.

  “Uh-huh. Good deal. In that case you should find the golf course and the house.” He lifted his square chin at the napkin and winked at Brittany. She blushed.

  Liana warmed with gratitude for the attention he paid her daughter.

  “Well…” Michael pushed the chair back and stood. “I’d better return to my lunch before Leif finishes it off.”

  “I saw Leif was with you! Is he your son?” Meagan planted her chin on her palm and beamed up at Michael.

  “He is. Do you know him from school?”

  “Everyone knows Leif, don’t they, Brittany?” Meagan couldn’t quite stifle a giggle.

  “Yep.” Brittany shrugged. “Michael and I talked about Leif this morning.”

  “Huh.” Michael’s dark brows arched. “He’s so involved in school and basketball, I didn’t think he had time to socialize.”

  Meagan nodded emphatically.

  Liana thought it time to step in and let him gracefully escape the teens. “Thank you for the information. I’ll call you after I see the houses.”

  “Sounds good.” Michael held up two fingers as if to tip the western hat he must have stashed under his chair. “Pleased to meet all of you. Brittany, be sure you get everyone home s
afe, okay?”

  Brittany smiled. “I will.”

  Liana hadn’t been sure how her daughter would react if a man gave Liana more than casual attention; or had he? She was so aware of Michael, she could have misread his glances, and how the tone of his voice changed when he spoke to her.

  “Yes, well,”—Shari cleared her throat when Michael left to rejoin his party—“I’d hire him on looks and charm alone.” Liana nudged her under the table, and sent her a tight look.

  Shari laughed. “I said I’d hire him. You do what you want.”

  The teens shook their heads at their mothers and resumed eating their lunch and discussing Leif Saxon.

  Chapter Two

  Liana floated on her stimulated senses through the rest of lunch.

  Even when Shari insisted she pay the check, Liana didn’t argue. She was too distracted with the table in the far corner of the dining room, right over Shari’s left shoulder. She wondered how Michael handled his ex, but tried not to glance their way as she followed the girls to the door.

  Brittany almost skipped with excitement as she climbed into the driver’s seat. Meagan groused about having to sit in the back instead in front with her buddy. They all clamored into the SUV and fastened their seat belts before Brittany slowly backed out of the parking spot, and pulled onto the street. Liana’s heart fluttered when they passed the big black truck bearing the Saxon Construction sign.

  The house on the golf course looked exactly like what Liana had in mind. She called the listing agent for the entry code.

  “Wow,” Shari said, meandering through the living room and kitchen. The girls bounded off to check out the bedrooms.

  “I agree.” Liana crouched and ran her fingertips over the hardwood floor. “This is what I envision for my house.”

  “Perfect. All you have to do is snag, I mean hire, Mr. Saxon.”

  “You’re hilarious.” Liana wandered to the bar for a closer look at the oil rubbed bronze pendant lights.

  “I saw how you two looked at each other. It’s magic. Love at first sight.”

  “Shhh.” Liana held a finger to her lips and shook her head. “All I need is for Brittany to tell Frank.” She moved closer to Shari. “Frank’s call this morning was excessive, even for him.” She sighed. “I want to tell him to buzz off, but not at the price of placing Brittany in an even more difficult situation.”