Книга - Snowbound With Mr Right

Snowbound With Mr Right
Judy Christenberry


Tempting the tycoon out of the city…just in time for Christmas!Sally Rogers's family store is the heart and soul of the small town of Bailey, and she's working all hours to keep her business afloat. So when city slicker Hunter Bedford arrives, determined to buy her out, Sally is furious. No way will she sell to a ruthless businessman like Hunter!Instead, with Christmas approaching, she'll show him the warmth and spirit of Bailey. But as the snow falls thick and fast, they are trapped together, and Sally begins to wonder if she's snowbound with Mr. Right…









Snowbound with Mr Right

Judy Christenberry



















www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)




CONTENTS


CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE




CHAPTER ONE


SALLY ROGERS was standing in the window of the Bailey General Store, trying to attain a more attractive display. She was beginning to think it was a lost cause when an idea suddenly struck her. As she began to change the window, she was interrupted by a gentleman she had noticed entering the store earlier.

“Excuse me. I’m looking for the owner of the store.”

She looked over her shoulder to see a tall, dignified man, younger than she expected, waiting for her attention.

“Why?” she asked, feeling a little bothered at being interrupted.

“Because I have business to discuss with him.”

“Sorry, not right now. The store owner is very busy at the moment,” she said. It had been a long day and Sally was tired. She had a lot on her plate with the business, not to mention that she was still coming to terms with the devastating deaths of her parents. Suddenly the store had been left in her hands and she was finding all the decisions to be made to be almost too much.

“I’m sorry, miss, but I don’t think that’s your decision,” the man said sternly.

Sally stepped down from the window, pushing a long strand of blond hair behind an ear. “Actually, yes, it is, and you’re interrupting. I just figured out what to do with the window and I really don’t have time to stop and talk to you now.”

“You?” the man asked in shock. “You’re the owner?”

“Yes, I’m the owner.” Sally started across the store looking for the item that she knew would work in the window.

To her surprise, the man followed her. “What are you doing?” he asked.

“Not that it’s any of your business, but I’m getting the stepladder. It’s going in the window.”

“The stepladder? Why?” the man questioned.

Sally gave him a wry smile; she obviously wasn’t going to get rid of him that easily. “Well, if you must know, I’m going to use it to display some shirts in the window. It needs some vertical lift.” She reached for the ladder, but before she could pick it up the man lifted it out of Sally’s hands.

“Allow me to carry it for you. And I agree, by the way, this will display the shirts well.”

Sally was now getting very annoyed by this man and stood staring at him. “Thank you for offering, but I can carry it myself.”

The man smiled at her, obviously not planning on letting Sally win. “Look, I need to talk to you and you are very busy. I’m here, I might as well help out.”

Sighing, Sally led the way back across the store to the front window display. She stepped up into the window and then reached for the ladder as he held it up to her. Spreading the legs of the ladder apart she began to hang the shirts on different levels, until she was at last happy with the display.

When she had finished, Sally went outside to see how her efforts looked from the customers’ point of view. To her surprise, she found the stranger right beside her as she evaluated the window.

“Nice job. Um, how long have you owned the store?”

“Not long, just since the deaths of my parents.”

The man looked at the ground. “No wonder my ownership information wasn’t accurate.”

Sally said quietly, “Did your ownership information list Bob Rogers as the owner?”

“Yes, that’s right. I take it that was your dad?”

“I inherited it when my parents died.”

The man stared at Sally. She shrugged. “Sorry, I should’ve said it more politely, but it’s still hard for me to—to go into detail with people. Both my parents were killed in a car crash, along with my aunt and uncle. I’ve been owner of Bailey’s General Store ever since.”

“Then what I have to say—I mean, of course you may not want to hold to the agreement. I guess we can talk about it, but I think—”

“Look, I’m tired and I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Sally said with a sigh.

“Your father didn’t tell you I’d be coming here?”

Sally turned to stare at the man. He looked like he belonged in a GQ ad, not standing in her country store. “My father? How would my father have known that you were coming?”

The man shifted, suddenly looking a little uncomfortable. “He and my grandfather struck up a deal.”

“Your grandfather? Who is your grandfather?”

“Wilbur Hunt, of the Hunt Corporation out of Denver.” The young man looked as if he expected Sally to be impressed.

“I don’t believe I found any letters from the Hunt Corporation for any reason when I went through my father’s papers. Certainly not dealing with an arrangement that would—what kind of a deal?”

“I was to work here in the store for your father for the second half of the month.”

Sally stared at him as if he’d spoken a second language. “You must be kidding. That’s ridiculous!”

“Why is it ridiculous?”

“Because my father has—had enough help for Christmas.”

“He wasn’t going to pay me a salary. My grandfather had talked to your father about selling the store.” He held up his hand when she would’ve interrupted him. “Your father refused to even consider selling. But because of the amount of business you do, my grandfather thought I might find out good information if we decided to branch out into smaller stores across the state.”

“So my father could teach you how to put us out of business? My father wouldn’t do that,” Sally responded.

“No, they had an agreement that we wouldn’t take over any store, or open a new store, within your area.”

“I didn’t find any such agreement.”

“I believe it was a gentleman’s agreement.”

“I don’t think my father would settle for that. It would have to be in writing. And if not for him, then for me. I wouldn’t allow you to work here unless you signed a non-compete clause.”

“Sally?” a voice called from the back of the store.

“Coming,” she returned. With an apologetic smile, she said, “I have to go see what’s wrong. Excuse me.”

When she got to the back room, she found her employee, Billy Johnson, standing, looking puzzled.

“What is it, Billy?”

“I don’t know what I’m supposed to do with these things, Sally.”

She looked at the stack of boxes. They each held jeans. “You put these on the shelves in the men’s department, Billy. See? It’s jeans.”

“But some of them are girls’ jeans.”

Sally smiled. “Then you put those in the women’s department. Here, I’ll separate them for you.”

Billy had worked in the store for over twenty years. He was a good worker, but at almost seventy he often got a little confused over things. Her dad had said Billy was the hardest worker he’d ever known and he could still be relied on to lift the heavier loads that Sally couldn’t manage.

“Oh. Okay. I got it, Sally.” Billy nodded as Sally showed him what he needed to do.

She went back into the store to find the stranger still there, leaning against the checkout counter. “Do you need something else?” she asked.

“Just more time to talk to you.”

“I’m sorry, but it’s Christmas. I really don’t have much time to spare.”

“Do you have a Christmas rush here, too?” the stranger asked, clearly not ready to leave yet.

“Yes, we do. Our Christmas Festival is in a little over a week from now and we are always busier then. I have a lot to get organized.”

“What’s the Christmas Festival?” he questioned again.

Sally smiled and decided it might be best to humor him. “Well, it’s a town celebration for Christmas. Our parents started it when we were three and it’s been going ever since.” Sally thought about all the good times she and her cousin, Penny, had shared over the years. This Christmas was going to be hard for both of them.

The man paused before he spoke again. “We? Do you have brothers or sisters?”

“No, I’m an only child. I meant my cousin and I. We both wanted to see Santa when we were very little, but there was nowhere near here where we could go. Our parents decided it would be easier if they brought Santa to our town. They ended up taking turns playing Santa. Now a lot of people come to our Festival for a chance to see Santa.”

The man looked at Sally. “And how much money do you make off of it now you’re older?”

Sally heard the sarcasm in his voice and turned to face him. He was really beginning to annoy her with all his questions. “Not a penny, actually. In fact we serve refreshments free of charge and offer used clothing and toys to those who need it. Shopping in the store increases naturally, but that’s all. My cousin, Penny, will supply the Christmas tree and I’ll decorate it. She does some of the baking, along with some other ladies in town who volunteer. It’s a true Christmas Festival.”

The stranger stood up straight and shifted uncomfortably. “I’m impressed. You could probably make a fair amount of money if you charged for some things, especially the refreshments.”

“No, thank you. That’s big city talk, not small town talk.”

“Maybe. But you could consider—”

“No. We won’t change the Festival,” Sally insisted, staring the man straight in the face.

“Has anyone ever told you you’re stubborn?” the stranger asked with a grin that almost won her over.

Quickly Sally turned away, afraid he would see the tears that his remark had brought. That had been one of her father’s frequent complaints about both her and her mother. Except his had been full of love. The sudden memory made Sally’s heart ache.

“Hey, what did I say?” the man asked, moving to stand nearer to Sally. “I was only teasing. I didn’t mean to make you cry.” He put his hand on her arm, tugging her gently to face him.

“It’s okay…I’m okay. It’s just my father made that complaint frequently,” she whispered.

“Damn! I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to—most everything around here must remind you of them.”

“Yes, it does,” Sally answered, quickly wiping away her tears. She didn’t want to think about how close she was standing to this strange man, how reassuring his arms felt holding hers and how good he smelled.

The bell over the front door jingled as it opened and a customer came in. Sally moved herself away from the man and composed herself before turning to the customer.

“Good morning, Mrs Ellison. How may I help you?” Sally asked, stepping toward the lady, grateful for the interruption.

“I’ve come for some of that yarn I bought last week. It’s part of a Christmas gift I’m making for my granddaughter.”

“Oh, yes, I remember. It’s right this way.” Sally led the lady to the yarn section and pulled out the exact shade she wanted. “Now, is there anything else I can get you? I just got in some special face cream that you might want to try.”

“Really? Will it make my wrinkles go away?”

“It doesn’t promise that, but I think it will soften them a little,” Sally answered smiling at the elderly lady.

Sally led her to the newest product the store had to offer. Mrs Ellison ended up buying a jar of the cream. And she added two new coloring books, for her granddaughter’s Christmas stocking, too.

When she left the store, the stranger was still there.

“Nice job of selling up.”

“Thank you,” Sally said coolly, wondering why he was still hanging around. “Is there anything I can show you before you leave?”

“Will you have lunch with me?” he asked suddenly, taking Sally by surprise.

Sally stared at the man. “No, I don’t leave for lunch.”

“Then dinner?”

“This is a busy time of the year.”

“You have to eat sometime. I’ll find a place to stay and be back about six o’clock. Please? I don’t like to eat alone.”

Sally knew that she shouldn’t get involved with this man. It immediately made her miss her parents, and she felt a sudden stab to her heart. They wouldn’t have let her go without a warning. After all, the man was a handsome stranger and new to town. What’s more he was a city guy, and had already made it clear that he thought differently to Sally. But she was on her own now and had to make her own decisions. Nervously, she nodded, instinctively trusting that she would be okay with this man, even though she hardly knew him. “There’s only one decent restaurant in town. The Diamond Back is one block down. I’ll meet you there at six.”

“Great. I’ll see you then,” he said, smiling again and sending shivers down Sally’s back. And then he walked out of the store.

All day, no matter how busy she was, Sally couldn’t get the man out of her head. Nor could she forget why he was here.

She would never consider training someone to take over the store. With a non-compete agreement, at least she would know that the future of the store would be safe from competition from someone with insider information. She supposed it wouldn’t hurt to show someone how she did things and she certainly needed more help, since she was trying to fill the roles of both parents plus her own jobs.

She had two ladies who came in to help her during the day and they at least allowed her to eat lunch if the store wasn’t too busy. She had Billy, but he often left at five, since there were no deliveries in the evenings.

Sally lived in a very nice house on the street right behind the store. Her parents had loved its location and it meant she only had to take a very short walk to get to work. Sally brought her lunch and dinner from home so that she could make sure she was on hand if anything came up.

Today, Sally had been relieved when the time came for her to take her break. She had decided to spend the time working on the store’s books, something her father had taught her to do when she was sixteen. Her mind drifted back to the times they had spent making sure the books were all up-to-date and correct. It wasn’t that she hadn’t expected to own the store—Sally had been fully prepared to take over, but had thought it would happen when her parents retired. Their deaths had come much too soon.

Sally sat staring into space and began to think about her dinner date for this evening. He was certainly a handsome man, but she now realized she didn’t even know his name!

It wasn’t often that people wandered into Bailey by chance. It was a small town in the northern part of the state. The mountains surrounding Bailey kept it away from the world, and only those who sought out Bailey would come across it.

Which meant the man had been telling the truth about the agreement her dad and Wilbur Hunt had made. Why else would he have come here? Her father had never mentioned anything about his idea to either her or her mother. But then again he hadn’t expected to die so suddenly, either.

As the day traveled to its end, Sally began to wonder if she’d made a mistake. Her agreement to have a meal with a man when she didn’t know his name was unusual. It was more than unusual. It was unheard of.

As the clock drew near six o’clock, Sally began debating more and more about what to do. Should she stay in the store, not meeting the stranger at the restaurant? He’d know where to find her, but he might be so irritated, he wouldn’t come back to the store.

If she went to the restaurant, how would she ask for her dinner partner when she didn’t even know his name? The vision of his handsome face floated before her. Sally realized that she did in fact want to go and meet him. It would be a relief to talk to someone not from Bailey. Someone who had seen the world. Or at least more than she had.

Finally she slipped over to her house, the big, lonely house she’d shared with her parents. She removed her denim jeans and sweater and put on a slim black skirt and a knit top that showed some sense of style. She even added a little makeup, though she seldom wore any at the store.

At exactly six o’clock, she walked into the Diamond Back restaurant, looking around, hoping to see the man already sitting at a table. No such luck. She looked at the hostess, Diane Diamond, wife of the owner and someone she knew very well from the store.

“Evening, Diane,” Sally said, smiling slightly.

“Your guest is waiting at our best table, Sally. Thanks for bringing us new business,” Diane answered, smiling fondly at Sally.

Relieved that she hadn’t had to ask any uncomfortable questions Sally released a sigh. “You’re welcome, Diane.” And moved in the direction the other woman indicated. She rounded the corner and saw a table occupied by the stranger she’d met that morning.

When she approached he stood and moved around the table to hold her chair for her.

“Thank you,” she murmured and slid into the seat.

He returned to the seat across from her. As he sat down, he smiled. “You look lovely, Sally.”

“How do you know my name?” she asked, taken a little by surprise.

“It’s one of the charms of a small town, isn’t it? People are willing to talk. Just the hint of your parents’ deaths and they told me about you and Penny, your cousin.”

“Please don’t make fun of small towns. I happen to be fond of them.”

“My apologies. I think I neglected to introduce myself this morning. Because of the surprise you handed me, I forgot the niceties. I’m Hunter Bedford and, as I said, I represent the Hunt Corporation of Denver.”

“Good evening, Mr Bedford. I’m sorry, but I think you’ve made a wasted trip,” Sally answered, relieved that she at least knew his name now.

Hunter smiled at her again, his perfect teeth gleaming. “I wouldn’t say that.”

“Mr Bedford, I have only just heard of this arrangement between my father and your grandfather and like I said this morning I’m not interested in training you without a non-compete agreement.” Sally was determined that she wasn’t going to be railroaded.

“I realize that, not knowing my grandfather, that would be your position. I talked to him on the phone after our meeting this morning and told him of the situation. He was sorry to hear of your father’s death and passes on his condolences. He also told me that the agreement they had was a verbal one, between gentlemen, but he has no problem giving you a non-compete agreement if that would make you happier. He is very keen for me to stay here in Bailey and get to know more about your store. And I think you could maybe use some help for the rest of the month—free of charge.”

Sally was silent for a moment, thinking about Mr Bedford’s words. She knew he was right about the help, but didn’t want to appear desperate for him to stay. She said, “We could manage.”

They were interrupted by the waitress who stepped up to their table.

“Good evening, folks. Have you had a chance to look at the menu?”

“No, we haven’t. Could we have a couple of minutes?”

“Sure thing.” The waitress was listening to Sally but was smiling at the stranger.

Sally picked up the menu, though she knew it by memory, to make a decision about what she would eat. Her dinner partner did the same.

After a moment, the waitress reappeared at their table and took their order, both deciding on the meat loaf. “I’ll have that right out for you,” the waitress said brightly, again smiling at Sally’s dinner partner.

“The service here is certainly efficient,” he said after the waitress had walked away.

“I believe you think it’s because you’re a visitor, Mr Bedford, but I suspect it has more to do with your good looks.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment, Sally, and please, call me Hunter.”

“Very well, Hunter. So, what do we have to talk about?”

Hunter smiled. Sally had to admit it was an attractive smile. One that would draw attention anywhere.

“You haven’t heard me out. Assuming we have a non-compete clause, would you consider me working in the store?”

Sally took a drink of iced water and returned Hunter’s smile. “Tell me, how did you hear of our store? I’m intrigued.”

“From our suppliers. The volume of your orders speaks of big sales, larger than a small town store usually handles.”

“We have a large range of coverage because there aren’t that many towns nearby.”

“I noticed that on the map. I even visited some of the stores in the area, what there were of them. But your store is by far the largest and carries the largest range of goods. Why do you suppose that is?”

“I think it has something to do with how long we’ve been trading for. My grandfather’s father opened the store in 1922 and we’ve grown over the years. Isn’t that what stores do when they are successful?”

“Of course it is. And that’s why it’s attractive to our company. We have five stores in Denver, three in Colorado Springs, and one store each in Pagosa Springs, Fort Collins and Boulder. We want to expand.”

“Why don’t you consider other states?”

“We’ve thought of that, but we prefer to keep our properties close together.”

“I see.”

“Would you be willing to consider hiring me for the rest of the month if we have that non-compete clause in place?”

“I don’t know. I’d have to think about it.” Sally looked at him intently, his blue eyes seemed genuine and honest and she found herself liking Hunter Bedford more and more.

“You wouldn’t be paying me a salary and I promise not to ask too many questions.”

“What kind of questions would you ask? I’m new at this myself so I’m not exactly sure what you’d expect to learn.”

A wry grin settled across his face. “That’s a good point and I don’t exactly know myself. I’d have to talk to my grandfather about that.”

Their waitress returned with their meal and she immediately asked Hunter if there was anything else he wanted.

“No, thank you, this looks great,” he said with another of his special smiles.

The waitress practically floated her way into the kitchen.

“You really should stop flirting with the waitress. She won’t be the same…until she realizes it was a one-time visit.”

“Will it be?”

Sally stiffened in her chair. “I haven’t agreed to anything yet.”

“I might hang around anyway, so I can soften you up a little.”

Sally took a bite of her meat loaf and chewed it before she answered his suggestion. “I wouldn’t think your grandfather would agree to sign a non-compete clause. After all, the area has a lot of appeal, surely he’s looking to open nearby?”

“Well, he assures me that he’s not interested in competing with you. How long did you say you’ve owned the store again Sally?”

“It’s been in my family since 1922, but running it alone is still all new to me.” Sally took another sip of her water and felt the prickle of tears threatening at the back of her eyes.

“You are probably having a hard time handling everything. Why would you turn down some help?” Hunter’s voice was gentle.

He’d hit soft tissue. Sally was finding herself overwhelmed with all that had happened. Some mornings, she didn’t think she’d manage to do everything that had to be done. But why would this man be willing to help her? She was trying to fill three roles—hers, her mother’s and her father’s. Eventually she’d be able to manage everything. They would hit the slow season after Christmas.

But now?

“Do you think you’d be that big a help?” Sally asked, eager to know more about the man seated in front of her.

“I thought maybe you would be interested in any warm body, at this point, especially at this time of year. And I do have some experience in working in a store.”

“You’ve worked as a salesman in your grandfather’s stores?”

“Yeah. He’s one of the old school who believe you have to learn from the bottom up.”

Sally rolled her eyes. “I take it you didn’t enjoy that kind of work?”

“Actually I enjoyed a lot of the jobs. Selling was one of the fun ones. I like people.”

“Aren’t you anxious to return home to be with your family for Christmas?”

“My grandfather expects me to work until Christmas Eve. I think I may enjoy working here rather than returning to Denver.”

“Is your grandfather your only relative?”

Hunter gave a small smile. “My first name comes from the family name. My grandmother is dead. My parents are divorced and have been for a while. My mother probably won’t be in Denver for Christmas.”

Sally could tell that Hunter found it difficult to talk about his family. “I don’t think your grandfather would appreciate your staying here until Christmas, Hunter. I bet he’ll ask you to come home before Christmas so you can spend the holiday together.”

“My grandfather would work everyone until midnight Christmas Eve if it didn’t get bad publicity! I’d like to stay on a little longer. What do you think?”

“I’ll think about it, Hunter. That’s all I can promise you tonight.” The evening had been pleasant and Sally had enjoyed Hunter’s company more than she thought she would. But could she really let him work at her store every day?

“Okay, you’ll see me tomorrow,” Hunter said, with a gleam in his blue eyes that Sally just didn’t want to think about!




CHAPTER TWO


THE next day, Sally found herself looking forward to going to work. She argued with herself that this was just because she had a lot to do in time for the Christmas Festival and not because Hunter Bedford had promised to return. It shouldn’t make such a difference to her life anyway. She’d stalled him, but deep down his promise to come back added a sparkle to going to the store.

Once there, she kept waiting for Hunter to reappear. By noon, she gave up thinking he’d walk in any minute. Obviously she’d convinced him he’d be wasting his time. She had actually considered what he was offering. Having an extra hand in the store would be appreciated, especially if she wasn’t paying him a salary.

Of course, the store was doing well enough that she could afford to pay him; she could even give up work herself if she wanted to. Her father had consistently saved a portion of income for the past twenty-five years, investing it in several mutual funds. In addition to the life insurance her parents had carried, the savings were enough to pay for at least twenty years of living well, without working at all. But she knew the store was in her blood.

“Aren’t you going to eat your lunch today, Sally?” Mary, one of the ladies who came in to work at the store, asked.

“Oh, yes. I was just daydreaming. I’m going to eat now, Mary, thank you.” Sally went to the back room, where a section had been set up for break time, including a table and chairs and a small refrigerator and microwave.

When Sally sat down at the table with her lunch, she told herself she should be glad Hunter Bedford hadn’t come back. But she had to admit that his visit had provided a little excitement for her. Something to lift aside the doldrums of her mourning and the pressure she was experiencing. But she could manage on her own. Of course she could.

Just then, Ethel, the other woman who worked for Sally, came into the back room.

“Yes, Ethel? Is there a problem?” Sally asked.

“No, not exactly. But there’s a man here who—”

“I’ll be right out,” Sally said as she jumped up from her chair. So he had come back!

She brushed back her hair, hanging loose and flowing today, and hurried out into the store. But there was no terrific smile waiting for her. No snappily dressed man standing around. No sparkle.

Just a farmer dressed in his overalls.

“Hello. Can I help you?”

“Yes, ma’am. I’m Joe Sanders. My wife picked out a gadget she wanted for Christmas and I’m wondering if you could show me what it is?”

“Oh, Mrs Sanders. Yes, of course, I know exactly what she wanted. Come this way with me, please.”

“Ma’am, I have a little problem.”

Sally stopped and looked at the man. “A problem?”

The man flushed slightly and shifted nervously in front of Sally. “Well, my wife said it costs a hundred dollars and, well, I don’t have a hundred dollars. I wondered if you’d consider letting me pay it out. I have thirty-five now, and I can pay thirty-five the next two months. I promise I’m trustworthy.”

Sally smiled. “I’m sure you are, Mr Sanders. And yes, I’ll sell it to you for thirty-five today and thirty-five in January and February. If that’s what you want?”

The man’s face turned red. “Yes, ma’am. My wife would be very disappointed if she doesn’t get it for Christmas, even though I told her I didn’t have the money. I think she still believes in Santa Claus.”

“I understand. I’ll write out a paper for you to sign. But let me show you what she chose, first.”

When the man had seen the gift his wife wanted and signed the paper, paying his thirty-five dollars today and taking his gift with him, Sally returned to her lunch.

The request from Mr Sanders had reminded her again of the importance of the service they provided here at the store. Her father had first introduced a long payment plan about fifteen years ago. Since then, he let it be known that he could trust a few people to pay out their Christmas gifts. After all, her father had said it served the Spirit of Christmas.

It wasn’t something that regular stores did. They would let someone pay out the cost of the gift, but they didn’t let a customer take home a gift until it was completely paid for.

Sally felt sure Mr Sanders would pay his debt. And she felt good about following in her father’s footsteps.

She’d been disappointed that the man waiting for her wasn’t Hunter Bedford. She’d thought about him a lot this morning and especially when she had been serving Mr Sanders. She had been sure that a man from the city like Hunter wouldn’t have approved of the paying out plan and she would have liked to have talked to him about it. Too bad she wouldn’t be able to do that now. That was the only reason she was sad that he hadn’t come back, of course.

When the store closed at eight o’clock, Sally went home. She hadn’t been in the house more than fifteen minutes when the phone rang. It was probably Penny. She hadn’t talked to her since she’d gone out to the ranch for dinner. She moved to the phone. “Hello?”

“Sally?”

“Yes, who’s speaking please?”

“It’s Hunter. I just wanted to apologize for not coming in today. I had to drive back to Denver today to pick up the non-compete agreement signed by my grandfather. I thought you’d need it in hand before you agreed for me to work in the store. Anyway, I’ll be in tomorrow bright and early.”

“Hunter, I haven’t agreed—”

“Wait until you read what Granddad wrote you and then make your decision.”

“Fine. I can certainly find jobs for you if you’re willing to work.”

“I’m willing. There’s just one problem. Your dad was going to provide me with a place to stay. I know that won’t work now with just you in the house so I was wondering if there is anywhere in town that I can stay?”

Sally thought for a moment about Hunter moving in here with her. She knew the idea was absurd, but part of her thought about recommending it. But Bailey was a small town and people would certainly talk so instead she said, “There’s a bed-and-breakfast in town. It’s the only place, but it’s very friendly.”

“Good. I’ll see if they can get me a room, then I’ll see you tomorrow. Good night, Sally.”

“Good night, Hunter.”

Sally hung up the phone, feeling a little breathless at the thought of Hunter returning in the morning. She knew that his visit was only business and to prove this she began to make a list of possible tasks for Hunter to do. She stayed up a little later than normal and got totally involved in thinking up jobs for Hunter. It was an enjoyable thing to think about.

When she finally crawled into bed, she was pleasantly tired and immediately fell asleep. The ringing of the alarm clock the next morning didn’t really wake her up. Until the thought of Hunter arriving this morning told her she needed to get out of bed.

Unfortunately this was half an hour after the alarm had gone off and Sally had to dress hurriedly and make her lunch and dinner in less than half the time she usually took. She simply tied back her hair after hastily brushing it and ran the short distance to the store.

Billy was waiting at the back door to get in, and had been for half an hour.

“I’m sorry, Billy. I overslept. You must be cold.”

“Naw, I’m wearing a coat,” he answered, rubbing his gloved hands together.

“Yes, but take some time to warm up. Make yourself a cup of coffee,” Sally replied, feeling bad for keeping the elderly man waiting in the cold.

“Okay, Sally. Would you like one, too?”

“No, thanks, Billy. I’ll get one a little later,” Sally said as she hurried through the store. Quickly Sally began raising the shade on the front door, ready to start the day. Hunter was standing there.

“I thought you might be here a little earlier than this?”

“I’m sorry, Hunter. I overslept this morning,” Sally answered, a little annoyed that his first day had started so badly. What would he think of how she ran things around here?

“Not a problem. I got here a little early, anyway. Are you all right?”

“Yes, I’m fine.”

He followed Sally into the store. “So, what needs to be done first?”

“Well, I usually tidy the store from the previous day. You know, straighten all the goods, make sure the dressing rooms are empty and rehang any clothing left in them.”

“All right. I’ll check the dressing rooms first,” he said and made his way over to the other side of the store.

Sally stood looking at him as he walked toward the dressing rooms. Could she have expected him to do the menial tasks as well as the more important ones? She didn’t think so, but she began straightening the shelves to make the store look neat and attractive.

Half an hour later, the store was in pristine condition. Sally invited Hunter to join her in a cup of coffee.

“I’d love a cup. I didn’t know if you were a coffee drinker,” Hunter said with a grin. “But, what if someone comes in to shop?”

“We’ll hear the bell over the front door.”

“That’s something we don’t have in a big store,” Hunter said.

“I know. But you usually have more customers than I do.”

“True.”

When they reached the break room, they found Billy still there nursing his cup of coffee.

“Billy, this is Hunter Bedford. He’s going to be working here in the store for a couple of weeks. Hunter, this is Billy Johnson. Billy has been with us for a long time and handles most of the heavy work for the store. We couldn’t be without him.”

“Hi,” Billy said, holding out his hand.

“Hello, Billy,” Hunter said, returning the man’s handshake. “It’s good to meet you, too.”

“Okay,” Billy said. Then he tipped his coffee mug up and finished off the coffee. “I’m going to work now, Sally.”

“Thanks, Billy.”

Once Billy went back to the delivery area, she said softly, “My dad and Billy were old friends and he always said that Billy was the hardest worker he knew. He’s been here for a long time.”

“Yeah, I could tell. He seems able to handle almost any delivery all by himself. It’s good to have someone like that around, someone you can trust,” Hunter said, looking at Sally.

“Yes, it is.” For a tiny, short second their gazes locked and Sally found herself melting into his deep blue eyes and a tiny shiver of electricity ran down her spine.

The jingle of the bell interrupted them. Sally automatically stood.

“Let me go,” Hunter said.

“No. No one would recognize you just yet. I’ll go.” She walked out into the store, finally spotting the shopper. Sally had waited on him before.

“Hello, Mr Jackson. How may I help you?”

“Hi, Sally, I need to find a gift for my boss.”

He didn’t need to tell Sally he worked at the stables on the edge of town. Or that his boss was Mr Gray.

“Well, the last time Mr Gray was in here, he was looking at work gloves. He said his old ones were wearing out. He thought he might buy some after Christmas.”

“Perfect. Where are the work gloves?”

“Right this way.” She led the way down the aisle and showed him the three different styles.

When he had made his choice, Sally led him to the cash register. “Now, I think I have a box these will fit nicely in,” she said and pulled out a red box with a piece of tissue paper. Then she folded the gloves into the box, put the lid on it and put it in a sack.

“There you go, Mr Jackson. And merry Christmas to you.”

“Thank you, ma’am. Same to you.”

Before he could reach the door, it opened and two ladies came into the store. Sally advanced to the two ladies. “Good morning, ladies. Are you Christmas shopping today?”

“Yes, we are. Our daughters like to get the same thing at Christmas since they play together. So we’re doing some Santa shopping. But we don’t need any help. We know this store backward and forward, Sally. We’ll bring what we want to the cash register when we’re ready.”

“Thank you. If I’m not out here, just hit the bell by the cash register.”

She headed for the back room, but she didn’t reach it before the front door opened again. This shopper was male, and someone she didn’t recognize. She stepped to the curtain and called, “Hunter, can you come here please?”

She heard him move to the opening. “A gentleman has just entered the store. I don’t know him, so I think it will be a good idea for you to wait on him. It looks like this may be a busy morning.”

“Sure. I’ll be glad to wait on him, it will give me a chance to get some practice in.”

She watched as Hunter walked up to the man and they both moved across the store to the men’s department. She realized that it was a good thing to have a male salesperson again. No one had replaced her father, and she wasn’t sure anyone ever could, but it was good to have a man on hand. Some of the male customers could be a little shy around women, and others much too flirtatious.

The door opened again, and one of Sally’s favorite customers entered the store. “Mrs Grabowski, how are you? Are you staying warm enough?”

“Warm enough? Of course I am. I didn’t even make a fire this morning. I just made oatmeal on my little stove,” the old lady said. She had been shopping at the store for many years and was a valued customer.

“My, you are certainly spartan. I hugged the stove this morning to get warm.”

“Silly girl. Your daddy knows better than to—oh, sorry, Sally, I didn’t mean—sometimes I forget things. You’re doing fine. I’m here to get some more yarn.”

The mention of Sally’s father shocked her for a moment, but she quickly pulled herself together. “Right this way, Mrs Grabowski,” Sally said, and led the way to the yarn, discussing the various colors available with the elderly lady. Once she had waited on Mrs Grabowski, she dealt with the two lady shoppers who had entered the store earlier and were buying the same gifts for their daughters. She gift-wrapped their items and thanked them for their patronage.

Then Hunter brought the gentleman to the cash register and began putting the garments the man was buying into boxes after Sally had rang up each item. By the time the man paid his bill, a substantial one, his purchases were ready to go.

“Did you find out who he is?” Sally asked.

“You want me to get personal with the man?” Hunter asked, raising his brows.

“I just wondered where he was from, I haven’t seen him around here before.”

“He just bought the Gibson farm. He and his wife are going to retire here.”

“Oh, how wonderful. Tom and Ellen had been hoping it would sell by Christmas. I hadn’t heard that they’d managed to sell it. That’s great.”

“I’m glad I could provide the information to you,” Hunter said.

“Well, it is important, Hunter. We’re a small community, and we like to keep up with changes in the ownership.”

“Shall we print up a newsletter for you to pass out?”

“No. That’s not necessary, and I don’t appreciate your sarcasm. It’s important to know everything about your customers, that way you can help them better.” Sally realized she and Hunter came from very different worlds. She was going to have a lot to teach him.

“I was only teasing. Is there a newspaper in town? I’ll have to subscribe.”

“I think you’re making fun of me, Hunter, but yes we do have a newspaper. You can find it in the box right outside the store. You should take a look—you could learn a lot about our customers by studying the paper,” Sally answered, slightly annoyed at Hunter’s teasing.

“I believe you. And maybe I was making a little fun of you, Sally, but not much. You’re too smart, from what I can see, for me to make fun of you.”

“Thank you…I think.”

He smiled at her. “You can be sure. My parents taught me to recognize a smart person.”

Before Sally could say anything in reply, Mary and Ethel arrived for work. She introduced Hunter to them, explaining that he was going to be working for her for the next couple of weeks.

Hunter immediately turned on his smile and expressed pleasure in meeting them and both ladies melted at once.

Sally suggested they show Hunter around as he was just learning the departments and they both beamed agreeing this would be a good idea. Sally walked away from the threesome, pleased to have time alone. At least, that’s what she told herself.

Settling down with the store’s accounts, she caught up on the entries and made the calculations as necessary. Then she closed the books and put them away. Once that was done, she got out her lunch and began to eat alone. She didn’t go out on to the floor to figure out what was taking so long with the tour of the store. She figured she could check on the threesome after she ate her lunch.

When she did finally go out on the floor, she discovered the store was full of shoppers. Sally realized that she must have been daydreaming as she hadn’t heard the bell ring once. As she looked around she could see that all three of her salespeople, including Hunter, were helping someone, and there were others waiting. Sally immediately assisted those waiting and having made an inroad on these customers, she looked up to see where the other three were working. She could see that they had each taken other shoppers so Sally went to the cash register and began ringing up sales.

Every time she rang up sales by another person, she marked the ticket by using the initials of the salesperson. If she didn’t remember, she would ask the purchaser who helped him or her. A lot of purchasers were willing to name their salesperson. Those who couldn’t would only say they had a man wait on them so they had to have had Hunter.

Several hours later, they finally had a lull and Sally sent both ladies to have a cup of coffee. “Even if we get busy again, I think Hunter can take a break if the three of us are on the floor.”

“Of course,” Mary said. “But will Hunter be able to make his cup of coffee?”

“He’d better be, or he won’t get any to drink.”

Hunter gave her a lazy grin. “Don’t fret about it, Sally. I can make a cup of coffee.”

“I felt sure you could.”

She turned her back on him, hoping she could hide the wave of attraction that ran over her when he smiled.

“Going somewhere?” he asked.

“No, I was just looking over the store. I think the jeans section needs straightening.”

“I’ll be glad to take care of it.”

“No! I—very well. Thank you.”

Hunter strolled to the jeans section and began straightening it.

Sally looked around the store and found another section that required attention. She needed something to stay busy, otherwise, she’d be staring at Hunter all day! He had a particularly graceful style about him as he worked.

Sally remembered a young man who had once been in Bailey temporarily because he’d been banished to his grandparents by his parents. Sally had thought herself in love with him at one time, but her father had warned her that pretty is as pretty does. Did Hunter know that expression? Or was he used to proving his way, rather than charming his way?

She’d vote for charming. It was in his genes, she thought, and not the jeans he was sorting. It was obvious he could turn on his charm at a moment’s notice.

Sally decided that maybe it was time to put Hunter Bedford in his place. He’d said that he would stay until Christmas Eve, but maybe it would be better if he only stayed for a few days. Then he could return to Denver, the big city, never to return to Bailey.

The phone rang and Sally hurried to answer. It wasn’t often that they had phone calls. “Bailey General Store,” she said cheerfully.

“Is this Sally Rogers?”

“Yes, it is. How may I help you?”

“Hello, Miss Rogers, this is Wilbur Hunt. I hope my grandson is behaving himself.”

Sally smiled at the voice on the other end of the line. “Hello, Mr Hunt. Yes, he is. He’s being very helpful, actually.”

“Good. I’m glad to hear it. Could I speak to him, please?”

“Just a moment, please.” She put down the phone and turned to call Hunter to the phone.

“Me?” he asked in surprise.

“It’s your grandfather.”

Hunter frowned and made his way to the phone, taking the receiver from Sally.

“Hello, Granddad?”

Sally moved to a department as far away as possible. Even though she strained her ears, she couldn’t hear what he said to his grandfather. Maybe the man was recalling him. That would certainly solve her problem, but the thought suddenly made her feel a little sad.

Hunter hung up the phone. “Sorry about that.”

“Not a problem. When do you have to leave?”

“I’m not going anywhere. Why would I?”

“Oh, I assumed that’s why your grandfather called.”

Hunter gave her his lazy grin again. “Not hardly. He actually wanted to know if you were working me. He thinks it’s important that I earn my keep.”

“I wanted to talk to you about that. We’ve been very busy today, so I intend to pay you the same as I’m paying Mary and Ethel—it’s only fair.”

“I wasn’t talking about a wage, Sally. I don’t expect you to pay me. I’m here to learn about your business for my own benefit.”

“Well, you will definitely work hard during the two weeks you’ll be here if today is anything to go by. We have been very busy already.”

“Well, I’ll be happy to do anything you ask me to. Just say the word.”

Sally suddenly thought of something he could do that neither lady could do for her and which had been troubling her for some time now. “Actually, Hunter, I do have an additional way you can help me.”

“Sure. Like I said, I’ll be glad to do anything. What do you have in mind?”

Sally smiled, knowing that this request would at least take Hunter by surprise. “I’ll need you to play Santa.”




CHAPTER THREE


HUNTER stared at her. “What did you say?”

“I’ll need you to play Santa. Remember, I told you that my dad and my uncle used to play Santa every year. Well, this year we don’t have anyone.”

Hunter paused a moment while he digested this information. Then he said, “But I’m not good with kids,” his expression earnest.

“I’m sure you’ll learn fast enough,” Sally replied, sensing Hunter’s resistance.

“Sally, I think you should find someone else, someone more used to little kids. And besides, I don’t have a Santa suit.”

“But I do. You’re about the same size as Dad, except for his weight. He’d put on a few pounds but we can disguise that with pillows. It will look great on you.”

“And you expect me to go out there all by myself and play Santa? Don’t I even get a helper?”

“I’m sure you’ll do fine on your own, Hunter.”

“Oh, no, I’ll need a Santa’s helper. Like you, for example. Then I could play Santa.” Hunter smiled, if playing Santa meant spending more time with Sally, then maybe it wasn’t such a bad idea.

Sally tensed a little, sensing that her good idea was maybe turning into a bad move. “Hmm, we’ll see. I’ll have to think about it.”

“Come on, Sally. What’s to think about? Unless you’re scared to go out there with me.”

“Of course I’m not scared! But I just don’t see how a helper is necessary. You listen to what the children want and say you’ll do what you can. No promises. That’s against the rules. Then they take a picture and leave.”

“Pictures? They’ll take pictures? But it will ruin my image!”

“Exactly what image are you trying to portray?” Sally asked, feeling that Hunter was teasing her again.

Just as he was going to tell her, the door jingled, and several shoppers came in. “Later,” Hunter promised and went to offer assistance to the shoppers.

Sally watched him smile at the customers and knew he was going to do fine as a salesperson. He seemed willing to guide them through the store. Mary and Ethel must’ve done a good job showing him around.

Suddenly she realized Hunter was signaling her and Sally hurried over to greet the shoppers.

“Can I help?” she asked Hunter.

“Mr Carson’s wife here would like to have some assistance in the men’s department.”

“Certainly, Mrs Carson. How can I help you?”

“I need to buy someone’s present,” the woman said, motioning in her husband’s direction.

“Ah, let’s discuss it over here,” Sally said, leading the woman away from her husband and Hunter. “Do you have anything in mind?”

The lady had plenty of ideas and Sally showed her all the possibilities. When they’d looked at everything, Mrs Carson decided on a small, portable television.

Sally suggested some other shopping the woman might need to do, in case her husband hadn’t finished with his shopping.

“I really don’t feel like shopping anymore. I did my Christmas shopping early for everyone except Mr Difficult.”

“Then why don’t you join me for coffee? That will give them the entire store to shop.” Sally led the way to the break room and fixed two cups of coffee. Then she sat down at the table with her customer and they discussed the goings-on in the town. Sally reminded Mrs Carson about the Christmas Festival and asked if she had any contributions to donate.

“You know, come to think of it, I believe I do. I’m glad you mentioned it, Sally. I’ve got some toys that don’t have any wear and tear. And some clothes, too. I’ll be glad to bring some things to be given away.”

“Oh, good. I’ll—yes, Hunter?” Sally stopped talking as she noticed Hunter standing by the doorway.

“Sorry to interrupt your coffee, ladies, but Mr Carson wondered if his wife is finished shopping?”

“Yes, I am,” Mrs Carson said, smiling at Hunter.

Since Sally had covered the gift Mrs Carson had purchased, all Mr Carson had to do was carry the package for his wife. The couple left the store, both smiling.

“That worked well,” Hunter said as he took Mrs Carson’s place at the table.

“Yes, they’re a very nice couple, old friends of Mom and Dad. I was reminding Mrs Carson about the Christmas Festival. She’s going to donate some things.”

“Who takes care of donations like that?”

“We do.”

“We who?”

“We do. People bring things to the store and we have to sort through them and decide if the donations are up to par.”

Hunter shook his head. “How will you have time to do all that work when we’re so busy with customers?”

“Not take as many coffee breaks?” Sally asked with a smile.

“I kind of like coffee breaks, especially taking them with you.”

Sally was silent for a moment and she sensed something in the air between her and Hunter. “Maybe I’ll just assign the task to you,” she said.

“I think I’ll do better with the customers.”

“You’re probably right.”

“You make that sound like a bad thing.”

“No, I—” She was interrupted by the jingle of the door again. “I’ll go,” he said and got up and walked out into the store. Mary and Ethel could probably handle it, but Sally was glad to have a break from Hunter. Something happened to her whenever he was close and if she wasn’t careful, she’d give him anything he asked for.

Getting up, she went to the back loading dock. “Billy? Are you busy?”

“No, Sally. I’m just waiting for another delivery.”

“I see. Do you think you could go to our storage area and bring down the decorations for the town tree and bring them into the break room.”

“Okay, Sally. Whatever you say.”

Sally sighed. It was so much easier to deal with Billy. He was happy to do whatever she wanted. She relied on him so much, even though he didn’t help out with any customers, he gave her the opportunity to manage the store, without having to worry about what was going on behind the scenes. She could think through any difficulties and figure out what to do, but she couldn’t always do them on her own.

Hunter was a different proposition. Sally almost lost control when she faced Hunter. Not physical control, though she could see that happening. But she couldn’t think straight when she was around the man without really working at it.

She began pacing the break room, trying to think about what else she had to do today. Her cousin, Penny, had promised to donate the Christmas tree for the Festival. Sally would have to get Billy to put a stand on the tree and get it secured in the town center. Then she’d need help decorating it, which would probably take up a lot of her time. She’d have to make sure that the store had enough cover whilst she was busy doing that.

Billy brought in several boxes of ornaments and Sally knew there would be several more, at least. The ornaments were large-size so they would show up on the tree.

“Thanks, Billy, You’re a real help!”

“Okay, Sally.”

Fortunately, okay was Billy’s favorite word. He used it anytime she asked anything of him and she smiled. Too bad Hunter didn’t adapt Billy’s agreeableness.

“What’s causing that smile?” Hunter suddenly asked, stepping into the break room.

“Just a pleasant thought,” Sally said. “Is there a problem out there?”

“No, not really. The ladies said I should ask you, but I think I already know the answer.”

“What’s the question?”

“Do I work on the weekends?”

“Did you have other plans for this weekend?”

“No.”

“Then yes, it would be great if you could work on Saturday.”

“Okay.” He stared at her when a big smile appeared on her lips. “Why such a big smile?”

“I was, uh, thinking of something else.”

“Is Saturday your busiest day?”

“Yes, it is. Also, we should get the town tree early next week and I’ll probably need Billy’s help with that. If we get deliveries, you might need to handle those.”

“Okay. So I’ll need to wear rough clothes then?”

Sally fought the smile that wanted to meet his remark. He had dressed in nice slacks and a dress shirt in the store. She guessed rough clothes meant jeans, which almost everyone who came into the store wore.

“You might want to wear jeans.”

“All right. I can do that.”

“Thank you, Hunter.”

He turned to go back to the main part of the store. She watched him go, wondering what he’d look like in jeans. He had a body that he’d obviously developed through workouts. She felt sure he’d look very good in jeans.

There she went again, her mind on Hunter, rather than her work. She had a lot to do today so they’d be ready for the Christmas Festival. But she really wasn’t in the mood for Christmas.

It would be her first one without her parents.

Billy entered the room with more boxes.

“Put them over here, Billy. We’ll make stacks of them so I can go through them and check on all the ornaments.”

After Billy left the room, Sally took the lid off the top box. Each year, her mother would pack the ornaments to be used the next year. And each year, she, with her mother, had added several ornaments. They made most of them themselves. The large ornaments weren’t easy to find.

The top ornaments, wrapped in bubble wrap, were the new ones they’d made the year before. Those ornaments were in good shape. She smoothed her fingers over her favorite one. She’d made it in November last year, with no knowledge of the events that would follow and ultimately end her parents’ lives.





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