One Unforgettable Night: Wild at Heart / From This Moment On / Her Last Best Fling

“Nobody is. We’re all unique, which means we get to choose our own path. What you and I decide to do is none of Emmett’s business.”

The tension that had been tightening a spot between Luke’s shoulder blades eased. “And you won’t be upset if I tell him that?”

“No, but I think I’m the one who needs to tell him.”

“I’ll tell him.” He started to add that it should be a man-to-man talk but decided that might not sit well with Naomi. She liked being in charge of her destiny.

“No, you work for him and I don’t.”

“But he built you a research platform.”

“Well, one of us needs to say something. Uh-oh. Here he comes. And he doesn’t look happy.”

“Bet it has something to do with Pam.” Luke noticed that Pam Mulholland, the woman Emmett cared for but couldn’t bring himself to marry, was being helped into her chair by a guy Luke didn’t recognize. The barrel-chested man dressed in flashy Western clothes and what looked like an expensive hat. “Or that guy.”

Emmett returned to his seat, his expression grim. “It’s my own damned fault,” he muttered to no one in particular.

“What is?” Luke asked. “And who is that guy with Pam? I’ve never seen him before, and if that’s the way he normally dresses, I doubt I’ve missed him.”

“You haven’t missed him.” Emmett picked up his beer and drained the contents. “Name’s Clifford Mason. Just flew in today from Denver. Booked a room at the Bunk and Grub.”

Naomi looked over at the table where Pam and the newcomer sat. “Does Pam normally go out to dinner with her B and B guests?”

“No, she does not.” Emmett smoothed his mustache. “Far as I know, it’s never happened before.”

Luke could see Emmett was seething with jealousy and was doing his best to keep a lid on his feelings. “Is he on vacation?”

“No, he’s been in contact with both Pam and Tyler Keller, Josie’s sister-in-law.” Emmett looked over at Naomi. “I don’t know if your folks told you that the town hired Tyler a while back as a special-events planner to bring in more business. She’s been doing a great job.”

“I think Mom and Dad said something about it. And I certainly see the results in the increased tourist trade. So this guy is connected to an event?”

Emmett nodded. “Something to do with special preparations for the Fourth of July celebration. All very hush-hush. They want to surprise the good people of Shoshone.”

“Well, then.” Luke sat back in his chair. “It’s only a business dinner. He’ll be around until everything’s set up, and then he’ll leave. No big deal, right?”

Emmett scowled at him. “It wouldn’t be if I hadn’t seen the way he looked at Pam, like she was a helping of his favorite dessert.”

“That’s understandable.” Naomi seemed to be trying to soothe the troubled waters, too. “She’s a beautiful woman. But there’s no way she’d prefer a citified dandy like him to you, Emmett. She probably went to dinner with him to be polite.”

“I’d be willing to believe that if she hadn’t flirted with him right under my damned nose.”

Naomi smiled. “Emmett, that’s the oldest trick in the book. She’s trying to make you jealous. Everybody knows how you feel about her. And she’s made no secret about how she feels about you, too. Why not end the suspense and propose to her?”

“Can’t bring myself to do it. Doesn’t seem right when she has so much and I have so little.”

“Love?” Naomi asked with a twinkle in her eye.

Emmett snorted. “’Course not. Money’s the problem, not love.”

Luke checked on Pam and Clifford’s table. “Then you’re leaving the door open for the likes of him. I agree with Naomi. I’m sure Pam would rather have you than that character. But she might be tired of waiting for you to get over this hang-up.”

Emmett muttered something that could have been a curse.

“I have an idea.” Luke tucked his napkin beside his plate. “Go over and ask Pam to dance. Stake your claim.”

The light of battle lit Emmett’s blue eyes as he pushed back his chair. “All right, I will. That sonofabitch probably can’t dance a lick.”

Luke grinned. “If he could, he wouldn’t dress like a peacock.”

“That was brilliant,” Naomi murmured as they watched Emmett amble over to the table.

“Let’s hope it works.” Luke thought it might. He hadn’t spent his adult life romancing women without learning a thing or two. Pam looked surprised, but she left her chair and walked to the dance floor with Emmett.

Luke pushed back his chair. “That’s our cue. Dance with me, Naomi Perkins.”

Laughing, she took the hand he offered and soon he had her right where he wanted her, in his arms. He’d had a hunch that she’d be a good dancer. He thanked the series of coincidences that had given him the opportunity to dance with Naomi. What a joy.

Her breath was warm in his ear as she twirled with him on the polished floor. “Did you talk Emmett into dancing for his sake or yours?”

“I figured it would help us both out.” He spun her around. “I couldn’t leave here tonight without at least one dance.”

She brushed a quick kiss on his cheek. “I knew you had more hidden talents.”

“Anything I have is yours for the taking.” He moved her smoothly across the floor in a spirited two-step.

“I’m taking it.”

“When?”

“I’ll be up on my platform by ten in the morning. After that, it’s up to you.”

He twirled her under his arm. “Are you sure we can’t manage something tonight?”

“Positive. You’re going home with Emmett and I’m sleeping in my parents’ house.”

He brought her in close for one precious second. His heart hammered so loudly he could barely hear the music. “I want you so much.”

“I want you, too.” Her cheeks were flushed. “And I will have you. And you’ll have me. Tomorrow.”

The music ended, and he held her close. “Promise you’ll think about me when you’re lying alone tonight.”

She gazed up at him, her lips parted as she breathed quickly, recovering from the exertion of the dance. “Only if you’ll promise to think about me.”

“That’s an easy promise.”

“I think I should leave now.” She eased out of his arms. “See you tomorrow.”

He watched her go and fought the urge to follow her outside for one last kiss.