Wildest Dreams: A Small Town, Single Dad Romance (The Wilds of Montana Book 3)
Chapter 21

I haven’t seen Ryan in a week.

It’s been the fastest week of my life because all I’ve done is work, pretty much every waking minute of the day. With both Grace and Jessica gone, it’s been almost impossible to stay on top of things, and I’m sticking close to Melissa because I was right not to trust her. After getting a second set of eyes on things, I’m finally able to prove what I suspected was going on.

And I know that Ryan’s been just as busy. He’s got to be buried in work and has the ranch to see to. Jake is playing football in school, so they’ve had a lot going on. I’m definitely going to the game tonight, no matter what. I’ll close the shop early if I have to.

“Are you still mad at me?” Melissa asks as I walk into Pocket Full of Polly with my arms full of apple tart cookies, fresh from Jackie’s bakery.

“I’m not happy,” I reply and immediately walk over to the sideboard, where I set the cookies out on display for customers. “I get that you wanted me to have fun without worrying, but this is my business. This is my livelihood. I have a right to know every single thing that happens, no matter where in the world I happen to be.”

“You’re right,” Melissa says, holding up her hands. “I made the wrong call, especially after Jessica had to be gone for bereavement. I should have at least told you what was up but that I was handling it.”

“But you weren’t handling it, Melissa,” I counter and turn to her, my arms crossed over my chest, more than ready to have this conversation and get this woman out of my shop. “This place was a mess when I came in on Saturday. There were piles of clothes that needed to be folded and hung up, the floor was filthy, and even more clothes were left in fitting rooms. Don’t even get me started on the fact that you didn’t even close out the till at the end of the day.”

“I couldn’t stay twenty-four seven,” she says and rolls her eyes. “Even I have to sleep, Polly.”

“We weren’t that busy. Summer is over, and the bulk of the tourists left with it. How is it that you were so slammed that you couldn’t run a vacuum over the floor or hang up product?”

“Oh, so you abandon your business and then question the way it’s managed when you’re gone?”

“THAT’S MY WHOLE GODDAMN JOB, MELISSA!” I can’t believe I just yelled like that, but now I’m fucking furious.

“I don’t need to stand here and be yelled at like this. I might just quit.”

“You don’t have to. You’re fired.” Holy shit, that felt good.

Her jaw drops. “You can’t fire me.”

“Oh, trust me, yes, I can. And I just did. You did a pissy job of looking after my business while I was gone. I spoke with Katie last night.”

Now her face goes sheet white.

“She told me that Grace quit because you were a complete bully and a jerk to her about changing the shifts that I laid out before I left. I also know that you threatened Katie if she told me. Well, she did, and she doesn’t care that you know, because Katie has balls. Katie, the sixteen-year-old, is the one I trust. I also know that you stole money and product from me while I was gone, and I’ll be pressing charges.”

“You can’t prove⁠—”

“Yes, I can prove it, Melissa. We took in a combined total of over twelve hundred dollars in cash sales in the week that I was gone, but not one red cent was deposited into the bank account. There were no deposits made in the night drop the way there was supposed to be.”

“Maybe that was Katie,” she says, but she won’t look me in the eye.

“Both you and Katie signed off on the slips at the end of the day,” I reply, watching her closely. “And I replace that weird because you didn’t actually close out the computer at the end of the day, so you were messing with numbers there. But I left you in charge of making those nightly deposits.”

She licks her lips, still not looking at me.

“Leave the key on the counter, get your things, and get the fuck out of my place.”

With her face blazing red now, she turns on her heel and marches into the back room. I stay close, wanting to watch her every move, but she simply takes the key off her key ring and drops it onto the floor—classy—and then stomps out of the shop.

This means that I’m down to just me and Katie, and Katie only works after school and on Saturdays, so I have to hire someone new soon.

“That was fucking hot.”

I whirl, my heart thumping, and I’m shocked to see Ryan standing next to a table of T-shirts, his arms folded over his impressive chest.

“Holy shit, Ryan.” I cover my mouth and take a deep breath. “You scared the shit out of me.”

“I came in when you were screaming at that former employee,” he says. “I have to say, watching you in boss mode is pretty damn arousing.”

I shake my head and sigh. “She fucked up.”

“Big time. I miss you, babe.”

Without another word, I walk to him and into his arms. He hugs me close and rocks us back and forth, and for the first time in a week, my system settles.

“I miss you, too.”

“I thought maybe you were avoiding me.”

I tilt my head back so I can look up—way up—at him. “No, it’s a shit show around here, as you can plainly see. There have been some long days. And maybe I was giving you and Jake a little time to settle back in.”

“We’re settled.” He cups my face in his hands and leans in to rest his lips on mine. “I told you before that you wouldn’t stay away.”

“I’m not doing that,” I assure him and step back so I can pace a little. “I admit, after I got home on Saturday, I had a minor case of being overwhelmed, and it took me a minute to settle. Okay, maybe I’m still figuring it out. You’ve done too much, Ryan.”

“You don’t like the kitchen? The photos are great, but if you don’t like it, I’ll have⁠—”

“What’s not to like?” I interrupt. “It’s freaking amazing. But I told you not to go overboard.”

He simply smiles at me, and I can’t help but laugh.

“Anyway, just as I was getting the being overwhelmed thing under control, I found out about what was happening here, without my knowledge, and I went into full-blown boss bitch mode.”

“You didn’t answer my calls.”

“My phone died.”

“And you didn’t charge it for a week?”

“No, it died when I spilled the coffee in your beautiful car—just let me know what I owe you for the detail—and I haven’t had time to replace it. And no.” I point at him and narrow my eyes. “You’re not going to have one brought to me.”

“Why not? I can have one here in about thirty minutes. Also, you don’t owe me anything for the car.”

“I can order the phone myself.” I’m not even going to argue with him over what it cost to clean that gorgeous car.

“You just told me you don’t have time.” Now those hazel eyes narrow, and he looks irritated. “Polly, if you’ve decided that⁠—”

“Stop.” I shake my head and push my fingers through my hair in agitation. “Don’t even finish that thought because it’s not true. I haven’t changed my mind about you, and I won’t have you say those words out loud. I know I messed up this week, and you didn’t deserve that, but that bitch basically tried to make me go out of business. Even if that wasn’t her real intent, that’s the way it would have gone if she’d stayed in charge another day. You understand business. So, rest assured, I’ll get online today and order a new phone. It’ll be here tomorrow.”

“So, what’s wrong with me having it delivered to you today? I can take that off of your plate, Polly.”

“I can do this,” I insist and hear the stubbornness in my own voice. “I can handle it. But I do need to thank you for the kitchen.”

“No, you don’t.”

“Yes, I do. Thank you for the kitchen. I’ve barely been home long enough to look at it, but it’s seriously beautiful, and I probably don’t deserve it.”

“Of course, you deserve it. I’m glad you like it. Did you get everything unpacked from the trip?”

“Only the bare necessities from my luggage.” I sigh and feel close to tears yet again and make myself rein it in. What is with all the waterworks lately? “I think between the jet lag and coming into what I did here at the shop, I’ve just been too tired. I got home last night around ten and immediately went to sleep, and then I was up and back at it at seven this morning. How about you? Are you all caught up on work?”

“Not even close.” He smiles now, and I feel some of the tension between us melt away. “But since I haven’t been able to reach you, I decided to come replace you and make sure you were okay.”

“I’m sorry.” I return to him and hug him once more, practically clinging to him. “I really am. I’m not ghosting you or anything. I’m just getting a grip on some stuff. But Jake’s game is tonight, and I’m absolutely going to that.”

“I’ll save you a seat in the Wild section,” he says before kissing the top of my head. “Right next to me.”

“That sounds like a fun section.”

“It’s the best, complete with grandparents, kids with missing teeth, and a bunch of men who will yell at the coaches and the refs a whole bunch.”

“That’s my kind of party. Thanks. I’ll be there.”

“I can’t wait.” He kisses me, his hands framing my face, and I give myself over to him, enjoying the way he feels. God, I’ve missed him even more than I realized.

Suddenly, the bell dings over the door.

“Well, maybe I should come back.”

“Hi, Mom,” I say without looking away from Ryan. She said she’d be stopping by first thing to shop for some dresses. “Come on in.”

“I was just about to go,” Ryan says as he backs away and then smiles over at my mom. “It’s always good to see you, Mrs. Allen.”

“Hello, Ryan. How are you and your sweet boy doing?”

“We’re great, thank you. Mac mentioned that he took Jake over to your house for dinner one night while we were gone.”

“I just love that kiddo,” Mom says with a warm smile. “He’s welcome at our home anytime. I hope that next time you’ll come with him.”

“I’d like that.”

Am I wrong, or did my mom just invite my boyfriend over for dinner?

“Let’s make it for next Sunday,” Mom continues, and I can’t help but smirk. Yep, that’s my mom for you.

“I think that works for us,” Ryan agrees. “Thanks for the invitation. What can we bring?”

“Just yourselves. How does pot roast sound?”

“Like my favorite. I’ll see you then.” He smiles down at me now. “Don’t work too hard today, babe. I’ll see you later.”

He brushes his fingertips down my jawline, and then he’s off, and my mom sighs after him.

“I’ve always liked Ryan,” she says. “It would be great if he was an official member of the family.”

“Whoa.” I hold up a hand and shake my head. “We’re barely dating, so let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”

“He took you to Paris and remodeled your house,” she reminds me as she admires a purple dress that is all wrong for her. “I’d say it goes past barely anything, but I will say that Ryan’s mom, Joy, and I had lunch last week, and the two of us couldn’t be happier.”

“Did you two already plan the wedding?” Mom’s head whips around, her eyes full of joyful hope, and I roll my eyes. “I’m being sarcastic, Mom. He didn’t pop the question or anything.”

“Well, what’s he waiting for? That’s what I want to know. Anyway, I really need a dress for this book club party we’re having next weekend.”

“I think I have just the thing.”

For thirty minutes, I help Mom pick out some things to try on, and when she’s tucked in the dressing room, I open my computer to order my new phone. Ryan’s right. I need to take care of it right away, and I’m impressed that no one has shown up to magically hand one over since he left.

After placing my order, I check my email and frown. There’s a new message from Unknown Sender, no actual name, and when I open it, it simply says:

I warned you.

“Darling, I think I found the one!”

“I’ll be right there!”

Something tells me not to delete this. Instead, I just close the computer and go see which one Mom has decided on.

She does a quick twirl in the rust-colored dress, making the fabric swirl around her legs, and I grin. That’s the one I would have chosen, too.

“I love it,” I tell her. “You’ll be the best dressed one there.”

“I think so, too. I’ll take it.”

While she changes back into her other clothes, I take a minute to call Grace and see if she’d be willing to come back to work.

“Hello?” Grace says.

“Hi, Grace, it’s Polly.”

“Hi, Polly,” she replies softly.

“Hey, I hear that things went really sideways while I was gone, and I wanted to reach out to you and apologize. I didn’t know that Melissa would behave the way she did while I was gone, and I’m sorry that she made you feel so uncomfortable that you felt that you had to quit.”

Grace sighs on the other end of the line. “It’s not your fault⁠—”

“Yes, it is my fault. I own this place, and it’s up to me to make sure that everyone feels safe while they’re at work. I’m sorry that you didn’t feel that. I want you to know that Melissa was fired this morning, and I sincerely hope that you’ll consider coming back to work for me. I’ll pay you your regular salary for the week you lost.”

She’s silent for a moment. “Gosh, Polly, I would, but I already accepted another job, and I started yesterday.”

I close my eyes in disappointment. Damn you, Melissa!

“I understand,” I reply. “I’ll still be sending you a check for the hours you lost last week, and I hope you accept my apology.”

“Of course, I do,” she says. “I appreciate it, Polly. Take care.”

“You, too. Good luck with the new job.”

I hang up and blow out a long, gusty breath, just as my mom comes out of the dressing room. I ring her up, giving her the deep family discount, and once she’s paid, we decide to walk down to Bitterroot Valley Coffee Co. to get a latte.

“I’ll just flip the sign,” I tell her, flipping it to closed, and lock the door. “I think it’s going to be slow today, so this is great.”

“What a treat,” Mom agrees, lacing her arm through mine, and we walk arm-in-arm down the block. “In all seriousness, I hope you had a good trip. I haven’t even heard about it yet.”

“I’m sorry, I’ve been slammed, but yes, we had a really good time. I’ll show you my new goodies soon. And you have to swing by to see the kitchen.”

“Oh, I saw it,” she says with a sly smile. “You know I can’t stay away from a rehab. They did an amazing job.”

“I swear, it was done by Disney woodland creatures and a fairy godmother, it happened so fast.”

“You’re not far off the mark,” she says with a laugh. “Hey, honey, I heard the call you were on, a few minutes ago. I know you’re understaffed right now.”

I sigh and shake my head. “Right before you got there, I had to fire Melissa. She was stealing from me while I was gone. So, it’s just Katie and me until I replace someone.”

“I’d like to be that someone,” Mom says, shocking the hell out of me. “I have free hours every week, and I can come help you until you replace some permanent help.”

I stop on the sidewalk and blink over at her, immensely grateful. “Are you sure? Mom, you don’t have to⁠—”

“I’m sure,” she assures me and links her arm with mine once more. “I want to help. I’ll come train with you this afternoon.”

“You have no idea how much I appreciate this.” I trust my mom more than just about anyone, and until she retired late last year, she worked in a service job for twenty years. She’s great with people. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” she says as we walk into the coffee shop.

“You’re a piece of work,” I hear Millie say, but she’s laughing and actually smiling at Holden Lexington, who’s leaning on the counter, smiling back at her.

“I just call it like I see it.”

“Well, you need glasses.”

Millie looks over at us and clears her throat, pastes a scowl on her face, and squares her shoulders.

“Do you want coffee or not?” she asks Holden.

“Just the house blend,” he says, that smile never wavering. I have to admit, Holden Lexington is hot with a capital H, all tall and dark, with that chiseled jawline and muscles for days.

It’s too bad that the Lexingtons and the Wilds have been rival families for the past hundred years. They’re obviously hot for each other; you can tell by the body language when we walked in, and I’ve seen Holden bring her flowers or just gaze at her longingly when he thinks no one’s looking.

Of course, when someone is looking, they bicker like cats and dogs.

Millie pours the coffee, then sets it on the counter for him.

“That’s five dollars.”

Holden lifts an eyebrow. “For drip coffee?”

“Inflation is a bitch,” she says with a fake smile as Holden passes her a twenty.

“Keep it,” he says as he pushes away from the counter and walks toward the door. “Ladies.”

“Hey, Holden,” I reply with a smile. “Have a good day.”

“Off to a good start.” He winks at me, and then he’s off.

“Why do they fight it?” Mom whispers.

“You know why,” I whisper back, and then turn to Millie. “Hey, I need a latte, stat.”

The game started thirty minutes ago, and I’m so mad that I missed the beginning, but I’m going, and I’ll see Jake after so he knows I was there.

He texted me this afternoon to make sure I’d come see him play, and I assured him I would.

I will not break that promise.

I rushed home from work and changed my clothes, stuffed a granola bar down my throat, and now I’m jogging the block and a half to the football field. There are moments like this that I’m grateful that I live so close to the high school. It’s an easy trek, and I don’t have to drive and replace parking at the field.

A bright red sports car drives past slowly, and I frown. I’ve never seen that car before. They must not know exactly where they’re going. I shrug and keep on walking, and I can hear the music from the pep band and the cheers of the crowd. Friday nights haven’t changed a bit in Bitterroot Valley over the past century. The town loves its football team.

To my surprise, the same sports car makes the corner in front of me, still moving slowly.

“I wonder what they’re looking for,” I wonder out loud. But then, they press on the accelerator and zoom off down the street. “Idiot.”

The lights are shining as I approach the tall fence that borders our small field. I pay the volunteer to get in, and then my eyes scan the home bleachers to replace the Wild family.

“Polly!” I look up at the sound of my name and see all of them waving at me. I happily wave back and make my way up the bleachers.

Man, there are a lot of them up here. Rem and Erin with their two kids. Brady, Chase, and Summer. Of course, Millie and Ryan are here, and Mac’s sitting next to Ryan. Abbi even came, and she’s sitting next to Erin, with Daisy sitting next to Holly.

The whole gang’s here, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.

Ryan, with his hazel eyes full of happiness, pats the seat between him and his mom, and I plop down and lean into him as he wraps his arm around me and hugs me.

“Hey, sorry I’m late.”

“You’re fine, things are just getting going,” he says and kisses the top of my head. “You okay?”

“Yeah, just rushed, that’s all. Seems to be the story of my life lately, but my mom is going to fill in at the shop for a while, and I trained her this afternoon.”

“Did I just hear you say that your mom is helping out at your adorable shop?” Joy asks me with a smile.

“Yes, ma’am. I’m severely shorthanded, and she’s a godsend.”

“Well, I’d love to work there, too,” Joy says. “Can I put in an application?”

I blink at her, stunned.

“You want to work at my dress shop?”

“Yes, that sounds wonderful. I can help out until you hire a permanent staff, at least. Your mom and I can get you through this transition, honey.” She pats my knee, and I feel tears threaten.

Again.

Jesus, I’m just an emotional wreck lately.

“I would love that. Oh, my gosh, thank you. Can you come in tomorrow morning for some training, or is that too soon?”

“I’ll be there.” She pats me again, and then we turn our attention to the field.

“It’s going to work out,” Ryan murmurs in my ear and kisses me once more. “You’ve got this.”

I take a deep breath, let it out slowly, and silently agree with him. Things are looking up.

“Okay, what position is Jake playing?”

“He’s number twenty-seven,” Ryan says, pointing out to the field. Our boys are wearing green jerseys with gold numbers. “He’s a wide receiver.”

“Wow, that’s impressive.”

“He already caught one,” Johnny says, practically vibrating in his seat. “And then he got tackled. It was so cool!”

“Tackled?” I look up at Ryan. “I don’t like that. They’d better not hurt my boy. I’ll kick some ass.”

“Easy, tiger,” Ryan says with a laugh.

The game is fun. We yell and cheer, and by halftime, the bulldogs are up by ten. When the buzzer sounds, signaling the halftime break, Brady stands and smiles at Abbi.

“Wanna go to the concession stand with me and get snacks?” he asks her.

“Oh, my god, snacks are my love language,” she says, standing. “Plus, my butt needs a break from these bleachers. What does everyone want?”

Summer and Chase decide to go with them, to help carry everyone’s orders, and I stand to stretch my legs. I’m used to standing all day, so sitting for this long makes my legs cramp up.

“You’re the perfect height,” Ryan says, pulling me between his legs and wrapping his arms around my waist. I’m not that much taller than him, and he’s still sitting down. “I’m really glad you came.”

“Me, too. I needed this.” I wrap my arms around his neck and hug him. “How was the rest of your day?”

“Productive.” He lets me go when I pull away and take my seat next to him. “When is your next day off?”

“I decided to be closed on Monday,” I reply. “I need the break, and that’s usually a slow day anyway. I want to put my goodies away from Paris and admire my kitchen the way it should be admired.”

“You definitely need to do that,” he agrees.

“How about if you and Jake come for dinner? Wait, you come earlier than that, any time you’re free, and we’ll have Jake meet us at my place for dinner.”

“We’d love that.”

Brady, Abbi, and the others arrive with their arms full of goodies, and Abbi passes me my popcorn.

“Thanks,” I reply with a grin and watch as Brady glances down to check out Abbi’s butt.

Well, well, well.

“I got a hotdog!” Daisy grins adoringly up at Brady. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Brady boops her on the nose, making Daisy laugh, and halftime is over.

“Here we go, dogs!” I yell as our guys take the field. We get the ball first.

The quarterback snaps the ball and jogs back. Jake’s open, so the ball is passed to him. He catches it and runs for the end zone.

We all rush to our feet, yelling and cheering as Jake makes the touchdown. He runs back to his teammates and jumps into them in celebration.

“That’s my boy!” Ryan yells, pointing. “That’s my kid.”

In the next play, our team intercepts the ball, prompting more elation and cheering, and then Jake takes the field once more.

This time, he’s open again, but when he catches the ball, he’s immediately tackled.

Hard.

When the other boy stands, Jake doesn’t get up with him, and I cover my mouth with my hands, my eyes glued to Jake.

“Get up,” I whisper. “Oh, Jesus, get up, baby.”

“He’s okay,” Joy says, taking my hand in hers reassuringly, and I cling to her as Ryan rubs a big circle on my back.

“I need him to get up.”

Finally, I see Jake nod, and someone offers him a hand and helps him to his feet. The crowd applauds as Jake walks to the sidelines. He waves up at us, and I breathe a huge sigh of relief.

“Thank Christ,” I mutter.

“It’s always nerve-wracking watching the boys you love get beat up on the field,” Joy says with a knowing smile. “But they’re tough.”

“I’m gonna hunt that kid’s mom down and have words with her.”

Ryan laughs out loud and kisses my head. “I don’t think that’s necessary, but I like the thought.”

When the game is over, we’ve won by twelve points, and everyone pours onto the field to congratulate our team.

Jake comes right over to us, hugs his dad and grandparents, and then he sees me and grins. He marches over and picks me up right off of my feet and hugs me.

“You came,” he says.

“Of course, I came. A very important player invited me himself.”

He grins widely. “Did you see that touchdown?”

“Yes, and I also saw that tackle. Took ten years off of my life.”

“Just knocked the wind out of me,” he says with a negligent shrug. “No big. Hey, Dad, is it okay if Russ and a few of the others come out to our place to watch movies and stuff tonight? We have the best house.”

Ryan grins with pride. “Sure, bring whoever you want. Be sure to tell them that their parents can call me if they want to.”

“Awesome, thanks.” Jake grins. “Can we maybe order pizza?”

“I’ll handle it,” Ryan assures him. “You deserve it after that game.”

“Best day ever,” Jake says as he gives the rest of the family hugs, takes the time to put Holly up on his shoulders, and then Daisy when the little girl doesn’t want to be left out, and then he jogs off to join his friends.

“I guess you’re hosting a party tonight,” I say with a laugh.

“I don’t mind. He deserves it.”

“Yeah, he definitely does.”

“We’ll come help,” Brady says, indicating himself and Mac. “You’ll need it.”

“I appreciate it,” Ryan agrees and turns to me. “I want to see you soon.”

“Oh, don’t worry about that. You will.”