Читать книгу Heart Of A Hero - Debra & Regan Webb & Black - Страница 10

Chapter Three

The next morning, under a cloudless blue sky, Charly parked her truck behind the store and slid the key into the back door. Stepping inside, she silenced the alarm system and locked the door behind her. At just past seven, she still had two full hours before Tammy arrived.

She sighed happily. Two full hours to enjoy the sweet high resulting from the combination of an interesting evening with a sexy man and a perfect morning hike through crisp winter air.

It had been a bit more challenging than she’d anticipated getting out of bed after the impromptu double feature at Will’s place. The beer and pizza had been impeccable accompaniment for the loud, over-the-top action flick they’d started with. But his unexpected admission that he had a weakness for Disney films had forced her to test his honesty. She’d woken up with random lyrics and lines from The Little Mermaid playing in her head.

Along with the memory of his face—so solemn—when he’d said the film had been required viewing during his navy training. She’d laughed in complete disbelief over both parts of his wild claim.

Oh, he undoubtedly had the well-honed body of a warrior, but she couldn’t fathom any reason a navy veteran would settle in Colorado. She’d blurted out the observation and listened, entertained by his colorful explanation of having had his fill of endless oceans and major waterways.

Whatever the reason, she was more than glad he was part of her landscape now. “You’ve got it bad,” she scolded herself while she started a pot of coffee. A few dates was way too soon to be this enthralled over any man, but especially irresponsible when the man was new to town.

Still, she’d wanted to spin in a happy circle as she left his place last night, after he’d asked her for a pool game rematch at the pub tonight. This was almost like having a boyfriend, though they hadn’t really discussed it in those terms.

She suffered another nearly deflating moment thinking the feelings were only on her side, but then she remembered the way he’d looked at her when she left last night. There’d been a certain chemistry—or at least something that felt distinctly warmer than friendship in his clear blue eyes.

Catching her reflection in the glass of the half door between the storefront and the back room, she wondered what Will saw when he looked at her. She paused, taking stock. With her hair pulled back from her face, a company ball cap on her head and only a sweep of mascara, she felt plain. Bland.

Not ugly, just...unfinished. Unpolished was the better word. But she had no intention of changing her habits. Makeup didn’t go well with her career, though Will had seemed to approve of her effort in that area last night. She wasn’t sugar and spice and everything curvy and nice like other women. A total tomboy, she’d spent her youth proving she could keep up with the nature-loving men in her life instead of embracing the critical differences that made her a woman, from chewing tobacco—once, on a dare—to splitting wood every winter. It was simply who she was. She wouldn’t change for any man, no matter how hot and ripped or funny or intriguing. With an irritated huff for letting anything as silly as a reflection erode her good mood, she pushed through the door and into the storefront.

She hit the power button for the computers, then went out and took a quick stock of the displays. Tammy had everything neatly organized, and while she might not be a big fan of the great outdoors, she was an asset here in the shop.

“Here’s hoping she’s that efficient with spreadsheets, schedules and financials.”

Charly filled a tall mug with coffee and returned to her desk, the same simple and scarred desk her father and grandfather had used. Now it was hers. Feeling connected to all they’d handed down to her, she started on the email.

She discarded the obvious spam and answered the easy ones before dealing with the rest of it. Inquiries ranged from advertising offers to shipping confirmations. A new shipment of ball caps was scheduled to arrive today, and she smiled when she saw they were coming by the US Postal Service. She’d make herself available to sign for that package when the hunky new mailman delivered it.

The time slipped away as she dealt with necessities and soon she heard the security system chiming as someone came in the back door. Her eyes went to the little monitor perched on the corner of her desk that kept an eye on the back entrance. Tammy and Clint.

Well, that should keep spirits high around here today. Charly stood up, stretching her arms and grabbing her empty coffee cup to go greet them.

After catching up and successfully dodging direct questions about her evening, she shared one of the more intriguing email messages with Clint.

“Take a look,” she said, handing over the page she’d printed out. “It’s a team-building thing. Sounds like we can name our price.”

Clint gulped his coffee while he read the short message. One of her father’s hires, Clint had joined Binali Backcountry almost on his first day in Durango. Blond, lean, with sun-kissed skin and deep dimples, Clint was a good-looking guy, and she understood Tammy’s wistful crush on him.

But Clint had his own priorities. When he’d invited Charly to dinner, it had been for the sole purpose of learning all he could about the trails she’d been running tame on her whole life.

She valued his friendship, work ethic and love of the job. When Charly’s father stepped back from the business, Clint stepped up, helping her maintain the reputation of excellence. And as each of her brothers followed their careers away from Durango, Clint had filled the void, becoming an important partner and friend.

“Says he’ll be in this afternoon.” Clint set the printed email aside in favor of a fast-food bag of breakfast. “Want me to be here?” He stuffed a big bite of a breakfast sandwich into his mouth.

Charly cut short the urge to tease and judge him. For a man comfortable eating off the land, he made up for it whenever he had the chance. “Something like this will take two guides for sure.”

He nodded, chewing thoughtfully. “What are you thinking of charging?”

She tossed out a number. “Plus the rental gear.”

Tammy whistled, but Clint’s eyebrows dipped low. “For seven software geeks in this weather? Add in another grand for pain and suffering.”

“You charge the customer for the chance to suffer?” Tammy was aghast.

“No, darlin’.” Clint’s dimples showed up. “That’s for our pain and suffering. Desk jockeys tend to whine.”

“I wouldn’t whine,” Tammy vowed.

“I’d never give you cause,” Clint said, his voice oozing charm and innuendo.

Charly rolled her eyes. Tammy looked as though she might dissolve into a puddle. “Why don’t you unlock the front door,” she instructed Tammy. Clint had no idea the destruction his little flirtation could leave behind.

“Come on,” she said to Clint. “Let’s hammer out a few ideas and price points. We can give them options.”

“You really don’t want to risk losing them, I guess,” he said, following her to the office. “But our books can’t be that dire.”

“They’re not. We’re doing great,” she assured him.

Clint pushed aside some catalogs, making room for his coffee cup on a corner of her desk. Settling back in the only other chair, he finished off his breakfast while they came up with a few package ideas.

“Seems sudden,” he said when she was printing out the varied proposals.

“What do you mean?” She shot him a look as he worked the wrapper of his meal into a ball between his palms. A sure sign he was thinking.

“Come on. You think this guy just plans to hand out plane tickets when his crew comes in today or do you think they’ve been in on the planning process?”

“Does it matter? The email says they just wrapped a project. They want to cut loose and get out of the office.”

“In their place I’d go to Vegas.”

“Then be grateful they’re coming here and want to give us their money.”

“If you close the deal, I’ve got plenty of ways to spend my cut.” Clint flipped through the pages once more. “Should we pad that pain-and-suffering number a little more?”

“There’s padding and then there’s outright greed.”

His dimples flashed again. “True.” He leaned forward, his eyes twinkling. “But if they go the mountain route, they’ll be cold.” He stood, pretending to shiver. “We could make a side bet that you’ll cave to the inevitable whining before I do.”

“No deal,” she said on a chuckle. “I can be just as much a hard-ass as you when it’s necessary.”

Clint scoffed. “Then start practicing, sister, and get the payment up front.” He clapped her on the shoulder. “I’ve got a feeling these soft, cube-withered geeks will have us earning every penny once they get a taste of nature up on the mountain at this time of year.”

“You’re a cynic.” She shooed him out of the office with orders to make space in the back room for the delivery coming in. “And put some polish on your professional charm while you’re at it.”

* * *

A FEW HOURS LATER, as she listened to their potential new client, she realized both she and Clint were right. The job would be lucrative, but with every passing minute it was becoming more complicated.

“Let’s do this,” Charly suggested to the client. “Which of the options presented comes closest to what you have in mind?”

Reed Lancaster had made it clear from the moment he’d walked in that money was no object. His precise though relaxed appearance gave her an impression of significant wealth to back up the statement. His cashmere sweater, perfectly creased and cuffed khaki slacks and stylish shoes told the story. She imagined he spent a small fortune to keep his hair trimmed, and the gray at his temples added distinction. It was pointless to guess how much he’d shelled out for the Rolex on his wrist. She hoped he had the sense to leave it in his hotel safe rather than wear it on the excursion they were planning. Now, if they could just agree on where he wanted to go and the top three objectives he wanted to get out of the hike.

“As I explained in the email, my team deserves a break. I want to build on our momentum and camaraderie. The three-day hike into the mountains sounds ideal.”

“We’ll make sure your team is bonding while they’re having fun,” Clint said.

Mr. Lancaster ignored him, focusing on the paperwork in front of Charly. “Ms. Binali, I’ve done the research, read the reviews and asked around since coming to town two days ago. Your company has a reputation as the best.” He removed his reading glasses—no drugstore cheaters for Mr. Lancaster, these were designer frames.

“Your specific reputation—” he looked directly at Charly “—is what brought me here.” He tapped the small table. “I’ve taught everyone who works for me that to settle—on anything—is equal to defeat. With every project, every day, we strive for excellence. We are the team that sets the bar others try to reach. I won’t give them less than the best experience possible. That means I need you.”

“I appreciate the vote of confidence.” She gave him a smile and while she gathered the proposals into one stack, putting her favorite mountain hike option on top based on his decision, Mr. Lancaster reached into his coat and withdrew a long, slim wallet.

He’d said there were two hobby photographers on his team. While there wasn’t a bad view on any of the routes she and Clint had chosen, Lancaster insisted on the mountain options despite the weather risks.

“The mountains will give you stunning views, crisp air and opportunities for teamwork from the campsites to the hike itself.” She forced herself to keep talking as he counted out cash. “You’re sure everyone on your team can handle the physical exertion?”

He added more bills, hundreds, she noticed, to the stack. “Fitness is another requirement to stay on my team, Ms. Binali.”

“All right.” The guy struck her as a tough boss. It would be interesting to meet the people who chose to work with him. “Clint and I will get things together.”

Lancaster’s gaze slid to Clint and back to hers. “You’re sure two guides are necessary?”

She willed Clint to keep his mouth shut. “Two guides will guarantee you and your team get the most out of the excursion and the challenge course experiences we’ll provide.”

Lancaster dipped his chin in silent acknowledgment, though his lips were pressed into a thin line. “What needs to be signed?”

She offered the basic waiver and contract and explained the maps on the page, highlighting the parking and load-out areas. “We can meet at eight—”

“We’ll start at seven o’clock. Tomorrow.”

The customer is always right. It took a few repetitions to believe it. “Okay, we can do that,” she agreed reluctantly. “This is the list of gear and waivers for each member of your team. I’ll need them back by—”

“I have them here,” he said, cutting her off again. He opened a leather portfolio and produced the documentation for each of the six people on his team. All men, she noticed, though he hadn’t specified that detail. “I printed them from the website to save time. The photos were cropped from our company picnic last year.”

She handed the pages to Clint, who skimmed them and gave her a small nod, confirming the required information and signatures were all in order.

“We won’t need rental gear,” Lancaster added. “Everyone has been outfitted according to the resources posted online.”

Efficiency must go along with being the best, she thought. She couldn’t fault him. Those lists covered the basics and were up-to-date. “Does that include tents and personal camping gear?”

“Yes.”

“Great.” She tried to show some excitement, but Lancaster’s rigid determination to have everything his way got under her skin. The increasing profit margin should make Clint happy. “Does anyone on your team have food allergies?”

Mr. Lancaster shook his head.

“Then it seems we’re set. Binali Backcountry will provide the necessary gear for the team challenges.” She wanted to be absolutely clear on that point. It was standard procedure, for convenience as well as liability. Relieved he didn’t try to convince her he was bringing that along, too, she stood. Lancaster and Clint followed suit and they all shook hands. Since she hadn’t been expecting to head out tomorrow, she’d need the rest of the evening for preparation.

“He’s a tough bastard,” Clint murmured, watching Lancaster climb into a glossy Mercedes crossover parked across the street. “You think that’s a rental?”

Charly picked up the stack of cash and counted it. “For that guy? No way.” She shook her head. “He probably bought it just for this trip.”

“Is the money real?”

“Yes,” she said with a tight laugh, retreating to her office. “Can you get started on the gear and packing?” Clint nodded, leaning against the doorjamb. “Great. Thanks.” It was short notice, but just as Mr. Lancaster had said, Binali was the best. They could make this happen. “I’ll send Tammy to make the deposit and pick up groceries.”

“Sure thing. Just as soon as the mail comes,” Tammy replied absently as she flipped through the waivers and photos, putting the information into the folder that indicated a booked excursion. “The best part of this job is getting a daily dose of superhunk.”

Clint’s face clouded over as he turned to face Tammy. “Lancaster? He’s old enough to be your father.”

“First, age is only a number,” she scolded. “Second, ick,” Tammy finished with a mock shudder. “I meant the mailman. The Lancaster dude is way too uptight for me. Good luck with him on the mountain.”

“We’ll be all right,” Charly said. “He paid cash, all of it up front, and I know we’ll surpass his expectations.” She ignored the unanimous eye rolling. “Come on, both of you. Get busy. I have a schedule to adjust.”

Clint disappeared into the back, and her butt had barely landed in her desk chair when she heard the chime on the front door. Judging by Tammy’s warm greeting, Will had arrived with the day’s mail.

Charly paused long enough to hit Print for the standard grocery list and then walked out to join the conversation. Tammy had signed for the box, her fingers tracing the corners while she flirted shamelessly with Will. Charly told herself it didn’t matter. Tammy could enjoy the view of Will’s body, but she sure as hell wasn’t Will’s type.

The catty assessment startled her as Charly watched them. What did she know of Will’s type? Technically, she didn’t have a claim on the man. They’d only been out on a few friendly dates. They hadn’t even exchanged any romantic physical contact yet.

“Hey there, Charly.” Will’s smile lit up his silver-blue eyes.

“Hi.” Her knees felt weak. How silly. “Having a good day?”

“Good enough.” He nodded to the big box he’d set on the counter. “New gear?”

“Ball caps,” she said. “We sell them—” she tipped her head toward the display in the front window “—but we give them to our guests. A gift-with-purchase kind of thing.”

“The bright colors must make it easy to do a head count.”

“You’d be right about that.” She turned to Tammy. “I have the list and deposit ready to go.”

“Cool.” Tammy accepted the bank bag and the grocery list. “On account?”

“Please.”

“You got it. I’ll just take this back to Clint. Have a great day,” Tammy said, aiming a wink at Will.

“She’s got a little crush going on,” Charly explained.

“On me?” Will’s dark eyebrows winged up.

“On men in general, I think.” She appreciated his quick laugh. “But I meant she has a crush on Clint. At least this week.”

Will looked mildly relieved. “Hope that works for her. Are we still on for pool tonight?”

Charly winced. “Sorry. I have to take a rain check. We picked up a new client determined to squeeze every minute out of his tour, starting bright and early tomorrow morning.” She tapped the stack of waivers on the counter. “Some bigwig software guy with more money than sense wants a team-building excursion. Clint and I need to prep.”

Will glanced at the paperwork and then raised his gaze back to her. “No problem,” he said easily. “We’ll make up for it when you’re back.”

His smile looked sincere, but she wondered if she’d shown enough regret about canceling. She stopped before the analysis paralyzed her and turned her into a babbling dork. If she wanted something different with Will, she’d have to behave differently than she had with other guys. “Maybe you should practice your bank shots while I’m away,” she said. Did that come out as a challenge or as the flirtation she’d meant it to be?

He rested his forearms on his side of the counter, bringing himself closer to eye level with her. “Maybe I threw the game last time we played.”

She licked her lips, watched his eyes follow the move. “Maybe I don’t believe you.”

“Would you believe I was distracted by the view?”

Oh, my. Her throat went dry. She desperately wanted that to be true. Just as she wanted to believe she could take some time to play a couple games of pool with him tonight and still get things ready on time, but she knew better. “I really hate that we’ll have to wait to find out,” she said at last, uncertain of the next step in the game.

He stood tall and gifted her with a smile guaranteed to keep her warm over the next three nights sleeping in a tent near the cold summit of the mountain. In that instant, she was determined to give him good reason to aim that sexy smile her way more often.

“I’ll get back to my route and leave you to it.”

“Okay.” She did a mental eye roll at that profound comeback. “I’ll see you as soon as I get home,” she added as he reached the door.

“Can’t wait.” He pushed the door open and paused. “Be safe, Charly.”

The gravity of his tone, the concern in his eyes, turned her mute. She stared as he left and passed the window. He looked back, caught her watching, and waved.

She managed to return the gesture before his long stride propelled him down the street.

“Whoa,” Tammy said from behind her. “I thought the store might catch on fire from the sparks flying.”

Not likely. But the comment made Charly feel better. She couldn’t quite believe the attraction and chemistry went both ways. “I thought you were out on errands,” she muttered, flipping through the stack of envelopes Will delivered.

“And miss that? No way.”

Charly had to laugh it off, resisting the urge to ask Tammy for how-to advice on men. “We both need to get busy,” she said and turned for her office. “We barely have enough time as it is.” It would take a concentrated effort to keep her mind on the details. She promised herself the reward for her focus now meant she could daydream about Will on the hike tomorrow.