seen. She still felt off balance by her reaction to Sloan. "It doesn’t mean anything," she assured him, then sighed at the concern in his eyes. "I know you like to worry about me but I’m a big girl. Time for you to leave," she added fiercely. "I have to go."
"I’ll see you in a month," he said. "Call me and I’ll pick you up."
"It’s all taken care of. Bonnie said she’d pick me up. She’s even going to come and stay for a few days."
Con grimaced. He and her friend Bonnie had never quite hit it off. She stood on tiptoe and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. "Thanks for taking care of the interview. Have fun in Rio," she said, then turned and walked to the truck.
It was time her brother realized she could take care of herself. Making a fool of herself over Brad was a lesson well learned and she didn’t intend to repeat. Being around Sloan for a month might give her a different perspective. But it would all be in fun, nothing serious.
§ Chapter Two §
Jacie opened the truck door and scrambled onto the truck seat, sending Sloan a quick glance of apology. "Just finishing some business," she said lightly, pulling the door closed. "Sorry to have kept you waiting."
"It’s okay. I had a few calls to make. Your parachute is in the back," he said, starting the motor.
"Thanks."
As they pulled away she waved to her brother and then turned her attention to Sloan. He looked relaxed in the driver's seat, one arm on the wheel, the other resting on the window. He was a darned attractive guy, but then she reminded herself looks sometimes went no deeper than the surface.
She stared out the window at the heavy growth of evergreens lining the road. "Everything up here seems so vibrant and lush in color. The Catskills are certainly a delight to the senses."
"I agree with you. There’s no place like it." With barely a pause, he added, "I noticed you're limping."
She knew she had to deal with this now. "I have been for about a year." When he looked straight ahead, she realized she might have been too terse. "Sorry, I'm touchy about my leg. Suffice it to say it’s an old injury and won’t hamper my performance here."
"Sorry," he said crisply, sounding anything but. "I wasn't prying. I want to make sure we all understand what’s expected here."
"My brother is very protective of our company reputation. He wouldn't have sent me on this job if I wasn't up for it," she said abruptly. "I’d never let the family business take a hit."
"James is satisfied with your credentials."
"The way you say that it’s like you have doubts."
"You come right to the point," he said. "I admit this kind of stuff isn’t my area, so let’s just leave it at that."
When the vehicle slowed for a turn, she tipped her head back to stare at the rough-hewn sign overhead. "How did you come up with the name Timber Falls?"
"Logical choice. Timber used to be big business around here."
"And the falls?" she asked.
"We’ve got them," he said shortly, taking a turn into a large parking lot. A long gray-stained cabin sat on one side of the lot with a sign that read "Office."
"This is the main office," he said, slowing the truck. "There’s a bar and restaurant with a small dance floor and there’s rooms on the second floor." He drove through the parking area. "I’ll bring you as close to your cabin as I can. We had quite a bit of rain this week and the road’s taken a pretty bad hit. I’ll have the dozer out in the next few days to smooth out the ruts."
He stopped the truck and she opened her door and cautiously stretched her legs. With a slow and easy stride, he walked around the vehicle and held her door. "Your brother put your suitcases in the back."
"Where’s my cabin?"
"Just ahead. I have to warn you it’s pretty small and rustic. Probably not what you’re used to."
"It sounds charming. I’m not hard to please you know." She offered him a small smile. "I’m comfortable in most surroundings." She didn’t get a smile in return. Jacie shrugged philosophically. It didn’t matter what he thought of her. She studied his profile and then let her glance drop to his hands as he reached for her cases. She frowned, telling herself it didn’t matter that he wore no rings on those