Page 5 of A Match Made in Montana

Annie could cheerfully throttle her sister. Not only was she putting her in a very awkward position, but now several vivid, inappropriate images of exactly how she could “use” Craig were running through her mind. It was all those freaking romances she’d been reading. She should burn the lot of them.

She picked up the pot. “More tea, anyone?”

Grinning, Aiden lifted his empty cup. “We haven’t had the first cup yet, Annie.”

Mortified, Annie put the teapot down. “Viv, would you pour? Excuse me for a moment, please?” And with as much dignity as she could muster under the circumstances, she walked out of her kitchen. She definitely needed a minute away from Craig O’Sullivan’s smoldering eyes. Smoldering? There was no smoldering. Why did the word keep popping in her head?

*

Ignoring Aiden andVivian’s amused glances, Craig held his cup for Vivian to pour him tea.

“So, can you help her?” Vivian asked as she moved to Aiden.

“Of course. But she doesn’t want my help. I’m here for the next two weeks, I can help with the wedding, though.”

Vivian put the pot down. “The wedding preparations are on track, thank you. If you can persuade Annie to let you help her with her marketing, it would be great.”

“What does she do to advertise?” Craig asked.

“She has a website and she advertises on a marketplace I’ve told her about as far as I know.”

“Nothing on social media?” She wasn’t, he knew that, he’d already checked, but it was a question he should be asking. Annie might be using a different name.

Vivian shook her head. “She’s not on social media. Hates it.”

As he picked up his cup, Annie walked back into the kitchen. She’d taken off the extra sweater she’d put on, her hair was back in a tidy ponytail and her smile was back in place. “There are still scones left over from this morning… anyone?”

“No thanks,” said Vivian. “It’s too close to dinner and I have a wedding dress that I need to fit into in two weeks’ time.”

Patting his tummy, Aiden also stood up. “Not for me either, thanks, Annie. I’ve gained so much weight since I’ve lived here. You’re a great cook.”

“It’s a good thing,” Vivian teased, taking his arm. “I’m not much of a cook.”

“Fortunately, I’m not marrying you for your cooking.” Aiden grinned as they left the kitchen. “See you, coz!” he called out over his shoulder.

“Annie, listen to Craig. He’s willing to help,” Vivian said as they left.

For a few moments it was quiet in the kitchen. Annie was the first to speak.

“What about you? You want a scone?”

At least she was looking at him again. He shook his head. “I’m here for two weeks. Aidan and Vivian don’t need help with the wedding. I can help you.”

“Thank you for the offer but we both know marketing a B and B in a very small town is so not what you do.”

“What if I tell you that it’s exactly the kind of thing I won’t mind doing right now?”

“I won’t believe you. You work with huge corporations and companies and huge budgets…”

“Exactly. This would be a welcoming change.” He pressed his lips together before he continued. “I’ve had enough of the dog-eats-dog scene for the moment. The last account we’ve secured had left a bitter taste in my mouth.”

“What happened?”

“The competition was a small firm. They had to close down. Usually, I won’t even know what happens to the firms we’ve competed with for an account, but this time I became aware of the consequences. Ever since…” Grimacing, he shook his head. “I don’t know why I’m telling you this, I haven’t spoken to anyone about it.”

“Sometimes it’s easier to discuss things with strangers. I’m sorry about what happened, but surely you have other projects you’re working on?”

“I do. There’s a whole team working on it. I’m keeping track of what is happening. I have time to help you.” What was he doing? Just about begging Annie to let him help her? He quickly got up. “I can help you make a success of your B and B or you can go back to reading about the tantalizing hard beads in your book. Your choice.”

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