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

“Ididn’t realize until after he left that I never even put on a bra,” I say to Summer as we set little bouquets of pink roses on the tables at Snow Ghost, the bar at the ski resort where we always hold our monthly Iconic Women’s Collective meetings. Today is a lunch meeting. “I was a freaking zombie. My brain was fuzzy from the crazy week, and as he drove off, I realized I wasn’t wearing a bra. The girls were just all…out there.”

Summer snickers as she places the final bouquet just so. “I bet he was salivating.”

“I can never see him again.” I prop my hands on my hips. “I have to call off tonight’s date.”

“Of course, you don’t,” Summer says, shaking her head. “I highly doubt that you turned Ryan off with your post-shower outfit, Polly.”

“He probably thinks I’m a first-class tease.”

“He probably thinks you’re tired.” Summer slings her arm around my shoulders and plants a kiss square on my cheek. “Don’t overthink it.”

“Do you see who you’re talking to? I overthink everything. Unless I forget about it entirely. It’s one or the other with me, and Ryan is not something I can forget. But thanks.”

Before she can reply, other members begin to file in. Millie and Abbi come in together. Today, Abbi has her daughter, Daisy, with her. Erin isn’t far behind, and I see that Holly is with her, as well.

“Hi, ladies,” I say and smile at the pretty little girls. They’re fresh-faced and full of excitement. “What are you up to today?”

“We’re businesswomen,” Holly replies seriously.

“Yeah, we’re opening a lemonade stand, and we want to talk to other women who own stuff,” Daisy adds. I see that they’re both dressed in cute little white capris, and each girl has on a nice top with sandals. They’re in business attire.

“Well, we’re happy to have you.” I point to a table near the front of the room. “Please, have a seat.”

When they bustle over to the table, I turn to the others and grin. “Okay, that’s freaking adorable.”

“It’s summer,” Abbi says with a shrug. “I don’t want to put Daisy in daycare, and they were excited at the thought of coming to listen today.”

“They’ll be great,” Millie says. “I love that they dressed up.”

More and more women file in. I worried that we wouldn’t have as much of a turnout for this one because it’s a lunch meeting, but it looks like I was wrong because there might be standing room only by the time everyone is seated.

“Hi, everyone,” Erin calls out, getting the room’s attention. “Please take your seats. There are stools at the bar, as well, and if we need more chairs, we can bring some in. Since this is a lunch meeting and so many of you will have to get back to work, we want to keep today quick.”

There’s some shuffling as everyone finds a seat, and I’m satisfied to see that there’s enough for everyone.

But just enough.

“Before our guest speaker begins,” Millie says, “I want to remind you all that we’re having our summer gala in three weeks, and tickets are on sale on the website. This is the event that men are invited to.”

We all chuckle at that. We hold a gala once a season so we can bring our significant others, dress up, and have fun. It’s one of our favorite things to do.

“The theme is summer soiree,” I put in. “And it’s going to be gorgeous.”

“But the best part is that this will be the first official event at the Wild River Ranch Event Center,” Erin says, and the whole place erupts with applause. “I can’t wait for everyone to see it.”

The new event space out at the Wild ranch is absolutely stunning. Erin invited us out there a few weeks ago to see the progress. I can’t believe that it started out as an old barn that had collapsed in on itself decades ago, and Erin had the vision to turn that piece of land into a gorgeous place for weddings and other special events.

They’re already booked out a year in advance.

“And now, let’s get down to the good stuff,” Abbi says. “Our speaker this month is no stranger to this area. Most of you know Charlie Lexington. She’s the owner of Lexington Luxuries, an event planning service here in Bitterroot Valley. We asked her to speak today because her marketing skills are genius, and I, personally, want to pick her brain. Please welcome Charlie.”

“It’s a good thing that I’m not shy,” Charlie says with a wink and takes her place at the front of the room, and the rest of us settle in with drinks and some snacks from the bar to listen, take notes, and ask questions.

Even Holly and Daisy are respectful, sitting quietly and listening to Charlie speak. I think the pretty pink lemonades and grilled cheese sandwiches are helping to keep them occupied.

I love these few hours each month spent with so many amazing, intelligent women in business. I’ve learned so much about bookkeeping, marketing, planning, and strategy. I got the idea for lighter furniture from another member of IWC this past winter.

I look forward to these meetings, and I can’t wait for the gala coming up.

Just over an hour later, Charlie has wrapped up her presentation, and some of the women are saying their goodbyes as they hustle back to work. Summer and I are always the last to leave because I help her take the bouquets back to her car.

“Take a couple of these for your shop,” she offers. “Maybe set them on the refreshment table.”

“Oh, that’ll be pretty. Thanks, friend.”

“Do you have a dress picked out for the gala?” she asks.

“No, but I have a nice selection of summer formal gowns coming in at the end of the week because I know people will need to find something.”

“You’re a freaking godsend,” Summer replies. “We should put something out on social media, letting everyone know.”

“Good idea. Well, I have to go overthink my date tonight. I cannot believe I didn’t wear a bra last night.”

“Honestly, let that one go,” Summer advises. “You have spectacular tits, and I’m sure Ryan didn’t mind at all.”

“Yeah, okay.” I look down at the tits in question. “They are rather nice, aren’t they?”

“Spectacular,” she repeats with a laugh and gets into her car. “Have fun tonight! Call and tell me about it.”

“Bye.” I wave her off and slip into my car, start it up, and then frown when the gas light comes on.

I always forget to put gas in my car. It’s one of those little details that slips my mind. I’ve never been stranded, at least not yet, but the light always has to come on to remind me.

“At least it’s downhill most of the way,” I mutter and put the car into gear, headed the short distance back into town. And, it seems there’s a first time for everything because despite the short distance into town, and the fact that it’s mostly downhill, my car decides to sputter to a stop about a mile from my shop.

A half mile from the gas station.

“How long was the light on?” I wonder as I pull my phone out of my purse and call my brother.

“Hey, sis.”

“Hi. Um, are you busy right now?”

“Depends on what you need.”

I cringe and take in a breath. “Well, I ran out of gas, and I need help.”

“You ran out of gas? Why didn’t you fill up, Poll?”

“I forgot. I’m sorry. If you’re busy, I can call roadside assistance.”

“We’re on the way,” he says. “Send me your location.”

He hangs up, and I frown down at the phone as I send him the location, and then I stare out the windshield.

“Wait. He said we’re on the way. Who’s we?”

He must not have been far away because before long, he pulls up behind me in his truck. Climbing out of the passenger side is none other than Ryan Wild.

“Fucking hell,” I mutter and close my eyes. “I can’t catch a break.”

Someone knocks on my window, and I roll it down and smile up at Ryan.

“Hey.”

“Car trouble?” he asks, his lips twitching. He thinks this is funny. And, I admit, it kind of is.

“Out of gas.” I shrug. “I could probably walk back to work from here, but I didn’t want to leave my car.”

“I have gas,” I hear Mac call out from behind me. “Open the tank latch.”

Doing as I’m told, I look back up at Ryan. “You didn’t have to come with him.”

“We were hanging out,” Ryan says. “Mac wants to go look at a horse.”

“Mac always wants to look at a horse,” I reply with a laugh. “That’s what he lives for.”

“Shut up,” Mac replies. “I can hear you. Try the engine.”

With just a little finessing, the engine starts.

“You guys are my heroes. I’d better go to the gas station. Have fun checking out the horse.”

“I’ll see you tonight,” Ryan says and taps the roof of my car before stepping back so I can pull away.

I’ve seen a lot of Ryan Wild lately, and I’m definitely not complaining.

“What do you wear to go on a date with a billionaire?” I wonder out loud as I stand in my closet, clad in only a black bra and panty set that should make Ryan’s eyes bug out of his head if we get naked, and stare at my walls of clothes. “Not that Ry is fancy. I mean, sure, he wore a Dior suit to Remington’s wedding, but that was a wedding. Usually, he’s just in jeans and a shirt, nothing crazy.”

I shake my head. I’m talking to myself. Maybe I should get a cat so when I talk to myself, I’m actually talking to someone else.

It’s summer, so I decide to go with a pretty sage-green flowy dress that accentuates my curves, hides the hips and belly that make me self-conscious, and is so comfy. Beige sandals go well and will be perfect if we walk at all. I complete the look with a Gucci crossbody handbag and simple gold earrings.

Casually stylish.

I push my red hair over my shoulder and take in the view in the mirror, turning side to side to see myself from all angles, and decide that this will do just fine.

With a decisive nod, I hang the few dresses and tops that I pulled out to try on back on their hangers and put them away and then hear the doorbell ring as I walk toward the living room.

When I open the door, I can’t help but grin at the handsome man standing before me. He’s so freaking tall. Of course, I’m short, so everyone is tall to me. His dark hair is styled in a short cut, and he’s in nice jeans and a blue, short-sleeved button-down, not tucked in, and frankly, he makes me salivate.

“Wow, you look beautiful,” he says and slips a bouquet of pink roses out from behind his back. “These are for you.”

“Thank you.” I bury my nose in the blooms, breathing in deeply, and turn for the kitchen. “Come on back and keep me company while I put these in water. Summer must have told you that these are my favorite.”

“No,” he replies, and I turn to him in surprise. “I remember that you mentioned at the wedding that you loved these particular flowers in the centerpiece arrangements.”

The man pays attention, I’ll give him that.

A slow smile spreads over my lips as I turn on the tap and fill a vase with water, then arrange the roses inside of it.

“They’re beautiful,” I reply, sniffing them once again before I set the vase on my table and turn to him. “I’m ready if you are.”

“Let’s do this.” He reaches out for my hand and then lifts it to his lips, kissing my knuckles and smiling at me over them. Those hazel eyes are full of happiness and promise as he leads me through the house to the front door.

He waits while I lock the door behind me, and when I turn to follow him to his truck, he’s frowning.

“What’s wrong?”

“Is that the only security you have on the house? Just the deadbolt?”

I look back at the door, up and down the street, and then back to him. “We’re in Bitterroot Valley, not New York or LA, Ryan. This is a safe neighborhood.”

He nods, but I can tell that he’s not particularly satisfied with that answer.

“I leave snacks out for the delivery people during the holidays, and I’ve never had anyone steal them, not even the neighbor kids. I’m fine, Ryan.”

“Okay,” he says with a nod and holds the door of the truck open for me. “I believe you.”

He winks, and I slip inside, then he rounds the hood and gets in next to me.

“Do you have a lot of security issues at your ranch?” I ask, half joking, but he doesn’t smile. He also doesn’t start the truck to leave.

Ryan sighs.

“Sometimes,” he admits and turns to face me. “I have a gate, cameras, and I have security on staff. Two at a time.”

“As in, security guards?” I ask him.

“Yes. They don’t go out with me or anything, especially when I’m home, but they’re on duty at the ranch.” He rubs his fingers over his forehead, and I instinctively reach out for his hand. He laces our fingers together. “Sometimes, people suck. Either I make them mad, or they’re jealous or just assholes, and they like to make threats. So, I keep the guys on hand, just in case. We’ve had a couple of false alarms, nothing crazy here.”

“Nothing crazy here,” I repeat, watching him closely. “Where has it been crazy, Ryan?”

“I don’t want to scare you off on the first date.”

I grin at him and lift his hand so I can press it to my cheek. “I’m not scared.”

“Yet,” he mutters. “Well, there was one attempt to get into my place in Manhattan. They would have succeeded if not for excellent security in the building, and since he was carrying zip ties, duct tape, chloroform, and a gun in his backpack, we’re pretty sure the intent was to kidnap me and demand a payout.”

“Jesus.” Just the thought of it has my stomach turning. “That’s horrible.”

“It’s rare. I’m not as high profile as Musk, Zuckerberg, Bezos, and the like. I’m not as wealthy as them, either. Yet.”

His grin is cocky and sure of himself, and it makes me smile.

“But you will be,” I guess.

“I don’t need that much wealth,” he concedes, “but that’s not what it’s about for me. Anyway, back to the security thing… I’m careful because although I’m not as high profile as those guys, there is a level of celebrity status that comes with what I do. People want a piece of it, and they’re willing to go to extremes to take it. And some people just hate me for the sake of hating me. I don’t really care about that.”

“Haters are gonna hate,” I reply with a shrug. “I’m glad that you take precautions. But I’m not you. I’m just a small business owner in small-town Montana.”

“You’re not just anything,” he says, and with his free hand, drags his fingertips down my jawline. He does that a lot, and it always sends goose bumps down my arms. “I did have one major incident happen around the holidays last year. Actually, it had been going on for a while but came to a head around the holidays. Anyway, I know this is just the first date, but I already know that I don’t want it to be the last, and I thought you should be aware. I’ll always keep you safe.”

“I know.” I want to know more about the major incident and decide to ask him about it over dinner. I smile at him, and my stomach growls. “Thanks for sharing that with me. Now, I’m hungry, Mr. Wild.”

His smile lights up the whole truck, and he starts the engine and drives us toward the ski resort.

“We’re going to Soleil Grill at the resort,” he says. “Have you been?”

“Not in a long time, but I love French food. We have most of our Iconic Women’s Collective meetings at Snow Ghost, the bar up there. It’s so beautiful. I know that a lot of locals hated when it was all built, but I think it’s gorgeous.”

“I do, too,” he replies. “I’d like to hear more about your collective.”

I grin over at him. “It’s one of my favorite subjects.”

“Over dinner, then.”

He parks the truck under the portico, and a young man rushes over to take the key fob from Ryan and passes him a ticket for the valet.

Once inside, we’re escorted to a private table with a view of the mountains that never fails to take my breath away.

“You know, I was born here,” I say, ignoring my menu altogether, “but the view never gets old.”

He follows my gaze and nods. “I agree. There’s nowhere like it in the world.”

The waitress arrives with a smile and fills our water glasses. “Hi, I’m Hillary, and I’ll be your server this evening. What would you like to drink? We have some excellent wines available.”

Ryan looks at me and raises his eyebrow. “Do you mind if I order the wine?”

“Please do.”

“We’d like the LaTour 2010 Merlot, please.”

She nods, writing it down. “Excellent choice. Do you need time with the menu, or would you like to order an appetizer? I highly recommend the puff pastry wreath with brie.”

“Oh, that sounds really good.” I grin at her. “Of course, it’s cheese, so you’re speaking my language.”

“I agree,” Ryan says. “Let’s do that, and we’ll check out the rest of the menu.”

“Excellent,” Hillary replies and bustles off to get our order started.

“Okay,” Ryan begins, leaning forward. “Tell me about the Collective.”

“I’m sure your sister has told you some,” I reply.

“Millie never tells me everything.” He shakes his head. “Besides, I want to hear it from you.”

“Well, it came about because my circle of friends and I are all business owners, and we really just want to lift each other up, help each other, you know?”

He nods and sips his ice water.

“But then we realized that there’s a need for a sense of community, a place to learn from each other, whether it’s about marketing, strategy, or just simply brainstorming. The meetings are so fun, and we always have a guest speaker to give us food for thought. I got the idea for the light furniture I just bought from someone at a meeting not long ago, and I found someone who is a genius when it comes to branding. I love it.”

“It sounds amazing,” he agrees, sitting back when Hilary brings the bottle of wine. She uncorks it and does the thing where you pour just a sip into a glass and presents it to Ryan. He sniffs it, then takes a sip, tasting it. “That’s great.”

I happen to glance at the wine list sitting on the table and about swallow my tongue at the price of this bottle.

Jesus, that’s my mortgage payment. For one bottle of wine!

But I don’t say a word as my glass is poured, and when he holds his glass up, he grins at me.

“To first dates.”

“To first dates,” I echo, and we clink our glasses together. This wine is rich and slides down my throat so nicely. I hum in surprise. “Wow, that’s amazing.”

“I’m glad you like it.”

“Me, too, given what you paid for it.” I slap my hand over my mouth and stare at him in shock. “Shit, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to say that out loud.”