Chapter Five

Rae

I spun around, startled by the unexpected sound. "None of your business. If you don't mind, I was walking alone." Normally, I wouldn't be so blunt with a stranger, but I really didn't want company right now, let alone a surprise visitor.

"Now who's being the snob?" he volleyed back.

I narrowed my eyes at the rude, and admittedly gorgeous, man. "Who the hell are you?" Dark hair, startling blue eyes, and dressed in business casual—a dress shirt with no tie.

He came closer and offered his hand. "Wes Green. Annie said you'd be around somewhere."

I crossed my arms under my breasts. "Why is Annie telling you anything about me, Mr. Green?" I didn't like him. He had cocky written all over him.

His gaze traveled down my body and back up again. "Shane's description didn't do you justice, Rachelle."

"It's Rae, and what would you know of Shane's anything? Never heard of you." Also didn't like him knowing more about me than I him.

He slid his rejected hands into his pants pockets. "Shane hired my legal services once. Got to know him pretty well, Rae."

Oh.

"Rae! Will! Supper!" Annie called from the back porch.

"'Will'?"

"Childhood moniker. Wesley William Green. My father and I share the first name, so the townies call me Will."

Not caring if he kept up, I started back to the house at a brisk pace.

Oh, yes, I knew his type. Met enough of them in society back home.

I might have to play nice-nice in my parent's world, but that was in L.A. Here, I'd cut him down at the knees if he stepped out of line.

I got to the door before he could open it for me.

For Mr. Green's part, he merely appeared amused.

I chose one of the corner positions in the dining room. Annie came out of the kitchen with today's menu. I didn't need to look. The Monday meal had been the same for ten years.

"Would you like some wine?" he asked.

"I don't drink." Around strangers. "Annie, I'll have the usual."

"Sure, honey. Will, your usual as well?"

"Yeah, only grilled this time instead of fried."

"Okay. Be back in a minute with the rolls."

I smiled for her until she was gone, then let it drop, and tapped my foot under the table.

"So, where are you from?"

Wonderful, idle chit-chat. "Not here."

He only grinned. "Stubborn. That's another thing Shane said about you."

I glared at him. "Let's get one thing clear: I am not here to discuss my relationship with Shane with you nor am I interested in getting chummy."

He crossed his arms over a broad chest. "Are you always this hostile, or have I garnered special treatment?"

"Here we are!" Annie announced. "These are fresh from the oven, so don't burn yourselves." She set down the basket of rolls, then pulled two bottles from the pocket of her apron and popped the tops with a bottle opener. "One beer. One spring water. Your entrees will be ten minutes."

"Thank you Annie," he said. "You should wear your hair like that more often."

She swatted his arm. "You! Such a charmer." Giggling, she went back to the kitchen.

I rolled my eyes. "Really think you're something, don't you? Get your degree from some fancy school?"

Where was Shane?

"Aw, trying to get to know me. I'm touched." He poured the beer into an empty glass.

The man in question finally appeared, sitting down to my left and kissing my cheek. "Sorry, I was in the office. I see you've met Will."

"Why do we have dinner company?" I asked with exaggerated sweetness.

"Will's visiting his parents from Denver."

"No, Wes has business at the resort. Seeing his parents is a side effect," Mr. Green said.

I was grateful when Annie brought the plates. Stuffing my mouth gave me an excuse to not talk to our surprise dinner companion.

With no guests to serve tonight, Annie and her husband, the groundskeeper, came out to chat. "So, Rae, the usual visit?"

"Yes."

"Well, no rush on our part. Right, dear?"

Her husband made a grunt of agreement. A man of few words.

At least Mr. Green didn't stay for dessert. But that dinner sucked. Instead of getting reacquainted with Shane, I had to listen to them catch up on the town.

Once we were alone, I said, "You know, I think I'm tired from traveling. I'm turning in early. Goodnight."

My abrupt departure must've surprised Shane, for he didn't follow me.

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