Read Why not Wyoming? (Wyoming Wilds Series Book 1) for Free Online

talk to. I like her a lot. I’m not sure
what this storm will do to the plans, but we were talking about her hanging
around for a bit after the wedding so we can get a chance to know one another
better.”   
    “That would be wonderful. You know, if she would be more
comfortable we’ll have rooms here.”
    “I told her that,” he said, giving her a side glance. “She was
waxing poetic about your fieldstone fireplace and the awe-inspiring view. I
offered to show her a little more of our scenery if she stays.”
    His mom nodded, looking up at the TV as the Jeopardy theme started. “She couldn’t get a better guide. I told her I hoped our
Bighorns would be inspirational. Keep me updated on how long she’s staying and
I’ll make sure the staff knows to treat her as a family guest.”
    “Thanks, Mom.”
    He kissed her forehead then watched her skirt through the
bodies sprawled on pillows and the beanbags she’d bought when the lodge hosted
a Boy Scout retreat. They’d proven to be perfect to toss out when there were groups
like the wedding party. He shook his head. Like his mouth when he was nervous,
his brain tended to wander off course. His mom was explaining the controller and
game to Ty and Crystal. He took a deep breath and slowly blew it out. Having
her know the extent of his interest in Annie turned up the pressure.
     
     
    Alcohol flowed and stupidity followed. Jeopardy had
been ditched soon after one of the groomsmen had made a snide remark
questioning Crystal’s intelligence. His stage whisper to Tyler saying at least his
wife was pretty still had Annie pissed off. She’d left Tyler to deal with that
cluster fuck. He hadn’t been too damn happy with his friend. Now a game of Truth
or Dare had broken out and was getting raunchier by the second. She had a
feeling this was not the evening in front of the fire CJ had envisioned. He’d
been attentive, but quiet.
    She stared longingly out the big windows. The snow was still
falling, but the wind had let up for the time being. God, fresh air sounded
good about now. She looked down at her pajamas. The fleece was heavy. If she
pulled on boots and a coat over it she should be okay for a few minutes.
    Leaning into CJ’s side she whispered, “I know this sounds
crazy, but I don’t suppose you’d like to get a little fresh air?”
    “Who do I have to kill?” he muttered back.
    Annie pressed her face against the ball of his shoulder to
muffle her laughter.  “Maybe no one if we do this right, but be ready.”
    He gave her a covert thumbs up and stood, pulling her up as
well. Sticking to the perimeter, they managed to make it to the coat room
without challenge. Bumping into and shushing one another like kids, they pulled
on winter wear over their pajamas and slipped out the side door. Pulling it shut
with exaggerated care, CJ sighed.
    “Thank you for getting me out of there.”
    “Thank you for coming with me. My poor tongue couldn’t take
anymore biting and if I’d let go, Tyler would be short a groomsman.”
    “If that’d been me, Scott would’ve needed more makeup to walk
down the aisle than the bridesmaids,” CJ grumbled.
    Shaking her head, Annie took a deep breath of the frigid air
and slowly blew it out, watching it crystallize in the moonlight. A lot of the
stress went with it.
    “Even cold is beautiful here,” she whispered. “You’re lucky.”   
    CJ nodded. “I’ve had a lot of clients ask me why I live here. I
tell them I can’t imagine living anywhere else.”
    “Hermit or not, I miss watching nature. Growing up, it was
common to see deer in our backyard in the morning or around dusk. Squirrels
were always scampering around on our deck railing. Almost every year there was
a fat raccoon with waddling babies. In the city, I have a gorgeous view of the
Grand River and there is a park right there, but it’s just not the same.” 
    “Did you choose to move into the city when you left the nest or
did your family move?”
    She turned