A Jackson Hole Homecoming

“Ferris?” A frown furrowed Lexi’s pretty brow. “Are you any relation to Jim?”

“He’s my father.” Winn may have answered Lexi, but his gaze remained firmly fixed on Adrianna.

“My husband, Nick, has golfed with your dad a few times.” Lexi lifted her glass of wine to her lips. “I’ve heard your father has an amazing chip shot.”

Winn simply smiled and refocused on Adrianna. “What about you? Do you have a husband? Or a boyfriend?”

Adrianna hesitated. While she supposed some might be flattered by his attention, his dogged determination to capture her interest rubbed her wrong, reminding her of that bad experience with her college boyfriend.

Besides, making a move on her wasn’t particularly gentlemanly, considering she was here with someone else. Unless Tripp had told him they were only friends.

Adrianna slanted a sideways glance at Tripp, hoping for some answers.

“I thought I made it clear that Adrianna is with me.” There was an undercurrent of warning running through Tripp’s voice that surprised Adrianna.

Whatever she’d expected Tripp to say, it wasn’t that. Was he aware by phrasing it that way it sounded as if they were a real couple?

“That’s right.” Winn gave a little laugh. “Must have slipped my mind.”

Tripp’s gaze shifted to Adrianna.

“It’s past time we dance.” He slipped his arm from her shoulder and took her hand. Before his fingers laced through hers, his thumb caressed her palm.

Adrianna’s knees suddenly went weak.

Tripp smiled. There was warmth—dare she say, heat?—in his eyes that she couldn’t recall seeing there before.

“Dancing would be … lovely.” Her tongue moistened her suddenly dry lips and once again she saw a flash of heat.

“Nice to meet you, Winn,” she called over her shoulder as Tripp tugged her to the dance floor, then jerked her close.

They fit as though they were made for each other. Tripp was just enough taller that even with her heels they came together perfectly. She wondered what it would be like if they made love. Would they come together just as perfectly? She promptly banished the thought. It wasn’t as if that was ever going to happen.

Of course, she thought, resting her head against his broad chest, it wasn’t as if she thought he’d ever hold her hand either. Or kiss her cheek.

Tripp’s arms were so strong it didn’t matter if her knees had the consistency of gelatin. When the band launched into a rendition of “Embraceable You,” a special favorite of her parents, a sadness washed over Adrianna.

She’d been nineteen and away at college when her parents had passed away, victims of carbon monoxide poisoning due to a blocked fireplace flue. Adrianna lifted her head and gazed up at Tripp. “Did you know Gayle was the first person to express her condolences after my parents died?”

He shook his head, then frowned. “What made you think of that?”

“My mom and dad loved this song.” Adrianna sighed, feeling a bit wistful. “Whenever it would come on the radio, they’d drop whatever they were doing and dance.”

If she closed her eyes, she could see them now, her mother’s head on her dad’s shoulder, a dreamy smile on her lips.

“They’d been married for almost fifteen years and had given up hope of having any children when I came along,” Adrianna continued. “A child in the house had to have been a big change, but I always felt wanted and loved.”

Her troubles in college had occurred after their deaths. She’d been so lonely, so naive, so willing to believe a handsome man’s lies. Then her world had imploded and she’d had no one. But Adrianna told herself that unlike her friends, her mom and dad would have stood by her through that horrible time.

How different things might have been …

Sighing again, she placed her cheek against the starched front of Tripp’s shirt and let herself relax.

“Have you had a nice evening so far?” Tripp murmured against her hair.

“It’s been fun.” She lifted her head and realized with a start that his lips were right there. If she leaned forward ever so slightly, they would kiss. Really kiss.

Her heart stuttered.

The music disappeared.

Had she ever noticed the tiny gold flecks in his blue eyes? Or the faint smattering of freckles across the bridge of his nose? Or how good he smelled? Yes, she’d definitely noticed how good he smelled. Like soap. And sexy cologne. And that indefinable male scent that made something tighten deep in her abdomen.

Tripp’s eyes darkened. His mouth drew closer.

Anticipation skittered up Adrianna’s spine. She held her breath.

“You two look like you’re having a good time.”

Tripp stopped so abruptly that Adrianna stumbled.

“Are you okay?” he asked, after helping her regain her balance.

She nodded.

“I’m sorry. We didn’t mean to startle you.”

Adrianna turned to find Tripp’s parents staring at her.

“I’m fine. Really.” Heat rose up her neck and she wondered how much they’d seen. Of course, it wasn’t as if their son had actually kissed her.

“You look lovely this evening,” Tripp’s mother gushed. “Doesn’t Adrianna look pretty, Frank?”

“Beautiful,” Tripp’s father responded.

Pleasure slid through Adrianna’s veins like warm honey. She couldn’t believe Tripp’s mother remembered her, much less recalled her name. They’d met only once and that was months ago. “It’s a pleasure to see both of you again, Mr. and Mrs. Randall.”

“Please, call me Kathy.” The sparkle in his mother’s blue eyes reminded Adrianna of Tripp. She looked every inch a wealthy rancher’s wife with her dark blond hair cut in a stylish bob and her elegant black dress brightened by large teardrop diamond earrings and a matching necklace.

Her husband stood beside her, one hand resting lightly on her back. A tall man with salt-and-pepper hair and a weathered face, Franklin had lost a lot of weight in the past year and his tux hung loosely on his large frame.

“Was that Jim Ferris’s boy I saw you speaking with a few minutes ago?” Frank asked his son.

“His name is Winston.” Tripp cupped Adrianna’s elbow in his hand and they followed his parents off the dance floor. “From what he said, it sounds like he just got into town. He didn’t mention if he planned on staying.”

“Oh, he’s staying.” Frank gave a humorless chuckle. “He’s in bed with GPG. The word is he was involved with golf-course development in Florida. Wants to do the same here and has GPG’s backing.”

GPG had been in the local news a lot lately. It was a large investment firm with deep pockets and a mission to develop every inch of Jackson Hole. Environmental concerns were simply obstacles to be overcome.

“GPG or no GPG, getting approval will be a problem.” Tripp appeared pleased at the prospect. “Any golf-course development will have to meet the environmentally sensitive guidelines the county implemented last year.”

“Golf.” Adrianna wrinkled her nose. “I’ve never understood the point of hitting a little white ball.”

Frank’s eyes widened. He opened his mouth, then clamped it shut without responding.

Kathy looked amused.

Tripp chuckled.

“Considering my father used to practically live on the golf course, a statement like that is tantamount to waving a red flag in front of a bull,” Tripp whispered in a tone loud enough for all of them to hear.

Warmth crept up Adrianna’s neck but she lifted her chin. “It’s just my opinion.”

“And mine.” Kathy shot Adrianna a wink.

Before much more could be said, an announcement sent them to their assigned seats for dinner.

Adrianna recognized two of the men and one of the women already at their table as being current board members. Although they were seniors, Adrianna wasn’t worried. Because of her parents being older, she’d always felt comfortable with that generation. She chatted easily throughout a delicious meal of chicken, asparagus and wild rice. The dessert she left untouched.

“Is something wrong with the cheesecake?” Tripp leaned close, the question meant for her ears only.

Adrianna lifted one shoulder in a slight shrug and tried to pretend his nearness didn’t affect her. “Simply too much food.”

“No wine. No dessert. You’re a cheap date,” Tripp teased.

Her heart twisted. If only this was a real date….

“What are you thinking?” Tripp asked.

“That I’m having a nice time tonight.”

“You sound surprised.”

“In a way I am,” she answered honestly. “For me, these events are normally just something to endure.”

He brushed a stray tendril of hair back from her cheek with one finger. “You’re having a good time tonight because you’re with me.”

Adrianna rolled her eyes while inwardly agreeing.

The band started up again and Adrianna found herself swaying with the music.

Tripp pushed back his chair.

When she stood and he took her hand, electricity shot up Adrianna’s arm.

“I love the songs they’re playing tonight—” she began, then stopped when Winn stepped in front of her.

The man smiled at Adrianna and ignored Tripp. “May I have the pleasure of this dance, Ms. Lee?”

Even though outwardly Winn appeared self-assured, something in his eyes told Adrianna he wasn’t as confident as he appeared. She knew all about faking confidence in social settings. The knowledge that they had that in common made her offer him an extra-warm smile.

“Actually, the lady isn’t available. She’s dancing every dance with me.” Tripp’s blue eyes were positively frosty.

“Let her go with him, son.” Jim Ferris seemed to appear out of nowhere. “There are several things I’ve been meaning to discuss with you. This will be a good opportunity for us to talk.”

Adrianna fought a surge of disappointment. But to be anything other than gracious about the change in plans would put Tripp—and Winn—in an awkward position.

“I’d love to dance with you.” Adrianna smiled at Winn, then shifted her gaze to Tripp. “The one after that is yours.”

Tripp leaned close and for one crazy second Adrianna thought he was going to kiss her. Instead he squeezed both her hands.

“The next and all the ones after that.” Tripp gazed into her eyes, his tone brooking no argument.

“Absolutely.” Adrianna felt as if she was floating. She wasn’t sure what had happened to Tripp’s normal hands-off behavior, but she was enjoying the change.

As Winn took her arm and led her to the dance floor, Adrianna felt Tripp’s eyes on her. Hiding a smile, she added a little sway to her hips.

Chapter Three

Tripp stood on the edge of the dance floor, schmoozing with a couple of donors, doing his best to ignore the music filling the ballroom. The romantic melody was almost as irritating as the cloying sweetness emanating from the large urn of fresh flowers positioned next to him.

He murmured words of agreement or occasionally nodded, enough to make the two men across from him believe they had his full attention. The truth was, conversing with them was merely a cover. It allowed Tripp to surreptitiously watch Adrianna while she danced with Winn.

The “important meeting” with Jim Ferris had taken just long enough for Winn to lead Adrianna to the dance floor. Tripp suspected the trustee’s urgent need to talk had been merely a ploy to aid his son in getting what he wanted. Now, seeing the smirk on Winn’s face as he held the brunette, Tripp was sure of it.

He wasn’t surprised. Adrianna was a beautiful woman with a killer body, sculpted screen-goddess features and incredible green eyes.

The lithesome beauty seemed unaware of her appeal. She always insisted she’d spent her childhood as somewhat of an ugly duckling and hadn’t begun to blossom until college.

But Tripp had noticed her latent beauty back in high school. He’d made the mistake of mentioning his observation to Gayle. She’d gone ballistic.

That had been the first of many fights they’d had stemming from her irrational jealousy.

Even now, the simple act of appreciating the way Adrianna’s dress emphasized her large breasts made him feel guilty. He lifted his gaze … and found her staring.

Not at Winn.

At him.

Tripp smiled back before refocusing his attention back on the donors.

Now, with his eyes elsewhere, he found himself thinking how much Adrianna’s friendship had meant to him. Her supportive texts and emails following his wife’s death had been a bright light during that dark period.

A comfortable closeness had developed over cyberspace. Even after the initial shock and grief had begun to subside, they’d continued to correspond, sharing thoughts and feelings they never would have shared in person.

It wasn’t until Tripp returned to Jackson Hole that things turned awkward. He and Adrianna shared many of the same friends. Friends who’d recently begun marrying at alarming rates and who seemed to think they’d make a perfect match.

Now that he was home, the closeness they’d built somehow felt wrong now. He could almost hear Gayle sneering and telling him, “See, I was right. You were attracted to her.” Which he knew wasn’t the truth back then, but definitely was true now.

When Tripp had told his friends he was too busy to date, some assumed he was still grieving the loss of his wife and unborn daughter. Actually, Tripp was ready to move on. The irony was, now that he was ready, the one woman he was interested in was the one he couldn’t bring himself to pursue. So he stuck with his original story that he didn’t have time.

It was mostly the truth.

With declining Medicare reimbursement and pressure from insurance companies to accept deeper discounts, Tripp had to bring his A-game to work every day. If that weren’t enough, his dad had been diagnosed with malignant melanoma.

See? Too busy.

Yet, he was grateful Adrianna had agreed to accompany him tonight. Especially because he and the beautiful brunette had achieved an understanding. They were simply friends with no expectations of more.

Tripp inhaled sharply as Winn slid his hand slowly up Adrianna’s back. He narrowed his gaze. Anger surged. He’d made it clear to Winn that Adrianna was his date for the evening.

Actually, he’d taken it a step further. He’d let Winn believe Adrianna was his girlfriend. But that was something he’d clear up later.

Once he pried Winn’s hands off Adrianna’s body.

The crowded dance floor could have explained why Winn held her so tightly, although Adrianna doubted that was the only reason. She guessed it had more to do with Tripp’s unyielding gaze fixed on them and Winn’s desire to jerk his chain.

She was certain Winn was aware of Tripp’s scrutiny. Her “Tripp radar” had kicked in almost immediately upon reaching the dance floor. She’d waited until she was facing the right direction before slanting a quick glance where she’d last seen Tripp. Just as she’d thought, he was staring. Their eyes met and one look from his baby blues was all it took to send her pulse into overdrive.

Telling herself that it was supremely tacky to stare at one man while dancing with another, Adrianna pulled her gaze back to Winn.

“Being a midwife, I’m guessing you could find work anywhere.” Halfway through the sentence his gaze dropped to her cleavage.

Adrianna waited, determined not to speak until he stopped conversing with her breasts.

Winn finally looked up. “With so many choices I’m surprised you ended up here.”

It wasn’t the first time she’d heard the ridiculous statement, but the sentiment always caught Adrianna off guard. As far as she was concerned, there wasn’t a better place to live than surrounded by the majestic Tetons.

She gave a throaty laugh. “What’s wrong with Jackson Hole?”

Winn’s lips lifted in a lazy smile. “Well, for starters, it’s a bit on the small side.”

“That’s part of its appeal.” Adrianna loved seeing the babies she’d delivered when she went to the grocery store or stopped for a latte at Hill of Beans. “Besides, I grew up here. This is home.”

A speculative look crossed Winn’s face as he guided her across the dance floor, his movements fluid but not showy. “So you and Tripp go way back.”

Actually, not as far back as Winn probably thought, but Adrianna wasn’t about to admit that Tripp hadn’t known she was alive back in high school. “We do.”

“My father told me Tripp was married once but his wife died.” The sympathy in Winn’s eyes appeared sincere. While he came on a little strong, Adrianna had the feeling that deep down Winn was a good guy. Too bad there was no spark.

“Gayle was a dear friend of mine.” A familiar ache wrapped itself around Adrianna’s heart. “A wonderful woman.”

“I didn’t realize you and she were friends.” Winn lifted a brow. “Doesn’t that make things awkward?”

“How do you mean?”

“Your friend was the one Tripp Randall chose to marry. Now she’s gone and he turns to you.” Winn’s gaze fixed on her, gauging her reaction. “You don’t deserve to be second best.”

Adrianna instantly realized Winn had misconstrued her and Tripp’s relationship. A little matter she could clear up with a few simple words. But it felt as though something more was going on here, something she couldn’t put her finger on, something just beyond her reach.

She lifted her chin and gazed at him through lowered lashes. “If you knew me better, you’d know I’m not second best to anyone.”

Winn’s eyes turned hot and dark.

“I find confidence very sexy,” he responded with a glittering smile. “I’m also a man who likes a challenge.”

Adrianna cocked her head. “A challenge?”

“The way I see it, unless a woman has a wedding ring on her finger, she’s available.” While he spoke Winn slid one hand up her back.

Adrianna experienced a strange ticklish aversion to his touch. She was seized with a sudden urge to squirm … or slap his hand away.

“How close are you and Tripp Randall?” Winn asked in a low tone, his breath hot against her ear. “Is there the slightest possibility that another man—”

“I believe this is my dance.”

Adrianna couldn’t believe it when Tripp gently disengaged her from Winn’s arms.

Strangely, Winn didn’t protest.

“Thank you for the dance.” Adrianna offered him a polite smile.

“It was a good beginning,” Winn said, a twinkle in his eye. “I look forward to seeing you again and getting even better acquainted.”

“What was that about?” Tripp took her in his arms. His shoulder was hard beneath her hand, his arms steady as they began to dance.

“What do you mean?”

“Are you going to go out with him?” he asked, eyeing her.

Something about his tone rubbed Adrianna the wrong way. As much as she’d dreamed of more, she’d finally, reluctantly accepted that she and Tripp were just friends. After all, he’d made it clear friendship was all he wanted from her. So why was he acting as if she’d done something wrong by simply allowing another man to flirt with her?

You can’t have it both ways, Tripp Randall.

“I may.” She lifted a shoulder in a slight shrug. “If he asks.”

Tripp’s blue eyes darkened to black and his lips pressed together. “I don’t trust him.”

“You don’t know him,” Adrianna said mildly.

“You don’t either,” he shot back.

“Isn’t that what dating is about … getting better acquainted?” Adrianna responded, instead of telling him that she had no interest in dating Winn Ferris.

“Doesn’t it bother you that even though Winn believes we’re dating, he continued to put some serious moves on you?” he murmured, twining a strand of her hair loosely around his fingers.

“Winn told me he considers any woman available as long as there’s no wedding ring on her finger.” Adrianna cursed herself for sounding breathless. But darn it, when the back of his knuckles brushed her cheek, it took everything she had not to close her eyes and sigh in ecstasy.

“Is that what you believe?” His voice gentled to a husky caress.

“No. Yes. I’m not sure.” Adrianna found it hard to think clearly with him so near. “But you and I aren’t dating, so I don’t see that it’s any of your business who I see or don’t see.”

“I care about you, Anna.” Tripp caught her hand in his, lifted it to his mouth and pressed a kiss in the palm. Time seemed to stretch and extend as he looked deep into her eyes. “I’ll find you a good man.”

Her spine stiffened. She could feel it go hard vertebra by vertebra. She pushed away from him, irritation fueling her movements. The only problem she had in the man department was her attraction to Tripp, a man who didn’t want to date her but apparently wanted to run her social life. “I don’t mind your introducing me to your friends, but I’m more than capable of taking it from there.”

Tripp made a scoffing sound. “You haven’t been on a real date in months.”

“That’s not the point. I decided only last week to be more proactive on that front,” Adrianna said with a studied nonchalance. “My dateless status will be changing soon.”

Tripp’s brows furrowed. “It’s important not to move too fast.”

The genuine concern in his voice and the protective look in his eyes whittled away at her irritation.

“I’m going to be thirty in less than a month.” Adrianna experienced a pang at the thought. “If I want a husband and children, I need to get busy. Who knows—perhaps Winston Ferris will end up being my destiny.”

Tripp’s arms tightened around her, bringing her closer. “He won’t.”

“I guess we’re just going to have to see which one of us is right,” she answered with a breezy sigh.

A soft expletive slipped past his lips. Tripp couldn’t believe they were having this conversation. Winston Ferris was not Adrianna’s destiny. Tripp knew that as well as he knew his own name.

As the sultry scent of Adrianna’s perfume teased his nostrils and his gaze was drawn downward to her voluptuous breasts, he realized why he was so concerned.

Adrianna might give the appearance of being a woman of the world, but it was all for show. He knew her secret. She was very much an innocent in the ways of men. Winn wasn’t pursuing Adrianna with marriage in mind. The wealthy bachelor had a much simpler goal: get her into his bed.

“Tripp, I don’t want to argue with you tonight.” A self-conscious-sounding laugh escaped her lips.

His heart stumbled over itself at the worry reflected in the depths of her green eyes. “I don’t want to argue with you either.”

Determined to make this a wonderful evening for her, Tripp spent the rest of the dance and the ones that followed making sure Winn’s name didn’t come up. The conversation flowed effortlessly and Tripp was once again struck by how much he and Adrianna had in common.

After a fast-paced salsa that saw the older crowd exit the dance floor in droves, Adrianna mentioned she was thirsty. Taking her arm, he led them to one of the bars scattered around the large ballroom.

Because Adrianna was on call and couldn’t drink, he got her a club soda and ordered himself a beer. After they’d gotten their drinks, they circled the ballroom. They were pushing their way through the densely packed crowd to say hello to some friends when they ran into Merle Bach, one of the trustees who’d been at their table for dinner.

Unfortunately, this time it wasn’t Merle’s wife at his side, but Jim Ferris.

“Good to see you both again.” Merle favored them with a bright smile. With his snow-white hair, midsection paunch and jolly laugh, Merle had always reminded Tripp of Santa Claus … with cowboy boots. “I was telling Jim how much Helen and I enjoyed visiting with you and Adrianna. It’s good to see you settling into the community.”

“I grew up here, Merle.” Tripp kept his tone light even as he tightened his hold on the bottle of beer. “It didn’t take much for me to settle back in.”