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Mandy looked on the new job as a positive sign. She’d been miserable the last four months at her job in Denver, in the building department where Marc worked as an inspector. Running into each other from time to time was unavoidable. He had totally ignored her since she’d refused to get an abortion. In fact, he seemed to make more of a point to flirt with other women when she was around.
She hadn’t been able to turn off her feelings as easily as he had, though by the end of the third week of his rejection, she had grown contemptuous and then angry. Had he had any genuine feelings for her to begin with? She’d once thought he hung the moon. How quickly that illusion had been shattered.
She tried to shake off the feelings of inadequacy that plagued her whenever she thought of that last scene with Marc. He hadn’t wanted anything to do with her or their baby. A wife and child had no place in his plans for life.
Had that been how her own father had felt? Was it a man’s instinctive reaction to being tied down, to being responsible for another life? Her parents had never been married. Once her father discovered a baby was on the way, he’d taken off fast enough. Mandy could still vaguely remember her mother complaining, before she herself dumped Mandy with social services one day and took off. Mandy had been about five, but still remembered how lost she felt, and how scared.
Yet she saw families all the time—happy families. Fathers who seemed to love their wives and children. Who laughed and smiled during shopping trips to the mall or outings in the park. Even at the building department, some men kept pictures of their families on their desks, had love shining on their faces as they joked about babies teething or waking them in the night.
But the happy family scene seemed to escape Mandy. She’d never mastered it when she was a child, nor found it as an adult. Now she planned a new direction.
The prospect of a good, well-paying job on a site two hundred miles from Denver had given her new hope for the future—a future she planned to build for herself and her child. No more ventures into romance; no more trying to fit in with other people’s plans and goals. She would depend on no one but herself! Would make her own decisions and be independent.
The salary offered proved to be much higher than what she’d been earning—higher than usual to attract and hold good workers, the employment agency had told her.
There weren’t a lot of amenities. The nearest town was thirty miles away. Nonetheless, the job had seemed heaven-sent, to Mandy. She would mind her own business, keep to herself and save her money like crazy.
As she parked her car, she vowed she’d prove herself to Jeff—and Jackson Witt. They didn’t have to worry about their fifty-three other employees. She was here to work and get on with her life, not be a distraction.
Jackson glared at Moose Higgins. The man was one talented crane operator—except when he stopped paying attention. “That’s the fourth time I’ve told you to watch the edge of the cleared space. You just missed whacking those trees. I can’t afford to have that crane go out of commission. We’re already almost a week behind.”
“Hey, boss, lighten up. I didn’t hit anything. Came close, but close only counts in horseshoes.”
Jackson wasn’t appeased. “Don’t do it again.”
Moose shrugged and set the heavy crane into slow motion. He was as big as his name implied, but handled the heavy equipment with the delicate skill of a surgeon.
It wasn’t Moose’s fault, Jackson reluctantly admitted as he watched the skillful man maneuver the huge machine, beginning the intricate process of moving a twenty-five-foot beam into place.
The fault was his. He was angry at Jeff and taking it out on Moose. Dammit, what had his partner been thinking? They were behind on the site work, behind on the paperwork, and already out several thousand dollars, thanks to Pete’s embezzlement. To top things off, Jeff had to go hire a petite, feminine woman!
It was already September. Before long, the winter snow would start falling, forcing them into a hiatus until spring.
He needed someone who could unjam the logjam, seriously kick some butt and get the local officials off their collective duffs to grant their building approvals. Not some blonde who looked as if a strong wind would knock her over.
This was a hard-core construction site. Men responded to men. Not to some petite blonde with wide blue eyes, dressed in gauzy pink dresses.
Leave it to Jeff to be attracted to a pretty face, hear a sob story and offer her a job, her performance of which would undoubtably set them back even more.
Jackson didn’t have time to interview a bunch of people himself. He was needed on-site. Jeff knew that. It was the reason he’d been charged with hiring someone while on the buying trip to Denver. Had he gone crazy, or just been bowled over by bright blue eyes?
Jackson scowled. Blue eyes were blue eyes. He was lucky he’d even noticed the color. She was too young, too small, too feminine to work on a construction site.
He tried to ignore the face that seemed to dance before him as he watched Moose swing the beam. Her sunny smile had dimmed when he’d told Jeff to get rid of her. Her shoulders had slumped slightly for a moment, then straightened up as if she were ready for battle.
Jackson gave a cursory glance around and headed back to the office. There wasn’t going to be a battle. He’d told Jeff to send her packing. End of discussion. Now it’d be at least another week before he could interview anyone. He’d better go through the pile on the secretary’s desk himself and see what he could handle. Paperwork was not a part of the job he liked, but he’d do it if he had to. And Jeff could do more himself.
It wasn’t that his partner didn’t pull his weight, but lately Jeff…
Opening the door, Jackson frowned when he saw that the trailer was empty, the phone ringing off the hook. Where was Jeff? Jackson snatched up the phone and looked out the window.
“Witt,” he said curtly. He saw the woman’s car parked beside the third trailer. What was she doing here? And by the empty trailer?
An uneasy thought sprang to mind. No! Jeff wouldn’t—
“Witt, Barton here. We’ve run into a snafu with your latest lumber order,” the voice on the other end said.
Jackson switched gears. He’d deal with the secretary situation after he settled with Miles Barton about the latest problem.
“This’ll do fine.” Mandy looked around the small trailer. It was like a tiny apartment. The living room segued into a dining nook and galley kitchen. The hall-way mimicked the one in the office, leading to a bed and bath.
From one window, she saw the trailer next door. From the back, however, she had a stunning view of the mountains rising majestically around her. And caught a glimmer of the lake.
Best of all, it was free—part of the compensation package. And she still got a healthy salary—how lucky could she be? Jeff’s partner was not driving her away from this job!
“I know it’s far from the city and all. In your condition, you sure you’ll be okay here? The trailers don’t have phones, but I’m right next door. And we agreed we’ll be shutting down operations for the winter long before you’d start your maternity leave,” Jeff said, sounding worried.
Mandy nodded, wanting to pat Jeff’s arm and reassure him she was fine. She wasn’t used to people taking such an interest and showing so much concern in her life. She’d been on her own since she turned eighteen—nine years ago. It was sweet, but not something she’d grow to expect, or trust.
He was her boss. One of her bosses. And she knew enough not to step over that line.
“This will suit me perfectly.”
“I’ll bring in your things.”
She swiftly put away the perishables, while Jeff helped her put away canned goods and packages. He carried her suitcases and two cardboard boxes into her bedroom.
“I’ll unpack later,” Mandy told him. She didn’t want help unpacking. Or in anything else. The less she depended upon others, the less likely she was to be disappointed when they walked away. “I’m anxious to get started on the job.”
“Don’t you want to rest up after your trip?” he asked.
“Not necessary. I did nothing but drive, which meant sitting the entire way. Now I’d like to get to work. That’s what you’re paying me for.” And she didn’t want to provide any reason for his partner to fire her. Despite what Jackson Witt said, she’d come to this job in good faith. He couldn’t fire her merely for being a woman. Only if she messed up. Which she didn’t plan to do.
Jeff handed her a key as they left the trailer. He watched as Mandy carefully locked her door.
“It’s not that we have a lot of crime here,” he said when they began walking toward the office, “but with all the men around, you’ll need to be a bit careful. Some of these guys are mavericks.”
“I’ll keep to myself,” she said. Her door would not be opened to anyone coming to visit. She wanted time alone and expected to get it.
“Up to walking?” he asked.
“Sure.” She smiled, wondering how to set Jeff straight. It couldn’t be more than a hundred yards to the office. “I’m pregnant, not sick. Walking is good exercise. I usually do a couple of miles a day.”
“Not many places to walk around here.”
“Are you kidding? There are hundreds of acres of pristine forest land. Not to mention the shore of the lake. I can’t wait to explore that. And if I want a longer ramble, I can always walk back up the road a piece.”
“Not in your condition.” He looked appalled.
“I’m fine, Jeff.” She would not allow him to think she couldn’t manage on her own. Even if his motives were sincere, she liked her independence. Depending on others always let her down. Besides, she didn’t dare let him think she was too fragile to do the job at hand. She needed him on her side if it came to a showdown with his partner.
When Mandy stepped into the office, the first thing she saw was Jackson Witt rummaging through the stacks of papers on her desk. Her heart skipped a beat. In his casual attire, he looked rugged and all male.
Quite a contrast to Marc’s rather dapper air. He hated the times he had to inspect the early stages of buildings, especially if the weather was inclement.
Mandy had no difficulty picturing this man out in any and all types of weather, relishing the challenges of nature, defying odds to bring the project in on schedule. While only an inch or two taller than Marc, Jackson radiated a power that the other man would only envy.
“Can I help you find something?” she asked calmly. She knew enough about psychology to know that it would be best to keep any hint of worry from showing.
He turned and looked at her. For a moment Mandy felt a frisson of apprehension. He appeared angry. Or was that scowl his perpetual expression?
“Why are you still here? We’ll pay for your travel time and any inconvenience we caused. You might want to take off before it gets dark.”
“There has been no inconvenience. I’ve come to work and I’ll do my job.” She walked behind the desk and sat down defiantly, almost holding her breath as she threw out the challenge. Jeff remained by the door—in order to make a quick escape? Mandy wondered.
“Are you pregnant?” Jackson asked in disbelief, staring at her stomach.
Had he not noticed earlier?
“Almost six months. Don’t worry, it’s not contagious. And it doesn’t interfere with my abilities.”
He swung around to Jeff. “You hired a pregnant woman to come out here? I don’t believe this! Have you lost what little mind you had left?”
“She’s got experience in the building industry. Her skills are great. She’ll be able to do a lot to help out without our having to teach her every step. She’ll be doing office work, not heavy construction. Besides, it wasn’t as if we had a lot of choice. People aren’t exactly champing at the bit to come to some construction site thirty miles from the nearest town—even for a couple of months. I figured any help was better than coming back empty-handed.”
Mandy looked at Jeff in dismay. She’d been sure her experience had impressed him, that he’d truly thought she was the best person for the job. The pride she’d felt in landing the position deflated.
Standing suddenly, she tilted her head pugnaciously. “Give me a week. If you aren’t totally satisfied with all I’ve done, I’ll leave and you won’t even have to pay me for the work,” she said before she could think.
Jackson looked at her, frowning.
Jeff looked at her, frowning.
“No.” Jackson’s flat-out denial was immediate; no compromise from him. His dark eyes sent a shiver coursing down her back. Mandy wanted more than anything to prove to him she could do the job—to have him change his mind and eat crow.
“That’s not fair to you, Mandy,” Jeff protested.
“I think it’s fair. Especially if you are satisfied with my work, I stay and you give me a bonus.” It was a gamble, but she was desperate. Her gaze locked with Jackson’s and endless moments ticked by. He was the one to convince.
“Today is Tuesday. You have until Friday. Then you’re gone,” Jackson said, breaking eye contact first. He turned and glared at Jeff. “And I’ll do the interviewing next time.”
“Won’t be a next time,” Mandy muttered, already delving into the stack of rolled-up blueprints.
She continued to sort and stack the various documents on her desk, almost holding her breath until the two men left. Then with a whoosh, she let it out, leaning back in her chair and gazing around her in dismay.
What had she so recklessly done? She’d be lucky to find her way around the office by Friday, much less prove to be invaluable to a man whose mind was made up that she was expendable.
She needed the money. How foolish to say they needn’t pay her. Her primary reason for accepting a job so far away from everything she knew was the added pay. She didn’t have much in savings, though she’d been scrimping to augment what she had ever since she’d discovered she was pregnant. Ever since she’d learned Marc wanted nothing further to do with her or their child.
Something about Jackson Witt got her back up and gave her a new focus. She wanted him to turn around and admit she was suitable for the job. It was personal now.
The baby kicked and Mandy idly rubbed her stomach. “Buckle up, babykins, we’re in for a bumpy ride!”
The phone rang and Mandy answered it. Her job had begun in earnest.
By the time Mandy’s stomach had growled for the third time, she was ready to call it a day. Glancing out the window, she noticed all was quiet on the job site. The noise from the heavy machinery had faded long ago. The sound of hammers ringing and the buzz of the saws had ended without her noticing.
She surveyed her desk with quiet satisfaction. She’d gone through everything and sorted it into piles. She had fielded calls, settled one problem with a vendor and been the target of curious construction workers who had found one dumb excuse after another to stop into the office during the afternoon.
Jeff had been there most of the time. She’d done her best to ignore the visitors, claiming she hadn’t a clue yet where things were when they asked, and suggesting they talk to Jackson. She’d love to know if any had followed through. She could just imagine what Jackson Witt would have said to any man who mentioned he’d talked with her!
Though she hoped none were crazy enough to ask him. She didn’t want anyone giving credence to his prediction about her being a distraction.
Mandy walked outside, locking the door behind her. The fresh air was pleasant, though cool. The sun had already moved behind the ridge, bathing the valley in deep shadows.
When she drew near her trailer, her relief was almost tangible. She was on her own until eight the next morning.
The door of the first trailer opened and Jackson stepped out. His eyes narrowed as he saw her, but he said nothing, walking on down the beaten path toward the lake as if she hadn’t been there.
She tossed her head. She didn’t care. He could be as rude as he liked when they weren’t working. It was only for two months and she could stand anything for that long.
Tonight she’d unpack, take a soothing bath and fix something light for dinner. Then it was bed for her! She’d read until she fell asleep. It had been a long day.
Dammit, it was bad enough having Mandy Parkerson work here, but Jeff had to make it convenient for her to stay on-site. The whole setup was explosive. Jackson knew trouble in the making. He only hoped he could stave it off until she left on Friday.
Jackson headed for the lake, and the quiet spot he liked to find at the end of the day.
One of the trailers had lights on inside. It wasn’t dark, but the sun had already slipped behind the high peaks to the west. Twilight fell early in the high country in late September.
He liked this time of day. He always had. He and his late wife, Sara.
As he walked to the lake’s edge, he heard the drone of television coming from a couple of trailers, ribald conversation from another. A small group of guys sat in folding chairs near one camper, swapping stories. When Jackson reached the lake, he nodded to a couple of men trying their hand at fishing.
They were building a luxury resort for the Windhaven Corporation in the middle of the Colorado wilderness. The lake was one of the major attractions. The proximity to cross-country ski resorts and hunting and fishing were other aspects the corporation planned to highlight. As well as a state - of - the - art spa to attract women.
For a place to relax, it wouldn’t be beat. Jackson knew the resort would charge guests an arm and a leg, and visitors would happily pay for the remote luxury and pristine setting.
He’d be long gone by then. To another site, another job. Another couple of years in a remote location. Getting through life one day at a time.
He walked along the edge of the lake, stopping at a tree that had fallen partially into the water. Placing a foot on the trunk, he rested his elbow against his knee and took a swig of the cold soft drink he’d carried. He was alone and liked it that way.
Sara would have loved this place, he thought for the hundredth time.
The familiar ache took hold. He always missed her, but especially at twilight. They’d made it a tradition to have a quiet drink together, just the two of them, before dinner every evening. Even after Sammy had come along, it had been their special time to talk over their respective days, and to be with each other. To shut out the rest of the world and draw their own world around them.
He gripped the can tightly. The ache would get worse as the night wore on. It had been three years, but it could have been three minutes or three decades. With his wife gone it was like a part of himself had been amputated. Which it had—the best part of him.
He could close his eyes and see her—tall and slim with dark eyes and sleek dark hair that cupped her head. She’d been almost as tall as he was when she’d worn high heels. They’d know each other since second grade. Their likes had meshed; their thoughts had run parallel. Their dreams had been the same.
