Free Santa In Montana by Janet Dailey

glad to have such a nonsensical topic dominate the conversation. Along the way, she did her part to keep it going, determined to have it carry them through the rest of the meal, if possible.
    â€œSounds like quite a fort,” Wade remarked.
    â€œWant’a see it?” Jake sat forward, all eagerness. “I’ll show it to you after we’re through eating.”
    â€œMaybe another time,” Wade replied, then let his glance encompass all at the table. “I know it’s not polite to eat and run, but I’ll have to be leaving right after lunch if I plan on making my flight.”
    â€œBut it won’t take long,” Jake began in protest.
    Sloan placed a silencing hand on his arm. “I think you forgot that you’re going sledding with Luke and Dan this afternoon.”
    â€œOh, yeah.” Jake pressed his lips together in deep thought, then glanced at Wade. “I’ll show you another time.”
    â€œSounds good,” Wade agreed, smiling.
    Cat remained silent, struggling with an odd mixture of disappointment and relief that Wade would be leaving so soon. “Maybe another time.” That’s what he’d told Jake. She suspected that he had been deliberately vague because he knew there wasn’t likely going to be another time. She knew she regretted that and carefully didn’t examine the reason for it too closely.
    At lunch’s conclusion, Wade lingered over one cup of coffee, then pushed back from the table. “As much as I would like to stay, it’s time I took my leave of everyone.” Rising, he extended a hand to Chase, negating the need for him to stand. “It was good to meet you at last.”
    â€œThe pleasure was all mine.” Chase briefly gripped Wade’s hand, holding his gaze. “Stay in touch.”
    â€œWill do.” Wade nodded, but Cat sensed it was more a perfunctory response than a commitment.
    As he began his good-byes to the others, Cat saw her opening and rose from her chair. “I’ll get your coat for you.”
    By the time she retrieved his coat from the wall hook, Wade joined her in the entryway. Conscious of the flutterings in the pit of her stomach, Cat waited while he shrugged into his coat and mentally rehearsed the things she wanted to say, barely registering his compliments on the noon meal.
    â€œI’m glad you enjoyed it,” she answered automatically and started to launch into her speech. “Mr. Rogers—”
    â€œI thought we agreed that it was just Wade, not Mr. Rogers.” He smiled, the action carving those attractive male dimples in his cheeks again.
    She was momentarily distracted—and a little thrown—by the sight of them. “Wade,” she corrected herself, conscious of the slight quaver in her voice. “I want to apologize for all that talk at lunch today about a husband. I know it had to feel a bit awkward.”
    He tipped his head at a thoughtful angle. “I suspect it was more awkward for you than me.”
    Ignoring his observation, Cat continued, “Anyway, I want you to know—”
    â€œâ€”that you’re not interested in me in that way,” he finished for her.
    She hadn’t planned to put it quite that bluntly. “Something like that, yes,” she admitted, feeling even more uncomfortable.
    â€œEven though I guessed that—actually hearing you admit it—suddenly I’m sorry you feel that way.” At his slightly reluctant admission, Cat found herself at a rare loss for words. As if sensing it, he offered his hand in farewell. “Let me thank you again for your hospitality.”
    â€œAnytime.” Cat struggled to get the word out, her pulse skittering madly at the brief touch of his hand.
    He held her gaze a second longer then turned away. Cold air rushed into the entry when he opened the door. It swirled around Cat even after Wade closed the door behind him. The click of the latch snapping