That makes me smile too. "I feel like I'm in a reality show. I'm not competing with other women for Brady, am I?"
"Nope. But enough about him. Let's get you both checked into a place to stay." She swings the Hummer around to go back the way we came. "I'd invite you to stay with us, and after tonight you can, but we thought you'd be more comfortable someplace neutral."
She looks in the mirror at Sierra. "No pressure. We’d like you to stay here because it's what you want."
Light fades as we enter back into tree cover, and I wonder if this is what I want. The land is beautiful, and the idea of working it for a living appeals to me. Focusing on Brady's scent, I breathe in, and the twinge of desire in my belly makes me think he might help with my decision. The feeling of danger I had earlier has lessened, as if this family land is safe. But something is still making me uneasy.
This sign stuff got us out here, but why? What is it that makes Sierra, Lily, Taylor, and me the right kind of women for the job? What could larger women with no real ties offer that other women can't? And is it just women? Are men being called too?
My thoughts are interrupted by Sierra's voice. "Carly?"
"What? Sorry, I wasn't listening." I turn back to look at her.
"Annie asked if we would want to stay at a bed and breakfast her cousin runs." I look at my beautiful friend's pixie face framed by her black bob. She's happy to be here and excited by the possibilities, but what if I've brought her to a real nightmare? I nod my head. "Sure, that sounds nice."
Sierra's face falls, but she doesn't say anything. I try to reassure her. "I bet she makes pancakes."
She tries to cheer me up. "And I'll bet you can get bacon and eggs."
I paste on a smile to cover my discomfort and change the subject. "Should we change for dinner, Annie?"
"Oh, no. You two are fabulous just the way you are."
I nod, but I can't help but wonder if that's really true.
13
Chapter 13
Sierra
Annie brought us to a cozy bed and breakfast, and for the first time in days, we each get our own room. I'm looking forward to sleeping alone and leaving my stuff everywhere. The quaint accommodations are decorated in an old-fashioned Victorian style with throw pillows, an overstuffed chair, and a fluffy duvet that has me longing to climb under it.
After dropping us off to freshen up, Annie is headed to the store to close and then back to pick us up for dinner. I give myself a quick freshen-up and walk over to Carly's room. I'm worried about her and think she's feeling insecure. That comment about not surfing because she's too fat made me sad.
My knuckles rap on her door. "Hey, it's me."
She opens up and says, "Stunning as always, my friend."
Carly has put her hair up in a clip that lets soft strands fall around her face, framing her gorgeous eyes and full lips. "You look pretty hot yourself. Nervous?" I perch myself on her bed.
"So much so I might throw up." I watch as she applies lipstick in a soft pink shade. "Sierra, what if Brady finds I'm not what he expected? And I've moved all the way across the country for something that isn't?" Carly plops down in the chair and sighs. "I don't think I can go."
The silver flecks of light I’ve grown accustomed to seeing aren’t in her eyes. I cluck my tongue at her. "You don't have an idea how amazing you are, do you?" I stand with my hands on my hips for an ego-boosting speech. "Girlfriend, your blue eyes lure them in, and when they get there, your body has sexy curves that make them never want to stop touching you. But you know what the best part is?" I think about my loving friend. "You have a heart of gold, and when you let someone in, they get a loyal, courageous person that treasures the gift they are. Any guy would be damn lucky to have you."
Carly smiles at me, and I think I got through when she says, "I'm lucky to have you too. Thanks." She takes the hand I hold out to her and stands up. "Annie will be here any minute. Let's do this."
I nod. "On it."
We make our way to the sitting area to wait for her. I spy the red Hummer through the window. "She's already here." Which is good, because Carly's still smiling from my pep talk.
After driving a short distance from the bed and breakfast, we pull into a long paved driveway that winds up a small hill. Near the top an incredibly tall wrought-iron gate opens when Annie pushes a button on her visor. It's dark out, but as we go by the gate I think I can make out a design of bears and trees on it.
Carly asks, "Is that a custom gate?"
Annie answers, "Yes, for Bear Mountain Tree Company."
I wonder how much something like that costs to have made. We approach a very large log-cabin-style house--no, it’s a fortress. I have my answer. It costs too much if you have to ask. I say, "What a gorgeous home." This is the kind of house that keeps a family safe.