Chapter Four
CHAPTER FOUR
As the conversation came to an end Katy let out a jubilant YES! and immediately called Annie to give her the great news.
“That’s fantastic. You’ve always been, what’s the word? Resourceful? But I wish you were staying with me. I’d love to witness all this firsthand.”
“Thanks, Annie, and maybe I can spend a couple of nights with you at some point, but I need the privacy and this cabin is ideal.”
“I’m sure it is. You’ll lure him over there and have your way with him,” Annie said with a giggle. “By the way, you and your conniving ways with him has inspired a song.”
“Really?”
“Yes, really. I started writing it last night. It will be called something like, Conniving Katy or Sly Sally.”
“I’m not that bad.”
“Close,” Annie replied, giggling again.
“In my defense, I can’t sit around and do nothing. I really, really like him, and I did before all the trouble started. At one point I thought he was about to ask me out, but then…”
“Then he had to deal with all the drama he suddenly found himself in.”
“Exactly.”
“Well, Katy, now you have his attention. You should just let nature take its course.”
“I will, but if I see an opportunity…”
“I know, you won’t be able to help yourself.”
“Something like that.”
“Uh-huh. Sorry, my guitarist just arrived. I have to run, but I’ll see you when you get here. I’ll make sure someone’s around to help you hook up the trailer.”
“Actually, I think I’m going to ride over there.”
“You’re kidding?”
“Nope. The road has that wide grass verge and it’s not far. It will be much easier and more fun than hooking up the trailer and hauling Mindy over there.”
“But won’t you be going kind of late for that? You can’t ride home in the dark.”
“Exactly!”
“No! Oh, my gosh. Katy! Are you sure this is a good idea.“
“Yes, Annie, I think it’s a very good idea.”
“You’re so bad. The poor guy doesn’t stand a chance.”
“I don’t know what you mean,” Katy exclaimed, then laughed out loud.
“But I must have something to eat and you have to go. I’ll keep you posted.“
“You’d better!”
Ending the call and still grinning, Katy pulled on a jacket, grabbed her keys and stepped outside. Though it was cold she decided to walk up to the restaurant and started off, but it ended up being further than she thought. By the time she pushed through the door she was wishing she’d driven her truck.
“Table for one or would you prefer to sit at the bar?” the hostess asked.
“The bar, thanks.”
Hurrying across the room, she chose a stool at the end nearest the roaring fireplace and picked up the menu.
“You look like you could use a hot chocolate,” the bartender remarked as he approached.
“It’s that obvious?”
“I’ve been doing this a while, so yeah, it is to me.”
“Ah, I see.”
“Do you want anything in it?”
“Sure. Surprise me.”
“Is this your first visit to Smoky Hill?” he asked as he began preparing the drink.
“Oh, no. I grew up in Danville and I had friends here, but it’s been a while. It’s really beautiful.”
“Have you visited Lake View Point recently?”
“Um…that doesn’t ring a bell. I know about Moonshine Lake, but not Lake View Point.”
“I’m surprised. It’s an area used for picnics in the summer, and there have even been a couple of small weddings. It’s only about a mile from here. You should check it out, but stay off the rocks. They can be deadly.”
“Why?”
“They can be slippery, and the water is really deep and cold. People have fallen in and never been seen again.”
“Seriously? Oh, my gosh.”
“But it is a gorgeous place.”
“I’ll definitely stop by before I go back.”
“Will you be here long?” he continued, placing a tall mug in front of her.
“I’m not sure. I’ll be riding up Smoky Hill tomorrow, but I’d like to do it more than once. There has to be several trails. It sits behind so many ranches.”
“Ah, Smoky Hill. There’s a lot of wildlife up there.”
“Wolves, I’m sure,” she said as she took a sip of the drink. “Mmm, this is good, thanks. What kind of wildlife?
“Wolves, mountain lions, maybe even bears. Actually, some hikers who were staying here recently said they had seen a crazy looking animal. It scared them so much they ran all the way down.”
“Really? Has that happened before?”
“Not that I recall, but I definitely wouldn’t go up there alone.”
“Someone else said that to me. Fortunately I’ll have a local cowboy with me.”
“The guys around here ride up there all the time. They have dogs and rifles, and they know how to take care of themselves. I’m sure you’ll be in good hands.”
“Oh, I’m sure I will,” she remarked with a grin. “Do you have a dinner menu? I’m starving and I’d like to eat here at the bar if that’s okay.”
“Yes, sure. I’ll get one for you. Be right back.”
Watching him walk away, Katy pondered what he’d just told her.
Wolves, mountain lions, maybe even bears. Actually, some hikers who were staying here recently said they had seen a crazy looking animal that they claimed resembled a man. It scared them so much they ran all they way down.
Telling herself it was probably a city couple who didn’t have a clue, she sipped her hot chocolate and wondered what the following day would bring.
A while later, when she left to return to her cabin, though it was bitterly cold the sky was crystal clear and the moon was almost full. As she hurried down the path she couldn’t take her eyes off it, but once she was inside she hastily slipped into bed. Grateful for the down comforter, she closed her eyes and imagined being up the woodsy trail with Doug. But before she could let her fantasies take flight, she fell asleep.