Chapter Sixteen
Three days until the wedding
“All right. Spill everything right this minute,” Andrew said, barging into the bathroom without knocking. Thankfully, the frosted shower door kept her hidden, not that he’d care to look if it wasn’t. “Rumor has it Maverick Owens was seen kissing the bejesus out of a blonde wearing cowboy boots with her legs wrapped around his waist like a python. And yes, that’s a direct quote.”
Kennedy spit out the shampoo bubbles that had slid into her open mouth. How in the world had news of her kissing Maverick traveled so quickly? And who had witnessed it? She hadn’t noticed anyone around them.
That’s because all you could see was him.
Kissing obliviousness, the state of being so engrossed in a kiss with another person that everything else disappeared, was obviously a real thing. She’d find it in a medical journal somewhere, right?
Okay, not really, but she’d never experienced a kiss like the one she’d shared with Maverick. It wiped away every other kiss she’d ever had. Whoever she kissed next would have a hard time making her feel the same electrifying way Maverick had. As if all her nerve endings were sparkling like flawless diamonds.
She had flaws…but with him they…
“Well?” Andrew prodded.
“We kissed in the rain,” she said dreamily.
“And…”
“It was incredible. The best kiss I’ve ever had.”
Andrew whistled. “I knew if you guys ever gave in, it would be hot.”
Ever? What did he mean by that? She ran her hands over her head to rinse off the rest of the shampoo. “It was.”
“What happened after?”
“He invited me to go canoeing with him tomorrow.” To say she was excited about that would be an understatement.
“Wow, Ned. What does this all mean?”
“I have no idea, so I’m taking your advice and living day by day. Having some fun. How was the rest of your night?”
“Good, but let’s get back to you. I need more details.”
She chuckled, turned off the water, and pulled down the towel resting over the top of the shower. She ran the soft cotton over her body, then tied it around herself. Steam filled the bathroom when she stepped out of the enclosure.
Andrew sat on the closed toilet lid, a look of contemplation on his face. “I think this means you’ve answered the question, ‘can enemies become lovers?’”
“We’re not lovers.”
“Yet.”
She wiped her palm in a circular motion on the fogged mirror, butterflies filling her stomach at the thought.
“I don’t know,” she said calmly. “We’re definitely enjoying each other, but I’m hopefully moving to Boston, and he’s actually leaving soon to travel for a few months.” She brushed her hair. “And even if that wasn’t the case, it’s Maverick.”
“Meaning?”
“Meaning whatever this is, I can’t trust it. He’s just lonely, and I guess I am, too, and we’re familiar with each other, so we gave in to the spark between us.”
“He’s lonely?”
Kennedy poured some lotion onto her hand and rubbed it up and down her arm, then switched to the other. She hadn’t told Andrew about Nicole, had she? She filled him in now.
They moved to the main room, and she slipped on her nightgown while Andrew kept his back to her.
“Damn,” Andrew said, sympathy clearly steeped in the one word as he turned around.
“Right?” She flopped down on her bed, thinking about the hot chocolate Maverick had mentioned. She’d been chilled to the bone when she’d walked into the inn and needed a hot shower before anything else. Now she was too tired to move. Closing her eyes, she replayed their kiss. His warm tongue inside her mouth, his hands everywhere, his arms holding her plastered against his solid muscles.
“Hey! Knock it off.”
Her eyes flew open.
Andrew pointed a finger at her. “No dreaming about him when I’m right here and wishing for my own tongue lashing from Liam.”
“Sorry,” she said sheepishly. Then yawned. “Do you want to canoe with us tomorrow?”
“And interrupt the sexy vacation vibe between you two? No way. We could walk into town for doughnuts and coffee, though, if you have the time first.”
“I always have time for doughnuts.”
…
“Good morning, Dr. Martin. Andrew,” Claudia said from behind the counter of Baked on Main the next morning. “Get you the usual?” Claudia owned and operated the bakery and apparently remembered everyone’s name and order. Even out-of-towners.
“Please,” Kennedy said.
“Looking good this morning,” Andrew said, drawing a blush from Claudia before he handed Kennedy a twenty and walked away to claim the last available table by the window. Kennedy didn’t know if he meant Claudia or the pastries. Probably both, given he loved to flirt.
Claudia wore her red hair in a high ponytail, her skin was free of makeup and impossibly smooth, and her hazel eyes were bright and cheery.
Before Kennedy handed over the cash at the register, she quietly said, “Would you mind adding Maverick’s favorite in a separate bag?” He hadn’t ordered anything the other morning when they’d stopped in, and while he probably would have eaten breakfast by the time they met up at eleven, she wanted to bring him something anyway.
“Sure.” Claudia smiled like she and Kennedy were sharing a secret, which they kind of were. Whether it stayed that way was beyond Kennedy’s control.
Gossip had never bothered her. Rumors and whispers were commonplace at the hospital, especially after her breakup with Trevor. The only time a mean or unflattering word stung was if it had to do with her abilities on the job.
“Dr. Martin?” a woman asked from over Kennedy’s shoulder.
“Yes?” Kennedy met the friendly face of a thirty-something woman wearing scrubs.
“I’m Savannah, Dr. Choi’s nurse. I just wanted to introduce myself and say thank you for helping out in the office when I was sick.”
“Oh, hi! It’s great to meet you. And it was my pleasure. I take it you’re feeling better?”
“Much, thank you. I understand you had a super-busy day.”
“Just how I like them,” Kennedy said around a smile. “I’m used to a busy ER, so it wasn’t anything I couldn’t handle. And it was nice to get to know some of the townspeople. Everyone had a story to share and made me feel welcome and appreciated.”
“Here you go,” Claudia said, splitting Kennedy’s attention between the two women.
“You left quite an impression on everyone,” Savannah said sweetly. “I’ll let you go. Thanks again and have a great day.”
“Thanks. You too. And please call me Kennedy.” At Savannah’s nod, Kennedy turned back to the register.
“Maverick has two favorites,” Claudia said softly as she accepted the twenty-dollar bill from Kennedy. “Apple turnovers and ginger scones.”
“Those both sound really good.”
“They are.” Claudia handed over Kennedy’s change and then the food and coffees. “Happy Thursday!”
There were several tables between Kennedy and the table where Andrew sat, but everyone this morning knew her by name and said hello. She recognized only one person, Mrs. Freed, who said her sinus infection had all but disappeared.
“Looks like I’m eating with the most popular person in Windsong,” Andrew said, taking his coffee and the white bag with their pastries inside.
“Jealous?” she teased.
“Of course I am,” he joked back. “You know how I like all eyes on me.”
At that exact moment, the strangest thing happened. She felt eyes on her. And not just any eyes—his eyes. How she knew it was Maverick, she didn’t know, but when she looked out the window, t
here he was. Standing on the sidewalk, staring at her, an unreadable expression on his face. She gave a little wave. The gesture seemed to wake him up from whatever trance he was in. He walked into the bakery and straight to their table.
“Morning,” he said.
“Good morning.” Andrew’s cheery voice rang a little over the top.
“Hi,” Kennedy said, feeling a touch shy all of a sudden. Bright sunlight spilled into the bakery, highlighting Maverick’s soulful azure eyes and the golden highlights in his brown hair.
“Want to join us?” Andrew asked.
“I got you something.” Kennedy held up the bag in her hand.
Maverick smiled, his dimples coming out to play, and she almost forgot how to breathe. “You did?”
“You did?” Andrew said.
She ignored the fact that her best friend had paid for their food and focused on her new friend. “I was going to bring it to you later but, since you’re here…” She gave him the bag.
He peeked inside it. “My favorites. Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Okay, you two, enough already,” Andrew said amiably, pulling his croissant out of the bag. “Go canoodle already.”
“Andrew,” she warned.
“What? I said go canoe.” He handed her the bag with her doughnut, acting like he hadn’t accidentally on purpose made a play on words. “I’ll be fine here.” He eyed her meaningfully. “Really.”
“Okay, but it’s not even ten.” Still, she folded the bag over, implying she was ready to leave for the lake if Maverick was. An extra hour with him? Yes, please.
“I’m ready to go if you are,” Maverick said, echoing her thoughts aloud. She liked being on the same wavelength as him.
“Okay. Thanks, Andrew. I’ll see you later.” She got to her feet and followed Maverick out of the bakery, turning every single head in the shop. If their kiss hadn’t made the morning news yet, then their leaving the bakery together would.
Maverick swept his gaze over her when they were safely outside and out of view. “You good to go or do you need to stop at the inn?”
“I’m good.” Her shorts, T-shirt, and sneakers were perfect for a day on the lake.
“You have sunscreen on?”
Call her ridiculous, but the question made her heart flip-flop in her chest. He cared. “No, actually.”
“Dr. Martin, that isn’t very responsible of you. Luckily, I’ve got you covered, since I need to stop at my house and change clothes.” Too bad, considering his jeans, cowboy boots, and cowboy hat were growing on her.
Maverick not only supplied her with sunscreen but a faded blue baseball cap to keep the sun out of her eyes and protect the freckles across your nose. She’d blushed hard at that and let him win their staring contest. No man had mentioned her freckles before, let alone preserving them.
And when he wasn’t looking at her, she definitely enjoyed looking at him. He’d changed into black board shorts, athletic shoes, and a light gray T-shirt. His calves were toned, his stomach flat, his shoulders broad. Whether a cowboy or a boater, he made it difficult for her to look away.
They stood on the bank of the lake, two canoes ready and waiting for takeoff. They were the only two people there, the silence golden, the lake beautifully placid. The sky and mountains were vivid shades of blue and green. A lone, two-story house he said belonged to Cole sat on an empty bank to the northeast.
“See that sandbar out there?” Maverick said. “Think you can paddle that far?”
The closest she’d come to being in a boat was the pedal boats at the Disneyland Hotel, but he didn’t need to know that. “That U-shaped thing? Sure.”
He cracked a small smile. “It’s not too late to change your mind and take a tandem canoe.”
“Worried I’ll beat you across the lake?” Tough words hid doubt, right? She could beat him. Miracles happened.
“Suit yourself.” He picked up a life vest. “Let’s get this on you. On the water it’s known as a PFD or personal flotation device.”
Grateful she’d be protected if she did fall into the lake, she didn’t argue when he fitted it over her head and tightened the safety straps to his satisfaction.
“What about you?” she asked.
“I’m good.” He stepped toward the shorter and narrower canoe and lifted a paddle out. “This is your ride. It’s strictly for recreation, so very stable and durable. You’ve never been in a canoe, right?”
“Right.”
“Okay, so you can either sit down on the raised seat or kneel in front of it, whichever you feel more comfortable doing. This end of the paddle”—he touched the rubber blade—“is what goes in the water.”
“Or over your head if you don’t stop talking like I’m in kindergarten. I’m familiar with how a paddle works, Mav.”
He grinned. “I wasn’t sure, given your city girl status,” he teased. Then more seriously he said, “You don’t need any further explanation?”
She supposed there was a correct way to move the paddle with her body and, since she did want to prove to him she could do this independently, she nicely said, “What else do I need to know?”
“Two things.” He handed her the paddle and retrieved his own out of the other canoe. “Rotate your torso when you paddle using your upper body to provide the power needed to move the canoe. And keep your arms within your field of vision, so always in a square or box shape. Like this.” He demonstrated, and she copied him. “Looks good. You ready to give it a try?”
How hard could it be? She sat in the canoe and paddled. She had good balance, above average intelligence, and a life jacket on. She was raring to go. “Yes.”
He took her elbow and helped her inside the canoe. “Get comfortable and then I’ll push you into the water.”
She sat on the raised seat, feeling pretty relaxed. “Okay.”
Mav moved to the back of the canoe and pushed her off. The second she landed fully in the water, though, she was anything but relaxed. The canoe wobbled! Her paddle hit the water with a splash and little else. And she had zero control over her direction.
A few seconds later, Maverick’s canoe slid beside hers and his big, strong hand gripped the edge of her canoe to help steer her. “Relax, Shortcake. Take a breath and settle into your seat, and your lower body will keep the canoe stable.”
She did as he said, intentionally settling her weight into her bottom and sitting more confidently. Her canoe stopped rocking. He released his hold but continued to float at her side.
“Now, plant the paddle in the water and pull the boat toward the paddle, rather than the paddle toward the boat.”
It took a different kind of concentration than she was used to, but she did it. She was finally canoeing across the lake. “I’m doing it!”
“You are,” Maverick agreed, making it look easy as he paddled around her in a circle before moving parallel to her on their way toward the sandbar.
If she weren’t so focused on staying straight and keeping her balance, she would have loved to stare at Maverick’s muscled arms as he paddled. Maybe on the way back, she’d be able to.
“Ducks at nine o’clock,” he said.
“It’s a family!” She stopped paddling to watch them. Four baby ducks floated on the water behind their mama. She tried to recall if she’d ever seen baby ducks in the wild before, and she didn’t think so. She’d spent so much time focused on school and becoming a doctor that she’d missed out on basic beauties of nature. Being in Windsong had opened her eyes to many things this week: small-town camaraderie, the smell of pine and earth, the joy of horses and mules, the awe of bringing newborn puppies into the world, and now this.
The front of her canoe drifted to the left as she stared at the ducklings, so she put her paddle back in the water—and something hit it. It startled her so badly that she let go of the
paddle.
“What was that?” she shrieked. “Something in the water just hit my paddle.” And oh, crap, where did her paddle go? It was sinking!
She started to move onto her knees to lean over the canoe and grab it, but the canoe wobbled, so she sat right back down and focused on keeping her balance. She didn’t need the paddle that badly.
Well, she did, but…
Maverick’s laughter caught her attention. He’d turned his canoe around so he faced hers.
“It’s not funny,” she said. “There is something big and strong in the water. You didn’t tell me about that,” she accused. “And why in the world doesn’t my paddle float? You’d think a novice canoer would get an appropriate paddle. Aren’t you going to jump in and get it for me? What kind of guide are you?” She huffed out a breath.
“Are you done?” he asked pleasantly.
“Yes.”
He regarded her like he found her amusing, but also fun and interesting, so she didn’t mind his laughing. In fact, she suddenly found herself laughing, too. She amused herself, to be honest, so why not the gorgeous man who’d decided she was worth a few firsts this week?
Once she stopped laughing, she said, “Sorry about the paddle.”
“It’s okay. I should have brought a backup.” He floated closer. “The paddles sink because they’re made of metal. The something big and strong in the water is a largemouth bass. We keep the lake stocked with them for people who like to fish.”
“Oh.”
“I should have mentioned them.”
“It’s okay.”
“Good job avoiding tipping over.” He pulled his canoe beside hers. His still pointed toward the shore while hers pointed toward the sandbar.
“I really wanted to make it to the sandbar,” she said.
“No problem. Climb in.”
Taking a closer look at his canoe, he’d claimed a tandem model with a second seat inside the hull. “Really?”
“Unless you’d rather float around aimlessly until I go get another paddle and bring it back to you.”
The Wedding Crasher and the Cowboy Page 17