Face like granite, Rick stood and walked down into the grass, hands in his pockets. His back to her, he was quiet.
“After that disastrous run-in, the way you blew me off . . . It was obvious you weren’t interested in seeing me anymore. That we were done.”
Moving to stand behind him, she wrapped her arms around his waist and leaned her cheek against his back. “It was purely physical with Gabe. He’s a good friend, but not someone I could love. Not like that.”
“He loves you.”
“I don’t know. He says he does.” She shrugged helplessly against him. “I can’t control the way other people feel.”
Rick pulled her arms from his waist and turned to look at her, putting physical distance between them. “I need to go, Rachael. I have to think this through.”
She nodded, wondering if she had said too much. If she had ruined everything.
“I’m sorry. I am. If I had known, if I had thought there was any chance that we could try again, I would never have done that. But I was hurt. I was angry that you had discarded me so easily. I couldn’t understand why you wouldn’t even talk to me, give me a chance to explain.”
He smiled sadly. “You weren’t the only one hurt and angry. I jumped to conclusions and let my suspicions and insecurities carry me away. I’m sorry, too.”
She didn’t know what else to say, so she said nothing. She had done enough talking.
Martini whined at their feet, wanting attention. Rick absently reached down and scratched his ears before the dog rolled over for a belly rub. Olive ran over to join him, and soon Rick was crouched down with one hand on a furry belly and one hand scratching the other’s silky ears.
Silently thanking the dogs, Rachael took a deep breath and stepped forward, closing the distance between them. Rick’s eyes were wary as he watched her approach while his hands were occupied. She framed his face with her hands and kissed each cheek before kissing him softly on the lips. “I would like to see where this goes. If you can forgive me. If we can leave the past behind us. I think this is worth trying. Us.”
He stared at her wordlessly. Giving the dogs one last playful pat, he rose to his full height and returned to the patio without looking back. Stopping outside the kitchen door, he finally turned back. “See you tomorrow?”
She nodded and held still as he left, praying he could forgive her.
29
Sleep eluded her. She tossed and turned, replaying the conversation in her head.
What was he thinking?
What was she thinking telling him all of that?
He didn’t kiss her back. What did that mean?
But he was coming back tomorrow. She glanced at the clock. Today. Ugh.
Unable to tolerate her swirling thoughts, she grabbed her phone and messaged her sister.
Are you up?
It was almost one in the morning. Chewing her thumbnail, she watched the screen, praying for Carlie to be awake.
Restless, she got up and went to the restroom to wash up, then brought her phone downstairs to the living room. She flipped on the TV and scrolled through the channels, trying to find something to distract her. Her phone finally vibrated.
Kind of. What’s up?
Can’t sleep. Weird night with Rick.
What happened?
Date was awesome, but then he asked about Gabe
You told him?
I told him.
It took her a bit to respond. I see. Need some company?
The deafening stillness in the house was oppressive. Anyone else, and she would have said no. Rachael debated if it was fair to ask her to come over this late.
I’m on my way, Carlie messaged, deciding for her.
Ten minutes later, she knocked on the front door and let herself in. Olive and Martini didn’t even budge. She dropped a backpack on the floor and hugged Rachael. “What happened?”
They sat at the kitchen table and Rachael grabbed some cold waters. What could she say? She went back to the beginning and spilled the whole story, telling Carlie everything. About the one-nighter with Gabe, then going out with Rick, then returning to Gabe again. And then last night’s conversation. Carlie patiently listened to the whole story, only interrupting when she rehashed the fight between the men in the yard. “Did you ever find out what Dad said to them?”
Rachael shrugged. “I was pretty heavily medicated. I went inside and passed out in bed.”
“Wow,” Carlie sighed when she finish the story. “That’s intense.”
Rachael nodded.
“You’re going to see him again? Tonight?”
“That’s what he said before he left.”
“Sounds like a good thing, right?”
“Maybe?”
“Think about it, Rach. Why else would he say he’s coming back? He’s probably processing what you told him. Really can’t blame the guy. That’s a lot to take in at one time.”
“Maybe.”
“Come on. That’s enough sulking. Get your ass up and let’s go watch some terrible movies and crash.”
“What?” Rachael laughed.
“You heard me. It’s after two. Let’s binge on chips, ice cream, and cheesy movies and pretend like we’re teenagers again.”
“No ice cream.”
“Then chips will have to do.”
Family. She was pretty freaking blessed.
* * *
They slept on the sofa and recliner and woke late. Carlie took off for a run and Rachael let the dogs out, waiting for Carlie to return for lunch. She checked her phone and saw no new texts.
Still want to hang out today?
She waited and watched, wondering if Rick would reply.
Please reply. Please reply. Please reply. The words orbited endlessly in her thoughts, driving her crazy. Her phone vibrated and she jumped, relief washing through her.
Dinner? I could cook something for you. At your place?
Sounds perfect.
She was damn near floating when Carlie returned, and her sister noted it immediately. “You heard from Prince Charming?”
“Yes! He’s coming over later.”
“Great. I’m going to go hog your bathroom and clean up. What do you want for lunch?”
“Your call,” Rachael said, but she knew the destination before Carlie even answered.
“Pam’s?” Carlie asked.
“Sounds good.”
They took turns showering and then took off.
“Kim’s going to meet us,” Carlie hollered as she jumped into her car.
When they arrived, there was no sign of Kim. Shocker.
“Coffee, please,” Carlie ordered.
“Same,” Rachael said. “What’s going on with her and Owen these days? On or off? Last time I talked to her they were done.”
Carlie tapped her spoon against her mug. “Back on.”
They both rolled their eyes and drank their coffee.
“I don’t get it, Car. She’s gorgeous, independent, and smart. What’s she doing with that guy? He’s a path to nowhere.”
She shrugged. “Not my decision to make. If he makes her happy, then that’s what matters, I guess.”
“Happiness? I don’t exactly see you beaming lately, Car.”
She flushed and stared down at her mug. “What are you talking about?”
“I’m talking about you and Brent. What’s going on?”
“Things are fine. We’re just busy. Different priorities. It’ll all settle back down eventually.”
“Mhm.”
“Leave her alone, Rach,” said Kim, sliding into the booth next to Carlie. “If she and Brent want to be miserable together, then that’s their lot in life.”
“What? You’re one to talk,” Carlie said, glaring at Kim then back at Rachael. “Shut up, both of you. I haven’t had nearly enough caffeine yet to come up with a decent retort. So, consider yourself retorted.”
Kim cracked up and planted a kiss on Carlie’s cheek. “Fair enough.”
&n
bsp; “What are you girls up to for the Fourth?” Rachael asked.
“Nothing yet,” said Carlie.
“Nada,” echoed Kim.
“Want to do a cookout or something?” Rachael asked. “I kind of invited Rick over to watch the fireworks.”
“Fireworks and we finally get to meet the vet?” Carlie asked. “I’m in!”
Rachael just hoped she didn’t blow it with Rick tonight.
30
Determined to find the perfect place for her and the dogs, Rachael spent the afternoon looking at rental properties. After visiting and doing drive-bys of more than a dozen, she was still no closer than before. From Cincinnati proper to Springboro, not one thing was perfect. So frustrating.
Massaging the back of her neck, she cranked up the radio as one of her favorite Billie Eilish songs came on. She was almost home, but she drove around the neighborhood, stretching out the trip and humming along. A few blocks away, she saw a “For Sale” sign in the yard of a beautiful colonial house with a large fenced-in backyard. Of course. All the good places were either not pet-friendly or not for rent. She stopped and grabbed an info flier from the plastic box on the sale sign. Maybe they would consider a long-term lease?
She returned home and dropped the flier on the counter, switching her brain into cleaning mode. If Rick was coming over to cook, she would make sure he had a clean kitchen to work with. She flipped on the kitchen stereo and cranked up the volume, dancing along as she washed the dishes and scrubbed the counters. The dogs pranced around her feet, and she sang to them and spun around the kitchen.
“Can I cut in?”
She froze mid-spin and turned to see Rick in the doorway, his arms heavy with grocery bags.
“Hope you don’t mind,” he said. “I tried knocking and ringing, but I could hear the music. Thought I would save a step and drop these off here.”
“Sorry.” She laughed. “Cleaning.” Grinning, she danced her way over to him to help with the groceries.
He took in her faded leggings, tank top, and ponytail, then grinned. “Feel free to clean like that anytime.” They set the bags on the counter and he turned to her, grabbing her hand and spinning her around under his arm. She giggled and spun back toward him, coming to a stop against his chest.
He caught her and wrapped both arms around her as the music transitioned to a monster ballad, and they began to slow dance. Rachael was covered in grime and there were groceries to put away, but she didn’t care. They swayed together and he held her close, his hands sliding up and down her back. He dipped her over his arm, as the song gave way to a commercial. Rick leaned over her as she lay back over his arm. Time froze. She held her breath and saw the desire burning in his eyes. Suddenly, he stood and spun her around again, surprising a laugh from her.
Time resumed. She clicked the volume down and he turned his attention to the groceries, unloading thin, transparent bags full of fresh veggies and fruits, meats, and more.
“Planning to feed an army?”
Gauging the spread before responding, he lifted a shoulder and shot her a charming smile. “I wasn’t sure what you’d like.”
Amused, she helped put the bags away and leaned her elbow on the counter. “I need to grab a shower.”
“Mind if I stay here and get dinner started?”
“Not at all,” she said. She hesitated then leaned up and tugged on his shoulder. He bent down enough so she could kiss his cheek. “Be back down soon.”
As she walked up the stairs, she heard him open the back door and let the dogs in. Was he always so thoughtful?
Relaxing in the shower, she scrubbed and scoured every last inch of skin, letting the exfoliation turn her a soft pink. She hummed as she shampooed and conditioned, then soaped up and stood in the hot spray, feeling her muscles loosen. When she finished up, she squeezed the excess water from her hair and wrapped herself in a thick towel. She then exited the steamy bathroom and crossed the cool hallway, freezing mid-stride once she saw Rick at the top of the stairs.
Immobilized, he stared, drinking in her appearance, before shaking his head and continuing down the hallway toward her. “I was wondering if you wanted a glass of wine?”
He held out a glass of red as she dripped water on the hallway runner. She tilted her head to the side, puzzled by his nonchalance.
“Thank you.”
She took a sip and watched him over the rim, feeling his eyes rake over her towel-wrapped body.
“You’re welcome,” he replied, voice gruff.
Leaving her bedroom door open in invitation as she entered, she flicked on her light and waited, hoping he would follow. After an interminable pause, he appeared in the doorway.
“Rachael?”
Turning back, she raised her eyebrows, saying nothing as she took another long sip of wine, leaving the choice entirely up to him.
He walked into the room and crossed to her, taking her wine glass and setting it down on the dresser. Her skin heated at his nearness. She licked a stray drop of wine from her lower lip, and he watched, fascinated.
“I . . .” he trailed off, then cleared his throat and began again. “I’ll give you some time to get dressed. I’ll wait for you downstairs.”
Nodding, she watched him retreat into the hall. Rachael was disappointed, but anticipation curved her mouth. This was good. She imagined him talking to the dogs as he cooked. Was he picturing her too?
She took her time getting ready, blowing out her hair and applying a light amount of makeup. Surveying her closet, she settled on a flowy red cotton skirt and a blue t-shirt. The combination felt appropriately festive for the holiday weekend.
When she at last returned downstairs, smoke was wafting from the patio grill and a variety of delicious scents assailed her from the pots simmering on the stove.
Wow.
Joining him on the patio, Rachael noted the juicy steaks on the grill, beautiful cuts of rich red meat. “Looks good,” she said, surprising him for a change.
Rick looked her up and down hungrily. “Not as good as you.”
She couldn’t stop the blush that rose, and shivered, excited to see where this was going.
Olive and Martini sat at his feet, watching him adoringly. They didn’t even glance her way. “What’s going on here?” she asked, nodding at them.
“Nothing,” he said, sounding far too innocent.
Martini licked his chops and kept an eye on the grill.
“Uh-huh.” She glanced at the side tray and saw tiny strips of steak cut up. “Buying their love?”
He laughed and tossed another small piece to each of them. “Theirs is easy. Humans on the other hand . . .” he trailed off and took a drink of water. “I forgot to grab a platter. Do you have one handy?”
She returned to the kitchen to hunt down Dad’s platters and watched Rick through the window, chatting animatedly with the dogs, tugging at her heartstrings.
That’s not cute at all. Definitely not.
Handing him the white tray, he flipped the cooked steaks onto it, the charred lines perfectly crisscrossing the cuts.
“Go sit down.” He nudged her toward the kitchen door.
He filled two plates with steak, sweet potatoes, asparagus, fresh green beans, and grilled onions. He pointed to the dishes on the table already. “Cucumber salad, brown sugar, butter, a few sauces for the steak.”
Dang.
She dug into the meal with gusto, entertaining him with her appetite.
“I would never have figured you for a big eater. Where does the food go?” he asked.
“I try not to question it.” Rachael shrugged. “Someday my metabolism will slow, or so I’m told. But I keep watching my mom, and she hasn’t shown a sign of it yet.”
He took another bite of his steak, and she noticed two furry tails swishing beside his chair. “Martini! Olive! What are you doing?”
They slunk down and moved farther under the table.
“Busted. Sorry pals.” He chuckled.
“W
hat are you up to with my dogs?”
“Nothing that concerns you,” he said teasingly.
“Sure, sure, Mr. Vet,” she groaned, picking up her wine. “This is amazing, Rick. Where did you learn to cook like this?”
“My mom. She always had me in the kitchen with her, helping with recipes and testing out new dishes. All the barbecues and cookouts, dinner parties, brunches. If she was cooking, I was cooking.”
“Is she a cook?”
He quirked his lips. “She’s a chemist by profession, but an experimental chef at heart. Some of our meals were more, ah, adventurous than others.”
“What about your dad?”
“A physician. Or as he’d say, a real doctor.” He grimaced.
“That’s quite the family.”
“Well, they’re not the Ellers, but then who is?”
“Touché,” she laughed.
Swallowing another bite of sweet potato, he grinned. “My parents were a little older when they had me. I was a bit of a midlife surprise for them. They weren’t exactly the parenting kind. But, for the most part, they always supported my decisions and we actually get along better now that I live out here.”
She wrinkled her nose. “I can’t imagine living far away from my family.”
“I can’t imagine living close to mine.”
Rachael sliced into her tender steak, absorbing this and again thanking her good fortune for having the family she did. “You don’t miss it? Having family around, your hometown?”
“Of course. I miss my friends and the convenience of popping in to see Mom and Dad on occasion. Strangely, I really miss the food. Sometimes I get a hankering for some real barbecue. You’d love Pappy’s,” he said, closing his eyes to savor the remembered flavors of home, “and Imo’s ravioli.”
“That I can totally appreciate,” she said, hoping she’d get the chance to go with him sometime.
Her phone vibrated on the counter and she ignored it, keeping her attention focused on Rick.
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