The Magnolia Sisters

by Michelle Major

  Gray simply didn’t allow that to be an issue. He introduced her as his friend, an odd term given their short, combustible history together. No one contradicted his assessment, and Avery slowly slid into the role, finding it fit like a comfortable pair of slippers. She might think he was hot as all get-out. Her body practically hummed with appreciation when the fabric of his T-shirt pulled tight over his chest, but she still managed to relax around him. And Avery typically wasn’t great at relaxing.

  “One more try,” he told her as she turned from the glass milk jugs positioned in front of a backdrop painted to look like a snowy mountain scene. They’d been playing arcade games on the fair’s midway for the past half hour. Gray had easily won three prizes in a row at the ring toss. Spot seemed as excited as Avery at the new stuffed animals, but Avery wanted to win something for herself, caught up in the adrenaline of Gray’s victory.

  “It’s hopeless,” she said with a sigh. “I have no skill.”

  Gray put another dollar on the counter and the high school kid working the booth placed four more plastic rings in front of Avery. “You just need to get the right motion.”

  She stifled a laugh and glanced up at him. “Clearly you’re an expert.”

  “As a matter of fact...” He gave her an exaggerated wink. “Face forward.”

  She turned toward the back of the booth, where the milk jugs had been lined up in neat rows. The object of the game was to flip the ring over a bottle’s neck. A group of preteen boys played next to her, cheering and egging each other on as their plastic rings clattered to the ground. So far only one of them had managed to place three of the four rings over the necks of the bottles in a single turn in order to win a prize. One athletically inclined looking boy and Gray. He’d won at every game she’d challenged him to, and his easy confidence was both appealing and annoying as hell.

  He grabbed the four rings in one large hand and stepped closer to her. His front pressed against her back. The scent of his soap and minty gum enveloped her and her body heated for a reason that had nothing to do with the heat and humidity of the day.

  “You can’t possibly think this is going to help me concentrate,” she said, her voice unnaturally husky.

  He chuckled into her ear. “It’s all in the wrist action.”

  “So says the master,” she murmured.

  “Focus,” he whispered, which felt impossible with his warm breath tickling her neck.

  He dropped a ring into her hand, then encircled her wrist with two fingers. “Stay loose and make the toss gentle.”

  Avery was too busy trying to keep her knees from buckling to worry about anything else at the moment. He showed her the motion he wanted her to mimic. Sparks zipped along her skin at the feel of his calloused hand covering hers.

  “Now, toss,” he said.

  She released the first ring and it arced through the air with far more grace than her previous tries. To her utter surprise, it landed on one of the milk jugs in the center, slipping over the bottle’s neck as if there’d been no question of the outcome.

  “I did it.” She started to turn, but Gray held her fast.

  “One down,” he said. “Two more to go.”

  He stayed at her back for the second toss, which clinked against the rim of a bottle but still slid into place.

  The third toss landed between two bottles, but when Gray pressed the final ring into her palm, Avery was determined to make it count.

  “I’ve got this,” she murmured, more to herself than him. Gray pulled away slightly, and her body immediately wanted to protest. Instead she closed her eyes and visualized the motion of the ring soaring toward its target, then opened them again and tossed it into the air.

  She held her breath for the seconds it took the ring to drop onto the neck of the third bottle. “That’s three,” she said, pumping her fists in the air.

  “Nice, lady,” the teenager working the booth told her as the pack of boys groaned and gave each other grief about being beaten by a chick. “Pick your prize.”

  “The bear,” she said. Her grin widened as he handed her the stuffed animal with the bow tied around its neck.

  She turned to Gray, only to find him huddled with the boys. There were four of them, each with his eyes cast to the ground. After a moment, Gray nodded and the boys approached her.

  “Good job with your toss,” the tallest said. “And not because you’re a chic—” He paused when one of his buddies smacked him on the arm. “Because you’re a lady.”

  “Yeah,” another boy agreed, adjusting the bill of his baseball cap. “It was just good.”

  “Thanks,” she said as Spot trundled forward to sniff the row of grungy sneakers.

  “Can I pet your dog?” baseball cap boy asked.

  Avery opened her mouth to explain that Spot didn’t belong to her, then simply said, “Spot’s a girl and she’d love to be petted.”

  The boys crouched down for the flop and roll routine while Gray winked at her. “Nice teddy bear.”

  “It’s for you,” she told him.

  He blinked. “You won me a bear?”

  “You can give it to Violet.” She gestured to the three stuffed animals he’d won over the course of the morning, all of which he’d handed to her. “I’ve got plenty.”

  As the boys finished loving on Spot and wandered off, she stepped closer to Gray. His cheeks were suddenly tinged with pink.

  “Are you blushing?”

  He grabbed the stuffed bear from her outstretched hand. “I don’t blush.”

  “Except you are.” She picked up the prizes he’d given her. “It’s cute.”

  “Firefighters are manly and hot,” he countered, sounding affronted. “Not cute.”

  “You’re cute,” she said with a laugh.

  “Supporting the local economy,” Malcolm Grimes said as he stepped into their path. “Just what I like to see at Summer Fair.”

  “Hey, Mal.” Gray shook the mayor’s hand. “Another success on your hands.”

  “I try.” Mal lifted the straw hat from his bald head and waved it like a fan in front of his face. “I must admit I’m looking forward to things cooling off when the sun goes down later.”

  “I’ll be back in my air-conditioned apartment by then,” Avery told him. “Preferably on the couch with a glass of wine.”

  “But you’ll be back for the fireworks tomorrow?” Mal arched a thick brow. “You know, one of your father’s most popular paintings depicted the town’s annual fireworks display.”

  “I’m familiar with it.” Irritation pricked at the bubble of happiness that had surrounded her during her time with Gray. When she’d first received the letter revealing her father’s identity, she’d spent a hazy night with a bottle of Grey Goose, trolling the internet for information on Niall. She’d scrolled through pages that displayed the images of his most prominent works. Had there been a fireworks scene among the hoards of mawkish paintings? Maybe. “I’ll try to make it back,” she said, knowing she sounded noncommittal. “I’ve got... There are... I’ll try.”

  “Busy schedule?” Mal asked, his tone laced with amusement. She had a feeling she wasn’t fooling the mayor for one moment.

  “Did Lucas talk to you about the chili cook-off he’s planning for Labor Day? We’d love to have Mayor Mal there as a celebrity judge.”

  “I’m always available for a good cause.” Malcolm looked over Avery’s shoulder. “Betsy Perkins and Norma Hall are arguing about how much sugar to put in the sweet tea. I’ve got to go.”

  “Mayor and mediator,” Gray said with a laugh. “Your work is never done.”

  “True enough.” Mal tipped his hat. “There’s a band tomorrow night, too,” he told Avery. “If you’re here, save me a place on your dance card.”

  “I will.”

  She turned to Gray when Malcolm moved past them. “
Thanks for the change of subject. It’s still strange that people think I should be so honored to be Niall Reed’s daughter.”

  “He’s a big deal in Magnolia.”

  “You think?” she asked, deadpan.

  He waved the stuffed animal she’d given him in front of her. “Watch the sarcasm, woman. Or my attack bear will get you.”

  Suddenly, Spot leapt from the ground, growling and nipping at the toy’s fluffy feet.

  Avery laughed. “Looks like I’ve got my own guard dog. Sic ’em, Spot.”

  “Finally Grayson Atwell has met his match,” a deep voice said from behind her.

  Avery looked over her shoulder to see a couple approaching, the man in the same blue button-down and dark pants that Gray wore. The woman had long auburn hair and beautiful olive-toned skin. She was petite other than her adorably rounded belly, clearly signaling the third trimester of pregnancy.

  Spot continued to bark, so Avery scooped her up to soothe her. She assumed the man referred to the dog, although his assessing gaze traveled between Avery and Gray.

  “Not funny as usual,” Gray said, smiling broadly. “Avery, these are my friends Lucas and Jennie Michaels. Lucas has no sense of humor but he’s a damn fine firefighter. Jennie is his far better half.”

  “More like my better three quarters now,” Lucas said. Avery laughed when his wife gave him a playful shove.

  “Don’t make pregnancy jokes,” she told him. “Or you’ll force me to agree with Gray about your humor.”

  “You know it makes me happy to have more of you to love.” Lucas wrapped his arms around Jennie, who let out a squeak of protest.

  “More of me to love,” she muttered before smiling at Avery. “Did he just say that out loud?”

  “Unfortunately,” Avery confirmed. “I’m Avery Keller. I’m...” She glanced at Gray.

  “Oh, honey.” Jennie extracted herself from her husband’s embrace. “We know who you are.” She gave Avery a tight hug. “I’m sorry your dad was a piece of crap.”

  Lucas laughed. “Jen. Boundaries.”

  The apparently feisty brunette waved away her husband’s concern. “I’m pregnant. I get a pass on boundaries due to hormones.” She squeezed Avery’s shoulders. “I was also raised by a single mom, so I get deadbeat dads, although yours was one for the ages.”

  Avery felt Gray shift closer, as if he wasn’t sure how she’d respond to Jennie’s blunt words. “Truer words were never spoken,” she said, nodding. She would have taken Jennie’s honesty over the artificial kindness she’d received from Annalise Haverford.

  “It’s nice to meet you,” Lucas said, tugging his wife back a few steps and offering his hand to Avery. “Your dog is cute.”

  “Thanks.” Avery shook his hand, unable to help noticing how handsome Gray’s friend was. Lucas was an inch or so shorter than Gray and had dark blond hair cut short. His features were ruggedly handsome, with dark eyes and a strong jaw. He looked like a man whose alter ego could have been a comic-book superhero, but his smile remained so friendly and open that his attractiveness almost took a back seat. “She’s not really my dog, though. I’m just fostering her for a few weeks and then she’ll go up for adoption.”

  “Really?” Jennie reached out a hand for Spot to sniff, and the dog’s pink tongue darted out for an approving lick. “My grandma’s golden retriever died last year, and she’s been wanting to get a smaller dog. She doesn’t get around as well these days.”

  “Oh...” Avery’s stomach twisted. “Spot has a bit of a weight problem so might be a better fit for someone active. I mean—”

  “We could take her,” Jennie interjected without missing a beat. “I’ll be at home more once the baby is born.”

  “A baby and a new dog?” Lucas laughed. “I’m blaming that idea on pregnancy hormones, too.”

  Avery gripped Spot a little tighter, ignoring the dog’s wiggling. “She’s not ready for a permanent home yet,” she told the couple. “There’s time to decide.”

  “You look great, Jen.” Gray stepped forward, once again managing to change the subject when he knew it was difficult for her. “How are you feeling?”

  Jennie patted her belly. “Like I’m brewing up a baby orca instead of a little girl.”

  Gray threw back his head and laughed. “I hope she has your personality.”

  “Fighting words,” Lucas muttered but Avery could tell he was deeply in love with his wife. He dropped a kiss on Jennie’s head. “Just joking, sweetheart. I hope our daughter has your spirit and your beauty.”

  “And your sleep habits,” Jennie told him with a wink, then turned to Avery and Gray. “We’re heading over to the funnel cake stand. I do love eating for two. Some of the other wives reserved tables near the bandstand. Want to join us?”

  “I need to head out,” Gray answered before Avery had a chance to say anything. “I told Avery I’d give her a ride home.”

  They said their goodbyes, with Jennie entering her number into Avery’s cell phone and insisting that they get together another time.

  “Fire station friends are really like family?” Avery and Gray curved off the main path of pedestrian traffic and walked across a less crowded section of the park. “I knew that’s how it was in the movies...”

  “Lucas and I go way back. He and Jennie have been through a lot together. I like seeing him this happy.”

  “You don’t have to give me a ride anywhere,” Avery said, suddenly feeling self-conscious, like she’d inadvertently inserted herself into a tableau where she didn’t belong. As easy as it was to hang out with Gray, she was still an outsider here. There were probably way more Annalises in this town than Jennies, and either way Magnolia was a temporary stop.

  “Actually...” Gray ran a hand through his hair. “I’m the one who’s without a car. I walked to the fire station this morning. If it’s a problem, I can walk back to the—”

  “I’ll give you a ride.” Avery suddenly didn’t want to be alone. Even if she could capture a few more minutes with Gray, she’d take it. “It’s the least I can do to thank you for this day. I had a great time.”

  “Me, too,” he said, his hand brushing hers as they walked.

  Butterflies flitted along Avery’s skin. She had it bad for this man and had a feeling that could only lead to trouble for them both.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  GRAY PAUSED IN the act of chopping vegetables to watch Avery emerge from the guest cottage and walk across the lawn toward his back door. Spot trotted along next to her, and she grinned as the dog made to chase a squirrel, then retreated behind her when the squirrel charged instead of running.

  He’d invited her for dinner, both because he hated being alone on nights Violet stayed with her mom and also for the simple pleasure of Avery’s full-of-contradictions company. He enjoyed her far too much.

  It didn’t mean anything, he reminded himself. She was safe, in Magnolia temporarily and happy to wear that fact like a neon sign. The connection he felt could be chalked up to physical attraction, or so he wanted to believe.

  There was no denying her appeal. Tonight she wore a pair of loose-fitting jeans that hung low on her slim hips and a thin tank top that skimmed her body. She’d pulled her hair back, although loose tendrils escaped to frame her face. The sun waned, and it had cooled off measurably from earlier. But the humidity remained high enough to keep the air sticky. As much as he liked to eat on the back patio, he’d set two places at the kitchen table, grateful for the central air he’d installed in the house when he bought it after the divorce.

  She glanced toward his kitchen window at that moment, like he’d drawn her gaze to him with the force of his need. He could almost feel her breath hitch as she lifted a tentative hand to wave.

  At least he wasn’t the only one oddly nervous about tonight.

  “That’s quite a brave guard cow you’ve got,” he s
aid with a grin as he opened the back door.

  “Did you see the cojones on that squirrel?” Avery asked as she followed Spot up the stairs. “It was traumatic even for me.”

  Gray chuckled. “No cute clothes tonight?”

  Her blue eyes widened for a second before she relaxed again. “You’re talking about Spot.”

  He stepped back to let her into the kitchen. “Yes, but you look beautiful as always if you were interested in a compliment.”

  “I’m not.”

  “Liar.”

  She shot him a glare that made him laugh again.

  “All those women lusting after you at the parade has gone to your head.”

  “I could care less about ‘all those’ women.” He pulled two wineglasses from the cabinet. “White or red?”

  “White, please. What about your ex-wife?”

  He paused, his fingers tightening on the refrigerator door handle. He didn’t want to talk about Stacy. His failed marriage was a subject that even his closest friends didn’t bother to bring up at this point.

  “What about her?” He made sure his tone stayed neutral.

  “Do you still love her?”

  “Wow. I haven’t even poured the wine, and already we’re going heavy.”

  “I’m sorry.” Avery bit down on her lower lip, pink coloring her cheeks. “It’s none of my business. Forget I asked.”

  “Don’t worry about it.” He drew in a breath, surprised to find his stomach wasn’t clenching at the thought of discussing the demise of his marriage. “We wanted different things.” He uncorked the wine and poured the gold liquid into the two glasses. “Or more specifically, she wanted something different. Someone who wasn’t me.”

  “I find that hard to believe,” she said with a laugh.

  He handed her the glass of wine, arching a brow in question.

  “First...” She took a long drink, then held up her free hand, one finger at time. “You’ve got the whole hot firefighter thing going for you. That’s sexy as hell for lots of women.”