by Tanya Agler
“You’ll count your lucky stars someday and place moving to Hollydale atop your list of blessings.” Belinda gave a curt nod for emphasis.
Why was everyone assuming he was moving here? “I’m just visiting.”
“We’ll see.” Belinda handed him the cake carrier, and she bobbed her head, her hair not moving an inch. “My daughter moved back recently. Smartest thing she’s done in years. You don’t seem like a dumb chicken to me. You’ll come to your senses.”
“Thanks.” It came out more like a question than an acknowledgment, and he cleared his throat. “Lemon coconut’s my favorite.”
A sly smile spread over her square face. “Good. Best news I’ve had all day.” She turned toward Natalie. “You know where to return the carrier. See you on the Fourth, if not before.”
Belinda marched away, and Aidan found himself at a loss for words. He glanced at the volunteers, who appeared to be fighting a losing battle not to laugh. They saw him and hastily went back to assembling their parts of the float.
Natalie’s musical laugh brought him back to earth. “Mattie and Ethan will be so disappointed Caleb turned down Mayor Wes first.”
“I’m not following what Lucie’s family has to do with this.” His mouth watered at the sight of the cake now resting on the wooden table in front of Natalie. “Why bring them up?”
Natalie patted the bench and he settled next to her. Her sweet strawberry scent almost knocked him off the bench, and he narrowed in on the cake.
“Lucie told me Mayor Wes approached Caleb about accepting the position of pie judge first. Her new husband turned him down before Mayor Wes finished the question.” Natalie swung her legs the other way and stared at the cake. “The twins will be upset Caleb said no, thereby depriving them of the chance to receive Belinda’s and Hyacinth’s bounty of baked goodies. They love Belinda’s cakes.”
The pieces of the puzzle clicked. “So they weren’t welcoming me to Hollydale? These are bribes.” Where’s the mayor’s office? Committing to something was one thing. Committing to something with strings attached changed everything. “This wasn’t part of the deal.”
He began to rise, and she reached out, her hand winding around his arm. Her presence touched something inside him best buried. “Hold on.” She released him, and he missed her connection immediately. She unlatched the sides of the carrier and opened the lid, the smell of lemon and sugar enticing and sweet. “One thing you should know about Belinda and Hyacinth. They may want that blue ribbon, but they’re honest to a fault. Neither one of them has a dishonest bone in her body. Devious, yes. Dishonest, no.”
Aidan accepted his fate, knowing he was up to the challenge. He’d survived fifteen years in the military; he could handle the likes of Hyacinth and Belinda. “Okay, I won’t back down. By the way, you and Danny can come over tonight for dessert. I have plenty.”
“I’ll make you a deal. You’re still staying at the Eight Gables, aren’t you?”
“Until Monday, but there’s a reception area where we can share the cake.”
“How about you come to dinner tonight at my house instead? There’ll be more than plenty. The invitation especially stands if you bring the cakes for dessert.”
It would beat eating takeout alone in his room. “What time?”
“Six works for me.” Natalie glanced in one direction and then the other. Then she tapped his arm, a playful expression brightening her face. “When was the last time you did something for the sheer fun of it? Other than the swings the other day, of course.”
Why did Natalie keep harping on him having fun? Fun wasn’t going to get that float accomplished or prepare Danny as he grew up.
“Do I come off as stuffy or something?” He shifted in his seat. If he was going to take on the role of guardian uncle, an air of formidability was a necessity.
“A little.” The admission was wormed out of her as though she hated to admit it. “But your demeanor has nothing to do with what I’m about to do. Belinda’s cakes are legendary around here.” She dipped her finger into the coconut icing on the side of the cake and then licked it off. Bliss radiated from her face as she closed her eyes, obviously savoring the deed. Then she opened her eyes and laughed. “Mmm, delicious. I couldn’t resist. I dare you to try the frosting, although I don’t think you’ll take me up on it.”
His finger darted out and swiped a swath of frosting before he smoothed their indentations over. One taste and he was hooked. “You’re right. That is good. I won’t tell Danny we did that if you don’t.”
“Deal.”
She licked her lips and missed a speck of coconut that still lingered next to her mouth. His gaze was drawn to her pink luscious lips. He swallowed the urge to kiss her. Kiss her? Where had that thought come from? One surprise after another greeted him, and the biggest surprise of all was sitting next to him, making him lose his equilibrium. Getting involved with Natalie would be trouble, and he had enough going on in his life. He made the mistake of meeting her gaze. Her eyes widened, and the air around them stilled. Natalie leaned forward as if she sensed the same feelings and was willing to act on them.
For Danny’s sake, he staunched the attraction flowing through him. Romance was part of his future, once he was settled with a safe job and a house.
He jumped off the bench. “Don’t want to ruin my dinner. I’ll get back to measuring. Measure twice, cut once.” He never babbled, yet words were flowing from his mouth like raging rapids. He stepped backward and almost stumbled where the concrete gave way to grass.
“Somehow, I think I’ve managed to ruffle the unruffable Major Murphy.” She stole another glance at the cake before looking at him. “Don’t forget. Bring both cakes. I’ll work up an appetite with all this work, and Danny’s always hungry.”
Her blue eyes twinkled again, and he appreciated her attempt to put this back on firmer ground. He’d go along with that. “The way you say that, I’m not sure if you’re inviting me or my cakes.”
“A girl has to have some secrets.” She winked and then sent an adoring glance toward the cake. “Decisions, decisions. Red velvet or lemon coconut? I’ll be wavering all day.”
He recognized the opportunity for a quick getaway and picked up the measuring tape. Snapping out the first foot, he was certain of one thing.
One taste of Natalie’s lips, and he’d be hooked.
CHAPTER EIGHT
WITH ONLY A few minutes until closing time, Aidan exited the water utility office in Hollydale’s City Hall. Frustrated, he shut the door with a little too much force and the glass window rattled. Coming in person hadn’t yielded the results he wanted. He would have liked to have moved out of the bed-and-breakfast sooner to be closer to Danny, but Monday was still the earliest the water and gas would operate at Shelby’s.
At least he hadn’t canceled his remaining nights at Eight Gables. Besides, Ginny’s afternoon scones were delicious, so good he’d have to resume his morning runs soon. He turned toward the exit that would lead him out to Main Street.
“Major Murphy!”
Mayor Wes stopped him in his tracks. He turned and saw the tall man striding toward him. “You found me.”
Should he mention Hyacinth’s and Belinda’s gifts that bordered on bribes? “Mayor Wes, there’s something you should know about the pie contest.”
“All in good time. Let’s make ourselves comfortable, shall we? Have a minute?” Aidan hadn’t nodded before the mayor steered him in the opposite direction. “My office is this way.”
Before Aidan knew any better, the mayor’s assistant handed him a bottle of water and he was ensconced in a comfortable padded chair near the impressive chestnut desk.
“Thanks for the water.” He uncapped the bottle and took a sip. “You treat your pie judges well. Speaking of judging, in full disclosure—”
“Our city manager is retiring, but he has to hold on a lit
tle longer for his complete pension to kick in. He needs his health benefits, too.” The mayor steepled his fingers, genuine concern on his face, so Aidan decided to hear him out. “For the most part, that hasn’t been a problem. However, there is one situation that’s come up, other than the pie judging, that is.”
“About Hyacinth and Belinda, there’s something you should know—”
Once again, getting a word in proved impossible. “Any security detail in your training?”
Was the mayor serious? One look at the discerning eyes in the jovial face proved he was. “Yes, sir.”
“Good.” The mayor shuffled some papers and produced a business card. “Here’s Bob Woodley’s info. We have a project I bet is up your alley. It concerns the security details for the parade route. I’d like a consultant’s view of the weaknesses before the tourists arrive. They start arriving about now and continue until the last leaf falls off our trees. We have a smaller group of visitors trickle back in the winter for the snow resort ten miles away.”
Aidan accepted the card with some trepidation. “Wouldn’t a job like this require bids? Background checks? Detailed strategies?”
The mayor snapped his fingers. “Knew you were the man for the job. This is only a minor temporary assignment but a vital one. You’ll review the latest police report for strengths and weaknesses.”
“I’ve worked in security, but I’m more geared toward linguistics.”
“Good. An extra set of eyes on a security plan never hurts.” The mayor reached for his reusable water bottle and took a long swig. “Woodley’s at the station now, coordinating the parade route and logistics with the new sheriff, Mike Harrison. Woodley’s expecting you, and he’ll get you set up.”
Aidan leaned back, perplexed at how he was getting more and more caught up in the town’s web. Then again, having a side project might keep his mind busy and help him cope with all he had to do in the upcoming month: going through Shelby’s belongings, listing her house and the downtown building, and planning activities with Danny.
“I’ll need clearance from my commanding officer.” Aidan leaned forward and tapped Woodley’s business card on the desk.
“Of course.” The mayor scribbled something down and handed him another business card. “Here’s my private contact information. Your commanding officer can get in touch with me directly. Sheriff Mike Harrison will give you the paperwork you need for clearances and fingerprint you.”
Considering the mayor always seemed to be flying by the seat of his pants, this was thought out and well-planned.
“About Belinda and Hyacinth.” What would the mayor’s answer to this conundrum be?
“They’re great, aren’t they?”
“I think they’re bribing me.” Aidan winced at how silly those words sounded.
“Nonsense.” The mayor shook his head and waved his hand, dismissing Aidan’s concern. “Besides, the pies aren’t labeled. You won’t know who baked what. Good news is we’ve received other entries this year, too.” The mayor rose, moseyed around his desk and extended his hand. “What do you say? Are you on board?”
It would give his mind something to think about other than an attractive redhead. “Yes, sir.”
The handshake was brief, and the mayor went and sat at his desk. “Woodley’s expecting you.”
With his marching orders, Aidan was out the door and in the hallway in no time flat. Mayor Wes had played him like a fiddle and taken Aidan’s participation in this security venture for granted.
He wasn’t sure if he should be annoyed or flattered.
* * *
AIDAN PATTED HIS STOMACH, full of Natalie’s chicken fried steak and gravy. She wasn’t just pretty, kind and creative, but a good cook, too. Any cake would have to wait until after a little exercise.
He scooted his chair away from the table and smiled at his nephew. “Feel like getting outside in the fresh air for a walk?” He looked at the dishes still on the table, minus the ones Natalie had already started taking into the kitchen. “After we help with cleanup first.”
Aidan stacked bowls and placed them on his plate. Crossing the threshold into the kitchen, he almost bumped into Natalie. Her silky sundress brushed his skin. Her eyes widened before she hustled back into the kitchen and found containers for the leftovers.
He glanced around her kitchen. Colorful curtains in shades of purple and blue and bold patterns weren’t what most would expect in a breakfast nook, but the brightness suited her style. Her house burst with color in every shade of the rainbow, but it came together.
It looked like home.
She glanced over her shoulder as she turned on the faucet and poured dishwashing liquid into the water. “You’re right about getting out of the house and doing something. Fresh air sounds delightful.”
Danny joined them and scraped off his plate into the trash can. He wrinkled his nose. “Walking is boring.” His eyes lit up. “What about soccer? With Uncle Aidan on my team, I might be able to win.”
Natalie rinsed off her plate and reached for Aidan’s, their fingers touching. Even with her wet soapy fingers, the spark between them was palpable.
He pulled his hand away. “I have to warn you. I was on my high school soccer team. Maybe the two of you should play against me.”
Danny clutched at Aidan’s T-shirt, and Aidan looked down. “Aunt Natalie is really good.”
She shut off the water and turned toward them, reaching for a towel. Tonight she wore her hair up, and a few tendrils now graced the sides of her face. The effect was quite beautiful. “Thanks, Danny. However, I’m too self-conscious on a soccer field. How about baseball or basketball instead?”
Aidan’s curiosity was piqued. “What’s the deal about soccer? You owe me a detail about your life.”
“I didn’t know we were keeping score from the coffeehouse, but okay.” She sighed and threw the towel onto her counter. “My twin sister, Becks, played soccer professionally for a couple of years. She lives in California with her husband, Jack, and my baby niece, Pippa. I’m nowhere near her level, but you can’t grow up with Becks without learning a few moves. She always kept her attention focused on one sport. I liked to diversify, and I don’t take soccer as seriously as she does.”
That was fine with him. “That chicken fried steak was delicious, and the person who cooked that meal definitely gets to pick the game.”
“Thanks.” She washed the pot, and he picked up the towel from the counter and dried.
He liked the way they worked in tandem.
“What about basketball?” she asked.
“I’m not on any basketball teams. Sounds good to me, and I’m already wearing sneakers. What about you, Danny?”
Aidan placed the pot on the counter and watched Danny pump his fist. “Yes.”
Natalie put the pot in a drawer below the stove. “There’s a court at the elementary school a couple of blocks away. Five-minute walk, tops.” She turned toward Danny. “You and me on the same team?”
Danny nodded with too much emphasis for Aidan’s liking. Severing their connection might not be the positive remedy Aidan hoped it would be. Something akin to frustration bubbled up in him. This was supposed to be quick, easy and simple, none of which described Natalie.
He supposed the best way to get her out of his system was accepting his time here and then moving on. That was how he’d lived his life until now, and that had worked for him.
Except for the nights that felt empty.
“Where’s your basketball?”
Natalie thumped her chin and then snapped her fingers. “It’s in the garage. Danny knows where.” She glanced at her sandals and her floral sundress. The blue flowers against the pink background brought out the deep blue flecks in her eyes. “I’ll make a quick change and meet you there in ten minutes.”
He tried to keep his mind off the delicate fabric s
wooshing around her as she headed out of the kitchen. “Come on, Danny.” He held out his hand, happy of the reminder of who had to come first. Everything had to be about Danny for now.
His nephew led him into Natalie’s garage, boxes and bins lined up against the wall. Aidan was impressed at the organization.
Danny went to a clear tote and brought forth a basketball. When he tried to dribble, however, the ball stayed on the ground, a dent in one side, proof it had deflated. Danny’s face fell before it suddenly brightened again. “Mommy bought a ball last fall when I played with my friends. I scored six times, Uncle Aidan!” Danny searched him for signs of approval, and Aidan held up his hand for a high-five. Danny slapped his hand harder than anticipated. Danny’s smile proved he’d done the right thing, and Aidan breathed a sigh of relief.
He had so much to learn, and fast. “We’ll have to wait for Natalie to get into Shelby’s house.”
“I know the code for the garage. Come on.” Danny motioned with his hand, and Aidan texted Natalie to let her know where they were going.
They walked next door. Aidan hesitated in front of Shelby’s garage, unsure of why he stopped. He’d already been inside her house, so that wasn’t the issue. The box to punch in the numbers was out of Danny’s reach. Good thing the electricity was turned on. “What’s the code?”
“My birthday. It’s—”
“I know your birthday.” He’d missed that day as he’d been stationed in Afghanistan at the time, unable to procure leave for his nephew’s arrival. He punched zero-nine-zero-two into the keypad, and the whir of the motor filled the air. Shelby’s teal compact sat there as if waiting for its owner.
It would be too impractical to drive it cross-country, but he could return his rental now. He’d ask Woodley if he knew anyone who would buy it from him after Aidan left town. The city manager might be able to give him a lead.
Danny ran into the space and found the basketball. He bounced it up and down. “You’ll get hot in that shirt. Do you want one of my mommy’s shirts?”