by Carol Henry
“We’re going out on the yacht this afternoon. Join us?” Gavin suggested.
Not a good idea to spend more time outside office hours with him, and his family, in such intimate gatherings. Going out on his boat for business was one thing. This invitation was too personal. As much as she’d love to enjoy an afternoon at sea today, she needed to keep their relationship on a business level. Thankfully she had a ready excuse to fall back on. She had already accepted Jackie’s barbeque invitation.
“I’d love to, but I’ve been invited to my friend and her family’s for the evening. Thanks for the offer. Perhaps another time?”
“I’ll be out of the office most of the week. Don’t forget the end of season soccer get-together is Friday night.” He smiled, squeezed her shoulders, his hands firm, strong. His eyes held her in place for far too long to be comfortable. His lips lifted to one side. Those dimples… She wished she knew what he was thinking. She wanted to lean into him and find out if it was the same thing she was thinking. Wondering what it would be like if their lips did meet.
****
As soon as she entered the house, shut the front door, and was in the process of taking her jacket off, the phone rang. Jackie. It had to be Jackie. The woman had a sixth sense.
She read the caller ID and shook her head, then lifted the receiver.
“I didn’t want to use your cell phone in case you were otherwise involved with Mr. Gorgeous.” Jackie didn’t give her a chance to say hello. “So I took the chance you’d be home. It’s late. Where have you been?”
“It’s not late, and as you know, the family invited me to join them at Mariner’s for lunch. It was all very innocent. So how was your whale-watching excursion?”
“You’re changing the subject, girlfriend, and I want details.”
“Nothing to report.”
“Don’t believe you.”
“Jackie, Gavin is my boss. I’m not going to do anything to mess up my employment. I need the job if I want to move on without falling on my face again. This afternoon at the park, Eugenia McClintock’s speech floored me, yet it gave me hope. I don’t want to screw that up. It was as if she gave me a key to Lobster Cove while the whole town was watching.”
“Awesome. And long overdue.”
“I know. It’s a good beginning. It’s a first step in helping me start my own business.”
“But Mr. Gavin Redmond isn’t married. And as far as I’m aware, he isn’t attached. And he’s a war hero. I say go for it.”
“I’m not looking for a relationship. I need to get my life in order before I can even contemplate a relationship. I want to make it on my own. Start my own accounting business. It’s called earning your way in life. I don’t want to have to depend on a man, Jackie.”
“I know you are an honest person. I hope others can see the real you, too. Including Mr. Redmond. By the way, are you coming over tonight? Brad’s putting the ribs on the grill as we speak.”
“Give me a minute. I stopped home to change my clothes and grab a sweater.”
“Great. See you soon.”
Darn it. Jackie was sure to pounce on her the minute she arrived. Her friend had a way of grilling that had nothing to do with barbecuing.
****
Gavin sat back in the cushioned chair on the back of the family yacht and gazed across the wide expanse of the ocean, drink in hand, as his family settled in around him. What the hell was wrong with him? Kissing Nora Spears had been a mistake. It might have been a simple peck on the cheek, but after the urge to hold her while they were at the cemetery the other day, the emotions had intensified. It may have been a quick kiss, but once his lips touched her soft skin, he’d wanted more. Much more. He’d wanted to kiss her on the lips today. See if she responded the way he imagined, hoped, she would. Seeing her at the office everyday had his thoughts wandering, wanting to wrap his arms around her and hold her against his aching body.
Hell, hiring her had been a mistake.
Hell’s bells, it’d been too long since he’d held a woman in his arms, and despite Beth’s constant arranging meetings with women, girls, really, although tempting at times, he’d abstained. He was too busy rebuilding the family business. Too emotionally scarred by Celina’s death. He hadn’t been there for her in the beginning, hadn’t given his all in their relationship. He wasn’t capable of giving his all to any relationship in order to make it worthwhile. He wasn’t worthy of loving again.
As for Nora Spears? She was off limits. He wasn’t into office relationships. They never ended well. Although he’d detected a vibe coming from her, which led him to believe she was interested in him, he couldn’t let it get personal. Nora was an ideal employee, he didn’t want to lose her because he couldn’t control his hormones while she was in the same room. Good thing he was out of the office investigating cases and meeting with clients a good portion of the time. And as for her working closely with the McClintocks? Eugenia McClintock had released the stigma of Nora’s connection from the equation. He hadn’t been worried about it to begin with. As far as he was concerned, after finding out the facts, Nora had been the victim.
It was providence that she wasn’t able to join them this afternoon. His mother would have gotten the wrong impression of their relationship. It was strictly business—nothing more.
He probably shouldn’t have invited her to the soccer bash on Friday.
“So, dear brother, what has you so deep in contemplations? Not Ms. Spears, I hope,” Bethany asked as she sat in the cushioned seat next to him, a glass of wine in one hand and a Home Beautiful magazine in the other.
“None of your business. Just relaxing. How about you? Still working on redecorating your home?”
Not only had Beth been working on his love life this past year, she’d been trying to get him to redecorate his home along with her own house. She thought putting a new face on his home would help him get over his wife’s death faster, change things up in an effort to drive her memory out of his home. He hadn’t wanted to change a thing. Celina had had excellent taste. There was no reason to destroy the artistic ambiance she had created, turning a house into a home.
“Ed thinks we should install a therapeutic hot tub off the family room. Set up the exercise area he’s been talking about for so long.”
“I’m sure he could use it after his daily shift on the force.”
“What about you? You could use some relaxing, too. Although, I think you could do with a party-type hot tub.”
“Don’t go there. I’m not looking to entertain anyone in a hot tub, let alone a ‘party.’ I’m too old for that sort of activity. Besides, I have the bay and the ocean right on my doorstep. I have enough water in my work day.”
“You’re hiding yourself in your work. You need to let go, move on. Why won’t you at least get out more? Have some fun? See other people?”
“I see people. I meet with clients, have lunch with them, and go out on their boats.”
“That’s not what I mean, and you know it. I’m talking about women. Dating. Getting back in the game. Don’t you want to get married again, have a family?”
“Haven’t thought about it.” Nora’s face popped into his mental vision. He blinked to dispel the image.
“It’s time you did. You’re in your prime. Still time to find someone, have a kid or two.”
“Bethany, you’re overstepping. You know how I feel about kids.”
“Yes. You love them. I know you were disappointed when you discovered Celina wasn’t able to have kids.”
“I wasn’t disappointed. I loved Celina regardless of whether or not she could have babies. Had she not been so ill, we would have adopted. Besides, I’m happy working with the Wounded Warriors and their families and children. Especially helping to coach soccer.”
“It’s not the same, and you know it.”
“It’s rewarding coaching and watching the young ones kick a soccer ball around the field or swing a bat. I enjoy spending time with them while their parents,
who aren’t able to get in on the action, are at least able to support them by showing up and watching from the bench when they can. What about you?” He turned the tables on her, taking the focus away from him. “Don’t you want a family? A couple of kids of your own?”
“We’re working on it.”
Beth’s smile spread across her face. Gavin was sure her eyes sparkled behind her sunglasses.
“How does Ed feel?”
“He’s enjoying working on it as much as I am.”
“More information than I need to know.”
“I’m due for a checkup next week. Fingers crossed we’re already in the family way. But don’t mention a word of it to Mom. I want to be the one to surprise her if it’s positive. She’ll be tickled, I know.”
“Mum’s the word.”
Chapter Nine
The fire hall parking lot was full to overflowing Friday night as Nora pulled in. She circled the station, looking for a place to park. Not finding any, she almost changed her mind and decided not to attend the end of season soccer picnic. But as she pulled out onto Main Street, she found a spot, pulled in, and parked before she had a chance to change her mind.
Smoke from the barbeque pit circled overhead and filled the air with the spicy aroma of roasted chicken as she made her way to the side lawn. Kids were in the field playing soccer, while farther over others were playing volleyball. Several adults were engaged in a game of horseshoes. She walked past a long row of tables already piled high with an assortment of salads, fruits, vegetables, and desserts undercover of the pavilion. A white party tent was set up next to the pavilion where she spotted Jackie and a few of the other mothers setting tables.
“What can I do to help?” she asked as she joined Jackie.
“Just putting the finishing touches on the tables. The others have the food tables ready to go as soon as the chicken comes off the grill. Hang out and relax. Even the kids are already having a ball—pardon the pun.”
“There must be something I can do. You know me. I can’t sit still for long.”
“Why don’t you check on the drinks, see if Tasha needs help making more lemonade? The kids will be thirsty after running all over the field. Or you can go see how the chicken is coming. I believe Gavin is one of the men grilling.”
“Don’t start,” Nora chided Jackie.
“What? He did invite you, right?”
“Not in the way you mean. He suggested I come. I wouldn’t have come if it weren’t for you and the boys.”
“You can believe that if you want to, but I know better. Don’t look now, but I think he just spotted you. If that smile on his face means anything, he’s happy you came.”
Nora tried not to be obvious as she looked toward the barbeque pit. Sure enough, Gavin was smiling at her. He nodded in acknowledgement and then went back to tending the chicken. His smile curled her toes. Wearing a white bib apron and oversize oven mitts clear up to his elbows, he assisted Brad in turning the racks. He looked every bit as domestic as the others. And handsome as all get-out.
Jackie nudged her shoulder and smiled.
“Stop it,” Nora chided again, then turned and made her way over to the pavilion where Natasha was lining up cups of lemonade for the kids.
Half an hour later, someone blew a whistle, and the kids stampeded toward the food. Nora waited for the line to dwindle before filling her plate and joining Jackie and Brad under the tent.
“Where are the boys?” she asked.
“Eating with their friends. A few of them decided to go sit over next to the bay and enjoy the sunshine.”
“And to get away from the adults, I’m sure,” Brad said.
“Mind if I join you?” a deep, sexy voice asked. Gavin stood next to her, laid his plate on the table, and pulled out a chair. He sat, not waiting for her answer.
She kept her eyes on her plate. She wasn’t going to look up at Jackie. She knew she’d see an I-told-you-so grin on her friend’s face.
“Glad you decided to come today,” Gavin said, lifting his glass of lemonade and taking a hearty drink.
“It’s great to see all the kids having fun regardless of whose team they’re on, and who won more games.”
“They’re a great bunch of kids,” he said before taking a bite out of his chicken, then licking his fingers.
“I second that,” Brad said. “Although I might be a bit partial to my boys.”
“A bit?” Jackie laughed. “What an understatement.”
Nora enjoyed their banter. She’d always envied Jackie her family life, a loving husband and two adorable yet energetic boys. An only child, she’d always dreamed of having children one day. She had come to the conclusion it wasn’t going to happen anytime soon. Instead, she had concentrated on her career.
“They’re great boys,” Gavin joined the conversation. “I enjoy working with them.”
“You must love to work with kids,” Jackie said. “One or two at a time is a handful. Working with a whole team of them at the same time must be exhausting.”
“Building on the budding adults of tomorrow can be rewarding. I enjoy their enthusiasm, dedication, and teamwork.”
“In other words, you love kids.” Jackie looked over at Nora and smiled.
She was pretty sure Gavin was looking at her from the corners of his eyes. The fact they both loved kids and neither of them had any children yet didn’t go unnoticed but thankfully remained unspoken. Nora’s heart beat at a rapid pace. If they didn’t change the subject within the next few minutes, she was going to find some excuse to leave the table.
“This chicken is delicious, even if I do say so myself,” Brad said. “Slaving over those hot grills paid off.”
“You always do a mean barbeque,” Jackie agreed and nudged him with her shoulder.
“It is delicious,” Nora, finally able to speak, agreed, licking sauce from her fingers. “You guys must have gotten up pretty early to get the grills going.”
“Actually, the firemen were here early and got the coals going for us,” Gavin said. “A few of the soccer parents are volunteer firemen, so they pitched in, too.”
“Don’t forget their wives are in the auxiliary and coordinated all the food,” Jackie added. “It’s a community effort. It’s what I love about small communities like Lobster Cove.”
Nora was beginning to feel a part of the community, thanks to Eugenia McClintock’s declaration the other day. And now, being accepted at today’s picnic, she was hopeful things were changing for the better.
Gavin and Brad were in deep conversation as they continued to dig in to their meal. Without warning, Gavin wound his arm over the back of her chair. She stiffened as his fingers began fondling her hair. Was he aware of what he was doing? Jackie’s raised eyebrow, with her I-told-you-so look, made her insides squirm. The way her face warmed, she was sure she must have turned beet red.
She leaned forward to disengage from his erotic touch. His hand slid down her back, then rested on the table in front of him as if nothing had happened. Thankfully, it was at that moment Jackie’s boys ran between the tables, laughing with excitement when they reached their parents’ side.
****
Gavin wasn’t even sure what he and Brad had been discussing. Something about helping Nora move. Which suddenly brought him up short. Had Brad suggested he help out? Of course he would, but before he could reply and find out what the plan was, Timmy and Cody were begging them all to play ball.
“You men go ahead,” Jackie said, waving them off with her hand. “Nora and I will help clean up.”
“We’ll catch up later.” Gavin stood, needing to distance himself in order to figure out what was going on between him and Nora.
And what the hell was he doing touching her? Running his fingers through her silky soft, sexy hair, wondering what it would be like to hold her and…oh, my God, kiss her for real?
Playing ball with the kids and their parents took his mind off Nora Spears and the warm feelings starting to drive his i
nsides to mush. However, the minute playtime ended and he went back to look for her, in anticipation of possibly continuing their evening together, his disappointment intensified when he discovered she had already left.
****
About to cart a box of clothes out to the car Saturday morning, Nora hesitated on the front steps as Gavin pulled into the driveway. He drew to a stop next to her car with a small flatbed trailer attached to his pickup truck. He shut the motor off, jumped out, and shut the door.
“What are you doing here?” she asked, holding the box against her hip.
He looked sexy in his dark blue denims and white turtleneck. The smile on his face had her heart doing cartwheels. Until she looked over his shoulder and saw Chuck peering through his window, his hand holding the curtain to the side, not even trying to be inconspicuous. The sleazy grin on his face made her want to throw something at him. At least he was staying inside and hadn’t offered his assistance yet.
“I’m here to lend a hand. We talked about it at the picnic last night,” Gavin said as he approached her. “Here, give me the box, then you can show me what else needs to be moved.”
Brad and Jackie had discussed helping her, but for the life of her, she didn’t recall Gavin offering to lend a hand. Had she been so discombobulated with him running his fingers through her hair that she hadn’t heard him offer to help?
“There really isn’t much to be moved. Jackie is finishing packing up the kitchen. Brad had to take the boys to their grandmother’s.” She handed him the box. “There really isn’t much more to be done.”