One of These Days (Prairie Town Book 4)

by T. E. Ridener

“What do you think, Jeb?” Mr. Reynolds asked, stepping up beside him. They peered at the completed house, now with a fully restored roof and a brand new wall in place of the old one. There was even a new coat of paint on the thing, and it looked awful nice.

  “I think God gave you a rare talent.” Grinning, he glanced at his best friend’s father and nodded in approval. “Thanks for doing this. Do I owe you anything?”

  “Even if I wasn’t doing this for free, Jeb, I still wouldn’t charge you. You’re practically family.” The older male patted his shoulder and glanced towards Aggie. She was too busy hanging up a flowerpot to pay them any mind. “So, tell me something,” he said, lowering his voice. “What’s going on between you and Miss Sunshine?”

  “Miss Sunshine?” The nickname caused him to chuckle, because it was so damn true. Aggie was probably the most cheerful person he’d ever met in his lifetime. Yet, unfortunately, there was something dark behind her eyes—something that tormented her and threatened to take that sunshine away.

  He knew how the song went. He didn’t want anyone taking that away.

  “Don’t play coy with me, boy. I know something special when I see it.” Mr. Reynolds wiped at his brow with a handkerchief and smiled. “My son looks at his wife the way you look at that girl. Is it serious?”

  That was a good question. To him, it was very serious, but he wasn’t sure Aggie felt the same way. Every time they wound up in bed together, or their gazes locked, he felt like it was something bigger, something extraordinary. But then there were times like now, when he had no idea what was going through her mind.

  What he wouldn’t give to be able to see inside her head.

  “I’ll have to keep you updated on that.” Bending to pick up a nearly empty gallon of paint, he headed towards the back of Mr. Reynolds’ vehicle to start packing up. “I’m sure you’ve got plenty more things to do than listen to what’s going on in my life.”

  “Huh.” Mr. Reynolds grunted and appeared beside him again. “Trying to play it off like that, are you?”

  “Maybe a little,” he admitted, shaking his head. He busied himself with placing tools in their appropriate place, but he knew that wasn’t enough to throw the old man off. Mr. Reynolds could be pretty persistent when he wanted to be, and Callum was just like him.

  “Come on, Jeb. I know I’m not your dad or anything, but I do care about what happens in your life.” Leaning against the bumper, he folded his arms and lifted a brow. “So, you and this girl—do you want it to be serious?”

  He rubbed his forearm against his forehead in an effort to wipe away some sweat, which ironically hadn’t even become an issue until Mr. Reynolds started probing him about Aggie. A cool breeze blew through and licked at the back of his neck. It felt good, and was welcomed as he sighed.

  “Yeah. I do.”

  “Then you know what to do about it.”

  “I do?”

  “Shoot, Jebson. Don’t make me spell it out for you.” Mr. Reynolds rolled his eyes. “If you want the girl, you have to woo the girl.”

  “’Woo’, Sir?”

  “Yes, ‘woo’. I know that may be an older-than-dirt term, but trust me. It’s still in style and it still works.”

  Was he really going to take dating advice from his best friend’s father?

  Absolutely.

  “I think I did something to upset her. I’m not sure ‘wooing’ is going to work anytime soon.”

  “Son, if ever I can tell you anything about women, it’s this.” Pushing off from the bumper, he draped an arm around his shoulders and guided him towards the front of the truck, out of hearing distance. “If you ever upset a woman, or even think you have, then you have to communicate. You need to ask her. Trust me on this. I know a thing or two about it, thanks to my wife. We men can be a little...oblivious sometimes when it comes to these things. You have to be willing to talk about anything and everything, even if you’re afraid it will lead to a fight. Sometimes it actually prevents them.”

  Well, hell. He didn’t want to fight with her, ever. Never having been a big fan of confrontation with the women in his life, particularly his sisters, it sure did happen an awful lot. But Aggie? God, he couldn’t even imagine it.

  “Trust me, Jeb. Whatever you think you’ve said or done, it’s best to just let her know what’s on your mind. She’ll appreciate it.”

  So for once in his life, he took the solid advice of someone who had lived it before, probably multiple times, and waited until everyone left. Now that they were alone, he could approach the situation as cautiously as needed.

  Maybe she’d be more willing to talk with no one around to interrupt them.

  “It sure looks nice, Jeb. You guys did a great job.” Standing in the doorframe that separated the kitchen from the living room, she ran her fingers through her hair and smiled in his direction, seemingly proud of everything they’d accomplished in such a short amount of time.

  “We did a great job,” he corrected, offering her a beer from the cooler. Since the damage from the storm, there hadn’t been any electric in his house. Everything in the fridge, which wasn’t much to begin with, had to be thrown out, so the bright red cooler, at the moment, stored everything he needed until he was ready to move back in.

  But when would that be, exactly?

  “I didn’t do much. All I helped with was a few boards and a little paint. Oh, and some flowers out front. I hope you don’t mind that.”

  “Of course, I don’t mind.” Watching as she opened the beer and took a drink, he did the same. Alcohol did not fix anything, not really, but it sure helped calm his nerves—especially when he was about to do what he was about to do. “Can I ask you something, Aggie?”

  Her eyes met his again and she smiled, nodding. “Sure, Jeb. What’s up?”

  Shifting his weight from one foot to the other, his free hand sank into the front pocket of his jeans and he cleared his throat. “Today was nice, wasn’t it?”

  “Yeah. Today was a good day.” Laughing softly, she pushed some hair out of her eyes. “That’s a quote from one of my favorite songs, but it still rings true. I liked riding in your truck.”

  “I liked having you in my truck,” he said before he could catch himself. Heat crawled up the back of his neck and he dropped his gaze to the floor, mentally kicking himself. “I mean, it was just nice spending so much time with you—outside of the house, you know?”

  “I know exactly what you mean.” A few beats of silence passed between them before her hand found his arm. “Hey, are you okay?”

  Here he was, trying to make sure everything was all right between them, and she wanted to know if he was okay?

  “Yeah, I’m good.” Wetting his lips, he nodded towards the front door. “Want to sit on the porch with me? It’s real peaceful in the evening.”

  With a big smile that lit up her eyes, she nodded. “I’d love to.”

  They sat on the porch for nearly a full hour before he gathered the courage to bring up the topic again.

  “So, you enjoyed today, right? Going to lunch and being here, with me?”

  Stilling the rocking chair she’d been lounging in whilst enjoying her beer, Aggie turned her head to stare at him, her eyes rounding as a frown graced her lush lips.

  “Yes,” she said slowly. “I did, Jeb. It’s been a lot of fun.”

  “Okay.” Nodding, he tried to be satisfied with the answer.

  But it wasn’t enough.

  And she seemed to sense that.

  “Okay, Mister. What’s going on?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “You’ve asked that question twice, as if you’re worried I’ve not had a good time. I did and I am.” Scooting her chair closer to his, she rested the can of beer between her legs and clasped her fingers together against her stomach. “What’s really going on?”

  “Uh...” A sigh of defeat escaped him and he shrugged his shoulders, unsure of how to continue. What the heck was he supposed to say? Mr. Reynolds hadn’t brie
fed him on the next step.

  “Not a sufficient answer, Jeb.” Placing her beer on the small wicker table nearby, she stood from her chair and held her hands out, waiting patiently for him to take them. “Come.”

  “Where are we going?”

  “Don’t worry about that. Just come with me.”

  So he did.

  Holding his hands tightly within her own, she carefully backed down the steps and then continued walking backwards, guiding him towards the willow tree. He had no idea what she was up to, but his interest had been piqued.

  “Now, stand here,” she instructed, releasing his hands. “And close your eyes.”

  “What?”

  “Just do it, Jeb. Please?”

  With a heavy sigh, he did as she asked.

  Seconds later, her warm hands touched his face. It didn’t take long for them to move to the back of his neck, and when prompted, he leaned down. Her lips touched his ever so lightly and his heart began to race.

  “Today was the best day, Jeb,” she whispered against his mouth. “Don’t doubt that, okay? Every minute I get to spend with you is the greatest sixty seconds of my life.”

  His arm found its way around her slender frame and he pulled her closer, deepening the kiss.

  As nice as it was, it still didn’t answer his question.

  “Something changed in you earlier, Aggie. After we left the diner, there was something different going on. What was it?”

  “Oh.” She released her grip on him and took a step back, her shoulders slumping a little. “So that’s what this is about?”

  He nodded.

  Suddenly, Aggie looked like a cornered animal. It was brief, sure, but he’d seen it. He’d recognize a look of panic anywhere—it was a look he’d sported many times when he was tangled up with Mia.

  “All right. Fine,” she said with a sigh. “First, you need to know it’s nothing personal. You know that saying, “it’s me, not you’? It’s totally legit in this situation.”

  Aw, crap.

  This wasn’t the part where she let him down easy, was it? Because they were so beyond that, and if she broke his heart now, he wasn’t sure he’d recover.

  “Ever since I met you, Jeb, all I could think about was what it would be like to have what Lydia and Callum have, but with you and me in their places.” Hugging her arms around herself, she turned to face the willow tree, tilting her head back to gaze at it. “I never would have imagined ever making it this far with you. I never thought I stood a chance.”

  “Why?” Frowning, he stepped up behind her, but he didn’t try to touch her. This wasn’t about touching right now; it was about talking, and that was something they needed to do.

  “Well, first off, I’m far from the definition of normal.” Facing him again, she smiled sadly. “It’s hard to accept a person like me, and I know that. I never expected you to...I don’t know. I guess I pegged you for the type of guy who wanted something a bit more...reserved.”

  “Do I come off as that type of guy?”

  “Back then you sorta did. Plus, I kissed you and—”

  “I did kiss you back.” He hooked a finger beneath her chin and their gazes met. A small smile appeared on his lips as the memory replayed in his mind. “And I’ve kissed you many times since that night, Aggie.”

  “I know. I do know that,” she whispered, tears shimmering in her eyes. “I just...never in a million years did I think I’d ever have a shot at finding something like this, especially with someone like you.”

  While what she said made him incredibly happy, it still didn’t explain why she’d become so solemn earlier in the day; that’s what bothered him the most and he really needed answers. Why couldn’t she just tell him?

  “I ain’t nothing special.”

  Thumb sliding over her bottom lip, he closed the distance between them and rested his forehead against hers. “And I don’t know why you’d ever think you couldn’t have everything you want. You’re one of a kind, Aggie. Can’t you see that?”

  “Oh, shut up.” She laughed as a tear slid down her cheek, which he quickly caught with one of his knuckles. “I’m not one of a kind, Jeb. There are plenty of awesome people out there who can be either side of the penny, and they do it really well. I’m just...complicated.”

  “I never said I wasn’t up for a challenge.”

  “You don’t know what you’re saying. I’m not a fun kind of challenge.”

  “You’ve been plenty of fun so far, Aggie. That’s what I’m trying to say. You and I make a good team. We go together like rum and coke, or mashed potatoes and gravy; it just makes sense.”

  “And Agnes?”

  Was that a trick question?

  “What about him?”

  “How do you feel about him? He’s a part of who I am. You can’t have one without the other.”

  “I’m aware.”

  “And you’re totally okay with it?”

  “Why wouldn’t I be?”

  “Because when I dress like a guy, talk like a guy, and I fuck like a guy.” Tilting her head slightly, her eyebrows pinched together. “You do know how two men have sex, don’t you?”

  “Jesus, Aggie.” His face turned red and he could feel the heat emanating from his cheeks as he rubbed at the back of his neck.

  As if satisfied with his reaction, which he didn’t understand at all, she relaxed her stance and shook her head. “See? There it is. I knew it.”

  “Knew what?”

  “You can’t accept every part of me, Jeb, and it’s okay. This is something I’ve dealt with my whole life. People either love Aggie and hate Agnes, or they love Agnes and hate Aggie. There’s no medium.”

  “Lydia and Benji love both—why can’t I?” He asked angrily.

  Holy fuck, why was he so mad all of a sudden?

  Her mouth fell open and it took him a second to realize what he’d asked, but it was too late to take it back now.

  Did he even want to take it back?

  “Jeb...”

  “I don’t want to play this game with you anymore, Aggie. I get that you’re scared, okay? I’m scared, too. So what if you did stuff you’re not proud of? Maybe you won’t ever tell me about all of it, but you’ve told me most of it and if my acceptance of those things ain’t proof enough of how I feel about you...”

  He didn’t give her a chance to say anything else. Gently grabbing either side of her head, he pulled her in and kissed her as if it were the last kiss he’d ever get to give her. And who knew? Maybe it was. Because his next words would either be a successful attempt at ‘wooing’ the girl, or she’d slap him silly and walk out of his life for good.

  “I love you,” he murmured, breaking the kiss. “I love you, damn it. Both parts of you. All parts of you.”

  Her eyes widened as he spoke, and no matter how terrified he felt on the inside, he kept going. This could be the only chance he ever got and he needed to take it.

  “When the time comes for Agnes to return, and should you want to do things I’m not exactly accustomed to,”—he swallowed hard and shrugged—“Well, we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it, Aggie. All I know is you make me damn happy and I want to do the same for you.”

  The seconds dragged by as they stood there. He didn’t dare remove his hands from her head because he feared in doing so would result in her departure. If she ran away from him, it would hurt too much.

  I’ll chase her.

  Seconds turned into minutes and damn it, it felt like an eternity as her watery eyes darted back and forth between his. As her bottom lip began to quiver, he worried that this was it. She was trying to let him down easy, wasn’t she?

  “Please say something.” With his legs liquefying against his will, he had no choice but to step closer. He kept moving with her until her back hit the willow tree and a gasp escaped her parted lips.

  God, he wanted to kiss those lips again.

  But still, she said nothing.

  Perhaps he should have taken a different
approach to this whole ‘wooing’ thing. Mr. Reynolds probably didn’t mean for him to blurt it out like that, especially when he knew how wary she could be about such things anyway.

  I’m an idiot.

  Maybe he just needed to accept defeat. Whatever they had...it wasn’t what he’d originally thought. Perhaps he’s simply read it all wrong.

  He was good at that, after all.

  “I’m so scared,” she finally whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “Jeb, I’m so freaking scared.”

  “And I told you I am, too. There’s no shame in that, Aggie. Love is a big deal. And-and...” Damn it, was he stuttering? “It’s okay if you don’t say it back to me. I won’t be upset if you don’t return my feelings. I just...I needed to say it. I need you to know that no matter what, I’m here for you. I’m crazy about you.”

  “Jeb...”

  He imagined her heartbeat matched his own at the moment. What was supposed to be a simple conversation in an effort to dig deeper into her mind, had turned into something straight off the big screen; a man professing his love, knowing it could all fall apart, regardless of his feelings.

  So when she said she was freaking scared, he knew exactly what she meant. He was terrified.

  Chapter 15

  Ags

  Oh, sweet Aphrodite.

  How had they ended up like this?

  It wasn’t that she thought it was bad. On the contrary, she thought it was the most wonderful thing ever. Jeb was professing his love whilst completely level headed, and that meant more to her than he could possibly realize.

  What had her unraveling was the fact she was trying to say it back, but she didn’t know how.

  ‘You’ve already said it before.’

  But he was sleeping. It doesn’t count. This time he’ll hear me.

  It didn’t make a bit of sense—she knew that. There were very few things in her life that actually did make sense, but Jeb was one of those things. In fact, nothing had ever been more profoundly clear for her.

  He was all she wanted for the rest of her life. She could envision the white picket fence and summer barbeques. Imagining herself as his wife came easily...

  It was the threat of her past, the chances of it ruining everything, preventing her from saying those three little words.