Hearts at Play

by Melissa Foster

  “Jesus, Brianna. You are stunning.”

  She dropped her eyes in that embarrassed, adorable way she had, and Hugh juggled the gifts to free his hand. He lifted her chin so he could look into her eyes. Some people wore their hearts on their sleeves. Brianna hid hers in her eyes, and Hugh had spotted it the first night they’d gone for coffee. “I’m right here, not down there.” He kissed her softly, lingering with his lips against hers for a moment longer to make up for the time they’d been apart.

  “What is all this?” She dropped her eyes to the package and flowers in his hands.

  “These are for you.” He handed her a bouquet of red roses.

  “Thank you.” She took the flowers, and Hugh followed her inside, closing the door behind him. “These are gorgeous, Hugh. You didn’t have to do that.”

  “I never do things because I have to.” He watched her put the flowers in a vase; then he handed her a large silver box covered with glitter and a big silver bow. “This is for Layla. You don’t have to give it to her until you’ve decided about me, and if you decide we’re not right for each other, then you can say it’s from you. I didn’t put a card in it.”

  “Hugh.” She shook her head. “She doesn’t need anything more.”

  “I know she doesn’t.” He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her forehead. “But sometimes girls need things just because, and how could I leave here in good conscience knowing she’d see the flowers and feel left out?”

  She touched his cheek and he turned his face to her hand and kissed her palm. “You really are too much,” she said.

  “No. I’m just treating you both how you should be treated. Are you ready?”

  “Yeah. Let me just get my purse.” She grabbed a small black bag from the counter.

  “Do you have your phone?”

  “Yes.” She furrowed her brow.

  “Is it on? Loud?”

  She smiled. “Yes, of course. Thank you for remembering.”

  Hugh held out his arm, and she took it as they walked down to the parking lot. Brianna’s eyes lit up when she saw the Ferrari.

  “You brought the red one!” She threw her arms around his neck and hugged him.

  Seeing her reaction was more than he could have hoped for.

  “How could I drive anything else on our first real date?”

  BRIANNA FELT LIKE she was in a fairy tale. Seeing Hugh in his white button-down shirt and dark slacks was enough to melt her heart, and when he handed her the roses, she thought she’d died and gone to heaven. But the gift for Layla had taken her right over the edge. Thoughtful was not a big enough word to describe Hugh’s generosity and consideration of her daughter. He did all the right things, and his emphasis was on the things that mattered. The people that mattered.

  She ran her hand along the smooth leather seats. As beautiful as the car was, Hugh had been right. It was just a car—a beautiful, extravagant car. It was the fact that he’d driven the red one, the one she’d wanted to take the day before, that made her swoon, and then when he called the evening their first real date, she knew she was a goner.

  They drove through town, and Hugh took a back road that led behind the park. Brianna couldn’t take her eyes off of him. She kept waiting for something bad to happen. For him to say he was married or had three illegitimate children. Something that would crush her hopes of allowing her heart to embrace him, but everything he did and said made him more appealing. She wondered what his father was like. Hugh was a testament to the man who had raised him. It dawned on her how similar that thought was to what her mother had told her about Layla, and that thought boosted her confidence about going out with Hugh. She was a good mother. She did deserve to follow her heart, even if carefully.

  “Where are we going? Isn’t this for maintenance vehicles?” Brianna asked as they drove through the open gate clearly marked Maintenance Vehicles.

  “Yeah.” He covered her hand with his. “But tonight it’s just for us.”

  Anticipation prickled her arms. Brianna hadn’t been on a first date in forever, and just being near Hugh was enough to make her nervous, but to think he had planned something special was almost too much to bear. She fidgeted with the edge of her dress.

  He pulled up behind the lake and parked beneath the umbrella of a large colorful tree. Hugh opened the door for her and offered her his arm. Though she hadn’t dated many men, she’d watched Kat and other women with their dates, and she couldn’t remember any of the men acting consistently like gentlemen the way that Hugh did.

  “Are you warm enough?” Hugh asked.

  “Yeah, I think so.”

  He grabbed his leather jacket from the backseat and put it over his arm. “Just in case.” Hugh dragged his eyes down her dress again, and Brianna looked down, wondering if she’d overdressed. She wasn’t sure how to dress with Hugh. He seemed comfortable in jeans or slacks, and she was sure that even if he had shown up in rags he’d have still looked like a million bucks. Hell, she didn’t know how to dress for a date. Period. Thank God Kat had some ideas, but now she questioned her selection.

  “Is it too short?” she asked.

  “Too…Bree, you look so hot that I’m having a hard time following through with our plans and not taking you right home to ravish you.”

  Ravish me? The thought terrified and excited her at once.

  As they crested the small hill toward the lake, blue lights in the water came into view.

  “Look.” Brianna pointed toward the lake, and they walked over. “Oh my God. I haven’t been here for forever, but I’ve never seen lights in the lake before. This is so beautiful.” Brianna oohed and aahed as the lights changed from blue to pink to lavender. “Oh my God. This is gorgeous. Is there something going on here tonight? Why aren’t there more people here?”

  “The park closes at sunset.”

  She looked at him, and understanding dawned on her. “You rented the park?”

  “Not really. I just pulled in a few favors. But it is all ours tonight.”

  “Hugh? Really? I didn’t even know you could do such a thing.” Oh my God! Definite fairy tale.

  “Let’s walk this way.” Hugh put his hand on the small of her back and guided her across the grass.

  She’d already come to love the feel of his hand on her back. It was a possessive, caring touch, and she’d been taking care of herself for so long that just for one night she wished she could crawl right into his arms and let him care for her.

  “I used to take Layla here when she was a toddler. There’s a playground on the far side of the park, and she used to love the swings. She could swing for hours.”

  “Why’d you stop taking her?” he asked.

  “Oh, life got busy. I had to work more to make ends meet. My mom always says life is what happens when you’re busy making plans.”

  Hugh pulled her close. “Then maybe we should never make plans and just keep living our lives so we don’t miss anything.”

  She leaned her head on his shoulder, adding another thing she loved about him to her mental list. Sees the good in everything.

  They came to a large tree, and Hugh took her hands in his and looked into her eyes. It was so dark that she could barely make out his features. She took a step closer as her eyes adjusted.

  “I know that giving up your time with Layla was a big step for you, and I hope that at the end of this night, you feel like it was worth it.”

  “Any time I spend with you is worth it.” She stood on her tiptoes, and he closed the gap between them and settled his lips over hers, kissing her sweetly, then deepening the kiss and pulling her against him. His lips moved to her cheek, then found the space below her earlobe that sent a thrum of excitement between her legs.

  A sensuous ache of want escaped her lips—softer than a moan, stronger than a sigh, and he licked the spot he’d just kissed. She closed her eyes and arched her neck back, wanting more of him and reveling in the feel of his tongue as it stroked the sensitive skin at the base of her
neck.

  “Bree,” he whispered in her ear.

  She thought she answered, but her lips didn’t move. It was all she could do to keep breathing. She closed her eyes. Kiss me more.

  “God, I want you so badly,” he whispered against her ear.

  “Yes,” she managed. Yes? Oh my God. I want you too. Her brain wouldn’t kick into gear. She was stuck in some foggy place filled with wanton thoughts and pulses of heat that filled the secret places she wished he’d touch.

  He brought his lips back to hers and took her in a greedy kiss. She didn’t think as her hands reached for the sides of his head and pulled him closer. When his hands found the curve of her ass, her head fell back, and he tasted her neck again, inciting another needy moan—an unmistakable take-me-now, sexual moan—filled the air. She clenched her eyes shut as heat rushed up her chest to her cheeks and he found her ear once again.

  “I love that,” he whispered.

  Oh God, oh God, oh God. She had to regain control of her body. She clenched the muscles in her thighs. They felt foreign, apart from her. She took his head in her hands again and brought his lips back to hers. Maybe he could breathe oxygen into her failing brain. God, you taste good. Years of suppressed sexual desire came rushing forward.

  “Bree,” he said between kisses.

  She blinked her way through the lust that fogged her ability to think. “Yeah?” she finally managed.

  “I want nothing more than to make love to you, but…” He kissed her again. “But I planned something that I thought you might enjoy.”

  “Okay. Yes.” Oh my God. I’m like a sex maniac. What is wrong with me?

  They stared longingly into each other’s eyes for what seemed like forever while they each found their breath—and Brianna’s legs found their strength—before Hugh led her to a blanket spread across the grass beneath an enormous tree. As they approached, white lights flicked on, illuminating the branches above like a canopy.

  Brianna gasped. “Oh my goodness. How did you do that?”

  “Friends,” he said with a shrug.

  A man in a suit appeared beside the blanket, startling Brianna.

  “I also realized that I never fed you after breakfast today, and I promise not to make that mistake again. So I thought we should eat dinner.” Hugh thanked the man, and Brianna noticed a silver cart she’d missed when she’d first noticed him. He and Hugh spread what looked like a thin tabletop across the blanket; then the man set the makeshift table with silverware and wineglasses.

  “Hugh,” she whispered. “This is too much.”

  He took her hand and they sat down on the blanket. “Nothing is too much for you.”

  Brianna didn’t know how to react. How did you thank someone for giving you the most romantic night of your life? Nothing could be a big enough thank-you. And still, with all the romance and forethought, even the moonlight picnic didn’t compare to the gift he’d brought for Layla. He’d stolen her heart at that moment, and she doubted anything could ever top that.

  After the gentleman served their dinner, he disappeared as quietly as he’d appeared.

  “I brought wine, but I can’t really drink, so I also have water. Which would you prefer?”

  Wine. The whole bottle to calm my nerves. “I’ll have one glass of wine, then water, please. I noticed that you don’t drink. How come?” Brianna had forgotten until just then, and now she wondered if he were a recovering alcoholic.

  “I do drink. But I have a race next weekend, and I don’t drink when I have a race coming up. Dehydration is a big issue when we drive, so I’m just overly cautious.”

  She dropped her eyes. She’d forgotten about him leaving the following weekend. “Your race is in Daytona?”

  “Yes, Saturday. Layla’s party is Thursday, right?”

  You remembered. “Yes. That’s right. How long will you be gone?”

  Hugh poured her wine and a glass of water for him. “I leave Friday, and I think I’m going to come back Saturday night. That way, if you need anything Sunday, I’ll be just a phone call away.”

  Brianna felt Hugh’s name etch deeply into another piece of her heart. “You don’t need to do that. I’ve been taking care of myself for a long time.” But I love that you want to be here just in case.

  “I like knowing you’re nearby.”

  Brianna’s nerves were doing some sort of mosh pit dance. She nibbled on bread and cheese, wishing the night would never end.

  He lifted his glass of water. “Here’s to our first date.”

  She clinked her glass to his. “To our amazing first date.”

  Hugh leaned back on his palms and crossed his feet at the ankles. He looked so comfortable, and as much as Brianna hated herself for the thought that entered her mind, she allowed it to slip from her lips.

  “Have you done this kind of thing before? You don’t have to tell me. I’m just curious.”

  He sat up and scooted closer to her. “Nope. Not once. To be honest, I was so excited to plan our date that I could barely sit still before we got here. There’s something else I wanted to show you.” He stood and reached for her hand.

  “More lights?”

  “You’ll see.” They walked hand in hand down a path that led through a thick group of trees. Brianna untangled their hands and wrapped her arm in his, wanting to be closer. She rested her head on his arm and relished in the feel of him beside her. Knowing Layla was safe and happy with her mother whisked away the guilt she’d had about leaving Layla to be with Hugh.

  “Are you taking me to do dirty things in the bushes?” she teased.

  “Now, that’s something I hadn’t thought of.” He raised his eyebrows in quick succession.

  They rounded another group of thick trees and Hugh said, “Close your eyes.”

  “Okay.” Brianna closed her eyes, feeling a little silly. “It’s already dark. Do I really need to do this?”

  “Yes. Do you trust me?” Hugh’s rich voice warmed her.

  “One hundred percent.”

  “Good. I’m going to trust you not to open your eyes.” He held her hand and put his other hand on her back as he guided her forward.

  Soft music filtered through the air. “What is that?”

  “You’ll see.” He stopped walking, and she felt him move in front of her. He held both her hands, and her pulse kicked up again.

  “Okay. Open your eyes, but look at me.”

  She looked up into his dark, serious eyes.

  “Brianna, I’m blown away by what I feel for you and how fast it’s happened.”

  Oh God. Me too. She could barely think past her hammering heart and the blood rushing through her ears. He took her face in his hands and leaned his forehead on hers. I love when you do that. She held on to his waist to keep her rubbery legs from sending her to the ground. She knew if she opened her mouth she’d have no choice but for her lips to find his.

  “I want to wipe away your unhappy memories and replace them with happier ones.”

  “Me too,” was all she could manage.

  Behind him, colorful lights flicked on, and the music that had been playing softly came to life. Brianna recognized the carnival-like tune. She clutched her fingers around his waist and peered around him. Her eyes filled with tears.

  “Hugh.” Trembling began in her chest and quickly took over her limbs as memories filtered in. Her father holding her hand as she stepped onto the carousel. Flashes of him as she flew by riding the pink carousel horse.

  “I’m right here.” He put his arm securely around her and pressed her body into his side as they walked toward the carousel. “I wanted you to have your memories of your father, but hopefully the next day’s memories can be replaced with better ones.”

  Her throat swelled, and as she pressed into his chest, her tears sprang free. He didn’t say a word. He held her tight and kissed the top of her head as she cried over the magnitude of what he’d done. She took a deep breath and wiped her eyes before looking up at him.

 
“I’m sorry. I—”

  “Shh. I didn’t mean to make you sad. I was hoping this would be a good thing. I’m so sorry.”

  She reached up and touched his cheek. “This is a great thing. They’re happy tears, not sad. You’re the most thoughtful man I’ve ever met, and I’m sorry I'm bawling like a baby.”

  He wiped her tears with the pad of his thumb. “You carry so much responsibility on your shoulders, Bree. I’m in awe of the courage and strength you have, and the thought of you being sad about the morning after such a wonderful day with your father kills me.”

  “I’m not courageous.” She lowered her eyes.

  He lifted her chin. “You’re the bravest woman I know. You've given your life to make Layla’s as good as it can be. That’s brave, Bree. Brave is shouldering the responsibility and putting yourself last. Brave is carrying on every day against the odds. Brave is pushing past the morning your father left and making sure your daughter never has to experience that pain.”

  His words brought more tears. No one had ever called her brave before. How could he see those things in her in only a few short days? How could anyone?

  She pressed her cheek to his chest and closed her eyes, listening to the rhythm of his heart and feeling the walls around hers crumble, piece after fragile piece.

  Chapter Eighteen

  THEY CLIMBED ONTO the carousel, and Brianna chose a pink horse, just as she’d told Hugh she had that afternoon so many moons ago. When she’d first teared up, he feared he’d ruined their night, but when she drew back from his chest and he saw the tenderness in her eyes, he knew he’d done the right thing. Now he sat behind her on the pink horse, her back pressed against his chest, her hair whipping with the wind. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pressed his cheek to hers.

  They rode the carousel three times before climbing off.

  “That was so fun. Layla would love this.” Brianna’s tears were gone, replaced by glistening sparkles from the lights of the carousel.

  “I thought about bringing her, but this was for you. Maybe one day I can take you both on a date. She can get dressed up and feel like a big girl and we’ll get a little extra time together. There’s a light show at the Ginter Gardens that I think she’d enjoy, or we could go to Maymont. There’s a petting zoo there and nice trails and things. Or we could see a play since she loves them.”