by Tara Randel
“I do. That’s why this house is so important to me.”
He nodded, taking another bite from a rib.
She nodded over her shoulder at the iPod hooked to an outdoor speaker. “You remembered my favorites.”
“You made me listen whether I wanted to or not.”
“The only decent memory I have growing up is my mom introducing me to her favorite tunes. She was a big fan of ’70s and ’80s music. I guess that’s why I like it so much.”
“The connection.”
Reid smiled, just like he had in high school, but now he was older. More mature. The setting sun cast shadows around him and she fell for him a little bit more.
“We rocked to a lot of this music in high school.” He puffed out his chest. “We were the cool kids.”
She let out a laugh. “You were. I was a nerd.”
“You always did manage to beat me in school.”
“I felt like I had a lot to prove. The poor homeless girl who had to be sure she was worthy of all the help Alveda and others had given me.”
While her early schooling had been spotty when she lived with her mother, Heidi’d had an innate curiosity and intellect. She read anything she could get her hands on. It may not have been a formal education, but it had worked for her.
Reid lowered the rib in his hands. “Is that how you saw yourself?”
“Yes.”
“Wow. I don’t think anyone else did.”
“How can you say that?”
“You were quiet in school, but everyone liked you. Trust me, whenever we butted heads, you had more people rallying around you than I did.”
“Reid, you were a star baseball player.”
“Until I had the first of my big arguments with my dad.”
Oh, no, she’d stepped in it now. “Reid. I shouldn’t have brought that up.”
“Hey, you told me your deep secret.”
And she’d survived. Was glad she’d told him. Did he need to do the same? “If I can handle talking about the dark, how about you tell me your worst moment in life.”
He glanced at her and then away. “You don’t want to hear it.”
“Try me.”
He placed the rib on a plate, took his time wiping his fingers with a napkin. This was so like Reid, thinking before speaking. Making sure he got it right. “When I joined the family business after college, I had a lot to learn. My dad was happy to show me the ropes. For the first time in forever, we were a team. I couldn’t believe all it took to bring us together was working at the office with him.” His eyes went dark. “But as years went by, I didn’t need his advice, having carved out a place for myself, yet he continued to tell me what to do.”
“Maybe he was trying to be a good dad?”
He lifted one shoulder in a shrug. “At first, sure. But I had different approaches to building portfolios for our clients. Different opinions on where to invest money or which real estate projects looked promising. Suggestions to make the commercial construction more efficient. I’m not saying Dad’s old-school strategies were wrong, but he started putting up resistance any time I mentioned a more efficient strategy to increase profits. It was his way or no way.”
He shook his head, his eyes taking on a faraway glaze. She wanted to reach out, reassure him, but he seemed closed off. She clasped her hands tightly together to keep from breaking the moment.
“Some of his clients asked me to handle their accounts. I was surprised, excited that they’d noticed my fresh insight, but feeling bad at the same time.” He shook his head. “Dad never made it easy. The night I left the business, it was an argument over a client.”
“Someone else who wanted your expertise?”
“Yes. A long-standing client Dad first brought to the company when he started out. But as with most businesses, this one was growing and changing with the times and the CEO wasn’t happy that Dad wasn’t looking for new avenues to expand their business. They asked to transfer their account to me and he flipped.”
Heidi bit her lip. She remembered the night in high school when his father had upset Reid enough that she’d had to stop him from getting into trouble. By the look on his face, this clash must have been even worse than that.
“We’d already had arguments about other clients moving to me. That’s when he got on the kick to talk Logan into joining us, no matter how many times Logan expressed disinterest or his lack of expertise in the business. But when Mr. Jacobs, the CEO of the company Dad personally looked after, asked for the switch, Dad blew up.”
Reid jumped up. His footsteps back and forth echoed against the wood as he paced. Slowly, Heidi rose as well, keeping out of his path.
“It was late one evening. He called me to his office. You could cut the tension with a knife as soon as I entered. It didn’t take long for him to tell me what had happened, for him to accuse me of stealing his clients. I told him we could work together, but he railed. Suggested I wanted to push him out, take over the company, which was never my intention.”
He walked to the newly installed railing. Gripped the edge and stared into the darkness. She moved beside him, wishing to ease his pain.
“He told me that when push came to shove, I’d blow all the accounts, just like I had when I struck out in the championship baseball game. Then all the work the company had done over the years would be gone for good. Because of me.”
Heidi gasped. She slipped her hand into the crook of his arm. Rested her head on his shoulder. “He’s wrong.”
“See, that’s the thing. I know he’s wrong. I’m good at what I do. All I ever wanted was for us to work together. I thought he wanted it too. But him never believing in me...saying I made him look bad...” The words seemed to catch in his throat. “That was the last straw.”
She hugged him tighter and whispered, “I believe in you.”
He went still for a long moment. His gaze moved around the deck, not meeting hers. She lowered her head, trying to ignore the disappointment that he hadn’t responded to her heartfelt declaration.
“Mother told me that he hasn’t been feeling well. He’s got a doctor’s appointment this week. Depending on the results, I might be needed at Masterson Enterprises.”
She lifted her head and studied his profile. “Would that be so terrible?”
“To be honest, I don’t really know.”
What a two-edged sword. To want to return to the business he loved, but not because his father wanted him there.
“Did your mom say what’s wrong?”
“She didn’t know, only said he hadn’t been feeling good.”
“Stress?”
“Most likely.”
They were quiet. Music still streamed from the iPod. It should have been a beautiful end to the evening, but instead Reid was worried about his father. Since she hadn’t talked to her own mother for years now, a deep sadness filled her. Reid didn’t know how lucky he was, despite the rift with his dad.
“You’re a good man, Reid. I know you’ll help your family if needed.”
“I just wish my father appreciated what I gave up. He thinks I’m acting childish. Like how he treats me isn’t a big deal.” He scoffed. “Maybe I should just leave Golden.”
“What?” She reared back. “Seriously?”
“What’s here for me?”
She tried not to take that personally—she knew he was venting. “Your grandmother, parents, brother, future sister-in-law, possible nieces and nephews, the chance to flip another house and, if you’re lucky, me as your permanent intern.”
He turned to look at her. The moon was rising, casting light on his handsome face.
“I’d miss the chance of seeing you in action again.”
She infused passion into her voice. “Then it’s settled. No leaving Golden.”
“Well, if you say so. Then it must
be the law.”
“Correct.”
He chuckled. The song changed to an upbeat tempo. “Remember this tune? We practiced our dancing technique in the barn when we were younger.” He held out a hand. “The lights are on inside, so we won’t be dancing in the dark.”
She rolled her eyes as his words matched the lyrics of the song. Although she appreciated his acknowledging her feelings. Really, when she was around him, she felt safe. It had grown darker since they’d eaten, the perfect time to let loose and shake off a little of the tension brought on by the serious conversation.
“Why not,” she said, giving them both room to move. By the time the dance was over, they were breathless and laughing.
“Still got it,” he said, his face so much more relaxed than minutes earlier.
“You always were lighter on your feet than me.”
The tempo slowed, this time to a romantic ballad about discovering new love. As if by magic, they moved into each other arms, swaying to the lilting vocal and haunting instrumental. Heidi rested her hand on Reid’s chest, against his heartbeat. Feeling home, like she always had with him. At first it had been because of their friendship. Now it felt deeper.
“Why did you move away when I touched you earlier?” he asked, so close his breath tickled her ear.
“I don’t know.”
“I think you do.”
She shivered. “Because I’ve wanted your attention for a while now, Reid, but I’m not sure how you feel.”
His head moved a fraction. Their gazes met. “My attention, as your friend?”
Summoning her courage, she answered, “No. More than that.”
He rested his forehead against hers. “So, it’s not one-sided.”
Just as she’d hoped. “Not one-sided?”
“Heidi, I’ve been feeling this...attraction to you for a while. I wasn’t sure if it was mutual, but then when we almost kissed at the engagement party, I’ve been wondering what’s going on.”
“Same here. I was too afraid to ask.”
He tugged her close. She could feel his smile against her temple. “Me too. With so many years of friendship between us, I wasn’t sure if this was possible.”
She turned her head. “There’s only one way to find out.”
His expression turned serious. “You’re sure.”
“More than sure,” she whispered.
He lowered his head and after what felt like an eternity later, he finally brushed his lips over hers. Fleetingly at first, as if one of them might come to their senses and run for the hills. But soon the kiss became more intense. Her heart pounded. Her blood raced. This was what she’d been waiting for, even when she hadn’t known she needed it.
The kiss went on with the moon’s light blanketing them. When the music changed to a raucous number, the spell was broken.
She ended the kiss, but didn’t want to leave the safety of his arms. To her delight, he didn’t seem to be in any hurry to let her go.
“So, now what?” She asked the obvious question.
His eyes were troubled. “I honestly don’t know.”
It seemed to be the prevailing sentiment. She had no clue either.
A beat passed before she said, “Reid, you have to promise me something.”
He met her gaze and the intensity took her breath away. “Anything.”
“No matter what happens, we’ll always be friends.”
“That’s an easy promise to make.”
Was it? Her qualms were silenced when he swooped in and kissed her again. Her stomach tilted like she was on a roller-coaster ride and her head swam, but she circled her arms around his neck, holding on to Reid with every fiber of her being.
Could she have everything she wanted? The house? Reid? It was almost too much to hope for.
CHAPTER TEN
THE NEXT FEW days flew by in a whirl. Still stunned by their unforgettable kiss on the deck, Heidi and Reid decided to keep their being a couple from friends and family, to give the two of them more time to figure out what was happening between them.
Honestly, she wasn’t sure if that was a smart idea. Someone was bound to see them acting like more than friends—yes, she was hoping for a lot of kisses—and keeping secrets wasn’t the best way to start this new chapter in their lives. But they were both cautious by nature, so she agreed to the secret, hoping time would sort out the rest.
On Wednesday morning, the door of Blue Ridge Cottage opened with a merry ring of the bell. It was inching closer to May. Where had the time gone? The temperate weather had brought increased foot traffic down Main Street, and before long summer tourists would arrive, hopefully in full force. Heidi looked up from the counter to glimpse Mrs. M., her purse hooked over her arm, marching briskly in Heidi’s direction. She couldn’t help but smile in greeting.
“Mrs. M. To what do we owe this visit?”
“Just making the rounds. Checking on my favorite tenants.”
Mrs. M. owned a sizable amount of property in Golden, this store included, so she was a fixture around town. “All your tenants are your favorite.”
“Unless they don’t pay their rent. Then we have words.”
Heidi chuckled. She would not want to go up against Mrs. M.’s impressive negotiating skills.
“Where is Serena?”
“In the storeroom. A shipment came in so she’s opening boxes.”
“I’ll be right there,” came her boss’s voice from the back.
“Another Golden scene gracing her merchandise?” Mrs. M. asked.
“Of course. Serena wouldn’t dare draw any other location.”
Mrs. M. harrumphed in agreement. Then her expression went all sketchy and she asked, “So, tell me, Heidi, what’s new?”
She felt her face flush. Did she know about Reid? That they were...together? Not that they were seeing each other, not yet, anyway. They hadn’t gone out on a date, but they intended to. And then everyone would know.
Good grief. Pull it together.
The older woman tilted her head, waiting for an answer.
“Not much,” Heidi replied. “You know how it goes.”
Mrs. M. sent her a long look. “And the Hanover house. Are you nearly finished?”
Her heart tugged at the idea. She wanted to move in, but she also wanted an excuse to keep working with Reid. They’d had so much fun, teasing and putting in the effort to make the house a future home. She’d discovered that he was very good at renovating, as well as being very generous with his time to interns, and found herself falling deeply for her friend.
Mrs. M. still watched her.
“The project should be complete in the next week or so. Once the house passes the final inspection, we can move toward the closing.”
“Homeownership is wonderful, my dear. You’ll enjoy every moment.”
She thought so too, but now when she pictured the house in her mind, she was sad that Reid wouldn’t be there. He’d be off on another job. Sure, if they did start dating, he’d come over for dinner or to sit on the deck with her at sunset, but she was almost afraid to admit she wanted forever.
Serena appeared with arms loaded down with boxes.
“How did they come out?” Heidi asked, taking one package from the stack. The scene Serena had captured was a view from Pine Tree Lookout overlooking Golden Lake. Her boss had sketched the series when she and Logan had gone up to the popular spot as they were falling in love. Heidi gazed at the scene, knowing the backstory behind the drawing, and could feel the love Serena felt for Logan.
Would Reid come to feel the same about her?
She nearly sighed. When had she turned into such a romantic?
“The printer did an exceptional job,” Serena said, a satisfied smile on her face.
“May I?” Mrs. M. held out her hand and was handed a box. “Oh,
my, Serena, this is absolutely lovely.”
Serena placed the boxes on the main display table, in the direct path of shoppers as they entered the store. Heidi took a new-product sign from behind the counter and placed it beside the merchandise. They all took a step back to observe the collection, then Heidi moved a few boxes around so the drawing was facing out, to catch a customer’s gaze. Serena hurried to the storeroom and returned with other matching stationery items in the series.
Once they’d rearranged the products for maximum attraction, Mrs. M. cornered Serena. “Have you decided about your bridal shower? I can reserve the historic mansion in Gold Dust Park if you like that location.”
“I’ll be honest, I’m torn between there or your home. The engagement party was so lovely and special since it was in the house where Logan grew up, but...”
“What is it, dear?”
A pained grimace crossed Serena’s face. “I don’t want to make extra work for you or Alveda.”
“Are you kidding? Alveda will be thrilled,” Heidi had to say. “As much as she enjoyed the catered menu at the engagement party, she’d be honored to prepare food for your shower.”
“I know all that, but I want it to be easy and let everyone have fun.”
Heidi didn’t understand the fuss. “Alveda told me she’d like to do it. Anyone who knows her will tell you so, as well.”
“I must agree,” Mrs. M. said. “She puts her heart in her cooking.”
“And she is fabulous,” Serena said, sounding like she was leaning toward the shower at Masterson House. “Could you give me a little more time to decide?”
“Most certainly. In the meantime, there are other decisions to make. Like where to hold the ceremony.”
Serena groaned. “Logan and I haven’t decided on that location either.”
“I thought you couldn’t wait to get married?” Heidi teased.
“I can’t.” She frowned. “All the details though, they’re difficult. Plus, I have the Florida contingent to think about, so I have to take them into account too.”
Serena’s father lived in Florida and had gotten remarried in the winter. Serena had suddenly gained four brothers and their significant others.