Summer Day Dreams

by Verity Norton

  Sean watched in amusement. She was serious.

  “Here,” she said, holding the sandwich up for him to take a bite.

  “That’s okay. I’ll take your word for it.”

  “You know I’m going to stand here until you open your mouth.”

  Sean laughed and she shoved the corner of the sandwich into his mouth, forcing him to take a bite. He chewed and swallowed. “Not totally disgusting.”

  “Not totally disgusting?” She took a bite of her own, enjoying every chew. “It’s delicious.”

  “Okay. It’s not bad. But I think I’ll forego adding it to the menu.”

  Sophie smirked and finished making his sandwich. Despite having used the usual ingredients and having followed his instructions precisely, for some reason it tasted better than any sandwich he’d ever made—or ever eaten for that matter. He shook his head, remembering Skye’s words that obviously had had no effect on him whatsoever. He was doomed.

  Chapter 11

  Alex pulled Sophie onto his lap. “I do believe, my love, that you have captivated the hearts of my entire family.”

  “I have?”

  He squeezed her in his arms. “You know perfectly well that they adore you. Mom and Dad think you’re amazing getting up early to help feed the animals. I must say I’m glad they put a stop to that.”

  “I enjoyed it.”

  He pulled her closer, kissing her hard on the lips. “Yeah, but this way you get to sleep in, except when you’re taking one of Anne’s yoga classes. It is our vacation, after all.”

  “I don’t think I’m the one you need to remind.” She bit back her words—too late.

  “I’m sorry, honey. I know I’ve had to stay in touch with the office. But at least we’re here. And I’ve had a chance to spend some time with Matt and the family. Have you been missing me?”

  She wasn’t sure how to answer that. She’d been so busy with the animals and yoga and horseback riding and playing checkers and hanging out at the book café and pub and helping Sean at the store, that the truth was, she really hadn’t missed him. “Your grandparents have been filling in the gaps,” she teased.

  “More checkers?”

  “And lemonade and popcorn and watermelon and forties music and stories about their romance. You should come visit them with me.”

  Alex groaned. “As much as I love my grandparents, I don’t think I could take hearing those same stories one more time.” Especially because it reminded him of all the times he and Cassie had sat on their front porch holding hands and listening to the same stories. “I have some work I have to take care of today, but later we could do something. Do you have anything planned?”

  “I’m going into town now but maybe this afternoon we could meet up. I want to talk to you about the wedding. I have some ideas I want to run by you.”

  “As long as it’s not at your mother’s, I’m fine with any ideas you have. I trust your judgment. You know that.”

  Sophie took a deep breath and slowly released it. “Do you think maybe we could have it here?”

  “Here? I thought we already discussed this. I’m really not up for a potluck wedding.”

  “But it would make it easier for your family—especially since there are so many of them. We could do it at Christmas by the tree farm. In front of all those wonderful trees.” As much as she loved the front garden, she had abandoned that idea. “You said they decorate everything with lights anyway—” Sensing his disapproval, she said, “Or maybe in the fall? Inside?“

  Was it her imagination or, despite her still sitting on his lap, had he somehow migrated as far across the room from her as he could?

  “You don’t like the idea.”

  “I just think it would be more appropriate to have it in the city, in a hotel.”

  “And a lot more expensive.”

  “Money isn’t an issue. You know that.”

  “So, it sounds as if we need to plan this together after all.”

  “I’m sure you’ll do fine. You have excellent taste and you’re always so sensible about these things.”

  As long as she did things his way. She sighed, smiling quickly to hide her disappointment. “Maybe I’ll have Arielle come up for a couple weeks to help me.”

  “Good idea.” He snuggled closer to her and she felt an odd mixture of relief and disappointment.

  “Now that that’s settled, shall we do something this afternoon? Maybe go over to one of the tea rooms in Winslow.”

  “Actually Anne and Skye are taking me to tea Friday afternoon. But I have another idea. Maybe you could take me horseback riding?”

  Alex frowned and Sophie climbed off his lap to protect herself from the sudden chill. “I told you, Sophie, there’s not really time to teach you to ride.”

  “I already know how. Not well, but I can walk and trot the horse.”

  “What? How did you—?”

  “Skye’s been teaching me. Tell me the truth, Alex. Tell me the real reason you don’t want to teach me to ride.”

  “I’m sorry.” He looked down at his hands that were perched over his keyboard as if they had taken up permanent residency there. “I didn’t think there was time. I guess I didn’t realize you’d be able to learn so quickly.”

  “Why weren’t you even willing to try?”

  He stood up and walked over to the bedroom window, staring out at the heritage oak trees in the front yard, oak trees that had been there since long before he was born, oak trees he had climbed daily as a boy, oak trees he had grown up with. Oak trees under which he and Cassie had planned to get married. “I don’t know, Sophie. Too many memories, I guess.”

  She didn’t say any more. She wasn’t sure she wanted to know what those memories were. In fact, she knew she didn’t. Although she was pretty sure she knew exactly who they were about.

  Alex watched her drive off in the blue pickup truck. What the hell was wrong with him? Why couldn’t he take her riding? Why couldn’t he stay focused? He was marrying her. She should be all he was thinking about.

  Guilt having settled in his stomach, he skipped the coffee and large breakfast and opted for tea and toast. Then he found comfort in his easy escape. Work.

  “Are you in there?” Grant Jameson tapped softly on the bedroom door.

  “Come in, Dad.”

  Grant looked around the room, surprised to see Alex working at the computer. “Where did Sophie go?”

  “Into the village.”

  “Is what you’re doing more important than spending the day with her?”

  Alex’s sigh caused him to shudder. “I’m taking care of some work. I’ll see her later.”

  “How much later?”

  “I don’t know. When she gets back.” He was suddenly feeling like a kid in high school again.

  “She seemed upset when she drove off.”

  “Doesn’t sound like Sophie. She doesn’t get upset.”

  “Everyone gets upset. They just have different ways of showing it. And while we’re on the subject, burying himself in his work, doesn’t sound like my son.”

  Alex looked up from his laptop to meet his father’s stare. “Your point? Never mind. I don’t want to know.”

  “As if you already didn’t.”

  By the time she reached the store, Sophie had calmed down. She exhaled a deep breath, relieved to be there. Right now it felt like a sanctuary. Sean’s smile when she opened the door was a welcome sight. He looked good. His thick dark hair was combed but slightly messy. He was wearing his customary jeans, always faded, and a tan T-shirt, and of course, cowboy boots.

  “Good morning, beauti—. You’re here bright and early.”

  “Skye had to deliver some of her jewelry to a store in Winslow so we couldn’t go riding. Thought it would be nice to spend time here.”

  Sean hoped that he had something to do with that decision. He didn’t want to believe it was all about the research he was doing for her. “Coffee?” he asked.

  “Sure. I can make it, now
that I know how.”

  “You relax.” He went behind the counter and made them each an Americano and sat down on the barstool beside her. There was nothing cute about her today. Her golden blond hair, not quite so curly today, fell in waves over her shoulders. She wasn’t wearing Skye’s jeans that revealed the definition of every muscle in her thighs. Instead she was wearing a pair she’d purchased at the store, not quite as snug, but they fit perfectly, as if shaped for her particular body— Hell, now he was jealous of a damned pair of jeans. He blew out the breath he’d been suppressing since she’d walked through the door. It was really no different from the way she normally dressed, except perhaps the V-neck tank top that was lower cut than the other tops she’d worn. Still—it wasn’t the clothes, he realized. It was her. She was emanating sensuality. He wanted to grab her and carry her off to the couch in his office and lose himself in her. God, he ached with wanting her.

  Above the whirring of the overhead fans, he could hear his sister’s voice in his head, telling him to stop lusting. Okay, so he wouldn’t grab Sophie and carry her off to make love to her, but he sure as hell wasn’t going to stop wanting to.

  “Are you okay?” Sophie asked. “You look—distracted?”

  Sean raised his eyes to meet hers. “Sorry. I was just thinking about— I think I’m making headway.”

  “Headway?”

  He smiled. The research really wasn’t at the forefront of her mind. It wasn’t her only reason for being there. “Did you know that your mother was married at one time?”

  “What!?”

  “Apparently. For a brief time.”

  Sophie rested her elbows on the counter and leaned forward, obviously shaken by this information.

  “I just figured it out this morning. I’ll do some more research to confirm it, but I’m pretty sure it’s her.” He put his hand on hers. “Are you okay, Soph?”

  She nodded. “Just in shock.”

  Sean shook his head. “Hey, it’s okay. You don’t have to act tough for my sake.”

  “I’m not.” It had just become a habit, she realized.

  “Yeah, you are.” He stood up and pulled her into his arms.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to—”

  He gave her a stern look. “I told you. It’s okay. Anyone would be upset to find out their mother had been married and she’d never bothered to tell them. They’d feel shocked and—”

  “Betrayed?”

  “Exactly.”

  She relaxed against his chest, appreciative of his willingness to comfort her, and grateful that no customers had come in yet. As if reading her mind, Sean walked over to the door and locked it and turned the open sign around.

  “You’ll miss customers.”

  “They’ll come back. Come on, let’s go in the office so they don’t know we’re here yet.”

  He led her by the hand to his office where she sat at his desk and read through the file he had already started on her mother. “She really was married.” Sophie continued to read. “And she was a waitress in a coffee shop in Newport?“ She looked up at Sean who was sitting on the edge of his desk. “Are you sure you have the right Barbara Weldon?”

  “I’ve verified the job history, and I’m pretty sure about the ex-husband, but like I said, I’m going to do some more work on it today. I assume she never told you any of this.”

  “Nothing. As far as I knew, she grew up in Rhode Island, went to college there, had a one-night stand, had me, moved to California and became a real estate agent, eventually became a broker and started her own company.”

  Against his better judgment, he put a hand on her cheek and looked into her eyes that were still moist with tears. “Then I’d say you have all the justification you need for feeling betrayed, Sophie. And to curl up into a little ball and cry as much as you need to.”

  Sophie stared up at Sean. She scarcely remembered the rude, hostile man she’d met the first day she’d arrived in Canden Valley. His hand against her cheek was so gentle, but there was another sensation that was almost electrifying.

  Sean pulled his hand away, realizing that he was slipping closer and closer to an abyss which if he fell into, he would never be able to pull himself out of.

  Sophie cleared her throat and wiped her eyes. “Well, I’d better get to work. I’ll turn the open sign around and unlock the door.”

  Sean caught her hand as she stood up. “No. I’ll take care of things. You stay in here as long as you need to.”

  She sat back down, noticeably relieved. “You’re sure?”

  “Of course. I’ll make you a fresh cup of coffee. Or would you prefer tea?”

  “Chamomile.”

  “It’ll be okay, Soph.”He would make it okay.

  He couldn’t help himself when he leaned down and pressed his lips against her soft curls. Not as good as it would be if he’d kissed her lips. But it was definitely enough to build a dream on.

  * * *

  Undoubtedly prompted by guilt, Alex took his mother and sister to lunch in Winslow. When he returned, he went to visit his grandparents. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he knew he wasn’t going to survive the two weeks he had promised Sophie. Right now, he hoped he could stick it out for one.

  “Well, well, well, to what do we owe the pleasure of your company?” Evan McCullough greeted his grandson with a jab and a hug. “Eleanor! Your wayfaring grandson has come to visit!”

  “Alex is here? I’ll make some fresh lemonade. It will just take a minute.”

  “Sorry, Grandpa,” Alex said. “I’ve been tied up with work. And when I have a minute, I’ve been spending it with Matt. I’m kind of worried about him.”

  Evan smiled to himself. Yes, he worried about Matt too sometimes. But right now he was not at the top of his list of grandchildren who had earned cause for concern. “Matt will be fine. He just needs to relax a little.”

  “I wish he’d meet someone.” Alex sat across from his grandfather on the front porch which had become the old man’s favorite hangout in clement weather.

  “He will. Don’t you worry about him.”

  Alex sensed a hidden message in his grandfather’s words, but did not ask. “I hear Sophie has been spending time with you.”

  “She sure has. Your grandmother adores her.”

  “As if you don’t,” Alex said.

  Evan could almost feel the twinkle in his own eyes. “I do indeed. She’s a sweetheart. That girl is a real gem.”

  This time Alex confronted his grandfather head on. “You don’t think I deserve her.”

  “I didn’t say that.”

  “You didn’t have to.”

  “I just want you to know what you have there.”

  “I do. Trust me, I do.”

  “Good.” The word was more than a comment. It was a borderline threat. “She loves it here, you know.”

  “Yeah, I kind of picked up on that.”

  “Not a bad thing. She even puts up with your old granddad.”

  “Not so old,” Alex said. “Not so hard to put up with.”

  Evan smiled. “She even likes helping out at the store.”

  “The general store?”

  “She didn’t mention it?”

  “Mention what exactly?”

  “That she’s been helping Sean out since none of the usual summer workers have made it home.”

  “She probably did. I’ve just been so distracted with work that I probably wasn’t listening.”

  Evan looked at him closely. This was not a good sign. Sophie hadn’t told him. And Alex was too busy to listen to her when she did tell him things. Definitely not good. He was very fond of Sophie Weldon and really did want her to become part of the McCullough family. Although, he was mighty fond of Cassie Callahan too. And, if he was reading one of his other grandson’s thoughts accurately, he might be willing to step into his older cousin’s shoes. He wondered how this would play out. Hopefully for the best . for everyone.

  Alex exhaled the stifled breath he was
holding. Why the hell was Sophie helping out at the store? And why hadn’t she bothered to mention it?

  It seemed there was no safe subject with his grandfather. Relieved when his grandmother appeared with lemonade, he challenged them to a game of rummy. It didn’t quite fit the image he’d built of himself as a successful San Francisco attorney, but right now he couldn’t care less. Successfully numbing his anxiety over Sophie’s neglect to be forthcoming with him, he actually found himself enjoying the time he spent on his grandparents’ front porch. Surprisingly, it had quickly turned from duty to pleasure.

  Sean emerged from his office to find Sophie setting a strawberry sundae in front of a little girl and a chocolate sundae in front of a little boy. He watched her for a few minutes, talking to them patiently. She even taught them how to get the juke box to play, giving them each a quarter so they could choose a song. She had the magic touch, he thought, which no doubt was what made her a special teacher. He didn’t know that firsthand. But he knew it as if he did. After the customers left and she was washing the dishes, he settled onto one of the barstools.

  She turned and smiled, the pain that had been so pervasive in her eyes this morning, replaced by pleasure from helping others have an enjoyable experience. He reached up and stretched his arms over his head. Working at a computer for more than an hour was not his idea of fun. But anxious to find more answers for Sophie, he had persevered for three.

  “You look like you could use a break. How about I make you a milkshake or maybe a banana split? I’ve gotten really good at those.”

  “I bet you have.”

  “Before I forget. I never asked you your rate. I need to pay you for the work you’ve done so far.”

  Was she serious? When he looked over at her hand that was perched on her checkbook he realized she was. How did he tell her that he was not about to take money from her? Ever. Telling her might not be so hard, but her accepting it was guaranteed to be.