by Hope Malory
“No. My final avenue now is to ask my great-aunt when Brenner and I visit her at her beach house. I doubt she knows anything, but what better excuse for a trip to the ocean?”
Will chimed in. “Who needs a reason to go for some sand and seafood?”
Cameron drove to the bowling alley. After two games, Beasley and Will tied their scores.
“Let’s do a playoff. I can’t let a girl beat me.” Will smirked and cut his eyes over to her. “Unless you’re afraid.”
“You’re on, Will Gregor.”
Casey held up her hands. “Not me. I plan to sit this one out. Bowling is more difficult than I remembered.”
Cameron agreed. “I’m with you, babe.”
The score was close when they reached the last frame. If Beasley landed a strike, she would win. If not, it was Will’s game. She rubbed her palms together and blew on them before picking up the bowling ball. She stroked it for luck and aimed. Her swing was flawless. The ball went down the middle and knocked over all ten pins. She squealed, threw both arms up, and jumped into the air.
“Damn, you’re amazing.” She felt his strong hands grip her around the waist just as her feet left the floor. He whirled her around and around. Just as suddenly, he stopped. The heat of his body seared into hers. The temperature in the building ratcheted to blazing, and everything became a blur, except the man in front of her. Her body felt as if she had stuck her finger in a light socket as she slid down his torso. She stared at his mouth, needing to feel its softness on hers. Then she remembered where they were. Lifting her hands, she gently pushed back.
She took a deep breath to collect herself. “Back at ya. What fun. My glutes are confirming I haven’t climbed in a while.”
Casey put her hands on her hips. “Please. As fit and athletic as you are? If you’re sore, I won’t be able to move.”
Cameron leered. “Dang, I was counting on you moving a lot tonight.”
In a provocative voice, Casey said, “I think a massage might loosen me up.”
Cameron stood. “Time to go.”
~ ~ ~
Beasley and Will had the cabin to themselves for the night. What a difference a day made. Since learning he and Madison were no longer together, Beasley’s spirits lifted, and she was optimistic for the first time in a very long time.
Will flipped through Casey’s extensive vinyl collection and picked out a Chicago album. “I should buy a turntable. My dad has boxes of albums in his garage. He never listens to them.”
Will turned the stereo on and sat next to her. She leaned into the crook of his arm, eyes closed, and listened to the music. When a slow love song came on, Will stood and drew her into his arms. Their bodies moved in concert.
“Where did you learn to dance like a pro?” she asked.
“My mom made me take lessons, but I hated the practice. Now I’m glad I did.”
“You’re an excellent dancer.”
“Thanks. So are you.”
Pulling her closer, he skimmed his hand down her back. She breathed in his light, masculine scent. His warm body and muscular arms clouded her brain. The lyrics and seductive melody heightened the romantic mood.
He lured her into a sizzling kiss. Fireworks exploded in her head, and emotions flooded through her. After the song ended, she let out a long, deep breath. “Will, it’s obvious where this will lead, but it isn’t a wise idea.”
“Why not?”
“Intense intimacy makes it too real. I’m leaving in the morning. I believe we could build an authentic relationship if we lived in the same town.”
“We talked about that. Didn’t you agree we could try to make it work?”
“Yes, but the fact remains if we made a commitment, your home is still here, and mine is in Azalea Valley.” The thought of leaving him was like a heavy weight pressing on her sternum. Living so far apart would be hard.
She read the sadness in his eyes. “Can we still be friends at least and stay in touch?” he asked.
“Of course.”
Will grinned. “I have a proposition.”
“Well, don’t keep me in suspense. Tell me.”
“I’ve never been to the Appalachian Mountains. What if I came to Tennessee for a visit? Would you be my tour guide?”
Her heart soared. Will coming to her town would compensate for all the problems. “Yes. I would love for you to come.”
“I’m scheduled to be off Christmas week. If the timing works for you, I could fly out the day after Christmas.”
“Perfect.”
“May I take you to the airport in the morning?”
“That would be awesome.”
~ ~ ~
The ride to the terminal was quiet. Will drove into the parking lot and said, “I’ll miss you.”
She grabbed his hand and squeezed it. “I will miss you, too, but we’ll see each other again in a few weeks. You’ll meet my crazy sister.”
“You can show me your town and your mountains.”
After they reached the security area, he pulled her into his arms for a hug and a passionate goodbye kiss. “Text me to let me know you are home and safe.”
“Promise.”
She glanced back to see him still standing there, watching her. She blew him a kiss, and he returned it. The heaviness in her heart caused her to grab her chest as the tightness grew worse. “I’ll see him soon,” she assured herself. When she thought about him coming to her home, the pressure eased, and the anticipation increased.
At almost boarding time, she texted Brenner.
Plane boarding in ten. C U later. B
Brenner was waiting for her at the airport. “You’re chipper. Must have been a good trip.”
“I found out Will isn’t with his old girlfriend. It was a miscommunication. We spent time together, and he’s coming to Tennessee soon.”
“Fantastic. Tell me everything.”
She did, all the way to Azalea Valley.
“Everything is much better than before I left. Now, if I can make my business profitable again, I’ll be pleased.”
“Any chance you and Will might get together permanently?”
“The same issues still exist. I don’t see how.”
“Think about which would make you happiest: to make your business profitable, or to follow the love?”
“Something to consider.”
Chapter 21
Will preferred to stay in shape by engaging in outdoor activities. He tucked the only exercise equipment he owned, a home gym for weight training, into his spare bedroom. After his weight-lifting routine, he shed the sweat-soaked T-shirt clinging to his chest and emptied a bottle of water. He stretched out on his sofa and drifted off.
~ ~ ~
Beasley brushed her fingers through his hair gazing at him through half-closed eyes. “I love you,” she whispered in his ear. “I want you, Will, and I know you want me too.” Her fingers grazed the stubble on his face and slid down his neck to his bare chest. Palms flat, she feathered his torso in small circles. Gingerly, she skimmed his abs before moving lower and slipping her hand underneath his waistband.
He sucked in a breath and drew her toward him, brushing her lips against his. He grazed her lower lip between his teeth. The soft kiss turned urgent. Sliding the strap of the camisole off her shoulder, he cupped her breast in his hand. He moaned when she stroked . . .
~ ~ ~
The doorbell rang.
“Damn.”
At the sight of the bulge in his sweatpants, he muttered, “Can’t answer the door like this.”
When it rang the second time, he swore and got up to look through the peephole to see who intruded on his dream.
“Dad.”
He looked down. “Well, that t
ook care of the problem.”
Daniel stood on his porch with a duffel bag in his hand.
Will invited him in. “Hey, Dad. What’s up?”
“Gina kicked me out.”
Now, there’s a surprise, Will thought, but he didn’t say it. Instead, he said, “Have a seat, and tell me about it.”
Daniel slumped on Will’s sofa and put his head in his hands. The duffel bag suggested more than a short visit. Why would he want to stay here? He and his dad had been estranged since his parents’ divorce. His mom had been the one to keep the peace between him and his dad, but she wasn’t around much. Since the divorce, they’d had little contact. He had tried hard for years to please him, but his dad was so oblivious to anyone else’s needs or accomplishments that he’d stopped trying. Their primary contact was during holidays, special occasions, or when his dad needed his help, and it was always more polite conversation than father-son interaction.
Will sat in the chair opposite the sofa and waited for his dad to say something.
“I don’t understand. I thought we had a good marriage. I’m a good provider, and I give her everything she could want. She ordered me to grow up, whatever that means. I don’t want to lose her, and I don’t know what to do. Is it okay if I stay here for a day or two until I figure this out?”
Will couldn’t help but notice the number of I’s in the conversation. What could he say? This man was still his dad. “Sure.”
After a long silence, Daniel said, “I have a high-pressure job and work hard to be successful. Isn’t that what she wants? Everybody pulls away or leaves me. First, your mother, you, Allie, and now Gina. Why does this keep happening to me?”
“Is that a rhetorical question, or do you want an answer?”
“Son, I’m at the end of my rope. If you have some insight, I’d like to hear it.”
“Okay, you asked. You were never there for us—any of us. You missed all our birthday parties, my football games, and all our school activities. You didn’t come to Allie’s dance recitals, her graduation when she was magna cum laude, or any special occasions. You were always too busy with work. When were you ever there for Mom when something exciting happened? I’m guessing that’s why she spent so much time at work or with our grandparents. We needed you, not your money or status.” For once, his dad didn’t interrupt and seemed to think about what he was saying. He continued. “I haven’t been around Gina much since your wedding, but unless you’ve changed, I suspect some of the same things have been happening with her.”
Will noticed an expression that appeared to be surprise but was a possible awakening. Daniel dropped his head. “Maybe you’re right.”
“Do you love her and are you serious about making it work?”
“Hell, yes. I don’t know what I would do without her.”
“If you do, then maybe you could not only tell her but also show her she’s important to you. Do things with her and for her. We needed you, and she needs you. Be there for her. She wants quality time with you more than she wants your money. It’s your problem to fix and your call on what you do about it.”
They talked several more times that evening, and some of their talks were about the relationship between father and son. Will understood his dad a little better, and that alone helped him to begin healing. They had a long way to go, but it was a start. By the next morning, Daniel had decided he would go to Gina and do everything he could to make it work.
Relationships are tough. Although he wasn’t like his father, and Beasley wasn’t like his mother or Gina, a relationship still wouldn’t work unless Beasley moved to California.
~ ~ ~
Beasley’s Gardens limped forward through December. Beasley and Millie found creative ways to lure customers in to buy decorations and live trees. After staging their own and some of their friends’ homes, Beasley posted the pictures on social media and their website, announcing holiday decorating workshops. Sales spiked. Both made calls to schedule spring planting classes with the garden club, ladies’ groups at churches, and other community organizations. The business might make it.
With Christmas days away, Beasley and Brenner baked cookies and bought and wrapped presents. Beasley’s excitement grew each day as Will’s arrival approached. He planned to stay in Tennessee until the following Saturday. She asked Millie to manage everything at the office while he was in town. Kate volunteered to be on standby if Beasley needed extra help, allowing her to devote uninterrupted time to Will without having to worry about work.
On Christmas Day, her family distracted her from obsessing about Will. Had he not assured his parents he would spend today with each of them, he might have come earlier and met her brothers. Having her siblings together lifted her spirits, but she was relieved when they all left. Storing the leftovers, washing and putting away the dishes, and cleaning up the clutter from unwrapping gifts took hours.
Her stomach did somersaults as she zipped through traffic to the airport on Monday afternoon. Eager to see Will, she hurried to the waiting area even though she was early. The arrival board displayed an on-time flight. She fidgeted in her seat. What will it be like having him here? She was both thrilled and afraid. What if I fall in love with him? No. I won’t let that happen.
The ‘landed’ sign popped up on the status screen. With her hands clasped in her lap, she scanned the people as they exited the security area, searching faces until she recognized Will walking toward her. His eyes brightened when he recognized her. As soon as he exited the security area, he picked her up, twirled her around, and held on for a long moment.
Warmth spread through her body. “Welcome to Tennessee.”
“Thanks. I missed you when you left California.”
“I missed you, too, and I can’t wait to show you around our little town.” She linked her arm through his, and they rushed to baggage claim.
On the drive from the airport to Azalea Valley, they each proposed activities for the week. When she stopped in her driveway, Will tipped his head to the side. “You didn’t put up all these Christmas lights, did you?”
“Yes. I can handle a ladder.”
“Sure you can. There isn’t anything you can’t do, but I’ll help you take them down before I leave.”
Inside, Will scanned the interior. “Nice place. I can tell you like to decorate for the holidays.”
“Brenner deserves the credit for the decorations.”
Her sister bounded down the stairs. “I heard my name. You must be the handsome hunk Beasley talks nonstop about.”
Will laughed and stuck out his hand. “Hi, Brenner.”
“Here, we don’t shake hands; we hug,” she said before throwing her arms around him. “Hello, Will. Welcome to Azalea Valley.”
“Thank you.” Breathing in the aroma of something baking, he asked, “Is that cake I smell?”
“Yes. Beasley told me German chocolate is your favorite, so I baked one. We can have some whenever you two are hungry.”
Will grinned. “I knew I would like you. I’m always ready for German chocolate cake.”
Beasley skimmed her hand over the three-peak mountain tattoo on Will’s arm. “Let me show you around first, and you can put your things away. We’ll eat before we tour the town.”
Will stopped at a table filled with photographs. “Aha. You were a tomboy, weren’t you?”
“Yes, and Brenner was the little princess. This is Mama and Daddy on their wedding day.” As she identified all the family members, she shared stories about each before showing him the rest of the house.
“This was once my parents’ bedroom and then my grandmother’s. I converted it to my home office.”
Will picked up a picture from the desk. “These must be your grandparents.”
“Yes. Nonna and Grandpa were my mother’s parents. None of us knew Gran
dpa well. Growing up, we seldom saw either of them. Nonna visited more when I was ten. She and my parents overcame whatever problems they had and remained close in their last years. Grandpa stayed away most of the time. Once, I asked why he didn’t come, too, and they said he didn’t like my daddy. No one ever said why.”
“Another family secret.”
“Right. I didn’t think about that. Another puzzle we may never find answers to. The guest room is upstairs.”
She preceded Will to the room she and Brenner had shared growing up. “This is her room now.”
“Impressive sketches. Is this a local artist?”
“Brenner did them. When she isn’t at the dance studio or with her boyfriend, she draws and paints.”
“Remarkable and professional.”
“I told her how exceptional they are, but she thinks I’m biased. If you tell her, she might believe it.”
They moved across the hall. “My two oldest brothers, Bradley and Baxter, shared this space. Since this is the largest, I redesigned it to be mine.”
“No pink ruffles or dainty furniture?”
She elbowed him. “Throw pillows on the bed is about as dainty as I get. The next room belonged to Benjamin and Blake and is now the guest room. You can stay in there.”
“Thanks. I like learning about your family. Will I meet any of your brothers?”
“Blake is the only one who lives in town, but he’s camping with our older brother for a few days. He plans to come by later in the week. Take the time you need to get settled.”
Everything was on the table when they went downstairs. Brenner used the Christmas dessert plates for the cake.
“You’re quite an artist. Beasley showed me your sketches. Do you sell any of your work?”
Brenner beamed at the compliment. “No. I draw because it makes me happy.”
“I’m not an art expert, but I recognize talent when I see it. People would buy those.”