Diving In

by Kristina Mathews

  He’d have to figure out how to block the sale.

  The Argo was packed. They ordered a couple of pitchers and settled against the bar to wait for a couple of tables to clear.

  “Well, look who walked in with a girl on each arm,” the bartender called out to a newcomer. Cody. “They’re a little younger than you used to bring in.”

  “Hey, these are my daughters.” Cody did indeed have one girl in each hand. They were in those car seat carrier things. He set them each on a bar stool and ordered a beer for himself and one for Carson, who followed closely with his own infant.

  “I never would have thought I’d see the day. The Swift brothers all settled down.” He shook his head as he poured a couple of pints.

  “We’re not that settled.” Cody acted cool, but when he looked down at his daughters, it was obvious that he was pretty much domesticated. “We are out on the town without our women.”

  “I heard about Aubrey getting married. Tell her congratulations from all of us here.” He offered a sincere smile and then reached behind the bar. “And when you see Fisher, I think these are her sunglasses. She left them here a few weeks back.”

  “Sure. But I’m sure Kyle will see her before I do.” Cody nodded in Kyle’s direction.

  The bartender looked over at him, smiled as if he recognized him from the other night, and handed over the sunglasses.

  “Thanks.” Kyle pocketed the mirrored aviators. “I’ll make sure she gets these back.”

  Cody eyed him, not as suspiciously as he used to. Maybe the other man had finally accepted him as Fisher’s lover. But as much as Fisher would wish it, they would never be friends.

  Kyle couldn’t stand how Cody had hurt Fisher. Yeah, he cared about her, but that didn’t keep him from hurting her with his ambiguous affection. While Cody might not realize it, he was still sending her mixed signals. So Kyle could never truly trust the guy.

  Then again, Cody did have reason not to trust Kyle. He might attribute it to Fisher, but Kyle was here to take something from him. It wasn’t his manager, though. It was the whole damn company. Or it had been. And maybe if it was just Cody who would be screwed over if the deal went through…

  No. Because it was never that simple. There was always collateral damage to any business acquisition. Kyle had just chosen to ignore it. To convince himself that if the prior owners had done a better job, if they hadn’t let themselves get into trouble in the first place, then they wouldn’t have lost.

  But if he truly believed that, then that would mean that he’d deserved to have been abandoned by his father. That if his mother had somehow made better choices, then she would have deserved something better than his worthless piece of shit of a father.

  One of the babies started to fuss. Kyle was closest, so he made a funny face, and the little girl broke into a precious giggle.

  “Hey, thanks.” Cody put a hand on his shoulder. “She likes you.”

  Cody leaned over and lifted his daughter out of the baby seat. He made goofy sounds and dropped kisses on the child, and Kyle had to look away.

  She didn’t deserve anything other than a loving family. Shit might happen to her and her sister along the way, but the only thing she deserved was to be loved.

  It was all any of them deserved.

  So why was it so damned hard to accept?

  Kyle grabbed his beer and leaned against the bar where he’d met Fisher. Even then, she had told him that she didn’t believe she deserved to be loved. But why?

  Because she’d been rejected by a guy who saw her as nothing more than a friend? Because she was different than the girls she grew up with? So she was taller than most women, and quite a few men. She was stronger and smarter than most people. That didn’t make her any less desirable to him.

  And still she refused to acknowledge that they had something more than just sex. Maybe the upcoming wedding would change her mind. Maybe sharing in her friend’s happiness, surrounded by love, she might start thinking about the possibilities.

  She might even catch the bouquet.

  Cody got the baby settled and turned to Kyle.

  “Hey man, maybe I was too quick to judge you.” Whoa, where did that come from?

  Kyle just shrugged.

  “I mean, if all the women in my life have taken to you, you must be a pretty good guy.”

  “All the women in your life?”

  “Fisher, of course.” Cody leaned against the bar next to him. “But Miranda likes you, Ava—well, Ava has never met a stranger—and she adores you. But now Addy has given her stamp of approval.”

  “More like a drool of approval.” Kyle pointed to the wet spot on his shoulder.

  Cody extended his right hand. “What do you say we start over?”

  “Sure.” Kyle shook his hand, mostly because he knew it would please Fisher.

  “Great.” Cody grinned like all was right with his world now. “You know, I’m glad Fisher stuck with her guns and insisted on bringing you on board.”

  “Really?”

  “Apparently you’re a big hit with your passengers.” Cody sounded reluctantly pleased. “Miranda can’t keep up with the rave reviews.”

  “Miranda?”

  “Yeah, she’s taken over our website.” He beamed with pride. “She’s a writer, you know. Her first book comes out in a couple of months.”

  “I think Fisher may have mentioned something about that.” Had she? Didn’t matter. Fisher didn’t say much about Cody’s wife, other than admit she liked the woman.

  “I’m real proud of her.” Cody continued to puff up with pride. But why not, the guy did have everything. “And I’m proud of Fisher, too.”

  Kyle’s jaw twitched, but he didn’t say anything.

  “She’s a good manager.” Cody didn’t seem to notice that Kyle was only tolerating him for Fisher’s sake. “A good manager, and a damn fine woman.”

  “Yes. She is.” Too bad it took her finding someone else for Cody to realize it.

  “I don’t want to see her get hurt.” Cody leaned a little too close into his space.

  “I don’t want to see her get hurt, either.” Apparently Cody had been blind. Because he’d been the one to hurt her the most.

  “Just as long as we’re clear.”

  “You’re not her brother, you know. You’re not her protector. And you know what? She doesn’t need one. Fisher is a damn fine manager. She’s smart, tough, and fair. She doesn’t need anyone looking out for her.” Kyle had had enough. He pounded the rest of his beer. “Believe me, if I screw things up with Fisher, the only person I’d have to worry about would be Fisher.”

  The hostess came in and announced that their tables were ready. Kyle made sure to sit as far away from Cody as he could. He was supposed to be out having a good time tonight. Tomorrow would be another long day, and then the wedding was Sunday evening.

  He’d need to have something for his boss on Monday. Even if it was a report on why he couldn’t come through for the first time since he’d been fifteen.

  Chapter 17

  Most weekends were busy on the South Fork in the summer. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays were when they did the majority of their business. Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays were usually slow days, where the guides would get a day or two off. Thursdays were hit or miss. Sometimes they’d have big crowds, usually some kind of corporate event—leadership retreat, team-building excursions, or entertaining clients in hopes of gaining their trust and their business.

  This weekend was busier than usual. Sunday, especially, when they had to get off the river by four so they could get everything put away and ready in time for Aubrey’s six o’clock wedding.

  This would be the third wedding held at Swift River Resort. First Carson and Lily, then Cody and Miranda. Now they were rolling out the aisle runner so that Aubrey could say good-bye to her ol
d life and celebrate her new one.

  Fisher tried to think of a life anywhere else. She couldn’t do it. Oh, she knew this wasn’t what her parents had wanted. But then again, her parents had wanted so much more than they were given.

  She brushed the thought away. No time to dwell on things that couldn’t be helped. Not when she had to rush back upstairs to get a quick shower and put on that party dress. She wasn’t a bridesmaid, so there was no satin or lace to contend with. Aubrey’s sister was the only bridesmaid and her fiancé’s fraternity brother was the best man.

  Fisher showered, dressed, and put on makeup. Well, she put on lip gloss and a little eyeliner. She even blew her hair dry and instead of one big, thick braid, she twisted two tiny braids that joined together in the back, like a princess or something.

  Brooke was a little more dressed up. She’d actually curled her hair and added mascara and blush. Once again, Fisher felt like she was failing at this being female thing.

  Then she descended into the living room. Kyle had been sitting on one of the sofas but when he saw her he rose to his feet, a look of sheer wonder on his face.

  “You look amazing.” He smiled and took a step toward her. Fisher had to force herself not to turn around to see if he was speaking to Brooke, only a few steps behind her.

  Kyle was the one who looked amazing. He wore black dress slacks, a silk tie, and a blue button-up shirt that wasn’t quick drying, packable, with an SPF of fifty. He looked like a movie star. That one guy, in that one movie, whom all the girls were swooning over. His hair was combed and he’d shaved. The man was sexy as hell.

  And he was walking toward her.

  Fisher’s heart raced, her legs felt weak, and she couldn’t breathe. This would be the first wedding she’d ever attended with a date. She’d spent Carson and Lily’s wedding flirting with Cody, wondering how she could let him know she’d wanted more than friendship. She’d endured Cody and Miranda’s wedding, trying to keep her heart from breaking wide open. Now she would sit next to a man who had come into her life at a time when she’d needed him most.

  “Are you ready?” He extended his hand and she took it. Hopefully he wouldn’t notice that she was trembling.

  “Yeah.” She wasn’t sure why she was so nervous. It was just a date. It wasn’t like everyone didn’t already know they were together. It was just that they’d never been on a date date. Where there would be dancing. Champagne. Flowers. All things romantic.

  She wasn’t ready for this. She wasn’t ready to put their relationship in the spotlight. To have people watching while he whispered in her ear or pulled her close while they danced. And she certainly wasn’t ready to have him hold her hand while the minister spoke of love and marriage and commitment.

  Fisher was glad she wore flat sandals. Heels would put her as tall as Kyle, but they would also make her feel even more unsteady.

  Then he placed a soft, sweet kiss on her neck, just below her ear, and she knew she was in good hands. She could relax and enjoy herself.

  They waited until everyone was gathered in the living room. Twenty minutes until the wedding would begin. Someone stepped into the kitchen and returned with a bottle of champagne. The cork was popped and the bottle passed around. Each of them raised the bottle and offered a toast to their friend and now former guide. After taking a sip straight from the bottle, they each passed it on.

  By the time it got to Fisher, the bottle was half-empty.

  “To Aubrey. May she live happily ever after.” She took a swig and then handed it to Kyle.

  “Cheers.” He kept his toast simple before pressing the champagne to his lips.

  There was still enough champagne left that it took a second pass through everyone. With a bubbly, giddy feeling, they marched toward the meadow where the ceremony would take place.

  Kyle put his arm around her waist, guiding her and claiming her at the same time. She melted into his touch, deciding she would relax and enjoy the moment. Enjoy the evening with her man at her side. She would celebrate with her friends. Send one of their own off on the next adventure. And try not to think about anything beyond tonight.

  Soft guitar music welcomed guests to find their seats. Kyle chose a spot near the middle. Not too close, but not all the way in the back. She sat, smoothing the skirt of her sundress over her knees.

  After sitting next to her, Kyle reached over and twined his fingers in hers.

  Fisher didn’t want to get too emotional, but by the time they got to the exchanging of the rings, the reciting of vows, and the kiss, her eyes were damp. She couldn’t look at Kyle. Didn’t want him to think she was getting any ideas.

  As the happy couple walked past them, with looks of sheer joy on their faces, Kyle gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.

  When the music ended, the bride and groom kept walking toward the river, where they would take some pictures. The guides started moving chairs and setting up tables. By the time the couple returned, the caterers had set up the dinner buffet and the bar was already doing a brisk business.

  Kyle brought Fisher a beer and they looked for a table. Carson and Lily, Cody and Miranda, and all the babies had a table nearby. The diaper bags, strollers, and baby paraphernalia took up a lot of space, so there wasn’t much room for others to join them. As much as she would like to have Kyle spend more time with his brothers and sisters-in-law, she didn’t want him to think she wanted to be close to Cody.

  They ended up sitting with Brooke and Tyler, Ross, Gavin, Jake, Dana, Leia, and Nolan.

  The food was fabulous. Once again, the Argo had been convinced to serve as caterers. Fisher wondered if they would be interested in partnering with Swift River to do some special events. Maybe a craft beer and food pairing trip, or package deals for bachelor and bachelorette parties.

  She wondered if they would start renting out the resort for weddings. So far, they’d all been for their own. They’d also been put together fairly quickly. And each of the brides had been pregnant.

  Maybe they wouldn’t want to put that in the brochure.

  Fisher caught Kyle staring at her. Damn, that was one sexy man. Who was hers for the summer. She wouldn’t think about anything beyond that. She’d just appreciate what she had for the moment.

  And she’d just have to trust that her birth control method was as reliable as her doctor had promised.

  * * * *

  The wedding had gone off without a hitch. Or rather, the couple had gotten hitched and the reception was under way. They had just finished dinner and it was time for the toast and cake cutting.

  The bride and groom had their first dance, and then all the guests were invited to join in.

  Kyle took Fisher into his arms and whisked her onto the dance floor.

  “Are you having a good time?” He pulled her against him, loving the feel of her body next to his.

  “Yes.” She leaned her head against his chest. “Are you?”

  “Absolutely.” She fit just right in his arms. He wasn’t going to worry about how he would fit into her life. Not tonight.

  Tonight they would dance. They would dance until she begged him to make love to her.

  Or he begged her.

  The band picked up the pace, and Kyle spun Fisher around the dance floor. But he never went too long without pulling her close. Pressing his body against hers. Reminding her how their bodies fit together. How they fit together.

  They worked up quite a thirst, and finally the band took a quick break. Kyle wandered over to the bar to grab a couple of beers.

  “Thanks.” Fisher took the plastic cup from him and downed about a third before letting out a breath. “What a night.”

  She kicked off her shoes and leaned back against the white plastic chair.

  He just sat there, admiring her. Wanting her. And he’d was man enough to admit—at least to himself—loving her.

  Th
e band picked up their instruments, but he was content to sit out a song or two. Let them catch their breath a bit.

  “Hey, Fisher.” Lily approached with baby Brandon. “Would you mind holding him while I dance with my husband?”

  Fisher’s face drained of color. She gulped the rest of her beer.

  “I…um…” She gave Kyle a desperate look. “I have to go to the bathroom.”

  She jumped up, knocking her chair over, and she made a mad dash toward the campground restrooms.

  “I’ll take him.” Kyle held his hands up. “We’re old friends.”

  “Thanks.” Lily handed over her son and dragged her husband out on the dance floor.

  Carson and Lily danced three or four songs; then Carson took Brandon while Lily wandered off to powder her nose or grab a drink or whatever.

  “He give you any trouble?” Carson grinned at his baby boy.

  “Nah.” Kyle was more troubled by Fisher’s reaction. And by the realization that in the time he’d known her, she hadn’t held any of the babies. Her reluctance to pick up Cody’s kids was somewhat understandable, considering her feelings for their daddy. But why would she freak out about picking up Carson’s little boy? “Would you excuse me?”

  He went to find her. Something didn’t feel right about her reaction.

  She wasn’t by the bathrooms. He waited, but when no one else came out, he wandered on down toward the river. A few couples had stolen away, looking for privacy and romance beneath the rising moonlight.

  A path twisted upriver, away from the crowd, and on a hunch, he followed it.

  Sure enough, Fisher stood barefoot, skipping rocks into the water.

  “Hey, there you are.” He wasn’t sure why, but he knew he had to be gentle with her.

  She shivered, despite it being around eighty degrees out, and he pulled her into his arms.

  “Mmmm,” she purred, sliding her hand up his chest. “Let’s get out of here. I’m ready for bed.”