by Cindy Kirk
Floyd appeared startled, as if no one had ever asked him that question.
“Charlotte is a hair stylist. She owns Golden Door,” Max explained.
“Ah.” Floyd nodded and fingered his hair. “That’s why you’re so focused on the white stuff.”
“Occupational hazard.” Charlotte studied him through lowered lashes. “If you ever need a trim, stop and see me.”
She was actually flirting with the old guy, Max realized, bemused.
“If I could afford your prices, I’d take you up on that offer.”
Charlotte just laughed and turned, obviously ready to move on.
“One thing, Max, before you leave.” Floyd’s serious tone stopped them both. “I’d like to ask you to keep an eye on Primrose. She’s been special to me ever since I taught her in Sunday School and she asked more questions about math than Jesus.”
Max chuckled but Floyd didn’t crack a smile.
“The thief hasn’t hurt anyone yet, but most of us think it’s just a matter of time until he surprises someone at home. She’s alone in that house with those boys.”
“Prim is cautious and very safety minded.” Max kept his tone light but felt a chill at Floyd’s words.
“The burglar is becoming bolder.” Floyd pointed the tongs at Max. “He entered the last house when the family was out for dinner.”
“Burglar? In Good Hope?” Charlotte appeared more curious than distressed. Not unexpected, considering her home base was a city of three million where crimes like this were an everyday occurrence. “I heard a couple of customers chatting about a string of burglaries, but I thought it was happening somewhere else.”
“Nope.” Floyd lifted a couple of brats to the warming rack. “This crime spree is happening right here in Good Hope. And I’m serious about you watching out for Primrose, Max. This guy could be dangerous.”
“Primrose?” Charlotte arched a brow.
“She’s my neighbor. She and her sons recently moved back to town.”
“Promise you’ll watch out for her,” Floyd pressed, a bulldog tilt to his whiskered jaw.
“Of course, I’ll watch out for her.”
A look of relief crossed Floyd’s face. “Good. That’s good.”
“Come on, Charlotte.” Max took her arm. “There are lots of people here I want you to meet.”
“It was nice visiting with you, Mr. Lawson.” Charlotte gave Floyd a jaunty wave as Max pulled her away.
Once they were out of earshot, she tugged him to a stop. “I think Santa Claus is into matchmaking. Is Primrose young and pretty?”
“Floyd may be many things, but not a matchmaker. Prim lives next door. In Good Hope we look out for each other.”
Charlotte merely lifted a shoulder, let it fall, then turned to survey the scene spread out before them.
Groups of men in shorts, jeans, and khakis and women in bright summer dresses dotted the lush yard. Scattered tables, strategically placed, held guests who preferred to eat sitting down.
In the far back of the yard, men tossed horseshoes while children played badminton or croquet. Callum and Connor were part of a group of children at the net. Instead of attempting to hit the birdie, the two redheads held their rackets like swords and fenced with each other. The exuberance of their play made him smile.
He searched for Prim and spotted her by the beverage tables speaking with her father and sister. Beck wasn’t there, but it was a given that where you saw Ami, her husband wasn’t far away.
“Thanks for inviting me.” Charlotte’s hand returned to his arm in a gesture that felt a little too proprietary. She slanted him a flirtatious look that he was beginning to realize was as much a part of her as those bright red lips.
“Max Brody,” Cory called loudly from several feet away, a smile breaking over his face. “I hoped we’d run into you tonight.”
Out of the corner of his eye, Max saw Prim whirl at the sound of his name.
Their gazes collided.
His heart stumbled.
She was breathtakingly beautiful this evening in a dress covered in pink flowers. The reddish cast to her strawberry-blond hair glistened in the glow of the lanterns.
She’d straightened the wiry strands into a sleek style worthy of a fashion model. While he preferred the wild and untamed look, Prim was a rare beauty either way.
Regaining his inner balance, Max offered her a smile, but she’d already turned her attention back to Steve.
“We went to a movie earlier,” he heard Charlotte say to Cory and his wife, Jackie. “A chick flick with a happily ever after. Max indulged me.”
She tightened her hold on his forearm.
Max forced an easy smile. “It was a good movie.”
Jackie sighed. “I love the ones with happy endings.”
That didn’t surprise Max. He imagined life was hard enough for this family without being depressed at the movie theater. Now that his hair had grown out, no one looking at Cory would ever guess he’d been near death last year. He always had a smile on his face as if he didn’t have a care in the world.
Jackie’s unsteady gait and reliance in recent months on a cane gave some indication of her declining condition. But she’d never let MS define her.
“We enjoyed spending time with you at the beach the other day.” Jackie paused, then appeared flustered, as if realizing Max had been with another woman that day. “I love the weather we’ve been having lately, don’t you?”
Charlotte ignored the weather comment and smiled up at Max. “You went to the beach during the week?”
Max shrugged. “My schedule opened up for an afternoon.”
“Next time your schedule opens up, call me.” Charlotte batted her heavy lashes. “I’ve got a new bikini I’ve been dying to show off.”
Cory chuckled. “You’re a fool if you don’t take her up on that offer, Brody.”
Jackie gave an exaggerated sigh. “I switched to a one-piece this year. After three children, it seemed time.”
“You’re as beautiful as the day I married you.” Cory looped an arm around his wife’s shoulder, leaned over, and kissed her cheek.
Max smiled at the easy display of affection, but Charlotte appeared to have grown bored with the conversation. She shifted her gaze, then stilled, like a hunting dog spotting its prey. “Isn’t that Jeremy Rakes?”
Following the direction of her gaze, Max saw it was indeed Good Hope’s mayor helping Floyd flip burgers. Tall and lanky with blond hair just a little too long, Jeremy was friendly, approachable, and extremely intelligent. All those characteristics, plus the fact that he sprang from one of the peninsula’s oldest families, explained how he’d been able to win the mayoral race last year though he wasn’t even thirty.
He was also single, although in recent years he’d been seen frequently in the company of Eliza Shaw. Max looked for the Cherries’ executive director in the crowd but came up empty.
“Let’s go say hello,” Max offered.
“No. You mingle. I’ll discuss my business with him, then hunt you down.” She wiggled her fingers in a casual gesture. “Back soon.”
“Sounds good,” Max murmured, though Charlotte was already too far away to hear him. He turned to Cory and Jackie. “Floyd mentioned there’s been a lot of talk about the burglaries.”
“It’s kind of scary, not knowing where this criminal will strike next.” Jackie glanced at her husband. “I was worried it might be a gang thing, but Sheriff Swarts told Hadley he’s convinced the break-ins are the work of a single individual.”
Floyd had been right, Max realized. People were talking.
He decided it’d be a good idea to mention to Prim he wanted her to call him day or night if she heard or saw anything suspicious.
“We’re going to hit the barbecue line.” Cory took his wife’s arm and glanced at Max. “Want to join us? Or can we get you anything?”
“I’m fine. Thanks. I’ll catch you later.” Max turned and meandered in the direction of the beverage
tables.
After being stopped several times by friends and people wanting to talk about the parade, the tables holding large galvanized tubs filled with ice, beer, and an assortment of soft drink bottles grew near.
“Max.”
With a resigned smile, Max turned.
Eliza, stunning as a scorpion in a red dress, stared at him through slitted eyes. A bottle of Corona dangled between her thumb and forefinger, moving like a pendulum back and forth. “Going to see your girlfriend?”
Max tilted his head.
“Primrose.” Eliza gestured with her head to where Prim and her family stood. “Your girlfriend.”
She emphasized the word, a malevolent gleam in her eyes.
Max remembered when he’d have given anything to hear those words. But not from Eliza. And not now. “What do you want?”
The executive director lifted the bottle and took a delicate sip, her smile easy, those gray eyes hard as steel. “I’m sure by now she’s told you all about her performance at the planning meeting.”
“Prim mentioned she gave our report.”
“I’m warning you.” Eliza’s voice held an icy edge. “This parade is important. Not only to the Cherries and to Good Hope but to me. For both your sakes, you’d better be giving it the attention it deserves.”
“Is that a threat?” His tone could have frosted glass.
“You shoved her down my throat, getting her sister and Gladys to team up and sway the vote.” Eliza’s eyes never left his. “Let me speak frankly, Max. If anything goes wrong with the parade, I’ll make sure it’s your and Prim’s ass in the sling, not mine. That’s not a threat, that’s a promise.”
Chapter Nine
Prim watched Max approach and, conscious of Anita’s watchful gaze, schooled her features into a pleasant smile.
Her father greeted Max warmly, slapping him on the back. “How’ve you been, son?”
“Keeping busy.” Max slanted a sideways glance at Prim and offered a smile.
Her traitorous heart gave a little leap.
“I’m glad I ran into you tonight, Max.” Ami stepped forward to give him a quick hug. “I’m hosting an impromptu housewarming at Prim’s house tomorrow night. I’d love it if you could make it.”
Beck had just walked up, and though his expression gave nothing away, because Prim was facing him, she saw the brief flash of surprise in his eyes.
Apparently the housewarming Ami was hosting was news to him. Just like it was to Prim.
“I’m not sure—” Max stopped when Beck placed a hand on his shoulder.
“He’ll be there.” Beck’s tone brooked no argument. Surprised or not, he was backing his wife’s wishes.
“I told you that a housewarming isn’t necessary,” Prim demurred, giving her sister a pointed look.
“And I told you it is.” Ami’s tone, while pleasant, was as firm and unyielding as her husband’s. “It’ll be great fun. I’ll bring the food, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.”
Something was going on here; Prim just couldn’t figure out what it was yet.
“This seems awfully last-minute to me.” Anita pursed her lips, a suspicious gleam in her eyes. “Lindsay and I are spending the weekend shopping in Milwaukee, so I won’t be back until Sunday night.”
“I know, that’s what you said.” Ami’s face was all sympathy. “It’s too bad you’ll have to miss the housewarming.”
“It could be rescheduled.” Anita glanced at Steve.
“Not my party, honey.” He patted her shoulder in a comforting gesture, then glanced at Ami, a question in his eye.
“Unfortunately this is the only time that worked.” Again, her tone oozed sympathy and regret, but Prim wasn’t fooled.
Unless she was misreading the signs, Ami had specifically set this time so the family could be together without Anita. But why was Ami so insistent Max come? What if he had plans with his new girlfriend? “Max, you don’t have—”
“I thought we could show the videotape of last year’s parade,” Ami interrupted. “You mentioned at the meeting you and Max were planning to review it. We can all munch on popcorn while we offer suggestions for possible improvement.”
“That’s a good idea.” Max turned to Prim. “We do need to move ahead on the parade. If changes are going to be made, it needs to be soon.”
Prim nodded, surprised at the fervor in his tone.
“I still think you could find another time,” Anita huffed.
“Let it go, honey,” Steve said in a low tone they all heard.
Anita’s hazel eyes flashed, telling Prim she was poised for battle. Prim wondered who would feel her wrath. It wouldn’t be her dad. Anita was smart enough to know she could only push him so far.
“I don’t believe I’ve met your date.” Anita pinned Max with a take-no-prisoners gaze. “Who is she, anyway? And why is she chatting up Jeremy Rakes instead of staying with the man that brought her?”
“Her name is Charlotte McCray.” Though he responded to Anita, Max’s eyes remained on Prim’s face. “She’s a friend.”
“A friend you brought to one of the biggest social events of the summer.” Anita’s lips lifted in a sly smile. “Sounds like more than a friend to me.”
The anger that slammed into Prim told her Anita’s barbs had achieved the desired result. While it was true Prim had no claim on him, why had he kissed her with such sweet emotion? The way he’d acted had made her believe she was someone special to him.
As if afraid she might lash out, Ami looped her arm through Prim’s. After a warning squeeze, her sister smiled at Max. “I can’t wait to speak with her and get acquainted.”
“Looks as if you’re about to get your chance.” Anita’s eyes glittered in the glow of the Chinese lanterns. “She’s on her way over here now.”
Everything about Charlotte McCray was high-end: hair, makeup, clothes . . . even the confident smile that showed a mouthful of straight, white teeth.
When Charlotte zeroed in on Max like a homing pigeon come to roost, it took all of Prim’s self-control to paste a welcoming smile on her lips.
Once again Prim told herself she had no claim on Max. He was free to attend barbeques with whomever he liked. But why did he have to bring Charlotte? Hadn’t Max seen that for every minute she wasn’t batting her eyelashes at him she was busy making eyes at Jeremy? Apparently a tight wrap dress that barely covered her cleavage was more than enough to excuse Charlotte’s nonexclusive flirting.
And who in their right mind would even consider Jeremy when they were on a date with Max? Prim couldn’t trust the sanity of a woman who didn’t realize she was already on the arm of the best man in Good Hope.
It doesn’t matter. Prim’s anger deflated like an untied balloon. If it wasn’t Charlotte, it would be someone else. A great guy like Max wouldn’t stay single forever.
Prim wanted him to be happy, to find that special someone.
Just not Charlotte.
Just not now.
“It was sure nice of Ami to arrange this housewarming.” Max took a sip of wine and gazed around the comfortable living room. Though Prim had barely moved in, the place already had a homey feel.
He tapped the edge of a picture to straighten it, then turned back to Steve. The two men stood by the front window.
“I’m glad you could make it. It wouldn’t have been the same without you here.” Steve clapped Max on the shoulder. “It’s just too bad Anita couldn’t have joined us.”
The older man appeared serious so Max merely nodded, though he knew the evening wouldn’t have been nearly so pleasant with Anita in attendance.
“That looks like something off a Hallmark card.” Max gestured with his glass of wine to where Beck sat on the floor building a Lincoln Log fort with the twins.
Prim’s father tilted his head, considered. “Better if there was snow falling outside and a fire blazing in the hearth.”
Max studied the scene, grinned. “And Beck should be wearing one of thos
e red sweaters with a bunch of dancing reindeers across the front.”
At the sound of his voice, his friend looked up and started to rise.
“Go back to playing with the kids.” Steve waved him down. “Max and I are just planning a Christmas card.”
After a quizzical look, Beck shook his head and picked up another log.
“Boris needs reindeer antlers.” Max swore the wolfhound, crouched down and waiting for an opportunity to steal a log, got a pained expression.
“That would complete the picture,” Steve agreed, chuckling as he took a sip of wine.
“You’ve got a wonderful family, Steve.” Max spoke in a matter-of-fact tone, ignoring the emotion that kept trying to clog his throat. The Bloom family was special, always had been, and always would be.
They genuinely enjoyed spending time together. Conversation and wine had flowed freely while they’d feasted on prime rib, au gratin potatoes, and spinach salad with cranberries and blue cheese crumbles. Max had enjoyed himself so thoroughly he’d forgotten for a moment he wasn’t one of them.
Oh, he knew how to play the part. Just like when Sarah was alive, when dinner ended, he’d gotten up with the other men to clear the table. Prim and Ami had chased the men out of the kitchen so they could load the dishwasher. From where Max stood in the living room, he could hear the sounds of their laughter.
What would it be like to truly be part of this family? To be Prim’s husband and Callum and Connor’s father? The fact that he could so easily see it gave Max a little jolt. Was it too much to hope Prim was over Rory? It had been two years . . .
“I’ve missed seeing you.”
Max looked up to find Steve’s gaze on his face.
“You don’t come all that often.”
“You know how it is, life gets in the way.” Max kept his tone light. “You’re busy, too. You have Anita. And your family.”
“Stop right there. You’re family as much as anyone here.” The older man stabbed Max in the chest with a pointed finger. “When you and I were matched all those years ago, you became my son. You’ve shared this family’s ups and downs, and you were there for me when Sarah died. I don’t want to hear any more of that kind of talk.”