Can't Help Falling In Love (Love Me Tender #1)

by Teresa Ives Lilly

Darla’s eyebrows drew together. “Game? I’m not playing any game. I just know about businesses, and I know the bed and breakfast business in Fredericksburg is going down. I’ve done some research. I want to help Holt get a good deal before the market gets so bad he can’t make a penny.”

  Desiree stared at the woman, trying to read her mind. Darla tilted her head with a slight smile and walked out the front door. It was only then, Desiree realized Darla was dressed in a gorgeous black, skintight dress. She was obviously headed somewhere for the evening.

  Desiree looked down at her sweat pants and flannel shirt with a sigh then turned back to pulling books off the shelves. Several times during the evening, she had images of Holt, dressed as Elvis, singing just to Darla.

  As she removed the books, Desiree started to think about the Bluebonnet Inn. Since they had moved the breakfast room upstairs, it would make sense to move the sitting room up as well. That way the entire bed and breakfast could be kept on the second floor. She decided to wait up for Holt and run the idea past him. She sat on the small, blue willow patterned couch and picked up a book to read. Several minutes later, the book slipped from her hand as her eyes closed in sleep.

  ~

  Desiree’s eyes flew open when she heard Holt at the front door. She sat up and looked around the room. She was still in the front sitting room, with books strewn all over the floor.

  She looked at her rumpled clothes and groaned. The last thing she wanted was Holt to see her like this. Desiree stood up, ready to move into the hallway and slip up to her room before Holt reached the sitting room. However, she did want to talk to him about her idea.

  It can wait until morning,

  As she slipped into the hallway, she stopped when she heard Darla’s voice.

  “Oh, Holt. You really were wonderful tonight. It was so special, you singing that song… I just knew you were singing to me.” Her words were followed by a slight giggle.

  “It was all part of the show, Darla. I’m glad you enjoyed it.”

  Desiree pushed back into the sitting room. She felt such a sense of disappointment.

  So, Lord. He sang a song just for her. Maybe it is all part of the show. Maybe the song he sang to me was just part of the show.

  Holt must have noticed the light on because he stepped into the sitting room, looking around. Darla was right behind him and gave Desiree a cold stare. Holt’s eyes fell on the piles of books. He glanced up with a questioning look.

  “These books are outdated…” Desiree stuttered.

  Darla moved into the room and squirmed closer to Holt. “Oh, you should’ve seen the show tonight. Holt was wonderful.”

  Desiree ground her teeth together then forced a smile. “I’m glad you enjoyed the show.” She turned to Holt. “I’ll talk with you about the books tomorrow.”

  Holt’s eyes followed as she pushed past them and headed up the stairs. The last thing she heard was Darla asking Holt to sing “Can’t Help Falling in Love” for her one more time.

  Chapter 9

  The next morning was Sunday. Desiree dreaded facing Holt, but she wanted to go to church, and she needed some breakfast before heading out. There were at least three churches she wanted to try over the next few weeks before deciding which to make her home church.

  As she came out of her room, she could smell Holt’s wonderful breakfast. A part of her wanted to descend the stairs, avoid seeing him at all, but her mouth started to water so she moved into the small dining room and chose a table by the front window. She pulled the lace curtain to the side and glanced out. The town was quiet, not many cars out at this time of the morning.

  I’ll buy a bicycle so I can take advantage of these pleasant mornings. I’ll be the only one on the streets.

  “Good morning, lovely.” Holt was standing by the buffet with a platter full of eggs. Desiree sat down and took a sip of juice from the glass on the table. Holt stood silently watching her.

  “Is there a problem?” he asked after a minute or two.

  Desiree looked up. “Not at all.”

  Holt filled a plate for her. He brought a plate with eggs, bacon and a homemade blueberry muffin and set it on the table in front of Desiree. Then he sat across from her. “Desiree, you seemed upset last night. Please tell me what’s wrong.”

  “There’s nothing wrong. I’m just tired. I was up late pulling books off the shelves. I believe they should be replaced with short stories by Max Lucado and Chicken Soup for the Soul type stories. If you agree, I can take the other books to a local thrift store and purchase newer books to replace them.”

  Holt nodded. “That’s a good idea. We can box them up and take them over to All Seasons Thrift this afternoon.”

  Desiree lifted her fork and began to eat the delicious eggs. After three bites, she said, “No, it’s Sunday. I’ll be going to church, and I’m sure the thrift stores will be closed today.”

  “Oh, what church will you attend?” His face lit up with interest

  “Uhm, I’m not sure. I thought I’d drive around and choose one. Have you been attending a specific church?”

  “I’m sorry to say, since my Gran’s death, I haven’t been attending. I’d like to go with you.”

  Desiree choked slightly on a bite of eggs. She started to cough, and Holt moved closer and patted her back. When she caught her breath, she tilted her head up and gazed at him.

  “What about Darla?”

  Holt looked surprised. “Darla? What about Darla?”

  “Uhm, you seemed rather chummy last night.”

  Holt straightened and laughed. “So, that’s why you rushed out of the sitting room last night. Do you think I’ve forgotten our conversation about what she is up to?”

  Desiree could feel the flush on her cheeks. “I…I…you sang to her.”

  Holt lifted her hand and pressed it to his cheek. “No, I sang my song, as usual. On stage, to the entire audience. Darla tried to make you think I sang it only to her.” Desiree cringed at her own words. She sounded like a lovesick, jealous girlfriend.

  “I’ve never sung that song to anyone but you.”

  A smile spread across Desiree’s face. She looked at him coyly. “Would you accompany me to church?”

  “I’d love to.” Just then, Darla stepped into the room, her eyes riveted on their clasped hands. Desiree slipped her hand out of his.

  “Good morning, Darla. There are eggs, bacon and biscuits on the side buffet. I’ve poured orange juice for you.” He indicated a place at a table near the front window.

  Darla glided across the room, selected a plate and placed a small dab of eggs on it. She passed up the bacon and chose one biscuit. Desiree looked down at her empty plate and shook her head. It was no wonder Darla was as slim as she was. Desiree never passed up a good piece of bacon.

  “When will you be ready to go?” Holt asked. Desiree saw Darla lift her head and stare at them.

  “Anytime.” She stood, placed her hand on Holt’s arm and walked beside him out of the room. She could almost feel Darla boring a hole through her back with her stare.

  When they reached the hall, she suddenly felt ashamed of her behavior.

  Lord, what possessed me to want to make Darla jealous? I barely know Holt, and he’s told me several times he isn’t interested in her. What’s wrong with me?

  “Are you driving?” Holt’s voice pulled her back from her thoughts.

  “I’m sorry?”

  “Church. Are you driving us to church, or do you want me to drive?” He grinned at her.

  “Oh, uhm, I’ll drive.”

  Holt nodded, and they started to walk toward the stairwell. Before they could descend, Darla called out.

  “Oh, Holt, are you going out?”

  Desiree saw Holt squeeze his hands in frustration, but when he turned back a polite smile was on his face. “Yes, we are going to church.”

  “Church?” A sneer formed in the corner of Darla’s mouth. “I was hoping you might have time to meet with my friend about selling th
e Bluebonnet Inn.”

  Desiree gasped. Holt Frowned.

  “I haven’t said I want to sell the Bluebonnet.”

  Darla hurried down the hallway and stopped beside them. “Yes, but as I said, it won’t be long before the Bluebonnet goes under. My friend wants to make an offer before that happens. I’m just interested in helping you.”

  Desiree stepped in front of Holt. “Is that why you came to the Bluebonnet, Darla? To convince Holt to sell.”

  Darla’s mouth dropped open. “Of course, not. I’m in town for a visit. But once I saw noticed how many vacancies there were, I thought of my friend.”

  Desiree and Holt just stared at her. The room grew silent.

  “Will you at least meet with my friend?” Darla turned pleading eyes to Holt.

  “I suppose it won’t hurt to hear what he has to say. I want to save this place, but if he can convince me there’s no hope for it, then maybe it would be better to sell.”

  “No, Holt!” Desiree almost shouted and her body lurched forward before she could stop herself.

  “It’s really my decision, Desiree.” Holt’s voice dropped low, but firm.

  Desiree stood stock still and nodded. “I’ll head out to church.”

  “Am I still welcome to come with you?” Holt’s apologetic voice made her turn back to him.

  “But, I thought you wanted to meet with…”

  “I said I would be willing, but not today. If he is that interested, I’m sure he can work it out to see me tomorrow.”

  Darla stepped between them. “I’m sure that will work out fine. Can I set up a meeting between you two for lunch? I’m sure he would be willing to pay for your meal?”

  “No, he can come here. Besides, wouldn’t he want to see the place if he’s interested in it?”

  Darla bit her bottom lip slightly. “Yes, that makes sense. I’ll tell him.” She scooted around Desiree and rushed away.

  Holt laughed as he watched her retreating back. Then he turned around.

  “I’m sorry for speaking so sharply to you.” He stepped closer but Desiree stepped back.

  “No problem. I was out of line. This is your place; you have the right to make any decision about it.”

  “You don’t understand. I felt the best thing to do about this friend of Darla’s was to see him and feel him out. See if we can guess what he’s up to.”

  Desiree’s mouth gaped. “Oh, I see.”

  Holt moved closer again. “So, you forgive me?”

  Desiree tilted her head. Her face was so close she could feel his breath on her cheek.

  “Yes, I forgive you.”

  Chapter 10

  Both Holt and Desiree enjoyed the church service they attended but agreed they’d like to visit several others before choosing a home church.

  In the car on the way back to the Bluebonnet Inn, Holt spoke. “I’m glad you suggested church. I haven’t been attending because I wasn’t sure if I was going to stay here and run the bed and breakfast, or if I’d sell it and move on. I didn’t want to get too involved in a congregation and then up and leave.”

  Desiree reached over to turn the heat down in the car but realized it wasn’t even turned on. She was warm because Holt had been pressed up beside her through the entire church service. She wasn’t about to tell him to move over.

  “My parents always insisted we attend church, even if we were on a trip. I got out of the habit, but I love praise and worship.”

  “The church today had a great worship team. The message was short though. I wonder if it’s always that way?”

  “Could be. Many churches have gone to that type of service. Mini messages to capture the congregation’s attention. I could stand a bit more in-depth message myself. The church I attended before moving here had a great pastor. I’m going to miss his preaching style.”

  Holt placed his hand on her thigh. “Maybe next week, we’ll find something better. What are your plans for the rest of the day?”

  “Hmm, maybe get out to the studio. I have several items I’d like to paint to put in the pie shop.”

  Holt feigned a frown. “I guess I’ll have to slave over the oven making pies all by myself.”

  They both laughed.

  “I’m no cook; you wouldn’t want me in the way.” Desiree steered into the Bluebonnet Inn’s driveway.

  “You could never be in the way.”

  When Desiree turned off the engine, they both opened their car doors, but at the same time, they noticed two women on the front porch, Carol and Darla.

  The women jerked apart and began to wave at Holt.

  “What do you think they’re up to?” Holt whispered out of the corner of his mouth.

  Desiree giggled. “No good.”

  Holt burst out laughing.

  ~

  Darla was the first to speak. “Holt, I was just speaking with Carol. I think you should hear her out before meeting with my friend tomorrow.”

  “Yes. Now that I’ve been able to speak to Darla, there are some things I’d like to suggest.” Carol fluttered her eyes in what appeared to be a flirtatious way. “Can we speak alone?”

  Desiree could see Holt clasp his fists. Obviously, dealing with these two women was not on his TO DO list for the day.

  “I can give you about ten minutes, Carol. But then I have pies to cook.”

  Darla stepped down from the porch. “I could help you, Holt. I’m a good cook.”

  Holt shook his head. “Sorry, no guests in the kitchen.”

  Desiree felt a warm glow at those words. He either didn’t think of her as a guest, or he always made special concessions for her. She could see irritation on his face and decided to slip back to the art studio. She would leave him to handle Carol and Darla.

  ~

  When she had finished painting, Desiree cleaned up the studio, turned off the lights and headed for the house. It was early evening. She decided to use the back door.

  Not because I hope to see Holt, but because I hope to avoid Darla.

  She knew Carol was gone because her car was missing from in front of the house, but Darla could be lingering in the front sitting room.

  As she stepped into the kitchen, she was soothed by the aroma of apple pie. A sound made her head lift, and she came face to face with Holt.

  “Sneaking in, I see. Were you trying to avoid me or our charming guest?”

  “I hoped I could just slip up the back stairs. Not meet up with anyone. I thought you would be done in the kitchen.”

  Holt moved to her side. “Did you want to avoid me?” His eyes locked with hers.

  “No. I just…” His closeness made it hard for her to think.

  The wrinkles on his forehead relaxed. “You don’t have to explain. I’m hiding here to avoid Darla as well. She’s crazy to hear what Carol and I talked about, but I have no intention of satisfying her curiosity.”

  Desiree smothered her laughter with a hand across her lips. She sputtered out, “You are terrible.”

  “Am I? No, I think not. You don’t know what Carol had to say. Are you interested?”

  Desiree’s head moved up and down.

  “Shall we discuss it over a slice of pie?”

  Desiree groaned and nodded. “I can’t stay here much longer, or I’ll gain about twenty pounds.”

  Holt pulled out a chair for her. She sat at the table and waited. Within seconds, Holt placed a slice of pie, topped with homemade whipped cream in front of her and sat down to eat a slice himself.

  Between bites, Holt began to explain. “Darla tried to get Carol to agree with her about the bed and breakfast business going under; however, Carol doesn’t agree. She suspected something fishy, just like we did. She led Darla to believe she agreed with her so she could find out what Darla wanted.”

  “And did she?”

  “Yes. Darla works for a company that builds upscale duplexes. She finds prime locations, convinces the land or building owners that their business is dying, then buys them out. They then rip d
own the existing building and rebuild their modern duplexes.”

  Desiree screwed her face up in disgust. “What? That would be awful. To replace the Bluebonnet with a modern duplex?”

  “I know. However, I guess it would be a better market.” His voice had a tinge of defeat in it.

  “Don’t give up this easily, Holt. Have you even written down the numbers you believe the pie shop alone will bring in?”

  Holt gave her a sidelong glance. “Not really. All I did was draw the plans of how to set it up. I should spend some time tonight crunching those numbers.”

  “The ad will come out in the local paper tomorrow. I’m sure we’ll start getting customers by noon. Are you prepared?”

  “Hmm, if I start out the first day with say ten pies, I can get a feel for what will be needed. I can always take orders. But seriously, if the pie shop takes off, I’m not going to be able to keep up with the bed and breakfast. Sure, I can do the morning meal, but not cleaning the rooms.”

  Desiree opened her mouth to offer her help, but Holt held up a hand to stop her.

  “You are already doing more than your share here. You have your own business to consider.”

  “Aren’t there companies in Fredericksburg that clean bed and breakfasts?”

  “Yes, but I’d rather find someone I could get to know personally, someone who would be willing to do what I want. So many other bed and breakfasts get bad Facebook feedback because things aren’t as clean as I would want.”

  “Have anyone in mind?”

  “No, but Carol knows everyone in this town. I’ll call and ask her.”

  Desiree finished her pie, pushed the plate back with a frown, thinking of the pounds she had gained.

  “You trust Carol for so much.” She tried not to allow the note of jealousy to enter her voice.

  What am I jealous of, Lord? Holt is free to choose his friends.

  “Carol was a good friend to my grandmother, and she has been very helpful to me. She’s a good friend, Desiree, but nothing more.”

  “I didn’t mean to imply anything, Holt. I’m glad Carol was able to see through Darla. I’m probably going to meet up with her tomorrow, go look at a few of the empty buildings she suggested for my business. I can talk to her about finding someone to clean, if you like.”