by Tara Randel
“What am I thinking? After her fall, she’s not herself.” She turned to Beth. “Give Wanda Sue a call and tell her we’re thinking about her.”
Beth nodded.
“Now, we’ve been walking through town, checking in with the merchants and those involved in the celebration to see if you need anything.”
“An escape plan from this outfit?”
Lissy Ann laughed. “Grace, you’re always so funny.” Then her face went all business. “I’m not kidding. Put Your Feet Up has its place in the festivities and we need to make sure everyone is doing their part. This is an important week for Golden.”
So she’d heard. But why? She hadn’t thought to question it before, but with Lissy Ann on a mission, she wondered what was up.
Lissy Ann snapped her fingers. “Earth to Grace. Everything’s in order?”
Grace found herself straightening up. It was all she could do to keep from saluting Commander Lissy Ann. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Your sister has my cell number if there are any problems.”
“Good to know.”
Lissy Ann’s attention turned to Deke. “And you’ll be participating?”
Grace squeezed Deke’s fingers at her side.
“Of course,” he said, humor lacing his tone. “Looking forward to the celebration.”
“Excellent.” Lissy Ann turned to her posse. “Let’s move on, ladies.”
As the three marched away, Grace watched them go. “That was...freaky?”
“What? People taking an interest in the town?”
She reluctantly moved from his hold, missing the closeness. For a few moments it had been nice to not be in charge of everything. Plus, Deke smelled good and standing that close gave her shivers. Oh, no, she had it bad.
“I suppose.” She looked up at him. “What about you? When did the future of Golden turn into your concern?”
“I might have come here for my own reasons, but since I’ve been here, I feel a part of the town. I’ve made some friends.”
She raised one brow.
“I shoot the breeze every morning with Delroy. Been to the lake fishing with Buck. I’ve even done some work in your uncle’s cabin.”
She tugged in a breath. Uncle Roy was extremely fussy about his cabin.
His lips quirked up. “With his approval.”
“So, you’re becoming a Goldenite?”
He looked down the street and back at her. “I believe I am.”
Grace shook her head. “My siblings doing their jobs. Lissy Ann in charge. You liking it here.” She rubbed her temple. “Okay, this day just officially became weird.”
Deke chuckled. “Before I leave, I need to ask you something.”
“Shoot.”
“Care to go to the dance with me tonight?”
Oh, she hadn’t expected this. Yes, she was very attracted to Deke. He’d started getting under her skin, but like she’d told him yesterday, she didn’t want to begin a relationship when she wasn’t even sure how long she’d be here. Or if she’d have time to spend with him once she got back to Atlanta. With her mother’s health up in the air and her need to get back to her career, she didn’t want to make Deke think things were moving forward in the romance department when she had reservations.
“It would be a good way to spend time together. Get to know each other better.”
His words whispered through her head. More time with me. Here was her chance.
“Deke, I, ah, don’t mean to turn you down, but I need to spend time with Mama tonight. There are some things going on...” Like a family intervention in her immediate future. But until they spoke to Mama, it wasn’t fair to mention her health issues to anyone else, no matter how much she felt she could trust Deke.
He studied her in a way that made her think he could read her deep, dark secrets. “Sure that’s the only reason you’re turning me down?”
Brushing her hair from her eyes, she hurried to say, “Between Mama’s injuries and my job...life is moving so fast I can’t keep up. And you and me? I’m not sure what to make of us.”
He held up a hand. Shuttered his expression so she couldn’t read his reaction. “You know how I feel.”
Her stomach dropped. She really wanted to say yes. “Maybe we can arrange another time? After I’ve had time to think?”
“Right.” He took a few backward steps. “Duty calls. Gotta run.”
He pivoted on his heel, walked to the end of the block and disappeared around the building.
“What is wrong with you?” she asked herself just as Nathan opened the door.
“Talking to yourself, sis?”
She shook off her regret at turning Deke down and faced her brother. “Nathan, we need to talk.”
He nodded, looking more grown up than she’d ever seen him. “Faith beat you to it. C’mon in and join the discussion.”
* * *
THE STRING OF white bulbs draped from tree to tree created a magical quality in the park. Given the way the lights sparkled, the name Gold Dust Park was particularly apt. The large grassy expanse was scattered with benches and picnic tables. Loud chatter and laughter energized the dusky shadows as Deke strolled the periphery of the exuberant crowd who’d gathered for dancing and fun. The last trace of the barbecue dinner lingered in the air, replaced by perfume worn by women dressed up for the occasion.
Judging by all the couples waiting for the band to start up, it was definitely date night. As usual, Deke was alone.
What had he been thinking, asking Grace to join him tonight? She’d quickly backpedaled when it came to getting close. Yes, they’d kissed. Twice. And yes, he’d revealed parts of his life to her that he hadn’t even shared with his family. So what, that made her want to date him? He barked out a rough laugh, kicking himself for showing up here at all. Hanging out in the cabin would have been preferable over this misery.
He should have been relieved, really. Hadn’t he decided early on that getting involved with a lawyer who put her career first was a bad idea? Yes, using her profession as an excuse to build a wall between them was narrow-minded on his part, especially after the last trial. It was hard to picture Grace as an attorney since he’d only seen her managing the family business in Golden. So, against his better judgment, he’d let his guard down.
You would have fallen for her no matter where you met her.
The unvarnished truth hit him in the gut. Yeah, he might not like most lawyers but he was a big fan of Grace Harper. And where would that get him? She’d been clear that she wasn’t sure what to make of their relationship, and although for the first time in a very long time he wanted to pursue a romantic relationship with a woman, he would never press her into making a decision she wasn’t ready for. It would ruin the friendship they’d cultivated before it had a chance to grow into something meaningful. He didn’t want to risk tainting what they currently had, even though his heart yearned for her.
Surprise walloped him as he stepped around a group of people, only to realize Grace was standing in the middle.
Gone was the pioneer woman, replaced by a thoroughly modern woman dressed in a white swirling dress, her hair shining under the lights, eyes aglow. She took his breath away. Made his pulse race. Painted him the fool.
Because here she stood, after turning him down.
Feeling an unusual heat crawl up his face, he’d just started to move away when Grace called his name. He took a bracing breath and faced her, schooling his expression to not convey his disappointment. “Grace. I thought you weren’t coming tonight.”
She grimaced. “I didn’t think I was going to make it, but we had our family meeting and afterward Faith insisted that Nathan and I come to the dance.”
“Everything okay?” he asked, mentally kicking himself. Not that it was any of his business, but she looked troubled, and like it or not, he’d
become invested in the Harper family.
She glanced over her shoulder at the group she’d just left. He recognized Nathan, the Wright brothers and a few other merchants. She took a few steps away from the rowdy group and nodded at him to follow.
“Sorry about being so vague earlier. Seems Mama had a few more tumbles than she let on. We sat down with her to voice our concerns and get her to agree to a thorough doctor’s evaluation.”
Deke pictured Wanda Sue, stubborn to the last. “That couldn’t have been easy.”
“No, but we made her promise.”
“Sorry you’re going through this.”
Torn between giving Grace the space she needed and wanting to soak up every minute with her, he was about to excuse himself when she took his hand in hers and twined their fingers together. “For the first time, we’re working together as a family. So while Mama’s health is a concern, it feels good not to be the only one handling the situation.”
“If I remember correctly, didn’t a friend of yours make a recommendation to get your siblings more involved?”
“Yes, and he’s also gentlemanly enough not to toot his own horn.”
Deke chuckled. His chest was still tight, but with Grace’s hand in his, the night was looking up.
A shout sounded as the band took the stage, tuning their instruments before launching into a raucous number that had the entire crowd on their feet.
Grace tugged his arm. “Care to join the others?”
Panic made him sweat. “Uh, Grace, I don’t dance.”
“What do you mean you don’t dance? Everyone dances.”
“Not me.”
She fisted a hand on her hip. “So that’s a no?”
He nodded, swallowing hard.
“I don’t think so. You made me get into a canoe when I didn’t want to. You owe me a dance, buddy.”
She tugged again and this time there was no arguing. “I have two left feet.”
Once at the edge of the dance floor, she turned. Shot him a cocky grin as she placed her hands on his shoulders and said, “Then I’ll guide you through this.”
Before he realized what was happening, she got him into a one-two-three, one-two-three rhythm. Between her laughter and instructions, he lost his fear and began to enjoy the process. Like anything he did, once his mind grasped the mechanics, he could carry through. Soon, he was twirling her about with ease.
“Look at you, taking the lead,” she teased, her eyes alight.
“What can I say? I have a great teacher.”
He repeated the steps in the next dance, finally getting into the swing of things. Then the tempo slowed to a sultry ballad meant to woo couples onto the dance floor. Grace dropped her arms, taking a step back, but Deke chanced grabbing her hand to keep her there. She gazed up at him, uncertainty in her eyes. When she finally nodded, he pulled her close, inhaling the intoxicating scent that was Grace, and Grace alone. She rested her head on his shoulder, and they swayed to the old-as-time love song, the guitar strumming tender notes that lifted and lilted in the air.
With Grace this close, Deke figured she could feel his erratic heartbeat, but he didn’t care. He’d never truly felt like he belonged with a woman, not entirely, until Grace. She’d slipped past his guard, made him open up without fear of losing himself. He didn’t know how she accomplished it, just knew her smile slayed him every time. They hadn’t known each other long, but they clicked in a way that felt natural. It scared and electrified him, and he was okay with both emotions.
The song slowed. Loath to let go, Deke tucked her in his embrace. When the music ended he finally let go. The mere inches between them felt like miles of space.
Her cheeks pink, she said, “I’m thirsty. How about we get something to drink?”
“Lead the way.”
The band took a break as he and Grace navigated through the crowd. He stopped short when Colin Wright reached out to clap him on the back. “Hey, Deke. Good to see you tonight.”
“Seems like everyone in town is here.”
“Yeah. The Tremaines made sure to impress upon us how important this celebration is, so we’re all in for the cause.” He grinned. “Although I would have shown up anyway.”
His brother, Adam, leaned over. “Where there’s a party, my brother is in.”
“What can I say?” Colin held up a cup. “I am the party.”
Grace laughed, shaking her head. Then, after scanning the area around the drink table, she said, “Where did Nathan run off to?”
Colin looked over his shoulder. “No clue.”
Adam shrugged.
Deke asked for two iced teas, then delivered one to Grace. “Thanks,” she said, distracted as she continued to search the crowd.
Leaning closer, he said, “Want to go look for him?”
Relief crossed her face. “Would you mind?”
“As long as I’m with you, I’ll go anywhere.”
She lightly elbowed him. “Sweet talker.”
“It’s the truth,” he said, his voice rough.
She sent him an appraising glance, as if questioning the veracity of his words, then they stepped away from the group and began to walk around the park. Five minutes later, Grace pointed. “There he is.”
Deke couldn’t make out who Nathan was talking to. The other person was hidden in the shadows, but the conversation seemed pretty intense. Then, with a sharp turn, Nathan returned to the crowd.
“That answers your question,” he said close to Grace’s ear as the music started up again.
A wrinkle crossed her brow. “I hope he’s okay.” Then she visibly shook off her concern, smiling at him. “Thanks.”
“Why? Because I walked with you?”
She waved her hand toward the band shell. “You could be dancing or talking to some of the single women instead of hanging out with me.”
“You suit me just fine.”
The band launched into another toe-tapper. Taking his cup to place inside hers, Grace threw them both into a nearby trash can and they returned to the dance floor. They’d just started moving to the beat when Adam poked Grace’s shoulder. “Mind if I cut in?”
With a comical expression, she stared at Deke, like she was asking his opinion. Or begging for mercy. He shrugged, and before Grace could decide what to do, Adam swooped in, moving Deke out of the way. Annoyed at Adam’s high-handedness, Deke took a few steps back and almost bumped into Serena.
“Hey,” he said, grateful to be near someone he knew. He felt like a fool dancing alone. “Fancy meeting you here.”
“I don’t think there’s a stranger in the bunch,” she shouted. The woman he’d seen in Serena’s store the other day danced beside her. Deke stayed with them, moving to the beat.
Serena had some impressive moves of her own.
“I love to dance,” she said.
“I can see.”
Caught up in the song, Deke didn’t notice that Grace had moved closer to him until she nearly stepped on his foot. When he glanced at her, she shot him a help-me look.
Adam worked his way between them, so Grace turned toward Serena. “Hey there. Having fun?”
“Yes,” she yelled over the loud music and lively crowd. “It’s nice to get out of the store once in a while.”
“We haven’t really had a chance to hang out. We should get together some time.”
Surprise lit Serena’s pretty face. “I’d like that.”
“Count me in,” Adam said, making sure everyone heard his comment over the band’s boisterous rendition of the upbeat song, his eyes on Grace.
“Great,” Grace said. “We’ll have a group night out.”
Deke nearly choked at the disappointed expression on Adam’s face. Deciding to rescue Grace, he made his way closer to her. “Want another drink?”
“Yes.” Grace n
odded to the others. “See you later.” Deke motioned to the table where they each had another cup of iced tea.
“Thanks for the save,” she said.
“For both of us. I noticed you reaching out to Serena.”
“Only way to find out what’s going on is to get to know her. Then maybe you’ll have more information to go on.”
“And Adam? I read the SOS.”
“Adam’s a nice guy, but...” She took a long drink. “Maybe it’s because I’ve known him for so long. I just know he’s not for me.”
Relieved, they strolled to an area tucked away from the lighting. “So does the fact that I’m not from here play to my advantage?”
Grace stared down at her drink. Looked up again and caught his gaze. “You really like it here, don’t you?”
He propped his shoulder against the nearby tree. “I feel at home here. Like I’m a part of something special.”
“More than your real home?”
“Yes.”
“Because of everything that happened?”
He watched the people gathered in the park, enjoying the night and each other’s company. “I’ve made friends here. Earned a measure of peace that was missing when I arrived. It’s been good for me to get away from the job that consumed my life. And the trial that derailed it.”
“Deke Matthews, forensic cop?”
“Yes. I’ve realized I can’t be defined by my title alone.” He took a sip of the cold tea. Organized his thoughts before speaking again. “When I started working, I got so caught up in the job that I didn’t have many friends, and the ones I did socialize with were people I worked with. My friend Britt pointed out that I needed a fuller life, but instead of listening, I did my own thing.”
“And she was right?”
The feeling of loss strangled him. He spoke around the tightness in his throat. “Britt was the voice of reason in my life. As her own family grew and I was out in the field more, we didn’t talk as frequently. I worked too much, and because of it I was part of a mistake that set off the chain reaction that took her life. I couldn’t bear the thought of getting close to anyone again, for fear of losing them.” He paused. Stared into the night for a beat. “I thought I was better off alone after what I’d done.”