Grasping for a solution, Ian pulled together the strings of their conversation. Esther said she needed time to decide what to do, and he needed time to prove he really cared about her. “They’ll stop dancing in a heartbeat when they don’t see us together. Did you think of that?”
Her face drooped with awareness. “Yes, but I’d hoped they’d lay off for a while. Somehow I have to—”
“Then why stop now? You said it worked. They looked thrilled seeing us together, and I do enjoy your company, Esther. That’s not a joke.”
She stared at the floor. “Thanks, but—”
“We’re friends. Right?”
Lifting her eyes, she nodded. “Yes. That’s true.”
“Then let’s act like friends.” It sounded so easy to him. “Look at it this way. We have to spend time together with this project. Why not make them aware of it? Like tonight…” His pulse accelerated as the plan spilled into the air. “You could mention I was here when you talk with Rachel. She doesn’t have to know it’s business.”
“But that’s lying.”
“It’s not lying. Let her make the assumption, not you.” He felt exhilarated. “Maybe one day when I’m off work…you could come to the marina. You said you might change your mind and try sailing again. That would look good. You know, a day out on the boat. That would seem like a date to Rachel.”
Esther’s uncertain expression faded. “Yes. That’s true. I’m still not sure about the boat, but I see what you mean.”
His hope grew. “It’ll give you time. Time to decide what to do about your dad. I’m sure Jeff and Rachel will lay off the matchmaking if they believe you and I have struck up a…meaningful friendship.”
She took a deep breath, then sent it shuddering into the air.
Ian sat on the edge of his chair, waiting.
“Let me think about it,” she said. “It feels like deceit to me, and I’ve never lied to my sister.”
He rose and rested his palm against the desk, leaning forward to be near her. “But it’s not a lie. I do enjoy your company. You enjoy mine. We need to be together on this project anyway. What do you say?”
Chapter Seven
Esther eyed her watch. Nearly time to leave. She pulled books from the bin, checked them in and made a neat pile. For the past few days since she’d talked with Ian, he’d lingered in her mind. They’d declared a friendship, and she had to admit she enjoyed his company…but along with the pleasure, she’d opened herself up, made herself vulnerable—one thing she thought she’d never do.
Rubbing her hand along the tension in her neck, Esther refocused on her work. She moved the stack of books to the library cart and turned back to the counter. Her stomach somersaulted when she saw him standing there.
“Ian.”
“Hi,” he said, a look of shyness on his face.
She paused and drew back. “Ian! Where are your glasses?”
He pointed to his eyes. “Contacts.”
“You’re kidding me.”
“No. Thought I’d give these a try.”
“You look great. I like you without glasses.” She chuckled. “Not that I didn’t like you before.”
“You sound like me, trying to get your foot out of your mouth.”
She chuckled at her blunder, admiring his new look, but admitting to herself he looked good with or without spectacles.
“I know you weren’t expecting me,” Ian said, “but I thought I’d take a chance and drop by.”
“What’s up?”
“I’m heading over to the marina, and I thought…you might like to come along with me.”
Taking a quick look at her watch, she realized he’d timed it right. She’d be off in a few minutes.
“Before I left work I mentioned to Jeff I was stopping here to invite you. I’m adding grease to the wheels.” He leaned back and rocked on his heels. “And as you see, here I am. No lies. It’s a fact.”
“But I haven’t agreed to be part of this charade…let alone go sailing.” Her heart joined her stomach in its flip-flop motion, and she wasn’t sure if she felt hungry or nauseated.
“I know. It’s okay, though. Don’t you see? I asked you like I said I would. If Jeff tells Rachel and they make more of it than there is, it’ll give you some ammunition. Right?”
What he said made sense, but uncertainty still wriggled through her. “I suppose.”
He rested his elbows on the counter. “So? What do you think?”
Think? She couldn’t even breathe. “I’m not sure, Ian. The sailboat? I—”
“We won’t venture out too far from shore unless you’re comfortable and…we’ll have a picnic. While you change clothes, I’ll pick up some food. We can be on the lake by seven. That gives us more than two good hours of daylight.”
His enthusiasm made her grin. He was involved in this whole charade for her. How could she say no? “Okay, but if I panic, can we eat at the marina?”
He chuckled. “Sure.” He stepped backward, aiming for the library doorway. “Okay. I’ll pick you up at your place in about forty-five minutes. How’s that?”
“Fine,” she said, watching him pivot and dart through the doorway. When he’d vanished, fear jarred her. She hoped he didn’t mind eating at the marina restaurant, because as reality settled in, that’s what she feared might happen.
Ian helped Esther onto the boat, then carried the food on board. So far so good. The sky looked clear, and Esther’s smile made the day perfect. When the food was stowed below in the galley, he retraced his steps up the ladder to the deck and started the engine.
“Would you help me cast off?” he said as he hopped back onto the pier.
Without a word, Esther followed his direction, and when he’d stepped back into the boat, he headed for the wheel, then maneuvered from the pier and down the channel toward the lake.
Occasionally he took the liberty of watching Esther. Though quiet, she leaned back with her face turned toward the sun. A gentle breeze ruffled her hair, and as she did so often, she reached up and tucked a few loose strands behind her ear.
Today she had on earrings, small golden hoops that wrapped around her earlobe. She’d dressed in a red knit top with a square neckline, and he watched her pull suntan lotion from her shoulder bag and rub it along her neck and arms to protect her fair skin. He’d noticed earlier her navy shorts had been decorated with little red anchors on the back pockets, and he sat back enjoying her sailor look as she squirted cream into her palm and worked the balm onto her legs.
He’d never seen her in shorts before, and his gaze was drawn to her trim, shapely legs as she plied them with lotion. Pulling his attention back to the lake, he chided himself for ogling and felt grateful she hadn’t noticed.
“Would you like some?” she asked, extending the plastic bottle.
He glanced down at his browned arms, wondering if he really needed protection. “Want to take the wheel while I put some on?”
“I can do it for you,” she said, rising from the bench and moving beside him. “Your neck is the most likely to burn, I think.”
He held his breath, waiting in expectation until her cool hands rested on his skin, glided along his hairline, then down his neck. When she worked her way to the front, she gave his throat a playful squeeze.
“Strangle me, and you’ll have to sail this boat back to shore by yourself.” He sent her a teasing grin.
“I think I could,” she said, covering her palm with lotion and rubbing it along his arms.
He loved the feel of her gentle touch on his skin. The intimacy. Most of all, he loved having Esther at his side, bantering like a real friend.
“How are you doing out here on the lake?” he asked, hoping he didn’t create an unwanted reaction.
“I’m trying not to think about it,” she said. “You were right, though. It feels wonderful being on the water. It’s been so long.”
When they’d reached the lake, he’d set his course closer to the shoreline than he normally would
, knowing Esther would realize he was keeping his promise. “Should I tie the wheel, or can you help me while I raise the sails?”
She motioned toward the bow. “Steer into the wind, right?”
“Right. Think you can do it?”
She agreed and slipped into position at the wheel while he headed toward the winch to raise the sails. He moved from the mainsail to the staysail, then the jib. He tied off the last halyard and adjusted the sheets to trim the sails.
Returning to the cockpit, Ian stood a moment, admiring Esther at the wheel. She’d handled the vessel like a true sailor. He rested his hands on her shoulders “Hungry?”
“Starving,” she said. “Want me to carry up the goodies?”
“If you can hang on a minute, I’ll do it.”
She nodded, and he hurried down the ladder into the galley and brought up the picnic box. On deck he slid the container onto a bench. “I’ll take over, and you dish it up. How’s that?”
“Sounds good.” At the moment she stood, a roller hit the hull, and the boat yawed, sending a new look onto her face—uncertainty heading toward distress.
“Getting nervous?” he asked.
She shrugged. “I’m pretending I’m fine.” She sat on the bench, opened the lid and peeked inside.
He watched as she pulled out the plates, bucket of chicken, dinner rolls, raw vegetables, potato chips and a bag of cookies—not homemade, but touted to be as close as one could get. She loaded his plate, and he rested it on the settee beside him, eating with one hand while guiding the boat with the other.
When Ian realized she was staring at him, he faltered. “Something wrong?”
“No. I’m thinking about you…and your contacts.”
Her comment puzzled him. “Is this going somewhere?”
She gave him an uneasy look. “I’ve been thinking. You’re handsome to me with or without glasses. I can just see your eyes better without those thick lenses though.”
Handsome? He’d never thought of himself as handsome. Words stuck in his throat until he dragged them out. “Thanks…but what brought that on?”
She shrugged. “Sometimes we let little things become so important. I remember your complaining about the glasses, and I realized—this is a lesson for myself, too—those little things on the outside don’t mean anything. It’s what’s on the inside that counts.”
He nodded while her words settled in his thoughts, giving him a warm feeling. How many times had he looked at himself in the mirror and compared himself to more handsome men…like Jeff or Jim Mason? She’d given him food for thought. Food. He looked at his plate and, concealing his emotion, grabbed a carrot stick and gave it a firm crunch.
Esther grinned, but only nibbled on a dinner roll, and after time passed she slid onto the bench beside him. “This is lovely, Ian, but do you think we could head back? I’m getting—”
“You’ve done fine. Really.” He concentrated on tacking in a wide arc and aiming for the marina.
“Thanks,” she said, looking more relieved as the boat came about and headed back. “I’m sorry.”
“No need. It’s been a great day.” He meant every word. Though he’d expected her to decline again, she’d finally agreed to sail, and he was grateful for that.
“One day I hope to kick this panic, but I know it’ll take time. Thanks for giving me the little push and inviting me to join you.”
“You’re welcome. Any time.” He took advantage of the flow of conversation to satisfy his curiosity. All day he’d wondered if she had decided to agree with his plan to discourage Rachel and Jeff’s matchmaking. “Then the day’s served two purposes. You’ve been out on the lake, and it will give Rachel and Jeff something else to talk about.”
She smiled. “It will. I’m sure my phone will be ringing when I get home tonight.”
Her comment pleased him. “Don’t think you have to give them details. Just tell the truth. We spent an afternoon sailing. That alone should work. They’ll get off your back, I’m sure.”
“I hope so.” Her expression turned thoughtful as she swung her legs to the bench. “Nothing like the sun, wind and water.”
“And friendship,” he added.
She didn’t look his way, but he saw a smile curve her mouth. “And friendship.”
“What do you think?” Jeff asked, filling a dish with ice cream from his freezer. “Are they spending time together only for the research…or could it be the real thing?”
Rachel grinned and ran her palms up his back. “It may have started as research, but that sailboat outing didn’t involve any business I’ve heard about…except maybe monkey business.”
Jeff turned to face her and grinned. “Well then, maybe we can stop our matchmaking and see what happens.” Returning to the ice cream, he pressed on the lid and slid the carton into the freezer. When he turned back, he handed a bowl to Rachel and took one for himself.
She dipped in the spoon and let the cold dessert melt on her tongue. “It seems so strange to think of Esther with a man. She’s been so standoffish I can’t believe she did this on her own.”
Rachel followed Jeff into the living room.
“You don’t give your sister enough credit.”
She plopped beside him on the sofa. “She’s attractive enough. Beautiful, really. I wish I had her looks.”
Jeff tousled Rachel’s hair. “You? You’re gorgeous.”
“To you, maybe, but look at Esther. She’s lovely. It’s just her…well…her personality. She’s all business and control. I’m surprised Ian got past all that to find the real woman underneath.”
Licking his spoon, Jeff thought, then shifted to face her. “Ian hasn’t been much of a Romeo, either. He rarely brought anyone to company activities. Not that I can remember.” He started to chuckle.
“What’s so funny?” She gave him an elbow poke.
“I don’t suppose I ever told you. Ian’s the dude who dated Jemma…or tried to…before she married Philip Somerville. Can you believe it?”
“Jemma? You’re kidding.” She poked him again, but harder this time. “That’s not funny, Jeff. Think of how embarrassing it must be for him to work for Philip and know he was rejected by his wife.”
Jeff shrugged and spooned out another mouthful of ice cream. “We all have our problems. You think I’ve never been rejected?”
“Don’t tell me she rejected you, too.”
“No, but you did. Remember?” A smug look rose on his face, and he chuckled at her.
“I did, didn’t I? Oh well, I changed my mind.”
“You did,” he said, leaning forward and kissing her lips with his frosty mouth.
Delving back into her chocolate swirl, Rachel remembered the first time they met. He’d been so cute, but so cocky. She’d longed to date him, but gave him a firm no before she finally submitted to his charm.
“So let’s get back to Esther,” Jeff said. “I’m sure Jim Mason liked her. If you don’t think this is anything serious with Ian, I’ll suggest Jim give her a call.”
“Why don’t we wait a while? She sounded so happy when I talked with her on the phone. They had a picnic on the boat, and when she got nervous, he brought her back without a word. He’s really nice and treats her great.”
Jeff tilted his head and looked into the distance. “Maybe I’ll give Jim a teaser call. You know, tell him to hang in there and I’ll try to see what Esther thinks of him. That way I won’t encourage him or discourage him.”
“Can’t you just let things be for now?”
“But I’m not waiting forever, Rachel. I’ve given you a ring and I want you to wear it. More than that, I want to get married…so we can have babies and a life together.”
“Me, too, but please be patient. Just a little longer.”
Jeff slid his arm around her shoulders. “I’ll try to be. I’ll really try, but I hope you hear me. I love you, Rachel, but I’m not going to wait forever. Either Esther falls in love, or you and I will elope.”
His words slithered down her spine, and confusion turned her limbs to jelly. She couldn’t elope, but she didn’t want to lose him, either. She loved him and understood why his patience had faded. All she could do was pray Esther would fall in love. And soon.
“Thanks for coming along with me on this one,” Esther said, sitting across from Ian in his office.
“You’re welcome. It’s the least I can do.”
She struggled to keep her eyes from focusing on the photograph behind him on the credenza. He’d never told her the funny story about Jemma, and her curiosity rose every time she remembered his comment. But for some reason, she didn’t have the nerve to ask. “How did you get Philip to let you come along?”
“I’m a good sweet-talker.”
Though he joked, his words set Esther on edge. “I’ve heard some of your sweet-talking.” Between getting her on the sailboat and agreeing to the matchmaker ploy, he’d definitely beguiled her.
Ian only grinned. “Interviewing Grand Haven Charters was a great idea.”
“Thanks. I can learn so much more when I ask questions and get direct answers. And thanks for adding a few questions of your own. You thought of a couple things I hadn’t considered.”
“It gives us things to think about before we go up to White Lake and talk with the sailing adventure company,” Ian said.
“Are you sure you want to take off the time?”
Ian rose and ambled across the room. He faced her, resting his palms on the chair arms. “It’s not time off. It’s time used in a different way. Don’t worry.” He chucked her under the chin. “Philip already said I should go with you.”
His playful affection tingled down her spine, but she managed to keep herself focused. “That’s great. On sailing issues, you know so much more than I do.”
Her gaze drifted, and she glanced at the picture frame again, studying the photo and trying to remember what Jemma looked like. She’d seen her only briefly at the Fourth of July party, and the photograph had been taken years earlier. She couldn’t be sure.
What she did know was that Ian and the woman had known each other well. She saw it in their faces. The kind of familiarity a person has only with someone special.
Loving Hearts Page 7