by Cathryn Fox
If he thought he was keeping his heart out of it, then he wouldn’t be touching her with such gentle hands, or looking at her with tenderness backlighting those baby blues. If their lovemaking told her one thing, it was that he wanted her as much as she wanted him, and what they felt for each other went way beyond physical. He’d offered her his body, and for now that would have to do. But she didn’t just want him in her bed, she wanted him in her life and could only hope by the time Easter rolled around, he’d realize he had a reason, two reasons to stay, and not hate her, or himself, when her secret came out.
Her mind took that moment to race back to when he’d torn her nightgown open, stripping it from her body like she was a gift he couldn’t wait to get his hands on. Her body rippled in remembrance. She’d never seen that side of him, never seen him come undone like that before, but it was the start of something new between them. Whether he realized it or not, he was rebuilding his life.
She took another sip of her coffee and gazed at his bare torso over the rim of her cup. Her body quivered. His glance met hers, and his eyes darkened, like he could read all the naughty little things going on inside her head.
“How’s it going?” she asked.
He lifted his hammer and pointed up. “Coming together. All that’s left is the roof.”
She glanced at her watch. “You’ve got about a half an hour then we have to go.”
“I better quit now.” He wiped his brow with his forearm. “I need to jump in the shower.”
He dropped his hammer and gathered up the nails and tools. Ava drove toward him and he put his hand up to stop her. She slowed and he said, “Time to pack it in, squirt.”
She frowned. “I don’t want to. I want to play.” She turned the throttle again and the bike started moving.
Rachel was about to intervene, but closed her mouth when Kyle said, “Okay, but Lexi is going to be there, remember? And you’ll get to meet Charlotte and her little brother, Brandon. Murph would be also be very sad if you didn’t go.”
She eyed him. “Who’s Murph?”
“Matt and Sky’s dog.” He could almost hear the wheels spinning in her brain. “You know who else is going to be there?”
“Colby?”
“Yup. Colby, Rex, Charlie, Stallone, and Nana. Nana is really, really old so she’ll probably sleep.” Her eyes grew wider and wider. “It’s going to be so much fun. Lots of food, kids, and dogs for you to play with.”
Ava jumped from the seat, and Kyle winked up at Rachel as he helped Ava take her helmet off. Her heart warmed. He had such a wonderful way with his little girl. He put the bike in the small shed as Ava came racing up the stairs to the house.
“Mommy, I want to wear my purple dress.”
“Okay. It’s in the laundry basket in my room.”
Ava hurried through the house, her feet pounding on the stairs and Kyle climbed the ones next to her. He moved close, and her fingers tingled, not to mention another body part. He looked so rough and rugged, all she wanted to do was touch him—remove the rest of his clothes and take him to her bed and keep him forever.
He looked over her shoulder then in to the house. In a low voice he asked, “Where’s Ava?”
“Upstairs looking for her dress.”
His hand slid around her neck, and he stepped closer to her. Rachel grew breathless as he dipped his head. He was always so careful when Ava was around—he clearly didn’t want to give the child the wrong idea—and never before had he gotten close when they were outside, where anyone could happen upon them. “Do you know how sexy you look in this housecoat?”
Her eyes widened and she laughed. Her housecoat was big and bulky and looked like a potato sack. She playfully whacked his chest and let her hand linger. “It’s far from sexy, Kyle.”
“Like hell it is,” he growled. “And if you keep teasing me like this, walking around looking so hot all the time, you’re going to pay.”
A shiver moved through her. She remembered the way his hand had come down on her ass, and the way he rubbed her cheek to soothe the blissful sting he’d left behind. “You mean like you made me pay for touching you in the kitchen the other day.”
“Exactly.” Another growl sounded in his throat as his lips came closer. “Although I’m beginning to think you like it.” He swiped his tongue over her bottom lip then moved in for a kiss. She stepped closer and pushed against him. Her hands went around his shoulders, and she let her nails scrape over his skin. A tremble moved through him. She loved the way he reacted to her touch.
“Mommy, I can’t find it.” Ava rushed toward them. They both quickly broke apart.
“Come on.” She reached for Ava’s hand. “I’ll help you. I have to get dressed too.”
Kyle followed them up the stairs and disappeared into the shower as she and Ava rooted through the basket for her favorite dress. Rachel pulled on a pair of shorts and T-shirt, then Ava came back into her room wanting her hair tied back.
Rachel pulled the chair out at her dressing table. “Hop on.”
Ava climbed onto the chair and smiled at herself in the mirror.
Rachel reached for her comb, to brush out the tangles. Her glance wandered to the drawer where she kept her documents, and once again unease filled her. If he found out before she told him, it would surely kill him.
Kyle poked his head in. “All set?”
“I have to fix Ava’s hair.”
He laughed. “Better you than me.”
She grinned at him. “Want a lesson?”
“Uh, not really but I guess I should learn.” He crossed over to her and she slid the comb along the center of Ava’s hair to part it. “Take this,” she said, and he gathered up half her hair in his hand. “Now watch.” She divided the hair into three sections and crossed them. “Like this.” He followed her direction. “Pull it tighter, it won’t hurt her.”
He cringed. “I pulled it tight once and she said it hurt.”
“Uncle Kyle isn’t very good with braids,” Ava said.
He laughed. “Then why do you keep asking me to do them?”
“I like them.”
“Keep still, honey.” Rachel looked at Kyle’s braid and the way those big fingers of his were fumbling with his daughter’s hair. He was so big and strong, all strength and power yet capable of such gentleness when he was with Ava. It nearly did her in.
She nudged him. “You got it.”
“I know how to braid, I just never braided hair before, and she never sits still.” He reached for the elastic on her nightstand and tied it off.
“Believe me, I know.” Rachel leaned forward and kissed her daughter on the head. “All done.”
She slid off the chair and ran out of the room. “Hurry. I want to see Lexi and Murph.”
“I wish I could bottle that energy.” Kyle shook his head.
“I know, right? Can you imagine what she’s going to be like as a teen?” The smile fell from Kyle’s face, and her stomach clenched. “What?”
“Oh, it was just that Jack said the same thing the other day.”
“What?”
“Nothing really, but that reminds me. Dad wants us all to go to his place for Easter dinner.”
Her eyes dropped to her feet, and she studied her polished toes. Most times she dropped Ava off for a visit. Rarely did she stay or share a meal. She wished Irene had more respect for her and realized that she hadn’t married James for his money.
Kyle touched her chin, lifting it until their gazes met. “Hey, if you don’t want to, we don’t have to.”
“You need to have Easter dinner with your folks and I know Ava would love it, but your mom and I—”
“I know.” He cupped the side of her head and brushed his finger over her cheek.
“I wish it was different, Kyle. I really do. I’ve tried over the years.”
“I know that too, and don’t worry, if you do decide to go, I’ll be by your side the whole time.”
Her heart skipped a beat as her insides wa
rmed. Somehow Kyle always made things better. “Okay. I’ll go.”
He nodded. “Dad also asked me to bring Ava to the cottage to go fishing, I was thinking the Saturday before Easter. Is that okay with you?”
She smiled. “Ava would love that.”
He leaned in and planted a soft kiss on her lips. “Me too.”
“Mommy,” Ava called from downstairs.
Kyle stepped back, and waved his hand for Rachel to lead the way. “I guess we should go.”
They met Ava at the foot of the stairs and Rachel grabbed her salad from the fridge. They fastened Ava into her car seat, and she handed Kyle the keys.
“Want to drive?”
Kyle slid into the driver’s seat and Rachel climbed in the passenger side and set her salad on her lap. She looked out the window as he drove, feeling a bit uneasy. She hadn’t seen the old group in years. What would they even talk about? How would they feel about her when they all learned the truth? At least Sara would be there.
Halfway to Matt’s place, Kyle turned to her. “You okay?”
She smiled. How was it he was always so in tune with her emotions? “I just haven’t seen them in so long. Since the funeral.”
“I know.” He went quiet for a long time, and she studied his hard profile. He turned, and his face softened when their eyes met. “Don’t worry.” His hand snaked out and slid across the seat to capture hers. He gave a reassuring squeeze. “I’ll be there with you. If you’re uncomfortable we’ll leave. But I know it’s going to be fine. They’re going to love seeing you and you’ll all fall back into an easy friendship. You’ll see.”
“Okay,” she said. Kyle always made her feel better, but what if they could tell something was going on between them.
“Kyle?”
“Yeah.”
She darted a glance into the back seat to find Ava bouncing in her car seat as she played with her doll. She lowered her voice. “What if they can tell?” Other than his brother, Kyle didn’t much care what other people thought, but she did. She loved Kyle and didn’t want anyone to think badly of her—or him—because of the situation.
“No one knows anything,” he assured her.
Her stomach was in knots by the time they reached Matt’s place. With the driveway full of cars, he parked on the street. Voices and laughter could be heard coming from the backyard. Kyle helped Ava from the backseat and Rachel was about to grab her hand when her daughter reached up and took Kyle’s like it was the most natural thing in the world for her to do.
“Hurry, Uncle Kyle,” she said, dragging him up the driveway. Rachel watched them go, the word uncle ringing hollowly in her ears, and twisting her stomach. They followed the path around the back of the house. Before they reached the yard, Matt came around the side of the house to meet them.
“I thought I heard voices” He gave Kyle a hug, then focused on Rachel. A huge smile spread across his handsome face, and Rachel relaxed. “I’m so glad you came. We were all hoping you would.” He angled his head to see Ava. She stared up at him, and he went down on one knee. “Hi, Ava, I’m Matt.”
“Hi. Do you have a dog?”
Everyone laughed.
“She has a fixation,” Kyle said.
“So I heard. Yes, I have a dog, and Lexi has been asking for you. Want to go find her?”
She nodded and he stood back up. “Here, let me take that.” He reached for the salad bowl and then they all followed him along the gravel path leading to the back yard. Kyle put his hand on her back and splayed his fingers. His touch felt good, reassuring. They turned the corner and Rachel glanced around to see all her old friends sitting around in lawn chairs, talking and laughing.
Her best friend, Sara, was the first to jump up and give her a hug, followed by Gemma, Tallulah, Sky, Jenny, and Madison. Kyle stayed close to her side as she was introduced to Emery, who was Luke’s wife, and Kat, Tallulah’s best friend who’d moved here from Louisiana and worked at the hospital. After the introductions, the guys took turns hugging her. Most of the unease inside ebbed as they welcomed her back into the circle. Honestly, it felt good to be surrounded by her friends, to hang out with other adults for a change, but will they be so welcoming when Ava’s paternity is revealed? Everyone said hello to Ava as dogs barked in the big back yard. She looked over to see the kids playing catch with the dogs. Ava tugged on her hand. “Mommy, can I go play?”
“Of course.”
Ava took off to play with Lexi, Charlotte, and Brandon, and about five rambunctious dogs and one who just wanted to sleep in the sun. Must be Nana.
“Matt, grab Rachel a chair,” Sky called out as she poured potato chips into a bowl.
“I got it.” Kyle grabbed two folded lawn chairs, opened them and set them side-by-side.
Rachel lowered herself into it, and Kyle dropped down next to her. They exchanged a long look, Kyle checking to make sure she was comfortable. She loved how sensitive he was to her needs, how he made her feel warm inside and out. When she gave him a smile, he nodded in understanding and relaxed back into his seat.
Matt reached into a cooler. “Kyle,” he called out and tossed him a bottle of beer. He pulled another one out. “How about you, Rachel?”
Sky rolled her eyes at Matt and rubbed his back. As Rachel saw the two of them together she smiled. It was clear how much they loved each other. After all the years they’d been best friends, how did they finally end up together? It saddened her to think she didn’t know, that she’d lost touch with everyone after James had died, and had buried herself in her work and raising her daughter.
“How about a glass of wine?” Sky asked her.
“Sounds perfect.”
Sky poured her a glass of merlot and refilled everyone else’s. She grabbed a bottle of water and sat down.
“I hope everyone is hungry.” Matt lifted the lid on the barbeque to flip the burgers and hotdogs.
Rachel glanced at all the condiments on the table, and shook her head when she saw the big jar of peanut butter. Matt and his peanut butter. Honest to God, the guy was too funny.
“Wait,” Gemma said, her glass stilling inches from her lips as she zeroed in on Sky. “Why aren’t you drinking?”
Sky grinned, her smile stretching a mile wide. “Well…” she said. “We’re not just celebrating Matt passing the MCATs and getting in to medical school.”
“Ohmigod,” Tallulah squealed and jumped from her chair. “You’re pregnant.”
“I know we’re supposed to wait three months to announce, but I couldn’t keep it from you guys any longer.”
Everyone hugged again and the guys all patted Matt on the back.
“Guess the boys were working after all,” Caleb said, and the guys all laughed at the comment. He clinked bottles with Kyle. “Like I told you, there’s something in the water.”
Sky swatted him. “You wait, Caleb. One of these days someone is going to turn your world inside out and you’ll want a brood of kids with her.”
“Until then, I’m sticking with my beer.” He grinned at Kyle. “You with me, buddy?”
Kyle laughed and took a long pull from his bottle, and Rachel didn’t miss the way his glance flickered to her, uncertainly backlighting his eyes when he said, “I’m with you.”
Sky waved her finger at him. “Your day will come too, Kyle. You just watch and see.”
He gave a slow shake of his head, stretched his legs out and crossed them at the ankles. “Not gonna happen.”
“I call bullshit,” Jack said.
“Me too,” Madison piped in. She pointed to Ava, who was laughing and playing with the kids and dogs. “That little girl has you wrapped around her finger.”
“Come on, she’s my niece, and I want to spoil her while I’m here.”
“Hey, am I late?” a male voice asked.
Rachel turned to see a boy around fifteen or sixteen come around the corner. She looked him over but had no idea who he was.
“Trent,” Luke said, jumping up. He slung his arm a
round Trent’s shoulder, and the boy beamed up at him. “Not late at all. Just in time.”
“I was late getting away,” Trent explained.
Luke nodded. “I think you know everyone here but Rachel and Kyle.” They both shook his hand and Luke explained. “Trent volunteers at Sheffield Community Center on Saturdays. He also works with Emery at the store a few evenings a week.”
“Don’t forget the drive-in.” He shoved his hands into his pockets. “I work there Saturday nights.”
“I didn’t think that place would still be open,” Kyle said. “It was run-down when we were kids.” He shot Rachel a glance. “Wasn’t it?”
She nodded in agreement. Even though it had been one of her favorite hang out places, James rarely went with them. He hated being confined in the car, but she and Kyle loved it. They’d gorged on popcorn and pop and spent more time talking than they did watching the movie anyway. She grinned. How many times had she convinced him to watch a chic flick with her?
Trent laughed. “The place is old. But I like it. I get to watch free movies, and sometimes I can bring my brother. My friend, Allison, works in the canteen and she always gives him free licorice.”
“Allison, huh,” Luke said. “Is she cute?”
Trent’s cheeks turned red, and he elbowed Luke in the gut playfully. “None of your business.” Luke let out a loud, exaggerated oomph and grabbed Trent a chair as the boy reached into the bowl for a handful of potato chips. Rachel wasn’t sure how the two knew each other, but it was clear from the way Trent looked at Luke that he thought of him as a father figure. Much like the way Ava looked at Kyle. Except Kyle really was her father.
“Mommy,” Ava called out.
Kyle angled his head, and his face softened when he saw Ava coming his way, carrying Brandon, who was about two. She struggled to walk, and was undoubtedly squeezing the life out of the poor boy. “Mommy, Charlotte says Brandon can be my baby brother too.”