“It’s still not widely accepted, but with nonprofits like this one, we’re making progress in the field. I only wish my husband had lived long enough to see his dream come true.”
“Don’t be sad, Grandma.” Ever reached for Kay’s hand. “Grandpa Joe’s watching us from heaven.”
Any chance Adam had of keeping his emotions in check would officially be lost if the kid kept this up. Crouching down, he smiled at her. “How old are you to be this wise?”
“Six, but grandma says I’m going on thirty.” Ever lifted her eyes to Kay for approval. “Right?”
“Understatement of the year.” Kay playfully tugged on Ever’s hair. “I’m so proud of you, kiddo.”
This was the kind of impact, the kind of good, he wanted to make in the world. Sure, his music entertained people, but it didn’t change lives. His money would be much better spent helping others than funding a lifestyle he no longer wanted.
Adam made a mental note to call his accountant later and have a donation sent to Dance of Hope...anonymously.
* * *
“I HEARD YOU enjoyed yourself at Bridle Dance,” Mazie said to Adam across the expansive dining table.
“Adam hasn’t stopped talking since we left.” Bridgett playfully nudged him with her knee under the table.
“What’s Bridle Dance?” Mrs. Phelps, one of the inn’s guests, asked.
“You have to see it,” Adam answered before Bridgett had a chance to open her mouth. He leaned forward, his hands moving animatedly as his words tumbled forth. “It’s a horse ranch, but they have a center where they use this process called hippotherapy to help people walk again. And a state-of-the-art rodeo school and a pecan grove and—”
“Dearest me.” Mrs. Phelps patted Adam’s arm. “I’m getting worn out just listening to you.”
Adam sheepishly glanced around the table, “Sorry. I guess I’m overly enthusiastic, but amazing doesn’t begin to describe it.”
“Do you travel much?” Mr. Phelps asked.
“I’ve been a few places.” Adam said.
Bridgett had originally thought a large communal table was an awkward idea when Mazie had first planned the Bed & Biscuit. Who’d want to sit and eat with strangers? She still wasn’t used to it, but tonight she loved how the other guests asked Adam questions because she had no clue where to begin without it coming across as an inquisition.
“What brings you in our direction?” Mazie asked. “Katy’s not exactly next door.”
Adam set his fork on the side of his plate and wiped his mouth with his napkin. “I had a bit of a falling out with my family, and until we can work through it, I thought I’d drive cross-country and take in the sites. I ended up here when I saw the Harvest Festival sign. I had planned only to stay for the weekend, but I might hang around a little longer. If my sister, Lizzy, can smooth things over for me, I’m close enough to get back within a few hours.
“Lizzy’s your sister.” Bridgett felt her cheeks heat. “I’m sorry. I accidentally overheard your conversation earlier.”
“It’s okay,” Adam shrugged. “Lizzy’s the family mediator and I have no idea which way it will go. Since I’m here, do you think anyone would be willing to hire a stranger?”
Bridgett’s pulse increased. Not only did Adam plan to stay past the weekend, but a job meant longer. That meant she’d have the chance to get to know him better. But what if he decided to stay forever? She could be stuck in this Podunk town if she fell for him. On their way home from the ranch, she’d permitted herself the fantasy of leaving Ramblewood with Adam and visiting the ridiculous tourist attractions he had told her about. Crazy? Absolutely. But for a second, it was a possibility. Tucking her head closer to her chest, Bridgett tried to forget the silly notion and focused on her crepes.
Someone bumped her foot and she immediately looked at Mazie, who was passing a dish to Mrs. Phelps. When it happened once more, her eyes met Adam’s and his smile told Bridgett he’d caught her thinking about him. Heat rose to her cheeks again. Oh, please. She’d rather die than turn into one of those blushing females.
“What kind of work do you do?” Mazie asked, saving Bridgett from further embarrassment.
“My parents own a ranch, and I’m familiar with most aspects of farming and livestock.”
“My sister’s an equine vet,” Mazie said. “I can have her ask around for you.”
“Lexi,” Adam acknowledged. “I met her and her husband at Bridle Dance.”
“They’re usually hiring.” Bridgett added. She knew Mazie couldn’t let Adam remain at the Bed & Biscuit much longer seeing as it was booked for the entire fall season. A job at Bridle Dance meant he’d have a bed in the bunkhouses. “I’ll see what I can find out.”
“That would be great,” Adam enthused. “Thank you.”
Bridgett couldn’t help feeling excited. It wasn’t as if she already had a job waiting for her in another town, after all. She could continue to look while spending time with Adam. It was amazing how much things could change in a day. This morning she’d craved peace and normalcy and by nightfall, she had something much better. Excitement of the sexy male persuasion.
* * *
BRIDGETT HAD ALREADY left for work by the time Adam woke the following morning. Braving his voice mail, he switched on his phone. Thirty-six messages and none from his sister. He deleted most of them and called his accountant to arrange for a large anonymous donation to Dance of Hope.
A little before noon, Bridgett knocked on his door. Maggie had demanded she take the rest of the weekend off. Apparently, she hadn’t had a day off in almost a month.
“Since I’m free, would you like to go to the festival with me?” Bridgett asked.
“I’d love to.”
“Give me a few to change and I’ll meet you downstairs.”
Adam closed the door and began to gather the notes he had scattered on the bed. He’d taken a quick trip to the stationery store earlier for some notebooks and pens. He’d had nothing on him when he’d arrived at Lizzy’s. He’d left the majority of his personal belongings on the tour bus. It wasn’t anything he couldn’t replace. And his stage clothes and instruments were in the tractor trailers on their way back to LA.
Adam could use a mental break for the remainder of the afternoon. He’d started a list of people he needed to contact, and had attempted to write his own press release. Well, it resembled one anyway. His publicist would tidy it up. Timing was crucial. But before he did anything, he had to talk to his band.
The way they’d left things that final night hadn’t been good. The tabloids speculated this was their last tour. Tours were predictably unpredictable. Shove four grown men inside a tin can for a year, and they were bound to come out fighting. They’d fulfilled their five-album deal and completed a six-continent tour. They had all assumed they wouldn’t continue, but nothing was in writing. And until it was, they were still together.
Adam waited for Bridgett outside on the front stairs. The scent of street food and the sound of children’s laughter greeted him. Hearing the screen squeak open, Adam rose. Once again, her natural beauty stunned him. She wore a short, pale yellow floral print dress, denim jacket and the same inlaid-heart boots from yesterday. Her hair fell freely around her shoulders and it took every ounce of restraint he had not to walk over and kiss her.
She reminded him of home. Not someone he’d met before, but the actual comforts of home. Her casualness refreshing. Her smile warm and genuine. Her Texas drawl familiar and inviting. Adam’s breath hitched. Was it her? Or was it the idea of her captivating him? If he wanted to be fair to Bridgett, he’d better figure that out before he even thought of kissing her.
“Shall we?” Bridgett stepped onto the walkway and stood mere inches from him. Placing his hand on the small of her back, he opened the gate leading to the sidewalk. He moved them
quickly into the crowded streets so he wouldn’t be tempted to sweep her into his arms.
What is wrong with me? Adam wasn’t the mushy type or even the romantic type. He was the “get in, get out, move on to the next town” type. His schedule was hectic and he only knew two speeds...fast and faster. The entire point of him driving cross country was to prepare himself for a slower, more reasonable pace. Last night he’d told them he wanted a job in town. Not that he needed one, but he wanted one. He craved a life of his own, in a town where people knew him as Adam Steele. It was a fantasy. Once people found out who he really was, that fantasy would end. And whatever was growing between him and Bridgett would likely end, too. His stomach knotted at the thought.
“Candied apple?” Bridgett held a bright red orb on a stick in front of him.
“No, thank you.” Adam reached in his pocket and paid for hers before she opened her purse. “I’m more the candy corn type.”
“Thank you.” Bridgett said, biting through the hard outer shell, into the juicy apple beneath. “Oh, this is good.”
“I bet.” Adam swallowed hard.
Good God! It was an apple and she made eating it look seductive. Adam quickly glanced around to see if the rest of the male population was watching, but no one paid any attention to either one of them. It was a surreal experience standing in the middle of a crowd and being able to breathe. No one shouted his name or demanded an autograph. No one pushed or shoved against his bodyguards while he attempted to walk. Yes, he could definitely get used to this.
“We can’t miss the parade.” Bridgett grabbed his hand, leading him to Shelby Street, where people had begun to line up on either side of the road. “Afterward, we vote on our favorite float and the winner will lead the Christmas parade.”
The town erupted in cheers when the parade began. It was impossible not to get carried away with the rest of the crowd. Bridle Dance’s float was first—a few of their prized horses pulled a meticulously restored buckboard, with Kay Langtry at the reins. Children filled the wagon with their mothers, waving to the crowd.
“Hi, Adam!” Ever called out to him as she rode by.
Unable to speak, Adam waved in return and wrapped his other arm around Bridgett, pulling her close to him. Dammit, I want this life.
They voted for their favorite float and chatted with more people than he’d possibly remember. As they continued to weave through the vendors’ tables. Bridgett danced and spun in front of him, modeling a gauzy ivory scarf. Tossing one end in the air, she caught it on the other side of him.
“Now I’ve got you.” Bridgett smiled and tugged him closer. Before he could blink, she released him and turned to pay the man.
“Let me.” Adam reached past her, his chest flattening against her back.
“You already paid for my apple.” Bridgett tilted her head back, causing their cheeks to rub.
Adam slinked his arm around her waist and twirled her away from the display table. He tucked a folded fifty into the vendor’s palm and nodded, silently telling the man to keep the change. When he turned around, Bridgett had draped the scarf around her neck.
“Thank you, again.” She smiled. “But no more gifts.”
“We’ll see.” Adam took her hand in his again and they continued to the next table, a local stained-glass artist’s.
“I’m really sorry about what happened with Mayor Fox,” the woman said while Bridgett peered over the colorful trinkets.
Bridgett froze and Adam swore he heard her teeth grind together. “Thank you.” A visible chill passed through her and Adam watched the goose bumps rise on her skin. Turning away, Bridgett shook her head and walked to the next display.
“Bridgett!” A female voice called from behind them. “Bridgett, wait up.”
“I think you’re being paged?” Adam lightly touched Bridgett’s arm to stop her.
“Can’t we ignore it, please?” Bridgett reached for his hand and began to walk away.
“Bridgett.” A petite blonde ran past them and blocked their path. “I’m glad I found you. Have you thought any more about the wedding?” The woman looked up and smiled at Adam. “Hey, I’m Abby, Bridgett’s sister.”
“Adam.” He shook her hand, trying to read the blank expression on Bridgett’s face. “I didn’t realize Bridgett had a sister.”
“Neither did she up until—”
“Where’s your fiancé?” Bridgett interrupted.
Had he heard Abby correctly?
“He’s talking to Shane. The Langtrys are going to have a cutting-horse demonstration later at Bridle Dance and an open house tomorrow for Dance of Hope. I’m excited they included me in it since I just started working there. You should come by.” Abby turned to Adam. “We haven’t met before, have we?”
Adam desperately tried to hide his tension at the question, forcing himself to breathe and relax. Between the haircut, color and sun glasses, he thought he was unrecognizable. “No, ma’am, I’m new to Ramblewood.”
“Me, too! I’m still trying to remember everyone’s name!” Adam swore if Abby had a set of pom-poms, she’d have done a cheer right in the middle of the street. Adam was so relieved no one had recognized him he’d have joined her in that cheer.
“Here you are.” A tall, muscular cowboy approached them and gave Abby a quick kiss. “You’re incredibly difficult to find in a crowd. I need to tie one of those old-school bicycle flags on you so I can spot you from a distance.”
“Shouldn’t you be able to locate me anywhere, Mr. Private Investigator?” Abby rested her head against Clay’s chest. “This is Bridgett’s friend, Adam. He’s new in town, too.”
Private investigator? This isn’t good.
The men shook hands and Adam prayed he wouldn’t do anything to raise the man’s suspicions.
“I’m Clay. Are you visiting or did you move here?”
“Visiting.” Adam noticed Bridgett shift from one foot to the other repeatedly. She was clearly uncomfortable with the conversation and he wasn’t feeling too hot with it, either. “Bridgett just finished saying how she wanted to show me something down the street. Would you excuse us?”
Without hesitation, Bridgett chimed in. “I think you’ll love it.” She linked her arm with his and began to lead him away. “I’ll see you guys later.”
“At Bridle Dance?” Abby questioned, her brow wrinkled in a plea.
“We’ll see how the rest of the day goes,” Bridgett said. “I’m not making any promises, but if I can, I will.”
Abby seemed somewhat mollified by Bridgett’s answer.
“Nice meeting you,” Clay said.
“You, too.” Adam quickened his pace to match Bridgett’s as they moved forward through the masses. Stopping near the corner, Adam drew Bridgett down a side street. “Are you okay?”
Bridgett pushed her sunglasses up, eyes glassy with tears, and shook her head. “Bear with me. This is hard to explain.”
“Come here.” Adam protectively wrapped his arm around her and they continued down the street, away from the center of town. Seeing a break between two buildings, Adam tugged Bridgett into the alley with him, away from prying eyes. Resting against the brick facade, he held both of Bridgett’s hands in his, waiting for her to speak only when she was ready.
Bridgett suddenly released his hands, slowly lifted his sunglasses and leaned into Adam. Her fingers lightly trailed down either side of his face. “I don’t want to talk about it. I don’t want to do anything except this.” Her lips brushed his, for the briefest of moments, before her body sighed into his and their kiss deepened. Adam knew he should resist. Bridgett deserved to know the truth before giving him any part of herself. But the need to hold her, to feel her in his arms was too strong.
The warmth of her mouth was an invitation while candied apple swirled with her own exotic taste. Adam slid h
is arms under Bridgett’s and he flattened his palms across her spine, drawing her closer. His pulse quickened. Bridgett pressed harder against him and he knew any hope of hiding his desire for her was impossible.
Reluctantly, he broke their kiss, peppering the release with light kisses until they did nothing more than gaze at each other—their breath perfectly synchronized. Neither one of them spoke. Bridgett lifted her fingers to her swollen lips and laughed softly, her eyes wandering down his chest. Her fingertips skimmed over his shirt and Adam was positive she’d feel his pounding heart. Bridgett shifted closer. Her voice barely a whisper upon his cheek, she said, “I don’t want this to end.”
Adam wasn’t sure if she meant their kiss, or whatever you called the connection developing between them. At this point, it didn’t matter. “I don’t want it to, either.”
Bridgett rolled her head. Stretching her neck, she gazed upward, her body fully touching his again. Adam ran his fingers through her hair, the waves softer than he imagined they would be. He lifted the strands and inhaled her scent before leaving a solitary kiss upon her throat.
“I have to ask you something.” Bridgett lowered her head and let out a nervous breath. “How long are you really here for?”
Adam hated to lie. At some point, he’d have to leave, even if it was only temporarily, to finish what he needed to wrap up in LA. He wished he’d met Bridgett on his way back through Texas, not on the way out. He wanted this...he wanted her...but the truth stood between them and he wasn’t sure how she’d react when she found out who he was or, more importantly, how he’d hid the truth from her.
He’d felt more alive in the past twenty-four hours and he’d certainly been more truthful than he had in the past decade. He hadn’t uttered a single lie. It was what he’d left out that would probably send Bridgett running far away.
“I’m not sure,” Adam confessed. “When I pulled into town yesterday, I figured I’d be heading out tonight. Trust me when I tell you, I don’t want to leave now that I’ve met you.”
Bridgett laughed and pulled out of his arms. “Ironic, isn’t it? I want to leave this place and you want to stay. What if I left with you?”
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