by Darcy Burke
“Sean. Nice to meet you. Great fondue, by the way.”
Kyle chuckled. “Thank you. I’m worried we’ll run out soon, but I’ve got minions working in the back. In fact, I better go check on them. I’ll catch up with you later?”
“Sure, I’ll be here all week.”
“Oh, where are you staying?” Kyle asked.
Sean’s brow creased. “I don’t know yet. This trip was a bit spontaneous. Any recommendations?” He looked between Kyle, Mom, and Tori.
“Dude, you’re completely screwed.” Kyle flashed an apologetic smile at Mom. “You won’t find a place to stay with all this going on. You’ll have to head back toward Portland to get a hotel room, at least for tonight and maybe tomorrow as well.”
“He won’t either,” Mom said, and Tori braced herself for what was coming next. Damn, damn, damn. Mom smiled at Sean. “You’ll stay with us. We have a lovely apartment over the garage that will suit you perfectly. And I insist you stay all week.”
Again, Sean flicked a glance at Tori. However this time his gaze held a smug sheen. “If you’re sure it isn’t an inconvenience.”
“Not at all. And this way, you’ll be close by so you and Tori can spend time together.” Mom nudged Tori’s hand, and her worst fears were realized: Everyone thought she and Sean were an item. They’d be glad Tori had someone in her life, and they’d like Sean. Before she knew it, they’d have her and Sean halfway to the altar—if they hadn’t already been there, that was.
The pain in her head spiked, and she rubbed her temple. “Mom, we’re just friends.”
“Oh sure.” Mom sent Sean a knowing look, and, oh God, had she winked too?
Tori wanted to scream. This was going to be the longest week ever.
Chapter Three
SEAN’S PHONE VIBRATED on the nightstand, rousing him from sleep. He reached over to pick it up but was pretty sure he knew who it was. Mike. He groaned. Who the hell else would text him at eight a.m. on a Sunday when he was still suffering from jet lag?
Mike: How’s it going?
Sean: Fine.
Mike: Details?
Sean: Are you really going to micromanage me? I told you it was going to take a little finesse.
Mike: We’re on a tight schedule. Hollis already pitched her idea.
Sean: Done deal?
Mike: Not yet, but she’s closer than you.
Fuck, fuck, fuck.
Sean threw his phone back onto the end table and put his forearm over his eyes. Not good. If Hollis could get her show into production first, he was completely buggered. He needed to talk to Tori about this damn project, but how? She’d been as skittish as a puppy last night. He’d enjoyed talking with her family, drinking their spectacular beer, and eating Kyle’s incredible food. Overall, it had been the most fun he’d had in months.
But it could’ve been so much better. If Tori hadn’t looked as though she wanted to vomit the entire time. What was wrong with her? How had she gone from giddy happy with him to wanting to stab him in the eye with a spork?
It couldn’t be anything he’d done. They hadn’t even been together. He knew her aloofness was because of her brother’s death, but she seemed no better now than when it had first happened. Yet the rest of her family appeared to be coping. Her mom had been a mess at first but was coming around, as was her dad. Sean had gotten a weird vibe from her parents—like there was something going on between them—but it was just a feeling. He really had no idea, because Tori didn’t tell him a goddamn thing. His lack of knowledge meant he’d had a jolly time playing catch-up and acting like he knew things he didn’t, which had grown easier with every beer.
He massaged his forehead, which felt a bit jumbled. He chalked it up to the beer and the jet lag and was just glad he’d found a place to stay. This bed was almost more comfortable than his, and he wanted nothing more than to lounge around in it all day. But he couldn’t let Hollis get the jump on him. He had a TV show to secure, and it wasn’t going to happen if he didn’t get his arse moving.
He pushed himself up and instantly regretted the movement. On second thought, maybe it was mostly the beer. Somewhere he had a stash of acetaminophen. If not, he suspected there was some in the bathroom. Emily had said the place was fully stocked and to help himself. A cursory glance in the cupboards last night had said she wasn’t overstating that even a little bit.
After finding the necessary medicine and taking a restorative shower, he felt much better. But God, he needed coffee. He could make some here or head to the main house. Emily had invited him to come over for breakfast. Presumably the coffee was ready there, which made his decision spectacularly easy.
What wasn’t easy, however, was figuring out how to approach Tori about the show. He hesitated at the door before leaving. He needed to make some progress today, but he couldn’t mention the show. Not yet. She was still too testy. And he hated that. He wanted to see the Tori he’d met. The Tori he’d fallen for. The Tori he knew was still in there somewhere.
Wait, was he truly hoping for more than just the show? No, he was tired of waiting around. They could be friends, though. Couldn’t they?
Yes, that’s what he’d shoot for. Today he’d focus on putting her at ease—good Lord she needed to relax. And maybe, if he were lucky, he’d get her to smile. He’d count that as success.
He made his way down the stairs and let himself out into the wide drive. His apartment was housed in a separate building, while the massive house—it reminded him of a bloody country estate back home—sat a couple dozen yards away connected to another garage with a porte cochere. There was a back door to the house, which Emily had instructed him to use. He paused outside and considered whether to knock. Emily had said to just come in . . .
Easing the door open, he stepped into a back hallway. Hooks with little plaques bearing the names of the Archer kids were affixed to the wall. His gaze found Tori’s. It was empty. Did that mean she wasn’t here? They were all empty, actually. But he found himself staring at Alex’s. He could think of reasons to leave it up as well as take it down. How did Tori feel about seeing it? Was the reminder good or bad?
Emily poked her head into the hallway. “I thought I heard the door. Come in, Sean!” She beckoned him forward with a smile and disappeared back around the corner.
He walked the length of the hallway and came out into a large kitchen and eating area. There were two cooking spaces, or rather a proper kitchen and then what looked like a bar with a beer tap. Oh yes, he liked the Archers immensely. A large table and chairs filled the remaining space, along with a grand stone fireplace and a wall of windows offering an expansive view of their backyard, which he hadn’t seen in the dark last night. It was like their own private park—an English country estate indeed—and even included a sumptuous pool. He hadn’t realized how wealthy the Archers were. He’d known Tori had money but hadn’t considered her rich. He revised his opinion. Shit, did that mean he was rich? Not that they’d commingled finances, and he certainly didn’t expect anything from her, despite not having a prenup.
“Can I get you some coffee? Or tea?”
Sean turned to his gracious hostess. With her blonde hair and petite frame, she bore a greater resemblance to Sara than to Tori. “Coffee, thank you. Although, my mother would be aghast. I have to pretend to dislike it when I’m home. Like any proper Englishwoman, she’s all about the tea.”
Emily laughed. “That’s nice of you. I’m sure my children lie to me about similar things. In fact, I didn’t learn until they were in college that they’d never liked my lasagna. And I thought they loved it. I wish they’d said something. I didn’t much care for it either.” She poured him a mug of coffee. “Do you take anything with it or just black?”
“Black, please.” He accepted the cup and inhaled the strong aroma. Next to beer, coffee was his favorite beverage.
“Just like Tori,” Emily said. “She can’t function without a cup of pitch-black coffee first thing. She’s been that way since she was
seventeen. I’d hate to be the person waking up with her before that morning necessity!”
As Sean sipped his coffee, he reflected on being just that person. First thing in the morning, she was breathtaking. Her hair tossed, her skin lightly flushed with the heat of fading sleep, her eyes slitted in the sexiest way . . .
Emily was saying something else, and Sean had to jar himself back to reality. “I’m sorry?” he said. “I’m afraid I got lost in this delicious brew.”
Emily chuckled again. “Yes, just like Tori. I can see why you’re friends.” The inquisitive glance she tossed him was tinged with hope. “Have you known each other long?”
“Just since New Year’s.” He wanted to keep as much truth in their story as possible. It was far easier to keep track of things that way. But damn, he didn’t enjoy lying to Tori’s mother, not when he liked her so much.
“She was in Malaysia, right? You were there too?”
He nodded, taking another sip of coffee and leaning against the large island. “At the hotel opening. It’s incredible. You must be so proud of Tori’s accomplishments.”
“Oh yes. But I expected nothing less. Tori is nothing if not driven.” Her brow creased. “Though it’s been a tough year for her, as you can imagine.” She was silent a moment, then shook herself. “Can I get you something to eat? I was just making some oatmeal.”
Sean couldn’t think of anything he wanted less. Memories of his grandmother’s gruel haunted him still. “Maybe just some toast?”
“That’s scarcely a breakfast,” Emily scoffed with a smile. “We have eggs, bacon, sausage, anything you want. I’m sorry Kyle isn’t here to cook it for you. He’s staying at Hayden’s house while Hayden’s in France at his internship.” She went back to prepping her oatmeal with her back to Sean.
He cupped his mug, enjoying the soothing heat and scent of his coffee. He’d learned enough about the Archers last night to keep up: Hayden was at a yearlong internship making wine in Bordeaux; Kyle had returned from self-inflicted exile to take over for Hayden at Archer and was now with Maggie, who was a landscape architect and groundskeeper at The Alex; Sara had become engaged to Dylan, who was general contractor of Alex’s renovation project; Derek and Chloe had gotten married and were house hunting; and Liam and Evan were missing in action. Just keeping track of everyone made his head spin. He couldn’t imagine what it must have been like growing up in such a large family. It was as foreign to him as LA had been when he’d first moved there.
“Oh,” Emily said, turning. “We also have cereal. Rob loves cereal. The pantry’s over there.” She pointed back toward the hallway.
Sean set his mug down on the granite island and went in search of the pantry. Like the garage apartment, it was well stocked, and he had no trouble finding at least half a dozen things he’d like to eat. In the end, he returned to the kitchen with a loaf of wheat bread for toast and a box of raisin cereal.
Emily insisted on making his toast, reminding him quite pleasantly of his own mother. Then they sat together at the island and enjoyed their breakfast.
“Tori isn’t an early riser, I take it?” Sean glanced at the clock and saw that it was nine.
Emily’s answering look held a note of curiosity, as if she expected him to know that. He didn’t, despite the fact that they were—or had been—lovers. Every single night they’d spent together had been extraordinary, but he had no idea what she was like in a day-to-day setting. The realization gnawed at his gut and made him feel a bit hollow.
“Oh yes, but I’m sure she’s out for a run,” Emily said. “She used to go only one weekend morning, but more and more she runs just about every day. I worry about her—she’s too thin.”
He’d noticed that too; he guessed she’d lost about ten pounds since he’d seen her last. She looked lean and fit, but he missed her curvier backside.
“Is she depressed?” Sean wished he could take the question back as soon as it was out of his mouth. He knew Alex had been depressed, that it had led to his suicide. He also knew that none of the Archers had realized the severity of his mental condition. That much Tori had shared in the weeks after his death.
Emily’s eyes had widened briefly, but she covered it quickly. “Probably. I was, and sometimes it’s still very hard. But I’ve learned to accept that it isn’t my fault, nor is it Alex’s fault. It’s a tragedy, and tragedy doesn’t usually make sense.” She exhaled and pushed her nearly empty bowl of oatmeal away. “As soon as I realized that, I was better able to remember the joy of Alex. I’ll celebrate him and love him for the rest of my life.”
Sean couldn’t help but feel inspired by her wisdom. “Your children are very lucky to have you.”
Her lips relaxed into the smile he was coming to know. “Probably, but I’m luckier. I won’t lie, though; it’s tough being a mom. Your own mother has probably told you that.”
“All the time. Although I’m not sure she’s in the same league as you. She had only me to deal with. Granted, I could be a handful.”
“I find that hard to believe. You’re a perfectly delightful young man.”
Sean laughed. “Now. I was prone to ill behavior at university.”
“I’m sure it’s nothing I haven’t heard. My children might have you think otherwise, but each of them went through an unfortunate period at one time or another—some longer than others. I will say that Tori was about as consistent and reliable as a child could be. I sometimes think she was a second mother to the rest of them.”
Sean didn’t bother hiding his interest. He wanted to get up and pour another cup of coffee, but he wanted to hear what Emily had to say about Tori even more. He turned on his stool to face Emily. “Really, how?”
“I had to spend a lot of extra time with Alex, of course, and with Sara and Evan. It’s tough to have six children at once, but when three of them have special needs, it’s especially challenging. Not that I would trade it, mind you.” She sipped her coffee. “And I did have help. We had a live-in housekeeper. If you ever watched reruns of The Brady Bunch when you were younger, think of Alice. Birgit was our Alice.”
“Well, you had a bunch of your own, so it seems fitting,” Sean cracked.
Emily smiled. “True. Birgit was wonderful. I don’t know what I would’ve done without her. She died, my goodness, over ten years ago now.” Emily shook her head. “Having her made all the difference, but Tori was a little manager. She still is, I suppose. I think losing Alex has hit her especially hard because of that role. She just isn’t the same person.”
Sean felt a surge of validation. He knew it couldn’t just be him. She was different. The question was, would she stay that way?
They both heard the door shut and turned to look at the hallway. Tori stepped into the kitchen as she pulled earbuds from her ears. She stopped abruptly as soon as she saw Sean. She looked sweaty, her cheeks flushed from her run, but damn she was beautiful. Her hair was swept into a high ponytail, exposing the creamy arch of her neck. He knew if he buried his face against her, she’d smell like earth and autumn sky. His cock twitched, and he tore his gaze away from her before his mind could continue along that dangerous path.
“Morning, Tori,” Emily said. “Can I get you some coffee?”
“No, thanks. I had a cup before I ran.” Her eyes narrowed suspiciously. “What are you guys doing?”
“Having breakfast.” Emily stood and gathered her dishes, moving to the sink. Then she reached for Sean’s.
“Let me,” he said, standing and taking his own things to the sink.
Emily relinquished the dish rinsing to Sean with a happy smile. “What are you two doing today?” she asked Tori.
Sean slid her a glance. What were they doing today? Would she try to evade him?
“I thought I’d give Sean a tour of The Alex.”
“What a great idea. I’d go with you, but Maggie and I are taking a field trip to the Oregon Garden this afternoon. I haven’t been there in the fall, and we want to cull some ideas for the garden a
t The Alex. We want to ensure it’s spectacular year-round.” She cocked her head to the side. “Perhaps you should come with us. You can tour The Alex tomorrow, and when will Sean get to see the Oregon Garden again?”
“Thank you so much for the invitation,” Sean said before Tori could respond. He liked Emily a lot, but he needed this day with Tori, preferably alone. “But I’m really looking forward to seeing The Alex, and I don’t want to be in anyone’s way tomorrow when the crew is back at work.”
“That’s a good point. All right then. But we’ll see you here for dinner, and I’m not taking no for an answer. Everyone comes for Sunday dinner if they’re in town.”
He nodded and wiped his hands on a dishtowel. “I wouldn’t miss it.”
“Be here at six. Bye, dear.” Emily pecked a kiss on Tori’s cheek before leaving through an arched doorway that looked as though it led to a larger living-room area.
“Perhaps we should start with a tour of your house,” Sean said. “I’d no idea you grew up in a bloody mansion.”
“There’s a lot you don’t know.”
He’d so hoped she would’ve lost some of her surliness overnight, but that was apparently not to be the case. He moved along the island to the end where she stood and leaned his hip against the side. He crossed his arms and pinned her with a direct stare. “Enlighten me.”
“Do I really need to? It looked as though Mom bent your ear practically clean off your head.”
“Not at all. We enjoyed a very nice breakfast. She did, however, notice that we take our coffee the same way.” He was teasing her now, but damn he’d try anything to see even the slightest hint of a genuine smile.
Instead, however, she snorted. Not quite a smile, but he’d take it. “What the heck am I going to do with you for a week?” She set her hand on her hip and stared at him as if he were a gift she’d never asked for and was trying to figure out how to pawn off.
“How about we just take one day at a time? Why don’t we pretend we are what we say—friends? Just for today. Forget who I am and what we are, and just enjoy a day together. Can you do that?”