by Elena Aitken
Across from him, Jade nodded. “While I do think you’re crazy.” She laughed before she continued. “I also agree with you. As you know, I’ve never spent any time at a lake before.”
“I still think that’s a terrible shame.”
She smiled in agreement. “I only planned on spending the summer here. Just long enough to get things going with the show. After all, I’m a city girl. That’s all I’ve ever been. It’s all I know, really.”
She stared into the fire, but Mitch knew there was more. “And now? How do you feel now?”
She didn’t answer the question right away, but Mitch didn’t rush her. “Do you know when you’ve always been told one thing, and you’ve been told that thing so many times, that it is the only thing you believe to be true?”
It wasn’t really a question, but Mitch nodded in agreement anyway.
“My mother was a single mom,” Jade continued. “I never knew my father. Except for what my mom told me. That he’d ruined her life.” Mitch opened his mouth to object, but Jade shook her head so he stayed silent. “I don’t think she meant me necessarily. It was everything all together. You see, she was on track to be a successful businesswoman. When she met my dad, she was working for an oil and gas company. She was focused and determined. She had goals and plans. She had been working her way up in the company, taking on more and more accounts. It was her dream to be an executive one day. She used to tell me she wasn’t like other girls who always dreamed about getting married and having a family. But then she met my dad.”
“And then she fell in love?”
Jade nodded and her lips quirked up into a small smile. “I always thought it would’ve been cool to see her like that. Young and in love. Because no matter what she said, there must’ve been a time when everything was good and right with her world.”
“Of course,” Mitch agreed. “Love is a good thing, isn’t it?” He wasn’t really sure, but even to his own ears it sounded like a loaded question. If Jade noticed, she didn’t say anything.
“I think it was,” she said. “At least for a little while. The way she tells it, she got distracted and her work started to suffer. She started losing accounts because instead of working all the time, she was with him. She said she didn’t care, because she was in love and that was all that mattered. And then she got pregnant.”
The dancing flames cast a momentary shadow on Jade’s face. And then it was gone.
“I don’t really know what happened from there—she never really goes into details. All I know is that he left, I was born, and her career crashed.”
“But it’s not your fault.”
Jade shook her head. “No. And honestly, she never made me feel like it was my fault. But she did make sure that I knew a man would never be worth it.”
Mitch shook his head and poked the fire with a stick. “That’s heavy.”
Jade shrugged and dropped the blanket to the ground behind her. “It is what it is.” She stretched her lean arms over her head, her bare skin glowing both from the firelight and the result of being kissed by the sun. She was always beautiful. But after a day in the sun, her hair air dried in gentle waves around her face, and not a trace of makeup on her, she was the most stunning creature Mitch had ever seen.
He had a feeling he wasn’t going to like the answers if he asked any more questions, but he couldn’t seem to help himself. Despite everything he’d been telling himself and trying to convince himself of since coming back to Cedar Springs, Mitch was starting to think the impossible had actually started to happen and he was falling for Jade. And that both scared the hell out of him while at the same time, it felt very, very right.
“And what do you think?” The question was out of his mouth before he’d thought it through. “Do you think a man is worth it?”
Jade shrugged and trailed her fingers through the sand next to her. “Honestly?”
“Of course.”
“I guess on some level I’ve always kind of agreed with her.” His heart sank. “But I’ve never actually given it that much thought. My mom was always so busy encouraging me to be successful, and work hard, and achieve my dreams. Those things never went hand-in-hand with a man, or relationship of any kind.” Jade sat up abruptly. The sand slid through her fingers. “But I don’t want to give you the impression that she is a terrible woman. She’s not. She’s just… Focused.”
“And it sounds like she passed that on to you. You’ve been very successful in your career.”
Jade nodded. “I have. I’ve achieved almost everything I want to. At least at this point. That’s why I took on this TV project. It’s not normally something that I would even consider.” Jade gazed into the fire and her eyes took on a faraway look. “I think I’m just ready for new challenges. Maybe I’m starting to realize that my mom wasn’t totally right.”
Mitch almost missed the last part of what she said. Almost. “What part do you think she was wrong about?”
Her smile was coy, but also guarded. “Let’s just say that being in Cedar Springs is teaching me that there’s more to life than a career and maybe I’m finally ready to start exploring another side of things.”
Mitch watched the reflection of the flames dance on Jade’s bare skin. He yearned to be sitting close enough to touch her. But despite the closeness they’d shared all day, there was also still something between them. Something keeping them apart.
Could it be that you said she wasn’t your type? His inner voice piped up.
For sure, he was to blame in a large part for whatever it was creating distance between them. He’d been stupid, that was for sure. What kind of ridiculousness was it to think that he needed to have a certain type of woman in order to be happy? When it was so clear, the only type of woman he needed was the one who made him happy.
And God help him, he was pretty sure that woman was Jade.
Chapter Nine
Jade was running late. Jade never ran late. She could come up with a million excuses for why she’d slept through her alarm. And given half a chance, she could come up with a list of things that kept her from falling asleep last night, and therefore caused her to sleep in. She could do all of those things. But she wouldn’t, because they would just be excuses. And Jade hated excuses.
The truth was she was running late for her meeting with Gwen because even when her alarm went off this morning, she had somehow convinced herself it was just a dream in order to buy herself a few more minutes. It had worked, too, except now she was going to be late.
The day before, spending all day with Mitch on the lake—playing in the sun, laughing, forgetting about everything else in her life—had been amazing. But it had also been exhausting.
That might be the hormones too.
Jade ignored her inner voice, which suddenly seemed to be a pregnancy expert. Sure, she could be exhausted because she was pregnant and in her first trimester. Deanna had said something about needing more rest during these months. But she wasn’t going to let a baby slow her down. No, she was tired because she’d spent the day before out in the sun, playing in the water, and she’d gotten home late.
But it had been worth it.
Just thinking about her day with Mitch caused Jade to slow down and reflect on how much fun she’d had. Was it even possible to have a platonic relationship with a man? Maybe it was. If yesterday was any indication, then yes, they could be friends.
Except for the amazingly intense attraction she had toward him. Oh, and the little fact that she was carrying his baby.
Jade shook her head and sighed so loud it caught the attention of a passerby, who gave her a strange look and a wide berth. Even after getting home last night, late and exhausted, she still couldn’t sleep. There were so many questions going through her head. So much second-guessing.
Should she have told him? She probably should have. But was it so wrong to want one day of fun, stress-free? Because she wasn’t stupid. The minute she told him about the baby, everything was going to change. Especiall
y if she decided to keep it and raise it as a single mom.
That particular thought had been making an appearance in her brain more and more often. She worked so hard to develop a reputation as a strong, no-nonsense business woman with no time for anything but work, the idea that she even was considering keeping the baby was ludicrous to her.
Or was it?
Regardless, she was going to have to make a decision about how and when to tell Mitch the truth. And soon. It wasn’t fair to keep it from him, especially if he was starting a new relationship with Evie. They both deserved to know.
Jade sighed one more time, straightened her shoulders, smoothed her hands over her hair and patted the quick bun she tied it back in that morning, and opened the door to Dream Puffs, ready for her meeting.
Across the room, Gwen stood and waved excitedly when she saw her. “Over here. I got your coffee.”
Coffee. Deanna hadn’t outright said it was bad for the baby, but she had given her a pamphlet with a list of some of the things she should avoid or cut down on. She waved in Gwen’s direction and with a series of hand gestures she hoped the other woman understood, she made her way up to the counter to order herself a tea.
“Coffee?” Suzy greeted her warmly like a regular, which maybe she was by now. “I think Gwen got one for you. Black. Just the way you like it.” The fact that this woman knew how she took her coffee made her smile. Had anyone ever known how she took her coffee? Jade was pretty sure her mother might have been the only one who’d bothered to notice and that’s only because Jade drank it the same way she did.
“Actually, I think I’m going to have a tea today,” she said apologetically. “If it’s not too much trouble.”
“None at all. What would you like? We have peppermint, black, Earl Grey, green, apple cinnamon, chamomile, jasmine—”
“Peppermint will be fine.” Jade interrupted her because she sounded like she might only just be getting started. “Thanks, Suzy.”
The older woman went to prepare her drink, and Jade turned at the sound of the bells over the door just in time to see Evie walk in. Her initial reaction to seeing the woman she’d only recently come to know was a flicker of jealousy, but she swallowed it. Evie was way too nice to be jealous over.
“Jade!” Evie greeted her with a warm smile. “You look amazing. I like your outfit.” She winked and Jade couldn’t help but laugh.
“Thank you.” She spun dramatically to show off her floral print blouse and tan capris. It was casual yet still business and Jade felt fantastic in it. “I know this great little spot with the prettiest clothes and the sweetest shop keeper to help you find just the right thing.”
Evie squealed with a delight and pulled Jade into a quick hug. It took her off guard. Jade was not usually a hugger, so it took her a minute to loosen up and hug the woman back. But it was brief and left Jade feeling strange. Not necessarily in a bad way, but it felt wrong to have almost kissed the man this woman was dating, less than twenty-four hours before. Like a betrayal to their blooming friendship.
“How are things with Mitch?” Jade looked away as she asked the question, unable to look the other woman in the face. “I hope he wasn’t too upset that I made you late for your date the other night. If I had realized, I wouldn’t have come in so late.”
When Evie didn’t answer right away, Jade looked up to see puzzlement on her face. “Mitch?” She gave Jade an unsure smile. “What do you mean, how are things? We’re just friends. I mean, we did go on one date, but…well, maybe I should have made it more clear. Did he say something?”
Friends?
“I’m sorry,” Jade said quickly. “I didn’t realize. I think I just…well, I think I just assumed,” she admitted, feeling foolish as she did so. Why had she assumed they were a couple? It was ridiculous, really. Mitch hadn’t mentioned her the day before and besides knowing they’d gone out…well, it certainly didn’t add up to a relationship.
“It’s fine,” Evie said, clearly not nearly as bothered by the assumption as Jade was. “I think Mitch is a great guy, and what he did for my son…well, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to repay him.” Her pretty face twisted into worry. “He doesn’t think that we’re—”
“Oh no,” Jade said quickly. “I mean, he didn’t say anything to me, anyway. I just assumed.” She swallowed hard and tried for a smile. “Sorry. I really put my foot in it.”
Evie squeezed her arm. “Please don’t worry about it. It’s all good.” Suzy returned with the tea, offering Jade a welcomed distraction from her awkwardness. But it only lasted as long as it took Jade to pay, and then Evie said, “You know…this is going to sound crazy, but you and Mitch seem like you’d be a good match.”
“That is crazy.” Jade forced a laugh and shook her head.
“Is it?” Evie examined her far too closely, as if she could see her secret. “I don’t know,” she continued. “I think you guys could be perfect for each other.”
“Well, that’s maybe a thought for another day.” Jade did her best to brush it off, and fortunately was saved by the sound of the bells over the door once more. “But it looks like it’s time to get to work.” She pointed to the man who’d just walked in. Judging by the look on Evie’s face when she turned to see Cal McCormick, looking every bit the movie star with his aviator sunglasses, faded jeans, and slightly too tight T-shirt, walk into the bakery, no introduction was necessary.
The other woman had turned an intense shade of pink. “Is that…”
“Cal McCormick?” Jade grinned just as Gwen called out to him. “Sure is,” she finished. “He’s in town to film the show. Don’t tell me you have a crush on him?”
Evie laughed and her color returned to normal. “No way. I mean, he’s cute and all but celebrities are not my type. Not even a little. Single moms don’t have that kind of luxury. When I finally decide to date again, it will be with a down-to-earth, regular guy. No flash. Just a normal, stable guy.” Jade raised a cup to her new friend’s ideals. “But he is pretty cute,” Evie added as they watched him cross the room.
Jade nodded in agreement. There was definitely a family resemblance, and Cal was good-looking, that was certain. But he wasn’t as sexy as Mitch. Not even close. “I’m sure having him around for the summer could make it interesting for a lot of women in town.”
Evie nudged Jade and pointed to a table by the window where a pretty girl sat. She was trying to be subtle about the way she was watching Cal, but as far as Jade was concerned, she wasn’t doing a very good job. “I think someone might have a little crush already.”
Jade laughed and shook her head. “It will be interesting to see, for sure. But I’m already running late, so I better get going.”
“Of course,” Evie said. “Me too. We’ll have to meet for a coffee soon when we can both sit and chat.”
“I’d like that,” Jade answered honestly.
“Oh, and Jade? I was telling you the truth when I said I’m not dating Mitch McCormick.” Her grin was sly. “So, he’s totally available for you.”
It was Jade’s turn to blush, but she didn’t answer as she walked quickly to the table to make her meeting.
“I think you will really like this property,” Milena Hill said as she walked next to Mitch down the street away from the cabin. “It was only listed a few days ago. I haven’t even had the chance to show it to anyone. But when you emailed me your list of requirements and what you’re looking for—well, there is nothing else that checks all your boxes like this property.”
Mitch grinned at her enthusiasm. There was nothing he liked less than house shopping. He bought his place in the city after only looking at two places. It was easier to sign the paperwork than to put himself through the process any longer.
“I hope so,” he said. “And thank you for showing me something so quickly. I hope you at least had time to have breakfast.” It was early but Milena had shown up right away, dressed and ready to work. Her outfit reminded him a lot of Jade’s new clothes. He liked Jad
e’s new look—not that she didn’t look amazing before—but now she looked as if she not only belonged at the lake but might actually stay.
The idea gave him pause. But only because he wanted her to stay in Cedar Springs more than he wanted anything else at that moment.
After spending the day with her, Mitch couldn’t sleep. He should have been exhausted after a whole day in the sun and on the water, but all he could think about was the way the firelight danced off her skin, the spicy, sexy smell of her when he hugged her good night. He may not have wanted it, but it was happening. No, scratch that. It had happened. He’d fallen in love with Jade.
When the sun finally came up, the decision had already been made. Mitch made himself a pot of coffee and called Declan. Regardless of the time change, he knew his little brother would be up, whatever time. Declan was always awake. Sure enough, his little brother answered on the second ring.
“Hey. Long time no talk.” Declan’s voice came across the line. It always amazed Mitch how his brother could be a world away, and still sound as if he were in the same room.
“I know, sorry.”
“It’s not a problem,” Dec said. “I know you’ve been busy. It’s all good. How’s the lake?”
“Damn, Dec. I forgot how much I love it here. In fact, that’s why I’m calling. Besides, of course, talking to my favorite brother.”
Declan laughed. “It seems I’m everybody’s favorite—when you guys want something, of course. What can I do for you?”
The idea had been percolating all night. In the light of day, Mitch had wondered whether it would look any different. But the only thing that was different was instead of it just being an idea, he was ready to make it a reality. “I need to buy a house.”
“A house? In the city? I thought you had a house.”
“I do. But I want one here. At the lake.”