by Roni Adams
He reached for the box once more. “It’ll fit. Give the basket to me.”
“You can’t jam it in there.” She pulled the cardboard out of his reach and muttered, “You can’t force something that doesn’t work.”
Was she talking about more than the Thanksgiving basket? Her gaze was on her task, and she didn’t seem as if she was thinking of anything other than this packaging dilemma.
“I know it’ll fit. Come on, just try.” He opened all the flaps on the box and held it steady.
Krista stepped next to him and held the basket over the opening. “It’s not right. It won’t work.”
She moved even closer as he attempted to help her shift the box this way and that to ease the basket inside. Her breasts pressed into his upper arm and a whiff of apple spice filled his nostrils. She must have put on the apple scented lotion they sold here. He inhaled deep, wondering if she rubbed the lotion everywhere or just on her hands? He’d love to kiss her neck and find out.
His jeans tightened, and he swallowed hard. “Sometimes you don’t know if it will work or not until you try.”
Krista raised her gaze and frowned. “Sometimes you have to be smart enough to not even try because something is going to get broke.” She moved the basket away again. “I’ve gotta go get a bigger box.”
She scurried to the back, and Shane watched her go. Her talk about things fitting had nothing to do with the Thanksgiving package; it was about them. He wasn’t that much of an idiot.
With a quick check to ensure himself that the others were still out by the barn, he followed Krista to the storeroom. She stood on a small stepladder, moving items on one of the shelves. He crossed the room, but she didn’t turn.
Stopping next to the ladder, his head was even with her chest. He was tempted to reach out and touch, but had a good instinct that he might lose a limb if he tried.
“What time did you sneak out?”
Krista continued to shove things on the shelf before shifting to another shelf and repeating the action. “I didn’t sneak out. You were sleeping. We were done, so I left.”
“Done?” He frowned. She made it sound like a one-time thing. Was that the problem? Did she think he only wanted her for one night?
He stroked his hand down her jean-clad backside. “You could have woken me up, let me know you were leaving. You know, kissed me goodbye or something.”
“Why?” She brushed his hand from her body. “The rain had stopped; I called a cab and went home. No big deal.”
She started back down the ladder, and he waited until she was even with his face, then grasped her waist and held her in place.
“I could have gone with you. Made sure you got home safe and sound.”
Her gaze was neither soft nor inviting, but he refused to back off. His instinct told him if he didn’t hang onto her now, it really was going to be just a one-night thing. He refused to explore why that idea was so bad.
Her pink tongue darted out to wet her bottom lip. Was his closeness affecting her?
“How many times do I have to tell you, I don’t need a hero. I’m a big girl; I can take care of myself just fine.”
She moved as if to get away, but he held her still. “I think several times last night you liked me taking care of you just fine.” He let his gaze drift down her body.
Her hand slid to his chest and shoved. “It was a weird night, Shane. There was the weather and the wine—”
“Ahh! I knew you’d blame it on the wine or accuse me of getting you drunk.”
She narrowed her gaze. “I’m not blaming anyone. I’m saying it was a weird night. Under normal circumstances, what happened would never have happened and you know it. I know it. You can’t stand me, Shane. I can’t stand you. Now, back off and let me get back to work.”
He would have gladly stepped back except for one thing. The hands on his chest that at first had been shoving at him were now flattened against his shirt and a red stain filled her cheeks. Unless he was completely off base, she didn’t really want him to back off.
Taking a huge chance, he lowered his head. “I will if you give me one kiss.”
“Seriously? Kiss me and I’ll let you go? Don’t seventh-grade boys do that to torment the girls?”
He chuckled and continued his slow descent toward her lips. “Not like that. Kiss me so we can both see if it was the wine, or the rain, or whatever...and not something else.”
Her breathing was so rapid, he could hear it, and he pulled her even closer, letting their bodies touch. Pausing when his lips were just above hers, Shane waited for her to close the gap. She had to come to him.
“This is stupid,” she whispered, but leaned closer and pressed her lips to his.
As soon as they connected, he heard the low murmur of satisfaction from deep in her throat. Her lips parted, and he slipped his tongue inside to taste her.
When she slid her hands up his chest to link around his neck and kissed him back, Shane’s erection sprung up hard and fast. There was no way she couldn’t have felt it. He moved one hand up under her sweater. Through her thin bra, he brushed his thumb across her nipple. He continued to explore every inch of her mouth as her tongue danced with his. Krista shifted against him, and he wondered if the ladder rungs at her back were bothering her, but afraid she’d bolt, he didn’t dare move. Instead, he focused on reminding her of what last night was all about.
His fingers slipped under the cup of her bra, releasing her breast to his touch. Krista moaned as he kneaded the soft flesh and rolled her nipple between his fingers. When she tore her mouth from his, he kissed his way to her neck and nibbled her ear as her hand slipped between them lower and cupped him over his jeans.
“Agh,” he growled, longing for her hand on his naked skin.
“This is crazy,” she muttered.
He had no idea if she was talking to him or to herself and didn’t really care. All he wanted to do was rip her sweater off and bury his face in her bared cleavage. He longed to hear her beg him like she did last night. Even so, he wasn’t so far gone that he wasn’t aware they weren’t really alone.
“Come back over tonight,” he invited. “After you’re done working. Come over or text me, and I’ll come to your place.”
“Shane.” She took her hand away from his crotch.
He kissed her again, hard and brief. “We owe it to ourselves to find out what’s happening. No wine, no rain, just you and me.” He removed his hand from under her sweater. “I’m working three to eleven tonight. I’ll text you when I’m on my way.”
Her eyes searched his, but he held his gaze steady, telling her without words how much they needed to be together, alone. He watched her throat as she swallowed hard. Just when he thought she would hold strong, she gave a brief nod.
Shane let out the breath he hadn’t even realized he’d been holding. Before he could say anything else, she was gone, and he was alone in the stockroom. Which was good, because in the physical condition he was in, he was going to need a few minutes before he could walk back into the store.
Before entering the main shop, Krista paused at the closed door of the kitchen to brush back her hair and adjust her bra. Hopefully, she didn’t look like she’d just been felt up in the storeroom. Pushing through the doors, she wet her dry lips and headed toward the center of the room. She frowned as she watched Mary close the tabs on the box Shane had originally brought out.
“The basket fit in that one?” she asked, moving to the counter.
Mary smiled “Nice, snug fit. Perfect for not doing any damage in the long run.”
Krista didn’t want to dwell on that statement. Not after she’d been trying to tell Shane earlier that things would never fit. Unfortunately, the fluttering in her belly and the moistness in her panties told her that she knew exactly how well he fit with her.
“Thank you so much.” Melissa picked up the package. “Now I can run to the post office and hopefully get it to my parents before Thursday.”
“Hang on
. I’ve got some packing tape in the back. Let’s seal it up good, and then Shane can carry it to your car for you.” Mary looked around as if wondering where her son was.
Melissa took her daughter’s hand and moved toward the door. “No really. This is fine. I’ve got tape at home and a few more things to mail anyway. I’ll be fine. See you Thursday!”
Krista waved as the two left. Had Shane slept with the other woman? Wouldn’t that be cozy—her and Melissa and Shane around the Thanksgiving table. All the more reason to end this insanity of whatever had happened last night...and this morning in the storeroom.
With the customers gone, she turned to speak to Mary, but one glance at her friend’s pale face and she rushed to her side instead. “What’s wrong? What’s the matter?”
Mary eased herself into a chair by the counter. “Don’t fuss. It’s just a little dizzy spell. I’ll be fine. Let me sit for a second.”
Krista whirled around and pulled a bottle of water from the little cooler to the side of the register. Unscrewing the top, she handed it to her mentor. “Did you eat today?”
Mary took a sip. “I had breakfast with Gary as always.”
“You mean you cooked breakfast for Gary, and you probably had about six cups of coffee.” Krista reprimanded. She was about to call for Shane when he appeared.
She met his gaze and watched his face go from curious to concern.
“Ma?” He rushed to her side. “What’s wrong? What happened?” He glanced back at Krista.
“I don’t know. Right after Melissa left, she headed for this chair. She says she’s dizzy.”
Shane picked up her wrist. “When was the last time you had a physical? You’re always on Dad about his heart, what about yours?”
Mary pulled away from her son. “I’m healthy as a horse. I just got light-headed. Krista’s probably right, I need to eat more and drink less coffee. Stop fussing. I’m fine.”
“No, she’s not. Call your dad.” Krista didn’t like the way Mary’s color wasn’t returning.
“Don’t you dare bother your father! Shane David, I swear if you call him—”
“Calm down. I won’t. But we’re calling your doctor’s office right now to get you in for an exam.”
Krista was already at the counter and pulled up her list of contacts. She picked up the phone and dialed the doctor’s office. Shane turned to look at her and she swallowed hard at the worry in his eyes. She felt the same way. Mary was never sick. She was the rock that had held them all together when Gary had heart issues last year. She was always so young and healthy and energetic.
As the receptionist answered the phone, Krista quickly explained what was going on, then walked back to hand Mary the phone. “They need you to talk to them.”
Shane’s mother took the phone and Krista stepped back.
“What happened?” he whispered.
She shrugged. “I don’t know. One minute she was saying goodbye to Melissa and Brittany, and the next I turn around and she’s almost on the floor.” Krista glanced at Mary again. “She’s so pale.”
“Yeah, I’ll get her home and wait for Dad to make sure she tells him what happened. You okay here alone?”
“It won’t be busy this afternoon. I’ll close it early and come by so you can go to work.”
Shane shook his head. “I’m not going in today. I’ll let them know what’s going on.”
“Don’t tell them too much. Your mother will have a fit if the town starts to think she’s got some ailment. You know how she is. Wants to be in everyone’s business, but doesn’t want anyone knowing hers.”
She started to say something, but then heard Mary say goodbye to the doctor’s office. She held out the cell phone to Krista who came back over and took it. “What did the doctor say?”
Mary sighed. “The usual, he wants to see me, run tests, etc. All this fuss because I had a little dizzy spell. This isn’t necessary.”
Krista reached for her hand and squeezed. “With everything that we went through last year with Gary, you have to know how important it is to get it checked out. That’s all we’re asking; just get checked out. What can it hurt?”
Mary dropped her head to her hand. “I suppose you’re right. I really think it’s just a bug or something. They want me to come right to the office. I guess we should close the shop.”
Krista nodded. “I’ll finish up here while Shane takes you to the doctor, and then I’ll meet you there.”
She looked at Shane, telling him without words that if his mother had to go on to the hospital, to let her know. He nodded in understanding.
Within seconds, Shane had pulled the car up to the door and Krista settled Mary into the passenger seat.
****
Krista shut the oven door and set the bowl and basting brush on the counter. Behind her, Mary and Melissa chatted about recipes and Thanksgiving traditions. She hadn’t really believed Mary would take a backseat and let her handle the dinner, but she did. Even now, she sat at the kitchen table rather than bustling around the stove.
From the front room, male shouts of victory at the football on TV drifted back to the kitchen. Brittany sat on a stool, an apron wrapped around her as she studiously worked at stirring the cupcake batter. It reminded Krista of the years she sat on the same stool working alongside her mother and Mary. From as long as she could remember, Thanksgiving was spent here at the Donovan household. She glanced at her older friend. This year was different though. Something was still wrong, but any time she tried to bring it up, Mary got annoyed and brushed it off. The fact that her friend was resting told her something still wasn’t quite right.
“Anyway, as much as I love the Apple Basket, by the time we close the day before Christmas, I’m more than ready to be done with it,” Mary stated to their guest.
“I bet you feel the same way, don’t you, Krista?” The slender blonde pushed back from the table and brought the peeled potatoes over to the counter.
Krista couldn’t help but stare a little bit at the other woman. Even though they’d insisted Thanksgiving was casual, Melissa had worn a beautiful blue dress that made her eyes stand out. If possible, her slip-on high heels made her legs look even longer. Compared to the blue jeans and casual top Krista wore, she definitely looked amazing. Still, when Shane had greeted Melissa, he hadn’t given her even the casual hug he’d given Brittany. Simply said hello and went back to his football game.
Right now, the two other women were talking about the farm market, and Krista bit her lip, pulling her attention back to her other problem.
Needing to say something, she turned and smiled at both of them. “I don’t know. Once it’s closed, I find myself wishing it was still open.”
It was good to start laying the foundation of what she wanted to do, but she didn’t dare look directly at Mary. Although she was dying to see her mentor’s reaction, she was too scared.
“Really?” Melissa wrinkled her nose. “I would think it would be pretty cold and barren back there in the dead of winter. I mean, what would you sell?”
Krista shrugged. “Maybe set up a tea room where we could sell local crafts. Maybe we could even put in a fireplace and have a crackling fire and some homemade soups. I don’t know. But you’re right, the winters are long, so I think it would give me something else to do.”
“Actually, that does sound really quaint.” Melissa held the bowl of potatoes out. “Are you ready for these?”
Krista had to know what Mary was thinking. She glanced to her friend who was studying her face. The older woman knew her way too well; she’d zeroed in on what Krista was saying without saying a word. Even as she realized Mary was reading her mind, she couldn’t help but notice how pale the older face was. Her eyes looked sunken in the sockets.
Krista turned away, swallowing back her shame. Mary was sick. Something was seriously wrong, and here she was thinking about herself and her dreams. Mary didn’t need more to worry about.
Turning back to Melissa, she forced a laugh. �
�What am I talking about? It would only take one heavy snowfall and I’d not want to go open up and that would be the end of that. I mean, who wants to trudge out there when it’s three degrees outside?” She forced another laugh and picked up the long-handled wooden spoon as Melissa slid the potatoes into the boiling water.
“How’s that batter, Brittany?” Krista crossed the room to where the grinning young girl had more chocolate on her hands and face than in the bowl.
“I think it’s good.”
“Looks like it is.” She reached for the bowl and spoon. “Let’s get this poured into the pan, and then when that turkey comes out we can pop the cupcakes in.”
“Wasn’t having cupcakes a great idea?” Brittany licked the icing from her fingers.
“I think having cupcakes on Thanksgiving is an awesome idea. And you know what? Chocolate is Mr. Donovan’s favorite; he’s going to be so happy.” Gingerly, she scooped the batter from the messy bowl into the portioned cake molds.
“Melissa, why don’t you take Brittany up to the bathroom at the top of the stairs to clean up?” Mary offered.
“Come on, pumpkin.”
The two left the room, and Krista set the bowl in the sink.
“Gary and I had dinner at the diner last night,” Mary stated.
She turned on the water and rinsed the beaters. “Yeah?”
“I had the chicken potpie, and Gary had the meatloaf.”
Why am I getting the play by play? “Was it good?”
“Oh yes, as always. We ran into Drew McDonald.”
The beaters clattered in the sink. Uh, oh. Drew McDonald ran the cab service in town. “He mentioned he picked you up from Shane’s house last week, right before dawn. Said you were wearing one of Shane’s marine sweatshirts and looking a bit...well, I won’t say what he said, but it appeared you’d been sleeping there.”
Krista turned off the water and left the bowl in the sink. Turning around, she faced Shane’s mother. “I was at Karen and Dave’s. Shane and I both were...for dinner, and it was the night of that bad storm.”