She stared at the papers. “I’ve always dreamed of designing my own gowns and selling them in my shop, but maybe that’s all they’re meant to be, Huck. Dreams.”
Huck stepped closer and gripped her elbows. “Those dreams can be reality, but not if you don’t try. All you’ve got to do is design something and enter. The judges pick the best one for the scholarship.”
“But, it’ll take time and money for fabric and…”
He tipped her chin with his finger. “Now that you’re not working on Darcy’s dress, you’ve got the time. You also have her money.” His lips curled into his movie-star smile. “Now what other excuses are you gonna give me?”
“I want to…” Kiss you.
His grin transformed from debonair to devilish. “Good. It’s all ready. Just sign the paper and mail it in. You’ve got exactly one month to design a dress.” He looked at her lips. “I believe in you.”
No man had ever said that to her before. The words wrapped around her like a warm blanket, pulling her closer to Huck. He released her, then picked up his mug, winked, and took a sip. “Better get busy.”
A hive can only have one queen.
24
A design scholarship.
Arianne perched on the edge of her bed, the papers in her hand bathed in lamplight. A cocktail of emotions swirled, but she was stunned more than anything. Huck had taken her dream, tucked it into a crisp envelope, and placed it in her hands. She’d always followed this road alone—discouraged by a father who’d been furious with her for quitting medical school, duped by an ex-husband who’d taken the nearest exit, and discounted by a sister who didn’t get it. A sister Arianne hadn’t seen or heard from in two weeks.
She laid the papers on the nightstand, crawled beneath the quilts, and turned off the light. Arianne stared at the dark ceiling. Emma’s body warmed her side. The girl’s light snore joined the creaks of the settling house, serenading the night.
Huck supported her. The man who was booting her from his building because he abhorred weddings so much wanted to see her succeed. What was she to make of that?
The hunger in his eyes and his heated touch stayed with her. Friends didn’t hold hands. Neither did business partners. His gesture, his recent actions…he wanted more.
Or did he? Was she misreading him entirely? She was good at that.
Then there was Jack. Though they’d had only one date, a future with a guy like Jack made sense. Huck was a run-away train. Fast, thrilling, dangerous, with the promise of disaster at the end of the ride. Jack had already been married and proven he was ready to settle into family responsibility.
But he wasn’t Huck.
Arianne punched her pillow and rolled onto her side. Emma stirred, but her breaths quickly returned to a deep rhythm. People change, right? She’d seen Huck make several alterations to his life in their short time together. And by God’s mercy and grace, she’d changed.
A chill brushed her skin, and she burrowed deeper into the blankets. Was Huck Anderson capable of loving anyone other than himself? There were times when she was sure she saw it in his eyes, with her and Emma. Like tonight, when he’d held Arianne’s hand, given her his birthday present. That was…
Probably guilt. He wanted to ease his conscience by making sure she was steady on her feet before he moved on with his life. Like he’d told Jack, they were only business partners.
Besides, Huck wasn’t a believer. She would not compromise her convictions for him. Her next relationship, if there ever was one, would be founded on God. Especially if it involved a movie-star handsome cowboy who sported heart-stopping grins and a southern twang that could melt a woman’s heart into a puddle of mush.
~*~
A week before Thanksgiving, Huck stood in his kitchen by the coffee pot, waiting for the French vanilla roast to finish dripping from the filter. The sweet aroma filled the room and mingled with Arianne’s cottony perfume as she greeted him with a sleepy smile.
She’d worked hard every night over the last two weeks, tucked away in the corner of the living room, the sewing machine thumping non-stop until it made him want to kick it over. Then she’d nibble her lip in concentration and weave the fabric beneath the needle, agitating him for different reasons.
A woman had never been so far from reach. Where human nature and need had always fueled his desire, it was more than that with Arianne. That was the only thing stopping him from coaxing her to his bed. She deserved more than that. She deserved to be loved, cherished. He didn’t know if he was the man to offer her that.
Emma walked in, rubbing her eyes, her kitty following close behind. The ruffle on her princess nightgown swished about her ankles. A tiara Arianne had fashioned out of beads and pipe cleaners lay lopsided and tangled in Emma’s hair. The girl needed a daddy. She needed to learn life wasn’t a fairytale, to get her hands in the dirt, to learn where her food came from and how to change a tire. How to take care of herself. There was so much to teach her, and time was his enemy.
He’d fooled himself a few times, thinking he could do the job, but what did he know about being a father. He’d never had one.
The bum leg charade wouldn’t last much longer. At his final appointment a week ago, the Sergeant had deemed him good as new. Once Arianne found out, she’d be gone.
Huck poured Arianne’s coffee into his favorite mug and then emptied the rest into a thermos she could take to work. He rinsed the pot and started a batch of good, old-fashioned coffee.
He handed Arianne the flavored coffee as she swallowed the last bite of her jellied toast and licked her lips. She looked down at the mug and smiled. “I need to finish getting ready. I’ve got some alterations to finish at the shop today, and then I’ll be ready to piece together the panels for the scholarship gown.”
She laid her delicate fingers on his arm and squeezed. “After the whole Darcy thing I considered giving up. Thanks again, Huck. I never would’ve had the courage to do this on my own.”
“You’re welcome.” His gaze traced the curve of her jaw to her lips, which held a faint smear of grape jelly.
This was maddening. He’d finally hit his limit. He leaned in for a taste…
Emma tugged on Arianne and asked for cereal. Arianne jerked away, kissed her daughter on the head, and made Emma’s breakfast.
His coffee gurgled into the pot. He poured a cup, admiring Arianne’s patience, her quiet strength. What would it be like to share every morning with her? Her nights? To tame a passel of rowdy kids at every meal? Blonde girls as beautiful as their mom and big sister, brown-haired boys as wild and mischievous as he was.
Insanity.
The phone conversation between Arianne and Jack last night blasted through Huck’s fantasy. They’d been talkin’ a little too friendly. If Huck wasn’t careful, those kids he’d just imagined would have tool belts and a daddy named Jack Swift.
~*~
Yikes! Arianne put down the needle and thread and squeezed her fingertip. Blood seeped through the hole she’d punctured. The phone beside her rang. She grabbed a tissue and placed it over the wound then answered the phone. “Yesteryear Bridal Boutique. How may I help you?” Silence. “Hello? Is anyone there?”
“It’s…me.”
Arianne inhaled a quick breath. “Missy?”
A sigh. “Yeah.”
Arianne spread her palm over heart. “Are you all right? How’ve you been? Where’ve you been?”
“Around. I’m fine.”
“But… How…” Arianne paused. No bombarding. “I’m glad to hear it.”
More silence.
“Missy? Are you still there?”
“I just wanted to let you know I’m safe. And to hear your voice.” Raucous laughter ricocheted through the receiver.
Hear her voice? Something was wrong. “Missy, please, come home. I’m sorry for everything I said. The Darcy thing wasn’t your fault. I miss you. Emma and I will be moving back into the apartment soon, and you can have the bedroom. I’ll sleep on the
couch and—”
“I’m not moving back, Arianne.”
“But…where are you?”
“Look, I’ve gotta go.”
Arianne panicked. “Will you at least come visit us?”
“Soon.” Missy’s voice cracked. “I have plans tomorrow night, but maybe I’ll come by Wednesday.”
“Plans?” A job interview, a hair appointment, skydiving lessons—what plans? Arianne took a deep breath and tried for nonchalant. “A date?”
Missy snorted. Arianne didn’t fool her. “Yeah, a hot one.” Sarcasm dripped through the phone. “I really need to go.”
No, you can’t. But Missy was an adult, and the more Arianne smothered her, the further she’d stray. “Keep in touch, Missy, please. Don’t let another month go by before I hear from you again.”
“Sure thing.”
“I love you.”
“You too.” The words had barely left Missy’s mouth when the call ended. Arianne hung up the phone, sent up a prayer, and let the tears fall.
~*~
Huck shoved his foot into his boot and tugged his jeans around it. He stood, shifted his weight to the other leg, and prepared for the other boot.
Arianne called his name, and he jumped and grabbed the crutches. This was nuts. “You’ve gotta quit sneakin’ up on me like that.”
“Sorry. Sherry and Jude want to get together for dinner, and I wondered what time you’ll be home.”
Huck proceeded with his other boot, near impossible with crutches beneath his arms. He’d be home after he met her sister to discuss…whatever it was Missy wanted to discuss. She’d never explained herself on the phone that morning, simply said it was important that they meet up and not tell Arianne. Something was going on and whatever it was, if he could protect Arianne from it, he would.
“We’ll have to do it another time. I’m not sure when I’ll be home.” He grabbed his coat from the hook and shoved his arms into it.
Her head tipped to the side, like a puppy who didn’t understand its master’s command.
“I’m meeting someone after work.”
Arianne’s eyes grew wide and she straightened. She cleared her throat and hooked her thumbs in her back pockets, trying to look casual. “Like a date?”
A flash of green ignited in her blue eyes, and Huck bit the inside of his cheek to keep from grinning. She’d made him suffer with Jack. Why not? “Yeah. Don’t wait up.”
He winked.
The rest of her looked a little green too. Nothing showed how a woman truly felt like a good dose of jealousy.
He opened the door, stepped into the cold air, and let a smile slide up his face.
~*~
The dainty fabric slipped over Arianne’s skin, conforming to her body like a glove. She tugged at the zipper on the side and curled her lip at the paint peeling in the dressing room. So this is what it felt like to try on a gown in here. No wonder business was down.
The light flickered, making her silhouette difficult to examine. She pushed open the door, relieved for the fresh air, and tip-toed down the narrow hallway to the three-way mirror at the front of the shop.
Five-thirty. The store was closed, but she prayed no one would walk past and see her trying on her own goods. With the scholarship deadline a week away, Arianne needed to see what the dress looked like on, so she’d have time to apply any final touches.
Arianne hitched the gown above her ankles and stepped onto the platform. The flowing fabric dropped with a whisper. She stared at her reflection; tears of bittersweet victory pooling in her eyes. Her dream gown. The one she’d always imagined making for her own wedding. Only now its purpose was to further her education. The fact left a sting.
To win the scholarship would be a dream come true, a sign from God. She turned to admire the scalloped back. Arianne swayed from side to side, studying the dress from all angles. Not a stitch needed to be added. She ran her hand along her waist. Even with her few extra pounds, it was perfect.
The bell jingled above the entrance. The lavender candle on the counter flickered in the mirror. She spun toward the door in horror. Huck’s frame swallowed the doorway.
He stood on his crutches, a key in one hand, gaping at her. Arianne’s pulse leapt. Seconds seemed like hours as his gaze traveled the length of her body then back up to her face.
She swallowed, trying to decipher his expression, and then reminded herself to breathe. After gathering her courage, she turned full circle. “This is my entry for the scholarship. I finished it this morning. What do you think?”
He blinked.
She froze.
Huck dropped his crutches and ate the distance in a few unwavering strides. His eyes held a fierce hunger she’d never seen before. Almost animalistic. Her blood rushed, thumped in her neck. His fingertips stroked the seam at her waist, searing the brocade. Her bones quaked as he pulled her against him. He took his time trailing his hand up her arm and curled his fingertips into her hair. Alarm bells blasted in her head, but her heart was oblivious. He held her face with his other hand, brushing his calloused thumb along her jaw, her lips. His feather-soft touch drove her wild. If he didn’t kiss her soon she’d explode.
She tipped her head back and closed her eyes.
His lips covered hers, soft, controlled. The pleasure of it hammered into her. It’d been so long since she’d been kissed. A moan escaped her throat, fueling the fire. He leaned into her, deepening the kiss. She engaged submissively, arched into him on tiptoe, and matched his intensity.
She broke for air. Huck’s mouth roamed her neck, the sensitive spot where her jaw met her ear. Heat filled her belly. More bells rang. She pushed her palms against his chest and opened her eyes. A figure blurred in her vision. Couldn’t people read the closed sign?
“Sorry to interrupt.”
The familiar voice sobered Arianne. Missy?
Her sister stood inside the door, chin hitched, arms crossed around her as though she were prepared to defend herself. Arianne was so glad to see Missy, but her sister had the worst timing.
Or maybe the best.
Arianne swallowed. “Missy. It’s good to see you.” She didn’t trust her legs, or she’d walk over and hug her sister.
“You too.” Missy’s smile was unsteady as she gazed from Arianne to Huck. “Ready to go, Huck?”
Ready to go? Where were they going? Didn’t Missy have a date tonight? Wait, didn’t Huck?
Arianne’s mouth dropped open as the pieces fit together. Huck squeezed his eyes tight and rubbed the back of his neck.
No.
Huck cleared his throat and fished his keys from his pocket. He tossed them to Missy. “Truck’s around back. I’ll be out in a minute.”
Missy looked at her with a pathetic half-grin. “Uh, we’ll catch up later.”
She left.
Arianne turned to Huck. Why was she always second best?
He rubbed his jaw. “I can explain.”
“No. You can’t.”
She lifted the dress enough to step off the platform.
Huck turned her around by her elbow. “I didn’t mean for you to find out this way.”
Arianne’s skin grew hot, and her sight dimmed around the edges. She tore away from his grip and went to the door. “Get out.”
“Arianne, please, I—”
“My sister?” Her voice sounded far away, like it was echoing through a tunnel. “How can you kiss me like that when you’re dating my sister?”
His brows slammed so close together they were practically one. “Dating Missy?” Then his eyes rounded. “Wait, no. You’ve got it all wrong.”
She’d heard that before.
Arianne bent over and snatched the crutches—the crutches he no longer needed—and the key he’d thrown to the ground. How else had he been deceiving her? She flung open the door so hard she nearly knocked the bell off. “Get. Out.”
She thrust the crutches at his chest, and he caught them with an oomph before she shoved him out the door
and locked it.
“And all they of the land came to a wood; and there was honey upon the ground. But Jonathan heard not when his father charged the people with the oath: wherefore he put forth the end of the rod that was in his hand, and dipped it in an honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes were enlightened.”
—1 Samuel 14:25, 27
25
Huck threw his crutches in the truck bed. His secret was out. He yanked open the driver’s side door and climbed inside.
“Trouble in paradise?” Missy’s sarcasm filled the cab.
He slammed his door, jarring the entire vehicle, and rubbed his cold hands together for warmth. “Your timing stinks.”
“I didn’t expect to walk in and find you devouring my sister.” She waved her hand in front of her face in a fake swoon. “Whew! That one must’ve been building for years.”
He rolled his eyes and fired up the engine. “I doubt you’ll have to worry about walking in on us ever again.”
“Why? Is she mad?”
Like a wino in a dry county.
He nodded. “She thinks you and I are dating.”
“What?”
“Don’t look so insulted.”
“Sorry. It’s just that…” Missy sighed. “Why would she think that?”
He let out a breath, cursing his stupidity. “Long story. I’ll handle it later.”
He could handle it now. After all, locking him out was silly when he had a key, but it might be best to let Arianne cool off and find out what Missy was up to.
“You were handling things pretty well before I showed up.”
“What do you want, Missy?”
The amusement vanished from her face. She stared at her high-maintenance fingernails. “Drive.”
He pulled away from the curb and drove out of town.
For the next twenty minutes, Missy remained silent with her elbow against the window and her lips pressed against her fist. He drove along the coast, each mile taking him further from the only woman he wanted to be with tonight. Whitecaps swelled angrily toward shore. Mist clung to the windshield and iced over. He flipped on the defroster and wondered if Arianne would warm up to him again after she learned the truth.
How to Charm a Beekeeper's Heart Page 19