Well, shit. Lucas shook his head, gripping the wheel. Trouble always found him, didn’t it? This time the trouble wasn’t bad. If only he knew the best way to be open with Avery. Obviously, talk to her, but ... there was so much to say. So much held within that Lucas feared if he started talking he may never stop. That was a strange thing for him. He’d never talked, not when it came to his own feelings. At least, not good feelings. Yeah, he told people what he thought when he was pissed, but to admit a feeling that wasn’t on the scale of anger? That was a whole new experience.
“What was that all about?”
“What?”
“You shook your head, and I swear, if you hold that wheel any tighter that you may break it right off.” She sounded slightly nervous. Oops.
“Just some old memories. Sorry.” Please let her leave it at that. Now wasn’t the time to dredge up things. All he wanted was for the day to be perfect. Thankfully, though she kept her gaze on him, and he didn’t miss the concerned expression, Avery left it alone. Lucas turned up the radio to have something playing in the background. He had plenty on his mind, and obviously so did Avery, but the silence was starting to drive him nuts. They’d talked plenty for most of the ride. The song was a new one from a singer whose name he couldn’t recall, but the words were catchy, and somewhat repetitive, so he sang along, in a goofy tone, not really caring that he had no idea most of the song. Avery burst into laughter at his attempts. The sound of her laugh comforted him.
“Are you laughing at my singing?” Lucas asked in mock horror.
“Not at all!”
“I’m not you, but hey, I can carry my own,” Lucas teased. “Come on, sing with me. Make a duet. We’ll be a hit sensation.”
The sound of Avery’s voice melted his heart. Lucas sang along with her, but let Avery take the lead.
The beach awaited them. The waters sparkled in the bright sunlight, like someone sprinkled tons of glitter in the ocean. The water looked inviting. The song ended in perfect time as Lucas found a decent parking spot. He turned to Avery after shutting off the car. “Are you ready?”
Avery nodded, and her eyes lit up again.
They walked hand in hand down to the sandy edge of the shore. The waves crashed on the rocks, the roaring echo of the ocean a welcome, serene sound. Lucas found a spot that wasn’t taken and stopped. “Here, take off your shoes. Let’s go wade our feet in the water.”
“Hopefully it’s not too cold.” Avery shivered, slipping out of her sandals. Lucas let go of her hand in order to untie his shoes. He stuffed his socks in them. The sand already crept in between his toes.
“I’ll keep you warm,” Lucas promised, meeting her eyes. He reached for her again, moving towards the water, dodging kids that ran amok, excited to be there. That’s exactly how Lucas felt at the moment, like a child, anxious, happy, and carefree.
As the tide pulled back, Lucas stopped, and waited for the next round of waves to come ashore. When they did, Avery shrieked, then laughed afterwards. The water was chilly! As the waves slapped his ankles and then retreated, Lucas laughed, pulling Avery further in. She resisted, shivering.
“Come willingly, or I’ll get you,” Lucas threatened, pulling her close to him.
“You wouldn’t dare do what I think you’re planning.” Avery narrowed her eyes.
“Oh?” That was a dare Lucas had to take. Avery started to back away. Lucas was faster. He smiled as he swooped her up in his arms and carried her a little further into the water. When they were waist deep in the ocean and the water slammed against Avery’s bottom, she screamed and kicked her legs, holding on tight to his neck.
“Don’t do it!” she cried. She was shivering. She had a strong hold on him, begging him not to drop her.
“Don’t do what? Drop you?” Lucas laughed. Yeah, that water was cold, but he couldn’t go back on his dare now. The horror on Avery’s face only made it more worthwhile. Lucas released his grip on her and she plunged into the water. She’d never let him go, so Lucas went down with her. Fully submerged in the chilled waters, he was just as shocked. When they both raised their heads from the water, Lucas made a grab for her. “You will pay major for that, Avery Callimer, that’s a promise. I will get you.”
“Can’t take a taste of your own medicine?” Avery teased, splashing him.
“Oh, I can. But revenge, sweet revenge will be mine. When you least expect it.”
Okay, so the ocean was a bit too cold to stay in long. Lucas’s hands were already wrinkling. But it was worth it to stay a little longer, teasing and being near Avery. Her lips were turning blue and she quivered. He hadn’t brought an extra pair of clothes. Lucas felt in his pocket. Car keys were still there. At least he’d left his wallet in the glove box. They’d have to dry off and go buy some new clothes.
So worth it though.
Lucas kissed her cold lips. Her hair sparkled in the sun as droplets of water dripped from the wet locks. “Come on, sweetheart. Let’s get out and take a little walk. When we’re dry enough we’ll go somewhere and purchase some new clothes.” He wrapped his arm around Avery and led her out of the water. They strolled along the shore, the occasional wave slapping their toes. Lucas stopped to pick up a few seashells and handed them to Avery. “You can start a collection.” He kissed the tip of her nose each time. After they’d walked about a half mile, they turned around to head back, grab their shoes and figure out a nearby place to grab some clothes.
“Despite your stunt with tossing me in the water, that was a blast,” Avery admitted as they found the car. Lucas squeezed her shoulder affectionately.
“Oh, you loved being tossed in the water. Admit it,” he joked. He sure had a blast doing it to her. That was the most fun he’d had in quite some time.
“Well, when I realized I could drag you down with me ... yeah, it turned out better.” She grinned.
“Humph,” Lucas muttered, but he couldn’t quit grinning.
“Spoilsport,” Avery teased.
“You just wait, little lady. You’ll get what’s coming to you,” Lucas warned, plotting revenge in his mind. He could have his way with her tonight, and have her beg for mercy for what she did. Oh yeah, he loved that idea.
Chapter Twenty Two
After Lucas and Avery bought dry clothes, they went to pick out another charm for her bracelet. A seashell. When it had been paid for, Lucas put it on the bracelet for her with a smile and a kiss. Avery wasn’t completely comfortable with all of this spoiling he’d been doing, but the gleam in his eye and the smile on his face was worth it. This was a side of Lucas she could get used to. The darkness that loomed over him back in Texas when they’d first met had begun to fade away. There were times that he drifted off into his own world and that look would reappear again, though for the most part Lucas’s whole attitude had changed. He seemed content with her, stealing kisses, holding her hand, keeping her close to him. Avery enjoyed every bit of it. If only she knew what was next for them. All they could do was go with the flow. Talking about a future, that might ruin things now. Avery wasn’t ready to let go of this feeling yet, so keeping her mouth shut was for the best.
Daylight was coming to an end, which meant that the time had come to end the sight seeing and be on their way to meet the reason for taking this trip. Meeting her birth mother. Lucas offered dinner, but Avery couldn’t bear to think about eating.
“Hey, you’re really nervous, aren’t you?” Lucas asked, touching her hand gently. His eyes were warm and concerning as she met his gaze.
Avery nodded. “I can’t help it. The day has been a beautiful distraction. Thank you for everything. This is the moment I’ve been waiting for, but I can’t stop the doubt, the fear.”
Lucas nodded, as if he understood. “I’ll be right here with you. Well, as long as you want me to be, that is. If you want to talk to her without me, I think that can be arranged.”
Avery reached for his hand. “I’d like for you to be there. I’m comfortable around you, and I think having you n
ear me will help.”
Surprise registered on his face. “Wow. That’s a first.”
“What is?”
“Someone actually wanting me around for a big moment in their life.”
From what he’d confided to her so far about his life, it seemed like Lucas wasn’t sure of his place, like he didn’t have somewhere to belong. No wonder he’d been the way he was.
“I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be a downer. I’m at a better place in life with you in it,” Lucas admitted. “You’ve helped change me, Avery.”
“I- I haven’t really done anything,” Avery stammered. He was attributing his changes to her?
“You have. So much. More than you’ll ever realize.” Lucas kissed her palm, then each of her knuckles, his lips brushing against them lightly. He gently pulled her closer to him on the bench, and they turned their attention to the west, where the sun sank lower on the horizon, casting orange and red colors across the sky and the water. The ocean became a sea of red. It was one of the most spectacular sunsets Avery had ever seen. Sitting on a bench near the pier with Lucas made it even more amazing. It’s the little things such as this that mattered. All the little things added up today, making for a perfect memory, one Avery would treasure forever, no matter what happened. Lucas’s touch, the way he caressed her shoulder, they gave her comfort.
They needed each other.
Words formed in her mind. Avery had a new idea for a song. She reached in her purse and pulled out a pen and pad. Good thing she always carried one. For times like this, when the mood struck and lyrics popped into her mind. Lucas watched her in wonder. “Writing lyrics down,” she explained and tried to hide what she wrote so he couldn’t see it. That only made him wonder even more. Avery caught him trying to peek over. She took the pad and swatted him with it. “Don’t look. Not yet. I promise, if you’re good, I may let you see it later.”
“Tease,” Lucas muttered, and let her finish her writing.
“That’s not teasing. I can tease, if you want,” Avery said coyly. She ran a hand up his leg. He moved her hand away, scowling at her, which only made Avery burst into laughter.
“I’m keeping tabs, you know. Just you wait.” Lucas lifted a brow and tried to act serious and stern. That didn’t last long.
He brushed strands of Avery’s hair from her face and drew her close. He dropped little kisses on the corners of her lips. When Avery went to deepen the kiss, Lucas pulled away. Avery’s jaw dropped.
“I told you,” was all Lucas said. “I can be just as torturous as you.”
This time, it was Avery’s turn to scowl. “There’s a difference between a kiss and me writing something.” She tried to argue, but Lucas didn’t budge. “You’re mean!”
As the sky darkened, bright lights overhead began to buzz.
Avery loved the laughter in his eyes. He was enjoying this way too much.
“Are you ready to go?”
Avery nodded, putting away her pen and pad. Lucas stood, held out his hand and helped her to her feet. “Thank you for a wonderful day,” she whispered, wrapping her arms around him. She rested her head against his chest, knowing she needed to let him go so they could leave, but enjoying him way too much just like this. The steady beat of his heart thrummed in her ear. Lucas kissed the top of her head.
“Thank you for being you,” he murmured. “I couldn’t ask for anything better.” Lucas released her, then took her hand as they walked the path back to the parking lot.
It was time.
Avery wanted the moment to be here, but she also didn’t want this day with Lucas to end.
Traffic was brutal, as Lucas had warned her earlier that it would be. Half the time, they sat unmoving. When that happened, Lucas turned to her and kissed her lips. Finally, after what felt like hours later, Lucas pulled off the highway. Avery wasn’t even sure where they were going to meet her birth mom.
Luke didn’t give her too many details about that. Why was her birth mother so secretive over everything? The time to ponder that would end soon. Avery could hopefully get all the answers she needed. Lucas drove through a windy area full of hills and large estates. Most of them were gated, and though Avery couldn’t fully tell, the houses looked huge. Mansions? Most of them looked like they might have been bigger than the inn!
Wow. People actually lived in huge houses like this? Avery stared out the window in awe. Too bad she wasn’t able to see this during the day. She’d get a better view of the homes. Did her birth mother live in one of these houses?
Who the hell was she that she could afford one like this? Suddenly, Avery fought the urge to be sick. Should she have asked Lucas to take her somewhere to change into better clothes?
Just breathe.
Lucas finally pulled up to a gate. He rolled down the window as he talked to one of the guards- guards? As in security? They seemed to know him. So he’d been here before? Avery clutched her chest. Her heart raced. She couldn’t breathe.
Could she really do this?
After a few moments, he pulled the car forward. They were in. The driveway was dimly lit. Avery stared up at the house. House? That’s what they called this? This one was bigger than the inn! Avery knew she was gawking. She couldn’t help it. The driveway circled around a fountain and there were a few cars in the drive, including a Porsche. “What does the woman do to earn living here?”
Oops. Had she just asked that out loud?
Lucas chuckled, but didn’t respond. He pulled the car in behind the Porsche and killed the engine. The next thing Avery knew, he was by her side, holding a hand to escort her out of the car. She took it tentatively, eyes wide, taking in the sights.
Now this was a bit intimidating. No. A bit? Understatement! She had never really thought about where her birth mother lived. She never expected anything so lavish. Lucas must have sensed her hesitation. She stalled, dragging her feet in the gravel. He stopped and turned to look at her. “Avery. It’s okay,” he said, his voice calm and soothing.
Was it okay? Should she really be here? A tumble of thoughts hit her all at once. “I- I’m not sure I can do this...”
Second thoughts, thirds, and beyond. Avery stood there, torn. Lucas cupped her face and held her gaze.
“I know you’re scared, but isn’t this what you’ve wanted, honey? You’re so close now.”
He was right. Avery knew that. She swallowed hard, trying to keep her nerves at bay. “You’re right. I know. I just- this house, it’s intimidating.”
She sounded stupid, like an idiot.
The front door opened, and a dark haired middle aged woman appeared, watching them, her stare cold. Oh please, let that woman not be her birth mother. That look, she held no emotion. Avery nodded and let Lucas take her hand again. When they reached the door, Lucas nodded at the woman. “Is she here yet?” he asked. His tone changed.
So this stone faced woman wasn’t her mother. Good. Avery released the breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. The woman shook her head in response to his question. Her gaze swept over Avery, lips set in a firm, thin line.
“Don’t forget, she has to sign a waiver.” The woman spoke in a tone that matched her face. Cold. Hard. Not gentle.
Sign a waiver? For what? Avery kept her mouth shut, not even sure how to respond. She stiffened, thankful that Lucas was by her side. He was managing this so well.
Avery wasn’t sure she’d be able to handle this without him.
“I know that,” Lucas said roughly, keeping Avery close. He hovered around her like a protective mother hen. Avery gripped his hand tight. The woman shut the door behind them as they entered a very large room. Vaulted ceilings, a large chandelier, and a large stone fireplace greeted her. Shiny hardwood floors underneath her feet. Oh, shit. Should she have wiped her feet or something? There was one thing to have a clean house, but this- this place didn’t look lived in! It’s like everything was set for show. Everything had a place, nothing was left unattended to. As beautiful as this room alone was, Avery didn�
��t grasp the idea of it being absolutely spotless. It wasn’t a home, it was like ... a museum. She couldn’t picture herself ever running around here as a child. There were probably maids that would follow someone everywhere they went, with a duster and a stern look on their face. Just like this woman. Avery shuddered at that thought. Was there any love, family, anything in this house? Her own home with Mom and Dad back in Texas may be small, much smaller in comparison to this home, but Avery always knew there was love in that house. Memories flooded her. Though she always had an appreciation for how she was raised, that feeling was enhanced even more as she gathered her thoughts.
“You may be seated here.” The woman gestured to the fancy sectional nearby. “I’ll be back with those papers.” Avery marveled at how stiff the woman walked. Someone had a stick up their butt. She never once smiled at Avery, welcomed her, nothing. Everything out here really was so different.
“Hey. Are you all right?” Lucas asked gently.
“I don’t know what to think right now.” Her legs were like rubber. Avery wasn’t sure how she managed to get to the couch to sit. “What papers, Lucas?”
He folded himself into the seat beside her and sighed. “Privacy. Your birth mother wants to make sure word doesn’t get out about who she is, blah blah blah.”
There it went again. The whole secret thing. Why did it matter so much to the woman?
Avery swallowed again, her throat so very dry. She didn’t dare ask for a bottle of water. Hell, being here seemed already like the biggest inconvenience ever. “Who is she? Like I’m supposed to care about that? All I want is to know my birth mother,” Avery snapped, then lowered her voice. She didn’t like how it echoed and rang out in the large room.
Baby Stetson (Love and Music in Texas #1) Page 22