I sighed. “He said he wanted to give us a go, but he wasn’t going to chase me. I had to decide for myself whether I was in or out, but he would be waiting for me once I sorted out my feelings.”
“Sounds like a good guy to me.”
“I suppose so, but what if he isn’t? We both thought Danny and Phil were good once upon a time.”
“Well, I have nothing.”
“No, no. You have to have something. I mean, what if he’s the one and I let him go?”
“Then say yes to him.”
“But what if he’s, like, a master manipulator and he’s just putting on this nice guy act, but then out of the blue, he’s a serial killer.”
She laughed at me. “I’ll write you a nice eulogy if that happens.”
I leaned my head back on my pillow and sighed. “Jilly, if he’s even half as good as he’s treated me these past few weeks, and if he keeps kissing me like he did last night, I’ll be falling in love in no time.” I couldn’t get that kiss out of my head. It was better than I ever imagined it could be.
“So what’s your hang-up?”
“For one, I barely have time to sleep some days much less date, and now that the holidays are over, I’ll be busier at the gym. And I can’t and won’t leave Noah hanging.”
“So invite him over here.”
“I’m sure he’ll love having my kid brother play third-wheel on all of our dates.”
“He will if he wants to be with you.”
“And I’m still embarrassed about the whole money thing. He won’t take it back.”
She sat up taller. “I, for one, am glad he did it. I should have thought to do something like that for you.”
“I don’t want your money, either.”
“Call, it was Christmastime and you work so hard. Your family has been through a lot. Think about it, if the roles were reversed, wouldn’t you do it for me?”
“No questions asked, I would.” I let that sink in. “But he hardly knows me and we are talking about a romantic relationship, which changes things.”
“I understand that, but he doesn’t sound like the kind of guy that will hold it over your head. He doesn’t sound like Phil. Phil would have just given you the money. Beck went to the trouble to try and give it anonymously.”
“True. He used his ex-girlfriend, though.”
Jillian waved off the concern. “She’s come with her husband to some of his appointments. You don’t have anything to worry about. I’ve never seen two people more in love.”
“I got that vibe last night, too. But he said she was his ideal. And look how gorgeous she is.”
“Not any more than you. Sure, you look different, but you’re stunning.”
“Thanks, my beautiful friend. So, are you going to tell me what I should do?”
“I’m sorry, honey, but you are going to have to figure this one out on your own.”
~*~
Four puppies.
I smiled at my phone. Sasha had an appointment with her veterinarian today. Exciting. I didn’t know how excited I really was. I was nervous about the cost and her owner, who was still giving me my space. Other than the fact that he hired my brother to take care of Sasha after school. I knew it was good for Noah and Sasha, but my pride was a problem. And my doubts. I wanted him to be the real deal, but once bitten, twice shy.
Dr. is predicting mid-January for delivery.
Only a week and a half away. Is her whelping box ready? I’ll send Noah over with heating pads for the puppies.
Everything is in order. You are still planning to be there when they come?
As long as I don’t work. That was unlikely given my schedule.
We will hope for the best.
Yes, we would. The question was, what was best?
I put my phone away and headed toward the wellness floor to meet my new personal training client. I was excited I had three new ones lined up on the schedule for the week. I had hoped the New Year would be a catalyst.
I walked onto the wellness floor and at the check-in desk, I recognized my new client, Mrs. Jaime McKay. I hadn’t checked the roster yet.
She smiled graciously as I approached. I returned it, though I had no doubt whose hand was in it. Maybe he wasn’t chasing me, but he was doing a pretty good job of keeping some skin in the game.
“Hello.” She greeted me first, with a hug no less.
“Hi. I wasn’t expecting you.”
She stepped back and smiled. “I’m sure you weren’t. I hope this is okay?”
“As long as your friend isn’t paying for it.”
She laughed. “This is my Christmas present to myself. I need to get in shape. Though our mutual friend did recommend you . . . to several people.”
I sighed. “Of course, he did.”
Her hazel eyes sparkled. “I wouldn’t be surprised if you saw a huge surge in your clientele. He and Chris are giving their employees incentives for using your services, including time during the day to work out.”
I rolled my eyes. “Why would they do that?”
“It’s been proven that employees who regularly work out are more productive. And if you haven’t noticed, Beck is smitten with you.”
I ran my fingers through my hair. “Yeah, I’m kind of getting that.”
She reached out and touched my arm. “You know that night at Bangers? I watched him fall for you when you were up on that stage. I could see a physical change in him as he watched you.”
“What do you think of him?”
She smiled, but I saw a hint of guilt behind it. “Beck is one of the best men I have ever known. When he gives his heart to you, you can know it’s all yours, so please be careful with it. He deserves the same in return, so don’t be like me. Don’t move forward with him unless you are one hundred percent sure.”
“The question isn’t if I could give my heart to him. It’s if it will all work out. There is no guarantee.”
“Take it from someone who let fear get in the way of being with the one she loved for far too many years, it is better on the trying end.”
“How many years are we talking?”
“About twenty.”
“Twenty?”
“It’s a long story.” She rubbed her midsection and I saw the faintest bump. “But here we are, married for almost three years and having a baby.”
“Congratulations. Baby number two, right?”
She bit her lip. “Yes and no.”
My brow raised.
“This is my first pregnancy. Allie, our daughter, is from Chris’ first marriage. His previous wife died when Allie was two.”
My eyes widened.
She grinned. “It’s a long, sordid story, but I would be happy to fill you in as we workout. I hope we will become good friends. Beck is like family to us and we want the best for him, and something tells me you’re it.”
I took a moment to let what she said settle in my brain. “I’d like that, too. Let’s start you out on some different machines and get a feel for your strength level, and we will go over some of your fitness goals. And maybe you can fill me in on Dr. Hoyt.”
There was an evil gleam in her eye. “Yes, I think we will be very good friends.”
Chapter Eighteen
Jaime was right on two counts. I found myself busy with several new clients and we were going to be good friends. I could see why the Englishman fell in love with her. She was beautiful inside and out. I admired her for the way she loved her little girl, even though from the sounds of it, Christopher’s first wife was a piece of work. The way she had spoken of Allie, I would have never known she wasn’t her biological mother. I couldn’t believe how patient she was while waiting for her husband to notice she was in love with him. They had a true best friend to lover’s story.
Speaking of patience, the Englishman had it in spades. Though it was nowhere near twenty years, I took several days to think about how to proceed. I wanted to make sure, like Jaime cautioned, that I was one hundred percent su
re. As much as I didn’t want my own heartache, I didn’t want to cause someone else’s in case I got gun shy, which was an honest possibility considering my last relationship.
We had some communication. He texted me every day, even if only to say hello. And Noah and he were becoming best friends. Noah hung out at his house more than ours now.
So I had just about come to the conclusion that not pursuing the charming Brit was the dumbest thing I had ever contemplated. But one Sunday afternoon in the middle of January cinched the deal. I had just finished up teaching Zumba. It was a fantastic class, filled to capacity. It was so much fun I decided that even if I had a full set of personal training clients, I would teach at least one or two Zumba classes during the week. I walked out to my truck sweaty and ready to hit the shower at home, but a pink envelope with my name written in calligraphy was taped to the driver’s side window.
I smiled to myself and peeled the sealed envelope off. I waited to open it until I got in my truck. It was chilly out, and the sweat made it feel that much colder. I carefully opened the letter.
My Dearest E. Call,
You once told me that you appreciated a good love letter, so here is my feeble attempt on your behalf.
He had me at Dearest E. Call, but I kept on reading.
I know I foolishly said I wouldn’t chase after you, but who am I kidding? I would chase you to the moon and back if that is what it took to win your heart. Please know you already own mine. It has been yours from the moment you knocked on my door fifteen minutes late. You are all I think about day and night. For you, I would do anything, even if that means standing back to let you do it on your own. It would frustrate the bloody hell out of me, but I would never trespass on your drive and passion, your independent spirit. All things I violently admire in you.
I know your heart has been mistreated in the past. That you fear what the future may hold. I cannot and will not promise you a happy ending; only time will tell. But this, love, I will promise you: my fidelity, laughter, kisses in the dark, my attention and affection. Will there be arguments? I sure hope so, for there is no one I love to argue with more. Will there be disagreements? Of course, you are too opinionated for there not to be. But know this, at the end of each day, I will take you in my arms and make you remember why we are so good together.
Please accept this as a small token of my affection. The chase is on.
Adoringly Yours,
Mr. Beckett
P.S. You must come up with another name for me.
I could hardly read it through my tear-filled eyes. I would be a fool not to give this man a chance. Forgetting that I was dressed in workout clothes and that I needed a shower, I drove straight to his house. I was shaking out of nervousness and excitement. I wanted to re-read that letter a thousand times. Captain Wentworth had nothing on Mr. Beckett.
I pulled up in front of his house and didn’t even bother to check in the mirror to see the state of my face and hair. I knew they both looked terrible from working out and crying, but who cared? He was inside, at least I hoped, and I couldn’t wait to join him.
I ran up to his door and before I even got the chance to knock, the door opened and I found myself being pulled in and wrapped up in his arms, just like he promised he would do every day.
I sank into him and breathed a sigh of contentment as I rested against his shoulder.
He stroked my hair and back as if he were making sure I was really there. “I had a feeling I might be seeing you today.”
“Did you now?”
“My letter was adequate then?”
“You exceeded my expectations.”
“The feeling is mutual.”
“Keep talking like that and I may just keep falling for you.”
His hands worked their way up my neck to my face.
I looked up into his sexy eyes. Wanting was apparent and mutual.
He leaned down to cover my mouth with his. I barely got a taste before I heard the saddest sound ever. I jerked back. “What’s wrong with Sasha?”
“I think it’s time. I was just going to call you.”
“Where is she?”
He took my hand and led me through his fine home to his laundry room. Nicest laundry room ever. It was large, with state of the art appliances. There he had placed what looked like a handcrafted wooden whelping box. Sasha was in it, pawing at the bedding. She looked agitated and uncomfortable.
“Poor thing.”
“She’s been like that for an hour.”
I approached her and sat inside her box. She rested next to me with her head in my lap. She was panting and whining. I stroked her head. “Can we do anything for her?”
Man of my dreams knelt next to me. “I’m afraid not.” He kissed the side of my head.
“I’m a mess, I know.”
“You look fetching to me.”
“I think it’s the tight spandex.”
“I think you may be right.” He grinned wickedly. And by wicked, I mean I almost drooled.
“Did your vet say how long this may take?”
“Six hours, maybe more or less.”
“Do you think we should call Noah? He may want to be here for this.” I kept stroking Sasha’s head.
“As much as I like your brother, I want you all to myself.”
“Whatever will we do with all the time?”
I loved when he didn’t use words. This time I got more than a taste. We were in an awkward position, since I was holding his dog, but we totally made it work. His lips easily found mine and coaxed them to part. He was yummy. And I loved the feel of his beard. Totally sexy. Our lips danced together perfectly. He was tender, but fierce. I got lost in him and hoped to never find my way back. I don’t know how long the kiss lasted, but there were many more throughout the day. Each time, it only got better as we got more acquainted in the verbal and nonverbal sense. No one had ever handled me with such care. It was like when he kissed me, it was a privilege for him and he didn’t take that for granted. I felt the same way. I never wanted to take advantage of this man.
We took turns during the day sitting with Sasha in the whelping box. I loved watching him take care of her. He spoke soft words of encouragement to her as he stroked her with love. She whined less when he was holding her. I could understand why.
After several hours, it was time for her to deliver. We both sat out of the box and watched in awe as Sasha did her thing. Maybe shock and awe. Bringing life into this world was, I’m not going to lie, disgusting, albeit beautiful.
Englishman and I sat against the wall together holding hands, with my head resting on his shoulder, watching the process.
I squeezed his hand tight. “My insides hurt just watching this. I’m definitely getting drugs when I have a baby.”
He kissed my head. “I have no doubt that if anyone could conquer the pain, it’s you.”
“I don’t know. It looks awful.”
It was then the first puppy arrived. Sasha cried out in pain right before. I won’t even talk about the fluids. But as soon as the puppy was delivered, Sasha’s instincts kicked in. She tore open the sack and licked her pup vigorously until the rat looking creature whined. That’s where we came in. We took the puppy gently in a towel and cleaned it up some more before placing it carefully in a separate box with a heating pad. This allowed Sasha to deliver again.
While Mr. Beckett watched over Sasha, I looked over the puppies as they came. Once they were cleaned up, they were pretty cute. They squeaked and grunted. They were all basically black. It was hard to tell which dog they looked like more. Sasha delivered four puppies as predicted. Poor thing was exhausted afterward. I felt almost bad putting the puppies back with her, but she seemed pleased to have them near her and nursing. She would rest and then lick them and move them about and then rest again.
It was midnight by the time it was all said and done.
The him pulled me toward the kitchen to make tea. “This was the best day.”
“She did we
ll.”
“I meant being with you.”
“Oh. That was okay, too.” I smiled when he looked back at me.
He pulled me to him and wrapped me up. “So, love, have you decided what you’re going to call me?”
I breathed him in and pressed my body closer. I thought for a moment and sighed. “How about, Mine?”
“Brilliant.”
Epilogue
Monday evenings were becoming my favorite. Jaime and Christopher were taking an art class together, or at least that was their story. But either way, we got to watch Allie. She was in heaven running around the backyard with four seven-week-old puppies nipping behind her. Next week she would get to take one home for her very own. She still hadn’t decided which one to choose yet. We let her name them all, so she thought they were all hers. There was Twinkles, Elsa, Woody, and Buzz. Two females and two males.
Allie fell on the grass and the puppies lovingly attacked. I loved her and her giggles.
Sasha and Toby watched their brood near us on the porch.
I leaned against Charles, it was the name I had settled on for him. I couldn’t bring myself to call him Beck. He wrapped his arm around me on his back porch swing. I sighed a contented sigh.
“How was your day, love?”
I curled in closer to him. “Busy. You need to quit sending me clients. I thought you were going to let me handle it.”
“I’m doing it for completely selfish reasons, so it doesn’t count.”
“How do you figure?”
“The sooner you only have one job, the sooner I can spend more time with you.”
“So, maybe I’ll give you that one, but I still want to pay for half the veterinarian bill for the vaccinations and deworming.”
“Now you are having a laugh.”
“I’m not kidding.”
“Neither am I, darling. Noah has held up his end of the bargain taking care of the little buggers every day, so we’re square.”
“You pay him.”
“Must we continue to argue about this?”
“I thought you liked it when we argued?”
“I enjoy the making up, but since the wee one is here, that’s not an option.”
Beck and Call (Pianos and Promises #2) Page 10