Kisses Between the Lines: An Echo Ridge Anthology (Echo Ridge Romance Book 2)

by Lucy McConnell

  “It’s sad you don’t remember Beau being nice. Did you think I’d just married an abusive man?”

  “I was a little kid. I didn’t think of much beyond avoiding him or trying to protect you and the girls from him.”

  Emma was weighed down by the sorrow of what her family had gone through. “I shouldn’t have stayed with him, but he was a decent guy before the head injury and I felt like it would be awful of me to leave him when he changed for something that wasn’t his fault.”

  “He was an ultimate fighter. Probably a price a lot of them pay for that kind of career.”

  Emma pursed her lips. “I never thought about that.”

  Mason pulled a face. “At least we’re done with Beau.” He shook his head. “Mom, I don’t mean to be a jerk, but you act all freaked out that I have a girlfriend but you and dad were doing much more than kissing when you were younger than me.”

  Emma closed her eyes. “I know it’s hypocritical but you and Kaitlyn have so much future ahead of you. I don’t want you getting into trouble like I did.”

  He nodded.

  “Are you… being good?”

  “Yes. We never do anything but kiss.”

  She exhaled a long breath. “You’re amazing. I don’t deserve you.”

  “Don’t say that.” He pulled her into a side hug. “You’re a great mom. So are you and Coach… serious?”

  Emma studied her feet. How did she respond when she wasn’t sure herself? “I like him a lot, but I’m not in a huge hurry to rush into another marriage.”

  “Yeah, I get that, but Coach is such a good guy. It’s still a little weird to me, but I have noticed how he looks at you and I know he wouldn’t just be playing around.” He exhaled slowly. “I’ve been thinking for a while that I want you to find someone to take care of you when I leave for school.”

  She loved that he cared so much about her happiness. Emma kissed his cheek, it was rough against her lips. How had her darling boy grown so big? She remembered when his cheek was as smooth as Addison and Maryn’s. “I can survive on my own, you know?”

  He grinned. “I know. But life isn’t just about surviving. It’s about being happy.”

  Emma returned his hug. Her son was not only big but wise.

  DINNER SUNDAY AFTERNOON FELT almost surreal to Emma. She barely tasted the roast, potatoes, carrots, and homemade rolls as she exchanged glances with Chayton and laughed with him and Mason at all the funny things Maryn said and the haughty way Addison responded if anything was not appropriate in her eyes.

  “So, Coach, we gonna take state this spring?” Maryn asked with a mouth full of potatoes, spitting a bit onto the table.

  “Maryn!” Addison handed her a napkin. “My heavens.” She dropped her voice to a softer tone, “Mother, you need to teach her manners.”

  Emma shrugged her shoulders and exchanged an amused glance with Chayton. “I’m trying. It’ll come, sweetie.”

  Maryn let out a small burp, probably just to antagonize her sister. Chayton and Mason both laughed then covered up their laughter when Addison’s mouth dropped open.

  “Excuse me?” Addison folded her thin arms across her chest and glared at all of them. “Were those crude manners somehow funny to you?”

  Mason reached out and tweaked her nose. “Yes, little Miss Priss.”

  Addison gasped, looking outraged.

  Chayton grinned at her. “She’s not Miss Priss, she’s a Princess.”

  Addison blushed and took a small bite of her roast. “Thank you, Dr. Liechty.”

  Emma tossed him a grateful smile. “Tell us your favorite trip you’ve taken, Chayton.”

  Chayton tilted his head to the side and tore off a piece of roll. “That’s a tough one. Boston is a great city to tour, but so is Washington D.C.” He popped the bit of bread in his mouth. “These are delicious. Hmm. I know the tour Princess Addison would love. We go through Charleston, South Carolina and tour the city and some amazing plantations— Redcliffe, Hampton, Rose Hill. You would love seeing all the beautiful dresses. It’s like going back to the 1800s.” He smiled at Addison.

  “Could we go sometime, Momma?” Addison clapped her hands together.

  Emma met Chayton’s gaze and before she had a chance to deflect, he said, “I would love to take all of you there someday.”

  The promise hung in the air even when the conversation turned to the upcoming lacrosse tournament.

  After dinner, everyone pitched in to clean up and then they all went outside to enjoy the crisp fall air. The leaves were starting to turn and it was gorgeous with the nearby mountains growing fiery red, orange, and yellow, yet retaining so much green from the pine trees. Mason and Maryn finally talked Addison into playing kickball. Addison wasn’t able to kick it too far and Mason tagged her out on her first run.

  “I’m not playing anymore. I’m horrid,” Addison declared, plunking down on a patio chair.

  “Oh, no.” Emma tugged her back up. “We aren’t quitters.”

  Addison’s lip stuck out. Chayton strode in from the outfield. “Can I coach you a bit?” he asked Addy.

  She smiled tremulously up at him. “Sure.”

  He took her hand and walked her to their makeshift home plate. Emma resumed her place as the catcher. Mason grabbed the ball, ready to pitch it again. Maryn taunted from the outfield, “You will miss it, you will miss it!”

  Addison stuck her tongue out. “No, I won’t. I’ve got Coach.”

  It was the first time she hadn’t addressed him as Dr. Liechty. Emma had to resist reaching out and hugging him. He was making such an impact on her entire family. She hoped he was enjoying this as much as she was.

  “Okay, Princess,” Chayton said. “Now keep your eye on the ball then when it comes close, kick it as hard as you can.”

  “That’s all you’ve got?” Addison stared up at him as if hoping for a miracle.

  “It’ll work.” He stood behind her and nodded to Mason. “Nice and slow now, Mase.”

  Mason rolled the ball toward them. Addison concentrated and made contact with the ball. It only went a couple of feet. Chayton sprinted to the ball, grabbed it and threw it over Maryn’s head in the outfield. “Hey!” Maryn protested, running for it.

  Chayton rushed back to a surprised Addison, picked her up and started running the bases with her in his arms. She put back her head and giggled. Mason hurried to help Maryn retrieve the ball. Chayton and Addison were rounding third when Mason returned to the infield and chucked the ball to Emma. She missed the pass and had to hurry to pick it up. Chayton and Addison slid into home plate. Addison screamed in joy.

  “Home run!” Chayton cheered. “You did it, Addy.”

  Addison’s grin split her face. She hugged him fiercely around the neck. Emma heard her whisper, “Thank you, Coach.”

  He hugged her back. “Anytime.”

  Maryn ran to them. “I want to do that,” she insisted.

  Chayton laughed and set Addison down. He had Mason pitch it to Maryn and then when she kicked it, he picked her up and ran with her around the bases. Everyone laughed and cheered.

  It was Emma’s turn next. Addison and Maryn took their places in the outfield while Chayton assumed the catcher position. Mason pitched it. Emma got a decent kick in. She was running for first when her feet were swept from under her and suddenly she was floating through the air. She grabbed Chayton’s shoulders to hang on, laughing. “What are you doing?”

  “Didn’t want you to feel left out.” His hands held her tightly against him and it was bliss.

  She tilted her head back and laughed harder.

  Instead of running for home plate, Chayton took a detour around the side of the house and stopped when her children were out of sight. He kept her in his arms and grinned at her. “I’ve been dying to do this all day.” Then he was kissing her. Time slowed down as he cradled Emma against his broad chest and took full advantage of her lips.

  Emma could’ve stayed in his arms all day, but she felt a tugging on
her shirt and a scream of, “They’re doing it again! Gross.”

  Chayton chuckled and let Emma slide to the ground. “You’re going to see that a lot, Mar. Maybe you should get used to it.”

  She wrinkled her little nose. “So gross.”

  “Oh, yeah?” Chayton picked her up and tossed her into the air.

  Maryn’s disgust turned to delight.

  Emma watched them and felt full of happiness and the rightness of Chayton being part of their little family.

  MONDAY AFTERNOON, EMMA WATCHED Maryn and Addison run around the park, enjoying the mild fall temperature. Her phone rang. She didn’t recognize the number. “Hello?”

  “Emma, it’s Chayton.”

  Emma smiled. “Is it sad that I don’t have my boyfriend’s number programmed into my phone?” She blushed. Was calling him her boyfriend too premature, immature, or both?

  Chayton’s voice deepened. “Very sad. I think you should program me in as, Chayton, my hot, fun, and thoughtful boyfriend.”

  “Hmm. What should I name all my other boyfriends then?”

  A low growl was the immediate response. “There’d better not be any other ones.”

  “Ooh, I guess I’ll have to learn not to tease you.”

  “You can tease me, as long as you promise to kiss my pride better.”

  “I’ve never kissed pride.” Emma hadn’t flirted in so long she’d forgotten how invigorating it could be.

  “Well, I’ll just have to teach you how.” The seductiveness of his voice gave Emma good chills. He cleared his throat. “Mason offered to babysit tonight so I could take you to The Overlook.”

  “Isn’t he a nice boy?” This felt like another big step to her. The Overlook was super fancy. What would she wear? How should she react to him spending so much money on her?

  “His momma raised him right. Six o’clock okay?”

  “I don’t remember agreeing to the date yet.” It was just too fun to tease him.

  “Emma, will you please go to dinner with me tonight?”

  “Maybe. Since you asked so nice.”

  A ton of noise came in the background and shouts of, “Coach!”

  “Can’t wait to see you.” His voice dropped low and husky.

  Then the noise became even louder. “Woo-hoo, Coach, who you smooching with on the phone?”

  “Bye,” Chayton said quickly.

  “See you tonight.” Emma put the phone in her pocket and stood. She chased Maryn up and down several slides then helped Addison with the monkey bars. She suddenly had more energy than a teenager. She was going to be with Chayton tonight. She probably had more hormones than a teenager too.

  Chayton was nervous to pick up Emma. The last time he’d taken a woman to The Overlook it hadn’t gone so well. He’d taken Chelsea there before The Christmas Ball. Later he realized that she’d already fallen in love with Drew and his timing and intentions had been off, but he still didn’t like thinking about that hit to his manly pride. The odd thing was how much more important tonight seemed. He was falling hard for Emma and didn’t mind admitting that to himself. Could he tell her? Should he?

  He pulled his classic truck up to Emma’s house. He wished he could help her out more financially. The porch awning looked to be falling in and the concrete was crumbled on the sidewalk, steps, and porch. Maybe as they grew closer, he could offer her more help. He smiled to himself. Emma might tell him where to go if he offered.

  Leaping from his truck, he strode up the walk. The door burst open and Maryn popped out. Her rounded cheeks were split in a smile. “Hi, Coach!”

  “Hey, Maryn.” He reached her and couldn’t resist lifting her into the air and smiling as she squealed happily.

  “Maryn,” Addison reprimanded. “Don’t get Coach’s suit dirty.”

  Chayton set Maryn down on the step. “It’s okay. How are you today, Princess Addison?”

  “I’m well, thank you.” She offered a dainty hand and giggled when Chayton took her hand and pressed a kiss to the back of it.

  “You kissed her.” Maryn laughed, clutching her stomach.

  Addison glared at her. “He is being a gentleman, you imbecile.”

  “Hey, no calling names.”

  Chayton glanced toward the doorway and his pulse skyrocketed. Emma stood there in a simple red dress that molded beautifully to her curves and set off her blonde hair and dark eyes. She had on strappy silver heels showcasing her shapely calves. Her long hair was in loose waves going down her back. “Wow, Emma, I…” He cleared his throat. “You’re beautiful.”

  A pretty blush filled her cheeks. “Thank you.” Her eyes swept over him and filled with appreciation. “You look very handsome.”

  Addison clapped her hands together. “This is just like Cinderella! Momma’s usually cleaning and in ugly clothes but now she’s beautiful and Dr. Liechty is her handsome prince.”

  Chayton grinned. He’d be the prince if Emma was his princess.

  “Yuck.” Maryn rolled her eyes. “Don’t eat Coach tonight, Momma.”

  Emma’s eyes widened. Chayton laughed and held out his hand. Emma crossed the porch, took his hand, and glided down the stairs. Her fingers felt so right in his grasp. His stomach smoldered with the possibility of what tonight may bring.

  “I’ll feed her real food tonight,” he told Maryn then he leaned down and whispered in Emma’s ear. “As long as she promises to give me a taste of her lips later.”

  Emma licked her lips and leaned closer to him. “No promises. We’ll see how good dinner is.”

  Chayton chuckled. “Here’s hoping the cooks are on their game.”

  The girls waved goodbye from the porch as Chayton helped Emma into the truck and walked around to the driver’s side.

  “Hey, Coach.”

  Chayton turned. Mason’s large frame filled the doorway behind his sisters.

  “Hi, Mason. Thanks for watching the girls tonight.” He had the oddest sensation as he said that. A vision of these being his children and he’d asked his teenage son to help out so he could take his beautiful wife on a date. He shook his head. Emma would probably run back to the safety of her house if she knew his thoughts.

  Mason nodded. “Anytime. Take good care of my mom.”

  Chayton returned the nod. “I plan on it.”

  Emma was having a hard time filling her lungs with air. Chayton looked so devastatingly handsome in his charcoal gray suit and teal-colored tie and he kept giving her these smoldering looks that were making her stomach fill with butterflies. She’d married too young to have much experience with dating and it had taken her years to recover from her first husband’s death. Then she’d fallen for Beau without giving other men a chance. After his accident he’d changed and when she realized how mean he was she was already expecting Addison. She’d felt guilty about leaving him and then years had passed just dealing with a day at a time and not knowing how to make things better.

  She snuck another glance at Chayton. Who knew an old momma could feel like a supermodel just by one man looking at her and escorting her so sweetly into the restaurant?

  The food at The Overlook was the best she’d ever tasted. Emma savored everything from the crunchy salad to the buttery salmon and potatoes to the rich strawberry cheesecake, but she savored the way Chayton talked with her, like her opinion mattered to him, more. People were always kind to her, but she was too busy with her children, work, and staying afloat to spend much time in meaningful adult conversation. Chayton regaled her with tales of his travels and laughed at her silly quips. They discussed books and politics. When his hand brushed her knee, she quivered inside. She loved the dinner, but could hardly wait to be alone with him and hoped he would kiss her like he had the past couple of times they’d been together.

  Before she knew it, dinner was over and they were driving down the hill from the lovely restaurant. The clock in Chayton’s truck said 8:40.

  Chayton wrapped his hand around hers then rested their clasped hands on his muscled thigh. Em
ma swallowed hard, grateful she’d been brave enough to scoot right next to him in the truck.

  “Do you want to… go for a drive?” he asked, his voice husky.

  Emma wished she could stay dressed up and close to Chayton forever, but her story was more Cinderella without any end to the work in sight. “I wish I could. I’m supposed to be to work by nine.” She could probably show up later and no one would complain, but she’d made a commitment to clean from nine p.m. until it was done and she’d never been late before.

  “Oh, yeah.” Chayton’s fingers caressed hers. “What if I came with you to work?”

  Emma laughed at the idea of him cleaning toilets in his suit. “No.”

  He pursed his lips. “Could I at least drop you off and come back and pick you up?”

  Emma turned to look at him. “Why?”

  He stopped at a four-way stop and turned to her. “I can’t stand the thought of telling you goodnight.”

  Emma’s eyebrows raised and she couldn’t help but focus on his lips. “Okay,” she murmured.

  Chayton lowered his head and brushed his lips over hers. Emma sighed and leaned into him. Lights flashed behind them and a loud horn interrupted the moment.

  Chayton chuckled and pressed on the gas. Emma leaned her head on his shoulder and savored being close to him and knowing he wanted her there. When she got home, he walked her in then chatted with Mason while she changed into a fitted t-shirt and jeans. She entered the living room and they both looked up. The warmth in Chayton’s eyes made her want to jump into his lap and kiss him. She reined herself in as she met her son’s gaze. They both stood and she kissed Mason’s cheek then walked out the door with Chayton, appreciating that he didn’t seem to care if she was in work clothes or a beautiful dress.

  Mason watched them from the front porch. “How are you going to get home if he drives you to work?” he asked.

  “Chayton said he’d come back and get me.”

  “Don’t you have school in the morning?” Mason asked.

  They both laughed at his fake parental tone. “Who needs sleep?” Chayton winked at her.