“The mansion, dear. You’re saving it, not my bacon,” Bennie retorted.
Sierra rolled her eyes. “Same thing.” She was making progress. Next, she needed to head outside and snap a few pictures of the outdoor theater. Then she’d write some copy and compile everything into a PowerPoint presentation. “Do you have bios of all the actors in the play?”
Bennie looked over her glasses. “Yes, I do. Would you like for me to make you a copy?”
She was thinking it would be nice to have it in electronic form so she wouldn’t have to retype it, but that was a stretch for Bennie. “A copy would be nice,” she finally said.
After she’d come back from Clydedale’s she lay down and slept for a couple of hours, then felt much better. Parker called her right after she woke up. He complimented her design idea for Pristine Pizza, then he asked if she was doing okay.
“I’m fine. Why?”
“I dunno. You just seem a little distant. Is your aunt okay?”
“Yeah, she’s a tough old bird.” She didn’t go into the details of all that had happened the night before with the hospital and Dalton.
“How much longer do you think you’ll be there?”
“I’m not sure,” she hedged. She’d have to find a way to tell Parker the truth. But four weeks … that seemed so freaking long, even to her. How was she supposed to explain it to Parker? She hated the strain coming between them, even after two days. What would it be like several weeks from now? She’d believed that she and Parker had a strong relationship, but now? Now, she wasn’t sure of anything. How could everything fall apart in two measly days?
She was still smarting from seeing Dalton with Ivie Jane. And then there were Clyde’s strange comments. He meant well, but he couldn’t know how much he’d shaken her. Was she still in love with Dalton? She trembled at the thought, partly out of fear and partly out of desire. No, it was just fear!
The doorbell rang once before the door burst open. “Hello,” Nadine boomed, stepping into the office. “It’s just me. I made you some turtles.” She smiled at Sierra. “I know how much you love them.”
She took the white box from Nadine. “Thank you. That was so nice of you.” She did love Nadine’s turtles. It was an interesting feeling to be surrounded by people who knew her so well, even though she’d been away from them for years. She thought she’d changed so much, but maybe at the core she was still the same uncertain girl she’d always been. Had she built Parker up to be more than he was? Overlooked his flaws so she could make him into the perfect guy she’d been seeking since youth? She wasn’t sure of anything anymore.
Nadine waved a hand. “Oh, it wasn’t any trouble.”
She sat down in a chair and primly crossed her legs, adjusting her pants so the crease was straight. Her black eyes flickered over Sierra and Bennie. “What’re you girls up to?”
“Sierra’s working on promotion for the play, and I’m going over blocking for the script. Landon asked for my help. I’ve got a few music students coming this afternoon, starting at three.” She paused. “I’m surprised to see you here.”
“I took the day off.”
“That’s nice.” Bennie placed the script on the desk, turning her full attention to Nadine.
Nadine looked a little older than Sierra remembered, but not much. Her short black hair had a few more streaks of gray and the lines around her eyes were more pronounced. But that was about it. Nadine was a sharp dresser and well educated. She spoke French. And when she wasn’t working at the bank, traveled overseas with her husband, Hal. Now that Sierra had been exposed to the glamour of the city, Nadine didn’t seem larger than life like she did when Sierra was a kid. But still, she was a very classy lady.
“What’re you doing on your day off? Besides making candy and visiting us?” Bennie asked.
Nadine’s eyes sparkled. “Hal and I are heading into Charleston to see the symphony.”
Sierra had a hard time picturing Hal at the symphony. He was a country boy through and through, much more comfortable watching a football game on TV while popping open a cold beer. But he dearly loved Nadine and was happy to take her wherever she wanted to go.
Nadine gave Sierra a speculative look.
“What?” Sierra tugged at her shirt, wishing she’d taken the time to fix herself up a little more today.
“So, I spoke to Phyllis Watson.”
Crap! Not good. She braced herself for what was sure to come.
“She said you and Dalton had a fender bender yesterday.”
Bennie peered over her glasses. “What? Is that the accident you and Dalton were talking about last night?”
“Yes,” Sierra admitted, feeling like she was ten years old again and had just gotten in trouble for tracking mud over the carpet. “I ran into the back of Dalton’s truck.”
Bennie gave her a censuring look. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Your friends were here, and I didn’t want to worry you …” she pointed to Bennie’s knee “… under the circumstances.”
Bennie clucked her tongue, shaking her head. “I’m glad you are both okay.”
“Yeah, me too.” They were paranoid about car accidents after what happened to Sierra’s mother.
Nadine gave Sierra a pointed look. “How are things with Dalton?”
Sierra tensed. “What do you mean?”
“Well, Bennie said he came over for dinner last night.” Nadine tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, revealing gold, coin-shaped earrings.
“To discuss the set design,” Sierra countered. Nadine’s hawk-eyes scoped her for any sign of weakness. Be strong, she commanded herself.
“And then you rode home from the hospital together,” Nadine continued.
Sierra saw the spark of interest in Bennie’s eyes. “What is this? The Spanish Inquisition?” she mumbled, her face going hot. She felt like the two of them could see right through her and knew she still had feelings for Dalton.
“Don’t get your panties in a wad,” Bennie laughed. “Nadine’s just asking a simple question. How did it go?” she repeated.
Sierra rolled her eyes. “All right, I guess.” Geez. “We were thrown together due to circumstance. We got along okay, I guess … considering that we’re both dating other people.” She smiled inwardly when Bennie’s face fell. Yep, she was still playing matchmaker, refusing to give up on the idea of Sierra and Dalton getting back together. “By the way, I didn’t realize Dalton and Ivie Jane were dating.” The words cut leaving her mouth.
Nadine waved a hand, her expression going sour. “Yeah, I don’t see that lasting. Ivie Jane’s a talented woman, and her restaurant’s outstanding. But Dalton’s way out of her league.”
Sierra jerked like she’d been slapped. Then she pinned Nadine with a look. “What did you say?”
Nadine squirmed in her seat. “Only that I don’t think Dalton and Ivie Jane are well suited for each other.”
She leaned forward. “Don’t you mean that Dalton isn’t good enough for Ivie Jane? Or me? That’s what you said shortly before I left for New York, remember?” Nadine told her that if she remained in this town with Dalton that she’d end up just like her mother, a drunk. When Sierra said that Dalton could change—had promised profusely that he would change, Nadine argued that a zebra couldn’t change his stripes. “He’ll promise you the world and leave you in ruin,” Nadine finished. Those words had seared into Sierra’s soul, were the impetus for her transformation.
“Um …” Nadine’s face drained as she moistened her lips. “About that.” She laughed hesitantly. “Those things I said … I may have been wrong.”
Sierra’s head burned like it was splitting in two. “‘May have been wrong?’” She gritted her teeth. “What’re you saying?”
“Dalton’s not the man I assumed he was.” She clenched her hands. “He’s a much better man than I realized.” Her voice trailed off.
Sierra clutched her neck, an incredulous laugh building in her throat. “How can you sit there and say that to me?�
�� The room started to spin. What the heck was happening to her? She couldn’t believe Nadine would have the audacity to sing such a different tune. “No!” She shook her head. “I took your advice and left Dalton. I built a new life.” The walls closed in on her. “I’m happy with my life in New York. I love Parker.” An icy fear trickled down her spine as she clutched the arms of the chair. Even in her own ears, the words came out sounding like a lie. She detested the looks of pity on Nadine and Bennie’s faces. “What about the alcohol?” she half shouted.
Nadine looked at Bennie who nodded for her to continue. “He no longer drinks. Hasn’t touched a drop for several years now.”
Tears stung Sierra’s eyes. “Really?” she squeaked. She shook her head. “Even if I wanted to get back together with Dalton …” she held up a hand “…and I’m not saying that I do. But at any rate, it’s too late. Dalton and I live in different worlds. He’s with someone else.” The words fell like daggers from her lips as she scowled. “Ivie Jane Compton. Of all people,” she muttered. “The one person who made my life a living nightmare.”
“Ivie Jane’s mixed up,” Bennie said. “She had no right to treat you the way she did. She was hurt and took it out on you. The whole thing’s just so unfortunate. If Claire only knew all the trouble she caused.”
Sierra’s mind was spinning out of control. Dalton no longer drank? He’d built a good life for himself—was a good person. She didn’t know what to do with this. She couldn’t deny that she still had feelings for Dalton. And now she knew she’d made a terrible mistake by leaving him. She should’ve never listened to Nadine. Regret pumped poison through her veins, squeezing her heart to the size of a marble. What was done was done. Even if she wanted to start over with Dalton, she couldn’t. Dalton was glad Sierra had left him. He told her that point blank. He was with Ivie Jane now. And her life was in New York with Parker. Not here.
Suddenly, she had to leave. She stood. “Excuse me,” she mumbled, fleeing the room.
Chapter 13
Dalton leaned against the rungs of the ladder and used his body weight to press the nail gun against the wood as he pumped a line of nails along the bottom of the crown molding. The idea was to keep the set design as simple as possible and yet still be effective for the play. Also, the materials had to be able to withstand the elements.
After lunch at Clydedale’s, Dalton dropped Janie off at her restaurant, then went to a couple of sites to check on the progress of his jobs. Next, he came here to the outdoor theater to get started on the set. He’d hoped that Hank Trenton would’ve gotten more accomplished before he had to pull away from the project to look after his wife, Mandy.
Truthfully, it would’ve been easier to just start from scratch rather than trying to correct the sections Hank built. Everything was so out of whack and crooked that it was doubtful Hank had used a level. Had this been for anyone but Bennie, Dalton would’ve been tempted to bow out of the job. But there was no way he could leave Bennie in the lurch. He’d just have to do his best to piece the thing together and hope it would last through the performances.
He stepped down the ladder and put down the nail gun, wiping his hand across his brow. Thank goodness, the weather hadn’t been terribly hot the past few weeks, just upper eighties during the heat of the day. This evening, it was cooler than normal. A restless energy moved through the air signaling an approaching storm. He’d have to hurry and get as much done as he could before the rain set in.
Even though the rain would hinder his progress, he loved the powerful weather fronts that moved in and out of the low-country like stomping giants. He cast an appreciative glance around the perimeter of the outdoor theater, his eye moving up the height of the majestic live oaks that watched over the land like silent guardians. This really was a beautiful spot. He’d taken it for granted as a kid, but now he knew what a blessing it was that he was able to purchase the Drexel mansion.
He leaned over and picked up several of the sections of wood he’d cut earlier. They’d make up the treads on the two staircases leading to the raised section with the pillars and three-piece crown molding. Hank had cut the stringer or framework for the stairs. Dalton would have to place the treads over it, then check each one to make sure each was level before nailing it into place. It would be a tedious process as he’d have to carve out sections of the stringer to level the treads. But with any luck, he’d have at least one staircase done before the rain hit.
It was nice being out here working with his hands because it gave him time to think. His business had evolved to the point where Dalton mostly managed projects rather than doing any of the manual labor. And while he enjoyed interacting with clients, he sometimes missed the simplicity of a hard day of physical work.
His thoughts wandered over the events of the day. It was strange being with Janie at Clydedale’s with Sierra in the same room watching. Yeah, he’d noticed that Sierra’s eyes were glued to him and Janie, even though she tried hard to act disinterested. Dalton kept replaying the shocked look on Sierra’s face when she saw him with Janie. He’d assumed it would give him a sense of vindication to flaunt Janie in front of Sierra, but it just felt awkward. And wrong. He’d been so preoccupied with Sierra that he felt like he was in a dense fog.
Janie noticed that something was wrong and asked if he was okay. He blamed his aloofness on lack of sleep from the events of the night before. The excuse somewhat mollified Janie, but it wouldn’t for long. Janie was understandably nervous about Sierra coming back to Sugar Pines. And while it wasn’t Janie’s style to come right out and ask Dalton if he still had feelings for Sierra, he could tell she wondered.
Technically, Dalton and Janie weren’t exclusive, although neither of them had been dating other people. Dalton was relieved Janie hadn’t confronted him with the question because he didn’t want to tell her a lie, and he couldn’t admit the truth. He’d never stopped loving Sierra. He knew that now more than ever. And maybe it was wishful thinking, but he was starting to suspect that Sierra felt the same way.
He’d not planned to invite Sierra to Janie’s dad’s birthday party. The words had slipped out. But once he extended the invitation, he realized that he wanted Sierra there. If only just to be in the same area with her. He considered making up an excuse to visit Bennie this evening, just so he could see Sierra.
The wind picked up and roused the monstrous tree branches into action, swaying the Spanish Moss back and forth like synchronized pendulums. And with the wind came the faint scent of magnolia blooms. He loved being outside. He missed the beach. Even though it was only fifteen miles away, it was hard to break away from work to get there. He needed to go soon. Janie had been bugging him to take her, but he’d put it off. The beach had been his and Sierra’s playground, their haven. He wasn’t ready to share that with anyone else. Better to go alone. He probably wouldn’t go to the lighthouse because that would be too painful to do without Sierra at his side. But he could at least walk on the beach, take a swim in the ocean.
He was on his knees, bent over the staircase after placing the first board on the stringer, and was holding the level next to it when he heard a rustle. He turned, surprised to see the object of his thoughts standing before him.
“Sierra?”
It flashed through his mind that she’d changed clothes and fixed her hair and makeup. Man, she looked good. Her voluminous hair fell in soft rings over her slender shoulders. His gaze took in her silky skin, her heart-shaped lips painted cinnamon red to match her hair. For a second, all thoughts flew from his mind as he got lost in the mystery of her large blue eyes. Then he realized that he must look like a goober gawking at her. He rose to his feet, his blood pumping faster. “Hey,” he drawled, his trademark grin slipping over his lips like an old friend to hide his jitters. He felt like he was sixteen again, reliving his first crush. He chuckled inwardly at the bad analogy. Sierra had been his first crush … his only crush.
“Hey.” Her eyes swept over the set. “It looks great.”
> “So do you,” he murmured. It was fun to watch color creep into her cheeks. He probably shouldn’t have said that, but he couldn’t seem to resist. At least he had the power to illicit some sort of reaction from her.
She lowered her eyes, her lashes brushing against her cheekbones. It was amazing how seductive that simple action was. The thin fabric of her white blouse traced the outline of her slim figure. The collar was open, revealing her delicate neck and collarbone. Her jeans were faded and ripped in the knees. The bottoms were rolled up, showing her ankles and denim wedge sandals dotted with rhinestones.
This morning, she’d been cute in a granola way with her hair in a ponytail. But tonight, she was a walking felony. Was she going out? Her boyfriend was still in New York, wasn’t he? A surge of jealousy spiked through him sending a poisonous anger coursing through his veins. No other man had the right to claim Sierra as his own. She’d belonged with him since they were kids. Or at least he thought that was the case until she left. It takes two to tango, his mind yelled. No matter how much he loved or wanted Sierra, if she didn’t feel the same way, it was a dead-end street.
“I thought I’d better come out and get an idea of what we’re dealing with.” She spoke fast, like she needed to explain why she was here. He watched as she picked at her fingernails. In the old days, she chewed on her nails when she was nervous.
He chuckled. “You can come out here anytime you want. And you certainly don’t have to give me an explanation.” The words came out casually, like he couldn’t care less what she did.
She jutted out her chin, her eyes sparking. “I wasn’t. I was just making conversation.”
“Okay,” he said nonchalantly. He strode over and picked up his nail gun, then shot the nails into the wood. It sounded like bullets whizzing by. He could feel her eyes, watching him. He placed another section of wood on the stringer and checked it with the level. This one was off by a half inch. He sighed. He’d have to chisel away a section of wood on the right side. It was hard to concentrate with her so close.
Seeking Mr. Perfect (The Jane Austen Pact) Page 12