by Barbara Gee
“How old are you?” I wondered, because that was a question I hadn’t yet asked.
“Twenty-nine.”
I tilted my head and gave him a side-eye look. “Twenty-nine for real, or twenty-nine and holding, like my sister’s been for the past six years?”
He laughed, and I’d already grown to love the sound. “For real. I’m already dreading what Chase is going to pull when my birthday rolls around. I wasn’t exactly nice when he hit thirty.”
“Then I hope he’s dreadful to you,” I declared. “Didn’t your mother teach you what goes around comes around?”
“She did indeed, but I decided it was worth it.” He reached down and scooped up a very tired dachshund. “You ready to go, Lu? No real chocolate for you tonight. And barging into the neighbor’s kitchen to beg didn’t make a good first impression.”
I chuckled. “I’m kinda glad she barged in, to be honest. I was feeling a little out of sorts. It’s weird having a big, quiet house all to myself.” I winced. “Does that make me sound pitiful? I don’t mean it like that. It’s just that I’m used to being in a noisy city, and it’s so quiet and still here. And dark.”
He looked at me, his eyes warm. “You’ll feel settled soon enough. Then you’ll appreciate the silence. I guarantee it.”
“I’m sure I will.” I reached over to scratch Lulu’s neck. “Night, doggie. Thanks for stopping by.”
Jude moved toward the door and I followed, unable to stop myself from admiring how good he looked in his faded jeans and navy T-shirt. The man had it going on. Simple as that.
“I’m sure I’ll see you soon,” he said, opening the door and stepping out onto the deck. “Thanks for the game and the brownies.”
I smiled. “Does playing a game we last played as little kids make us lame?”
He looked back at me, his eyes glinting. “Nah, it means we were lucky enough to have grandparents who spent quality time with us. It brought back good memories for me. Good night, Ava.”
“Night,” I said softly, liking his perspective.
I liked a lot about him, actually. More than I was comfortable with. I wondered where it would lead.
Chapter 6
Ihad a restless night, thanks to Jude Keller. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t get him out of my mind long enough to fall into a deep sleep. It was the first time in my life I’d lost sleep over a man, and I was a little grumpy about it. I didn’t like someone having that kind of power over me.
On a positive note, I’d become so tired of tossing and turning that I’d gotten up way earlier than planned and finished the second coat of paint before my alarm would have gone off. As soon as it was completely dry I was going to break out a roll of painter’s tape and get ready to do the trim. I was eager to see the white against the beautiful slate blue.
I was really looking forward to spending my workdays in this room, but I still needed to figure out how to secure it. I’d been sitting cross-legged on the floor texting with Ian for the last fifteen minutes. He was trying to help, but his answer was for me to let him and a carpenter buddy of his come install a security door themselves.
I hated that idea. For one thing, Ian had no carpenter skills whatsoever, and I had no idea if his friend was qualified either. And quite frankly, I preferred not to have Ian in my new house. Especially without his girlfriend. I didn’t want to give her anything else to get mad at me about.
Things had always been a little strained between Abigail Sutton and me. She had joined our team right around the time Ian and I had done our short-lived dating thing. She’d had a thing for him right from the beginning, and even though she had him now, she hadn’t forgotten that he’d wanted me first. She’d been super jealous for a while, insisting on being around whenever Ian and I got together for work stuff, but she’d gradually relaxed and I’d thought she was over it.
In the last few months, however, she’d gotten a catty toward me again. It wasn’t terrible, just enough to keep me on my toes and remind me to make extra sure I gave her no reason to think I’d changed my mind about wanting Ian for myself.
Another text from him came in. Would you rather have strangers traipsing through your house?
I snorted. Yes, I thought, yes I would. I almost told him that, but getting testy wouldn’t solve anything. I settled for sending a short text telling him I’d think about it and would be in touch. Hopefully that would end the conversation for the day.
I stretched out my legs and gave a frustrated growl. I wished now that I’d never asked for Ian’s help. I’d assumed he’d be a good source of advice because he had so many contacts in the industry. Never once had I considered he’d want to come himself.
I could only imagine how Abigail would react if Ian told her he was coming to install my door. She’d never believe it was an innocent desire to help out a colleague. I wasn’t sure if I even believed it. Ian was a complicated person, and I knew my rejection still festered. I was pretty sure I’d hurt his pride more than his heart, but his occasional snarky comments showed he still wasn’t completely over it.
On the other hand, his desire to come to Hidden Creek might be simple nosiness. Wanting to see where I was living now so he could figure out why the town was so appealing to me. But I suspected it had more to do with him being angry about me going so far away without even consulting him about it. He didn’t seem to like my new-found independence any more than my family did.
Whatever his motive, I wasn’t going to let him come. I wondered if he had any idea how jealous and suspicious Abigail could be. It was possible she hid it from him and only let me see that side of her. If only I could convince her once and for all that she has absolutely no worries where I’m concerned. Because it’s true. I admire Ian’s brilliant mind, but that’s it. I don’t go for the “tortured rock-star” type. Pale, broody, thin, tattooed—not my preference.
What is my preference? Easy. He’s living next door.
***
Ian texted again a few minutes later. If you don’t want my help, why did you ask?
I gritted my teeth and responded civilly because we had to work together, after all. I told him I’d simply been looking for a recommendation and I was sure he had better things to do than traveling down here for manual labor.
That seemed to appease him a little bit, so I gritted my teeth a little harder and, for the sake of the team, told him that once I was settled, it would be nice if he and Abigail could come for a visit sometime.
He got pretty enthusiastic about that idea, and I really hoped he hadn’t missed the and Abigail part.
His next text was what I’d been expecting way back when I’d contacted him initially.
I’ll check with a few people and see if they know of anyone down that way who can do the door.
I literally threw my hands up in exasperation. Why in the world hadn’t he just started with that and skipped all the nonsense?
I forced myself to send a thank you, then tossed my phone onto a wadded-up pile of drop cloths. Truth was, I no longer wanted Ian to be involved at all. His stupid ploy to come here had left me feeling sour about the whole thing. My best bet would be to find someone to do the door myself, and fast, so that when Ian made his suggestion, I could tell him I’d already taken care of it.
With that thought, Jude’s face flashed into my mind, causing me to forget all about Ian. Could my solution be as close as next door? Dare I even go there?
The idea was oh so tempting. Considering his profession, Jude could probably find the right door and install it both. But if I hired him to do the door, he’d see what it was protecting. And if he saw my equipment, he’d know my job was a little more hard-core than I’d led him to believe.
Could I trust him—and whoever he got to help him—to keep quiet about the fact that I had a lot of really expensive, really high-end equipment? Would he even agree to do it, or was such a small job way beneath him? It’s not like we knew each other well enough for me to ask for a favor, so he had every righ
t to refuse.
But somehow, I didn’t think he would.
I went downstairs and made a sandwich for lunch. While I ate, I used my phone to check on the moving truck. It was still on schedule for the next day at ten o’clock.
I’d finished eating and was halfway up the stairs when my doorbell rang. It was so unexpected I missed a step and banged my shin on the edge of it. I sucked in a breath and waited for the sharp pain to subside. I’d have a nice bruise to show for that one.
I limped back down the steps to the front door. My heart was pounding and I couldn’t help but hope it was Jude on the other side, even though I knew he was probably at work.
There was no peephole in the front door—because this was Hidden Creek, not DC. I swung it open, hiding my disappointment behind a curious smile when I saw a dark-haired woman close to my own age standing there with a plate of cookies.
“Hello!” she said, her smile wide and warm. “You’re Ava Milton, right?” I nodded and she held out the cookies. “I’m Hannah Owens, from next door. Chase and Jude told me about you moving in, and since I don’t work on Fridays I thought I’d do the neighborly thing and bring you baked goods.”
I laughed and took the plate. “Why thank you. They look great. Come on in, we can take them to the kitchen.”
I stood back and held the door. She came in and followed me down the hall, stopping when we passed the living room. Her expression was suddenly sad.
“It looks exactly the same, only it’s not, is it? I’m so sorry Gwen is gone.”
“Me too,” I said, moved by the genuine emotion on her face. “Did you see her a lot?”
“When the weather was nice I did. We spent a lot of time sitting on her back deck. She’d see me outside and call me over for coffee or iced tea. She was a very sweet, wise woman.”
“That she was.” We made our way to the kitchen and I set the cookies on the counter. “I’m not half as wise as Grandma, but I’m pretty good at coffee, if you’d like some.”
“I wish I could, but I’m on my way to an appointment.”
Judging from the sparkle in her eyes, I figured the appointment was related to her pregnancy. The one neither Jude nor I was supposed to know about.
“Well, it’s an open invitation,” I said, hoping she’d take me up on it.
“I was actually going to ask if you could come over for dinner this evening,” she said, taking me totally off guard. “Jude called a little while ago and said he’ll pick up some steaks to grill. He already knew I was planning to stop by here, and he suggested I invite you to eat with us.” Hannah grinned. “I heard about Lulu inviting herself over last night. I’d apologize for her, but I’m kinda glad she provided an excuse for you two to get acquainted. I think Jude really enjoyed himself.”
“It was fun,” I said vaguely, hoping she didn’t notice the warmth creeping up my neck.
“So, can you come? We’ll eat around seven, but you can come earlier and hang out while the guys grill and stuff. It’s supposed to be a nice evening, so we can be outside.”
I wanted to go. …and not only because I loved a good, grilled steak. Truth was, if it meant seeing Jude again, I’d go even if they were grilling tofu. Which I hated.
“I’d love to come,” I said, proud of how calm I sounded. “What can I bring?”
Hannah scrunched her face as she thought. “Do you have a specialty? I haven’t really settled on the rest of the menu yet. I’m planning to stop by the store after my appointment, and I was hoping inspiration would hit.”
“Um, I could do a salad. Maybe Grandma’s seven-layer salad?”
Hannah’s face lit up. “Oh, I love that salad. That would be great.”
“Okay then.” I grabbed a cookie off the plate before we walked back out to the front door. “I really appreciate the invitation. It’ll be nice to get away from all the stuff that needs doing in the house.”
“Oh, believe me, it’s my pleasure,” Hannah said. “I’m so excited to have a neighbor close to my age. This is a great street to live on. Nice and quiet. But the other neighbors are all a little on the elderly side. They’re wonderful people, it just takes a little getting used to.”
“Especially if you go by Sam and Nancy’s too early in the morning, right? When Sam is out in his short velvet robe and nothing else, fetching his newspaper from the end of the lane?”
Hannah burst out laughing. “Oh gosh, I keep forgetting you’re not completely new to this town. Too bad you weren’t here to warn me about Sam’s morning routine when we first moved in. Our second morning here, I crested the hill right as he was bending over. It was…..a bit traumatic.”
This time I was the one to laugh. “I can only imagine.”
“I’ve been very careful not to repeat the experience. If Sam is out, I keep my eyes averted.” She paused and smiled wickedly. “Although, I confess, I didn’t warn Jude.”
My jaw dropped. “Oh my word, I can only hope his view was as good as yours.”
“Not quite, but close enough that he was completely tongue-tied the next time he ran into Sam.”
“I would’ve loved to have seen his face.”
“Me, too. Chase did see it, which is how I found out. We still tease Jude about it.”
I giggled. “Poor Jude.”
“No need to feel sorry for him. He gives as good as he gets, believe me.” Hannah opened the door. “Okay, enjoy the cookies, and we’ll see you this evening. I can’t wait.” She hurried out, then quickly reversed course and came back, holding out her phone. “Better give me your number in case anything changes.”
We exchanged numbers, then she headed across the porch again. “Later, Ava. I’ll let Jude know you’re coming.” She glanced back at me and smiled. “He’ll be glad.”
I slowly closed the door and leaned up against it, a wide grin on my face.
Jude wanted me to come to dinner.
***
I spent more time than normal getting ready. I also started too soon, and even with the extra primping, I was showered, dressed, and made up by five thirty. Which meant I had way too much time to get nervous.
I decided to straighten my hair, which would take up fifteen minutes and also make me seem a little more put together than I’d been yesterday, when both of the times I’d seen Jude had been unexpected.
My clothes were also a big step up from yesterday. I’d chosen a silky blue tank and white skinny jeans. Casual but classy, or so I hoped. Then I added a loosely woven scoop neck sweater the same shade as the tank, which I thought would be just right to ward off the evening chill if we ate outside.
I went downstairs with nothing more to do but sit and wait, and wonder when I should go over. Hannah had said to come hang out before we ate, but for how long? Maybe half an hour? That seemed reasonable.
I settled down in Grandma’s wingback chair and used my phone to scroll through my emails. A few of them needed replies, and by the time I’d taken care of those, it was six o’clock. Thirty more minutes to kill.
I leaned my head back, my thoughts once more on Jude, and then I heard a knock on the kitchen door.
I quickly jerked upright, startled out of my daydreams. This time I knew who was on the other side. I stood and nervously smoothed my hands over my hair, my heart racing.
I walked through the kitchen, took a deep breath, and opened the door. Jude stood there larger than life, his hands shoved in the pockets of his jeans.
“Hey,” I said, smiling up at him and feeling shorter than my five foot seven. I didn’t usually have to look up so far to meet the eyes of a guy, but I liked it.
His smile was slow, his eyes warm and appreciative as they swept over me. “I got tired of waiting,” he said simply.
My stomach felt like it did a complete 360-degree roll, and I could hear my heartbeat in my ears.
“Oh, um, I wasn’t sure exactly what time I was supposed to come.” I sounded a little breathless, but that’s what happens to a girl when a guy she’s been thinking abou
t all day is finally standing right in front of her, looking incredibly handsome in jeans and a gray-blue Henley shirt, and he says something so unexpected and sweet.
He lifted one shoulder in a shrug. “Now would be good.”
I couldn’t stop a grin. “Okay. Let me grab my salad.”
He waited while I got it out of the fridge, his long, lean body framed in the doorway, making my heart go crazy all over again as I approached him.
I gave him a curious look when he didn’t move.
“Did Hannah tell you it was my idea to invite you tonight?” he asked.
I nodded. “Thanks. It was nice of you to think of me.”
He gave a low chuckle. “Nice? It was actually pretty selfish. I wanted to see you again, so I used Hannah to make it happen.”
I swallowed hard, unable to look away from him. “You could’ve just come over again.”
His blue eyes narrowed as he tilted his head. “Would you have let me in without Lulu?”
I pointed to the Battleship game still sitting on the table. “Of course. I have a score to settle with you.”
“Ah, yes,” he said, his lips curving into a half-smile. “You need to redeem yourself.”
“I do. So come on over the next time you have a free evening. With or without Lulu.” I bit my lip after I said that, because it sounded more forward than I’d meant it to. But he didn’t seem to mind.
“I’ll definitely take you up on that.”
He stepped back and waited for me to follow before reaching in to close the door. He offered to carry the salad, but I said I was fine and he didn’t push it, which I liked. Bonus points for the alpha male not threatened by a woman who wanted to carry her own salad.
“Where’s this gate you come through?” I asked, gripping the cool glass dish tightly as we walked down the deck steps. “I’ve never noticed a gate in the fence, but it makes sense since Grandma and Maisie were good friends.”
“It’s a hidden gate. Second to last panel down by the woods.”
He showed me the gate and the little release mechanism hidden under a supporting rail.