by Jeff Adams
“I’ll think it through again.”
“Good.” He was still holding back. “You know I only want happiness for you, right?”
“Always. And what’s best for the company.”
“The company won’t get hurt by this. You might, though.”
“Am I about to fuck everything up?” I moved from the chair to the window.
“I hope not. I don’t know, man. My track record with boyfriends isn’t great, so I don’t have a lot of advice to offer. I just don’t think you want to leave such a large secret on the table.”
“I’ll really think about it. I’m gonna get to work on the contract for this and get the cash I need liquidated. I’ll also get you the responses you need on the rest of the prospects we talked about.”
“Perfect. Later, Jordan.”
I pocketed my phone and looked out over the quiet street. Alberto made an excellent point, but I didn’t want Miles declining the help. He had a solid business, I knew that in my heart, or I wouldn’t be involving my company to help save it. Even if I was blinded because I liked Miles, Alberto would’ve never allowed it to get in front of our investors if it was a bad move.
I couldn’t decide what the butterflies in my stomach were about—hiding this from Miles, trying to start a relationship with him, or simply dreading that I had to go home in a few days.
Going home. That was the elephant in the room. It was only going to get bigger and more unruly the closer we got to my departure day.
The phone rang and pulled me out of the thoughts.
Miles! My butterflies scattered seeing his name on the screen. I was so in over my head with this guy—and I loved it, despite the questions. I wasn’t used to feeling as happy as I’d been over the past few days. I thought I’d been in good spirits since the split with Drake, but this was a new, more intense glee. The downside was if it ended, the crash was going to be horrible.
“Hey!” I said, connecting the call.
“Hey, yourself. What’re you up to?”
“Getting some work done. You?”
“Winter prep continues, but I’m actually headed out to give a riding lesson shortly. I’m calling because I just ran into Luke on the street and he wants to take us for a drink tonight.”
“Sure.”
“Great.” Miles sounded super excited about this. “His wife just went down to Detroit to visit her sister. So, he’s solo and he wanted to get to know you better. You game?”
It was time for the friend test. I was game for that.
“Wish my bestie was here so we could get vetted at the same time. Sure, let’s find out what Luke thinks of me.”
“He’s gonna love you, I have no doubt.”
Miles gave me the details before he headed off for the lesson. I had four and a half hours to psych myself up to impress his best friend.
Chapter Thirteen
“LUKE’S GREAT,” I said, sitting across from Miles at his desk the following afternoon. “I’m glad you have someone like him. Everyone needs a solid best friend, and I know it’s weird, but it always makes me sad when people don’t. It’s important to have the one you can always call up to share the good and even more important, the bad.”
“Yeah.” Miles pulled a bottle of whiskey from his desk. “He’s listened to me about this business stuff since it went down. He wanted to throw me a fundraiser, even tried to get me to set up some Internet thing to raise money. I just didn’t want that many people in my business. I’m still a little uncomfortable I’ve shared with you as much as I have.”
Even more reason why I shouldn’t tell him that I’m the primary investor.
He produced two glasses from the same drawer and set them alongside the bottle. “A little something to celebrate with.”
“I’m glad I was in a position to help. It’s going to be much easier for you to pay off everything under this plan rather than the bank’s terms.”
“It’s gonna be great for the staff too. I’ve been unusually quiet about what’s going to happen in the off-season, and now it’ll be business as usual. Reduction of hours, yes, but not out of work.”
I pulled the paperwork from my messenger bag and walked Miles through the terms. He was about to receive a check, made out to the bank, to clear the debt. It also laid out terms for repayment, the profit sharing, and other legalities. Finally, I got to the part about who the contact at the firm would be, and he stopped me.
“I don’t get to work with you?” He questioned why Alberto was his contact.
“I’m too close to you. Alberto and I agree it’d be better if you dealt with him. It ensures the relationship we have doesn’t cloud the business.”
“I guess that makes sense.” He sounded disappointed, which pulled on my guilt a little more.
I tried to ease his hesitation. “I’ll always be there and I’m happy to be involved, but it’s the right thing for Alberto to manage this. If you and I end up—” I sighed, dreading the thought. “I don’t know, hating each other, your business interests need to be protected.”
“Okay.”
He grabbed my hand and briefly squeezed it. Some of my tension evaporated as he gave me a nod and a smile.
I read through a few more things and handed over the paperwork that I’d already signed. Alberto would sign it once it arrived in the office, making it official.
“You can have your lawyer go over it, or you can just sign it. That choice is yours. Alberto and I want you to feel completely comfortable with the agreement.”
“I trust you. And thankfully you’ve written this in pretty clear language that I actually understand.”
He grabbed a pen from a new mug, which was farther from the edge, out of harm’s way. Was he anticipating another desktop outburst? I certainly wouldn’t have minded.
He signed everything, and we traded the paperwork for the check that he’d give to the bank to clear all the debt.
Miles came around the desk, and I stood. What started as a handshake turned into a hug. “Thanks, Jordan. I appreciate that you believe I can turn this around and get your investors paid back.”
“You’re welcome. Now, let’s get that to the bank.” I was eager to see him put this issue behind him. He didn’t move. “What? Something wrong?”
“No.” He added a shy smile.
I sat back in the chair, and he grabbed my hand again. The energy passing from him was intense, and it radiated through my body all the way down to my toes. I quaked as my pulse quickened.
“I know we haven’t talked about this and I want to get it in the open. I know that we live hundreds of miles apart and that I haven’t done a long-distance thing with other guys. I want to give it a go with you.”
His gaze pierced my soul with a look that took my breath away. I hadn’t seen this side from Miles, and for a moment, I couldn’t find my voice.
“Let’s do it,” I finally said, my voice cracking.
Miles smiled broadly, and I knew this was right. It had to be.
“Just know that I’m in this with my eyes wide open. If nothing else I think we can be good friends. If the relationship thing falls apart, we stay friends and laugh about what went wrong later.”
Wow. I had no idea he’d thought it through that much.
“All right. Eyes wide open it is.” This was scary but thrilling. “Let’s just make sure we talk to each other, okay? The more we communicate, the less likely either of us gets hurt.”
He nodded, and the excited look on his face elated me even while there were pangs of guilt because of what I was hiding from him.
“I’m going to get this to the bank.” He held up the check. “I’ll pick you up at six for a celebration.” We left his office and headed outside to our bicycles.
“Should I bring anything or dress a certain way?”
“Nope. Just be ready at six; that’s all you need to do.”
“I look forward to it.”
We kissed before we got on the bikes. The ride was silent except fo
r parting words as he turned to go to the bank and I continued on to the inn.
The thoughts swirling in my head made me anxious, even though I was delighted at the prospect of what was to come. The difficulties of long-distance dating… not wanting anyone to get hurt… desperately wanting to get Miles in bed… eager to see what he had planned for the celebration…. It was a loud cacophony that wouldn’t stop. At the eye of the storm, though, was the shining knowledge that he wanted to go for it.
I hoped I was worth it for Miles.
Chapter Fourteen
I SPENT an hour trying to decide what to wear. Luckily, I’d been able to do laundry at the inn, since I hadn’t packed to stay so long. I almost went on an impromptu shopping trip, but I wasn’t sure that’d make the choice any easier. Part of the problem was Miles didn’t tell me what we were doing, so I had no context to help me choose. All he said was that he’d pick me up at six.
I was still reeling from the talk in his office that we were going to make a go of this—distance be damned. I was so anxious that I quaked periodically and the butterflies in my stomach were making me just a touch nauseated. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d been this worked up. It was a sign that I was head over heels for Miles; otherwise, I wouldn’t be feeling this way.
I tried on dark blue jeans, which made my butt look good, along with a crisp white shirt and a black blazer that was extra heavy to cut the chill. Looking at my ensemble in the mirror, I still wasn’t sure it was right. The shirt hung off me nicely and the coat looked good over it, but it didn’t seem right. It was almost too formal.
I got rid of the shirt and coat and looked at the clothes strewn across the room. I settled on a sky-blue pullover. It was a favorite of mine for when I wanted to feel cozy on chilly nights. I slipped it over my head and, giving myself the once-over again, decided this was it. The color worked well for me. It looked good with the jeans and with the blazer over it.
I wished Mrs. Tanner, who was in the parlor adjacent to the lobby, good evening and went out onto the porch to wait. Right at six a carriage pulled up. I came down the steps just as Caleb climbed down from the driver’s seat.
Odd. I thought Miles was picking me up.
Shit. Maybe he changed his mind. But he’d still tell me himself, or at least I thought he would.
“Good evening, Mr. Monroe,” Caleb said. He was dressed in the same fancy attire I’d first seen Miles in. “Mr. Colter asked me to pick you up.”
He motioned to the seating area. Caleb was never this formal.
“I’ll have you to your destination in about five minutes, Mr. Monroe. Please make yourself comfortable and let me know if you need anything.”
He gave me a brief nod before he returned to the front of the carriage.
“You can call me Jordan.” I tried to make things more casual. “We have met after all.”
“No, sir. Not this evening.”
Miles was up to something and I loved it. Sure, getting picked up by him would’ve been nice, but this was sort of fancy. I’d never been chauffeured to a date in a horse-drawn carriage before. It was going to be an amazing night, especially if I could relax.
I hadn’t meandered too much into the residential areas of the island. I’d seen a small portion on the movie location tour since there were a couple of island houses where filming had taken place. We’d left Cadotte Avenue and were in what must be the heart of where most of the residents lived. These were beautiful homes—all well maintained.
“Do you live nearby, Caleb?”
“Yes, sir. My family lives on Fourth. We’ll pass it on the left shortly.”
The view was amazing, even though the trees were mostly bare. It was magical riding in the carriage, and it’d be more so if Miles were here. I waved to people who passed on bicycles or horses, and even to a couple who were on their porch and greeted me first. It felt silly waving from a carriage—I wasn’t royalty after all. On the other hand, everyone was being friendly, so it would be rude not to wave or say hello.
Eventually, Caleb made a left into a driveway. The house was a splendid two stories with dormers on the second floor—an architectural feature I loved. Red brick ran along the lower part of the house and, above that, was light gray paint and white trim. The major pop of color was the bright red door, which matched some of the bricks. There was space for a garden and it, along with the flowerbeds, was cleared for winter.
It was beautiful. I imagined it was even more spectacular in the green of summer and the color of early fall. The house looked welcoming, and some goosebumps spread over my arms. It was similar to how I felt pulling up at the Grand, except this made me even giddier because this had to be Miles’s home.
As if on cue, Miles stepped out on the porch and was a handsome sight. He also wore jeans, so I’d chosen correctly. He’d gone with a dark long-sleeved shirt. We were a good match.
Damn. I wished I’d known I was coming to his house, though. I’d have brought something. Somewhere my mother was flinching because I’d come to someone’s home without a gift.
Caleb brought the carriage parallel to the porch, and I climbed out.
“It’s good to see you,” Miles said as he came down the stairs and wrapped me in a hug. It was no half hug either. It was a full-out, both-arms-around-me hug.
“You too. It was pretty amazing getting picked up. I felt like Cinderella.” I looked over my shoulder to Caleb. “Thanks for the ride.”
“My pleasure, sir,” he said.
“You’ve taught him well. He wouldn’t break the formality even when I told him he could.”
“Good.” Miles offered an impish grin. “Thanks for playing chauffeur tonight. You can relax now.”
“Thanks, boss.” He became the Caleb I recognized. “Glad I could help out. You two have a good night.”
“’Night, Caleb.”
“Bye,” I added as he guided the horse and buggy back toward the street. “That was an impressive way to start,” I said once Caleb was out of sight.
“Not too over the top?”
“Maybe, but I liked it.”
I leaned in and kissed him, which he seemed happy and eager to return. The kiss lasted just long enough to leave me wanting more.
“Come on in.” He took my hand and led me through the front door.
Unlike the outside, which seemed to stay true to its original design, inside was a well-thought-out mix of classic and modern. The moldings and woodwork were set against modern amenities like a large-screen TV over the fireplace.
“This is beautiful.” I inhaled the aroma of fresh baked bread, which made my mouth water.
“My mom gets most of the credit. I haven’t changed it much since I took over the house because it feels like home. There are things she hates, like the big TV. But she was outnumbered by the men in the house.”
I chuckled. “I think a lot of moms lose those battles.”
“Come on into the kitchen. Dinner’s almost ready.”
“Oh my, it smells amazing.” As we got closer to the kitchen, the full aroma hit me. There was the scent of garlic and basil and just a hint of chocolate.
The kitchen was tricked out with modern stainless steel and gadgets. But there was also a feeling of homey tradition here with the cabinetry and other fixtures that looked as though they were original to the house.
“This is partly how we won about the TV. We argued the living room could have the TV since the kitchen had all this.”
“I’d say your family knew exactly what it wanted.”
On the stovetop was the bread, mostly hidden away under a light orange tea towel. There was also a sauce on the stove, which I suspected was where the garlic and basil smell was coming from. There was a pot of boiling pasta too. I couldn’t place the chocolate anywhere. Maybe I wasn’t smelling right. Not that it mattered because everything I saw looked scrumptious.
“You’re quite the chef from the looks of it.” I watched as Miles stepped over to the stove to stir the sauce.
“I do okay. My mom made sure her boys knew how to cook to help woo whoever we wanted. Take a seat and help yourself to some wine.”
I sat at the island that he’d gestured to and poured a glass of Riesling.
“Thanks. Shall I top yours off?”
“Sure.”
I served and asked. “What’s on the menu, Chef Miles?”
“For your enjoyment this evening, we’ve got a light salad of greens with homemade lemon vinaigrette. The main course is pasta with grilled chicken and pesto along with a medley of sautéed squash from my own harvest. For dessert, a chocolate cobbler that is a specialty of the house.”
“Sounds delicious.”
Miles had his back to me, working at the stove. He had a gracefulness as he moved—even if it was simply stirring a pot—that couldn’t be ignored. The best, though, was when he opened the oven and bent over to check what was inside. His butt looked scrumptious. I wasn’t going to rush things, but I wouldn’t mind if I got a look inside those pants tonight.
“Is there anything I can do to help?” I snapped back to reality and remembered my manners.
“Set the table? And I’ll get everything into serving dishes.”
“Deal.”
I scooped up the plates he’d already gotten out along with other things as he directed me. The dining room was the one room that looked untouched from the past with light blue floral wallpaper, white wainscoting at the base of the room, chair rail, and crown molding. The furniture was definitely antique.
“This is an amazing spread,” I said once we were seated with filled plates. “I don’t think I’d have the guts to cook for someone on a first date.”
“Well, you’ve been on the island long enough that you’ve probably eaten everywhere at least once. This was someplace you hadn’t been. And I’ve been cooking long enough that it doesn’t freak me out to do it for someone new.”