The CEO's Unexpected Proposal

by Karen Rose Smith

  Getting lost in Mikala’s eyes was like going back in time. And kissing her… He’d always laughed at the idea of fireworks exploding whenever two people kissed, but when he kissed Mikala, that was exactly what happened.

  He slid his hand under her hair and cupped the back of her head. When she didn’t protest, he leaned in and lowered his lips to hers. The tip of his tongue had just touched hers when a brighter light went on in the kitchen and poured through the curtained window.

  Curbing any intentions he had of taking the kiss deeper, or making it wetter, of shaking up his libido even further, he drew back and dropped his arms to his sides.

  Mikala looked surprised and disappointed for a moment but then she saw the light, too. She checked her watch. “I thought Luke might be in bed.”

  “It’s ten. He should be. Maybe Aunt Anna’s being lenient. Come on. Let’s find out.”

  Dawson opened the door, and they stepped into the kitchen. But Luke wasn’t in sight. They only saw Anna rummaging in the cheese keeper in the refrigerator.

  She glanced at the two of them, took a package of cheese from the drawer and set it on the counter. “Luke and I were getting ready for bed when we decided we were a little hungry. So I told him I’d bring up some cheese and crackers. How was the party?”

  “It was great,” they said in unison.

  “Hmmmm,” Aunt Anna intoned. “Many people there?”

  “About twenty, twenty-five,” Mikala said. “Lots of our classmates and friends of Silas. Jenny said he missed you.”

  Her aunt looked a little flustered. “Oh, I think that’s her imagination running rampant.” She pulled a box of crackers from the cupboard. “Luke asked me a question earlier tonight and I thought you two should be aware of it.”

  “What question?” Dawson felt worry taking hold of him again.

  “He asked me if I thought you two liked each other…a lot.”

  “Aunt Anna—” Mikala began.

  Her aunt held up a hand. “You don’t owe me any explanations. Both of you realize Luke is a smart boy. I just think you should be honest with him about whatever is going on. Just my two cents, for what it’s worth.” She picked up the package of cheese and the crackers, said, “I’ll see you upstairs,” then exited the kitchen.

  Thinking about what had just happened outside, Dawson rubbed his upper lip and spotted the lipstick smear on his finger…a smear that Anna had probably spotted. “It’s not as if we see each other every day,” he said.

  “No, it’s not, but I think—” Mikala stopped.

  “Tell me,” he prompted.

  “I think we just need to lead separate lives for a little while. It’ll be best for all of us.”

  If he knew what was best for all of them, he wouldn’t feel as if the rug had been pulled out from under him. Yet he realized Mikala was right. Luke had enough to deal with. He didn’t need to be confused by whatever was happening between the two of them.

  “You’re right, of course.” So instead of taking her into his arms and kissing her as he longed to again, he reluctantly said good-night and walked away.

  Chapter Seven

  Two weeks later Mikala watched Luke as he beat on a Native American drum. They’d watched a short video of singers using them and then Mikala had asked Luke if he’d like to play one. She’d switched on flute music in the background and he was pounding in rhythm with it, expressing himself, letting emotion out. He needed outlets for everything he was feeling and couldn’t talk about…yet.

  “I can’t really play,” he muttered for more than the first time as he stopped.

  “You’re doing great!”

  “Why are you watching me?”

  “Does that bother you?”

  When she turned off the music, he seemed disconcerted with the silence. But then he answered, “I don’t know. I guess not, as long as you don’t care how I do it.”

  “I care, but not like a teacher watching a student. I’m just interested in what your feelings have to say.”

  At that, his gaze met hers. “My feelings don’t talk.”

  “They’re coming out in your drumming. And feelings can be expressed in lots of ways—the words we use, the gestures we make—like if you push somebody when you’re mad, in the colors you pick when you draw, in the way you drum.”

  “Can we do something else now?”

  “Sure. Would you like to play a song from the sheet music you brought?”

  “I guess. But can I ask you something first?”

  “Yes, you can.”

  “Why don’t you and my dad talk anymore?”

  Uh-oh. The session was supposed to focus on Luke, but she supposed her relationship with Dawson was part of his life now.

  “Did you have a fight?” he wanted to know.

  Whatever Luke was imagining in his mind was probably worse than what she and Dawson had decided. Better be honest with him. “You know that your dad and I knew each other when we were in high school, right?”

  Luke nodded.

  “And since you and he moved to Miners Bluff, your dad and I have become friends again.”

  “Yeah, you guys seemed to have fun when we went ice skating.”

  “We did. But your dad and I thought it would be better for you if we keep to ourselves for now. Your dad brought you here to try to figure out what’s best for both of you, to try to help you be happy again, whether you remember what happened or not.”

  “I think he wants me to remember.”

  “Maybe he does. But if he does, I think he wants you to remember for your sake so that you don’t always wonder about it.”

  Luke thought about that, then he asked, “So why can’t the two of you be friends?”

  “He wants to concentrate on why he brought you here, and I want to concentrate on helping you. So that’s what we’re doing.”

  “You don’t have time to see each other?”

  “We’re both busy.”

  Luke swung his legs back and forth for a few moments then met her gaze. “I know Dad always worries about me. But since he doesn’t spend any time talking to you, he’s…different.”

  “Different how?”

  “Not grumpy, because he tries to be really patient with me. I guess he’s afraid I’ll run away again. But he’s—”

  Mikala had something that would help in exactly a situation like this. She pointed to the wall at a small poster. There were blocks all over the poster with all kinds of faces and actions. Under each different picture was a word, labeling the emotion the picture depicted.

  She pointed to the poster. “Why don’t you take a look at this chart and find the picture and word that matches the way you think your dad is feeling.”

  Luke spent some time studying the chart. Finally he put his finger on a picture of a man pacing a room. Underneath the picture was the word restless.

  “So you think he’s restless?”

  “Maybe. Or maybe this one.” This time Luke had chosen the face of a man who wasn’t scowling, but close to it. The word underneath was frustrated.

  “I see. So you think restless and frustrated might describe your dad?”

  “Yeah, but only when he thinks I’m not looking.” Luke hesitated. “I think he misses you.”

  Could that possibly be so? Mikala was flustered by the certainty in Luke’s tone.

  “How would you feel about asking your dad what’s bothering him?”

  “I can’t do that.”

  “Why not?”

  “I just can’t.”

  There was finality in Luke’s words that told her he wasn’t going to change his mind anytime soon. She had to get to the bottom of why he wouldn’t talk to Dawson about anything important, and she had to do it so they could both move on.

/>   * * *

  While Mikala met with Luke, Dawson agreed to an early dinner with Clay and Zack at the Shamrock Grill. Dawson waved to Liam O’Rourke, Riley’s father, behind the cashier’s desk, then scouted the restaurant for his two friends. They were easy to spot, both taller than the average men seated in the tan booths and at the wood tables. Dawson’s height matched theirs and when the three of them played basketball, they were all murder to guard. Dawson wished he could keep his mind on basketball, or even his dinner. This was supposed to be a break from the worry he always felt when Luke met with Mikala.

  The guys motioned him to the seat across from them.

  “The special’s Irish stew tonight,” Clay said with a wide smile. “You won’t get any better.”

  “Is that what you’re having?” he asked them.

  “Zack’s thinking about the meat loaf and mashed potatoes,” Clay said. “I’m still wavering.”

  Once they’d decided on dinner, the waiter took their orders.

  “Riley told me he eats here a couple of nights a week,” Clay said, speaking of his new partner.

  “His dad seems to be doing well now,” Zack commented, glancing at Liam. “I can remember all those years ago how tough life was for Riley when Angus McDougall forced Liam to close the restaurant. No kid should have to go through the chain of events they did.”

  “Riley was tough then and still is,” Dawson said. “His stint in the Marines couldn’t have been easy.”

  “He was in Iraq and Afghanistan,” Clay revealed. “But he seems to have come through it okay. He said he just wants peace and quiet now.”

  “Except when he’s with his family,” Zack added with a chuckle. “Two brothers, a sister, and nieces and nephews don’t a quiet reunion make.”

  “I was surprised when I saw him dancing with Brenna McDougall at the reunion,” Dawson remarked. “Maybe their families have put their feud in the past.”

  “Or not,” Zack said. “Riley won’t talk about Brenna or the reunion.”

  “Our reunion set a lot of things in motion.” Dawson thought about Mikala again and every kiss they’d indulged in. He’d missed her the past two weeks…missed her smile and her quiet laugh and easy way she had of putting everything in perspective.

  “So how are you and Luke?” Zack asked, looking as if he wanted an honest answer. Zack always could see through almost any situation.

  “The whole process is slow,” Dawson admitted. “We’ve been ice skating a few times and he seems to like that. I’m not sure about school. He won’t talk about it. I don’t know if he’s really making friends.”

  “That takes time,” Zack assured him. “And guys form groups that are hard to break into, just like girls.”

  “Speaking of girls…” Clay drawled. “You and Mikala looked as if you were having a good time at the party…especially when you were dancing.”

  A good time. Dawson wasn’t sure that summed it up. “We did.”

  “But…?” Clay asked.

  “But she’s treating Luke and I’m concentrating on what he needs right now.”

  “If you don’t want to get serious with Mikala, you shouldn’t start anything,” Zack advised. “She’s pretty special. And I think she’s been hurt more than she wants to admit, starting with the night of the prom. But you’d know all about that.”

  “I never realized the whole town knew about that,” Dawson muttered.

  “Not the whole town. Maybe you didn’t notice because you were so involved with what was happening, but there were witnesses. I came out in time to see you take Mikala to your car. And Carson… He was persona non grata after that. Whether Mikala knew it or not, lots of kids respected her.”

  “I wish—” Dawson started, then stopped.

  “Wish what?” Clay asked.

  “I wish I would have stayed in Miners Bluff. I think my life might have been different if I’d stayed.”

  “And started something with Mikala?” Zack asked.

  “Yes.” There, he’d finally said it. But on the other hand… “The thing is—if I’d have stayed, I wouldn’t have married Kelly and had Luke. We have problems now, but I can’t imagine my life without him.”

  The men were silent for a few minutes, each lost in their own thoughts.

  After their waiter brought their orders, Clay asked, “How would you like to do something different with Luke?”

  “How different?” Dawson asked warily.

  Clay broke into a laugh. “Only different enough to have fun. How about tubing on the snow in my backyard tomorrow? We’ve got a few hills. I think he’d enjoy it.”

  “I’ll ask Luke and get back to you.”

  * * *

  She hadn’t been able to refuse.

  Mikala stood at the top of the hill above Clay’s backyard, dragging her tube behind her. About an hour ago Luke and Dawson had come to the door of her studio.

  Luke had looked up at her and asked, “Do you want to go tubing with us?” Dawson had just given her one of his irresistible smiles. And to rationalize, she figured an afternoon of outdoor fun could help open communication between father and son. Coming along had little to do with wanting to be with Dawson again. Right?

  Wrong, said a tiny voice inside her.

  Suddenly Dawson was by her side. She knew it was him because of the awareness she felt, the hairs on her neck prickling, the flare of heat rushing through her body.

  Dawson motioned to Luke. “He seems to be having fun.”

  Luke was sliding over the hillocks on his tube and the several times he’d climbed back up the hill, he’d worn a grin on his face. It was so good to see him smiling.

  “I think he likes Clay and Celeste, and he’s good with Abby.”

  “She took to him as if he was her older brother.”

  “That’s good for him—to be looked up to.”

  “I’ve missed talking with you.”

  Turning toward him now, full face, Mikala gazed up into Dawson’s eyes and wondered if that was all he’d missed. But she could see there the same knowledge that she had of him. When they kissed, the earth moved. He missed more than talking and so did she. They both knew it.

  “So what do you think about a toboggan ride?” he asked.

  She stared at the toboggan which was made of basswood and willow. It was old-fashioned but looked sturdy, too. “Is that an antique?” she asked with a quick smile.

  “You’d have to ask Clay that. But even if it is, it’s in good shape. I wouldn’t let you ride on anything that was unsafe.”

  No, he wouldn’t. But riding with him could be unsafe for other reasons. “Would I be in front or back?”

  “You’d be in front but I can still steer. It can be a little tricky to control the weight and motion.”

  She had no qualms about letting him be in control. “All right. I’m game. Let’s see if old is better than new.”

  As Dawson pulled the toboggan up beside them, she asked him, “So how’s work going? Are you able to keep up with everything?”

  “Dad’s a great help. He supervises the crews and then I just have to choose new projects and keep on top of the financial aspect of running the business. I’d actually like Dad to move up here with us.”

  “What would your dad do if he lived up here?”

  “He’d be my right-hand man in a new branch of our construction company.”

  “So you’re seriously thinking about this?”

  “I am. I drove around Miners Bluff and Flagstaff. There’s a lot to be said for bringing the business to the area. With Flagstaff being a college town, there are lots of new ideas, new developments, new housing for people to live in. We’re heading into an upswing and I think this is a good place to be, maybe even better than Phoenix. Instead of a gated community or an ap
artment complex, we can concentrate on individual houses, quality homes with decent pricing in Flagstaff as well as Miners Bluff.”

  “Are you ready to start something new now?”

  “Whether I’m ready or not, I have to build a life here for me and Luke. I won’t work the hours I once did. But I want him to understand that working hard at something is the best way to get ahead.”

  “In other words, you want to teach him what life’s all about by example.”

  “Exactly. If we can get through all these changes together, then he’ll learn he can get through anything.”

  Dawson’s philosophy was sound. He was a good dad. But was he missing something Luke was trying to tell him? Was she missing something?

  Luke was down at the bottom of the hill near the house watching Abby make snow angels. As Celeste joined her daughter, Mikala heard the laughter that floated up to them.

  Dawson watched as Clay finished a slide down the hill in a tube and joined his wife and daughter. “They’re a real family,” Dawson said.

  Mikala heard the regret in his voice for the family he’d once had. “They’ve become a real family since July. Before that, Zoie and Clay weren’t talking and hadn’t seen each other since the divorce. Celeste felt like a distant aunt. But then she returned for the reunion and everything changed. She’d always wanted to be a part of her daughter’s life and last summer seemed to be the right time. But Clay had to agree. Obviously he more than agreed.”

  “Clay told me they all actually get along,” Dawson remarked.

  “They do. Zoie doesn’t try to be Abby’s mother now. She’s the favorite aunt and it works. Abby loves to have fun with her, but at the end of the day, Zoie can leave and the responsibility isn’t hers. That’s always been the way she looks at life, and Clay finally realized it.”

  “Zoie always liked exotic things,” Dawson said with a chuckle. “And Celeste just wanted a home.”

  “Maybe they’ve both found their bliss.”

  “Yep. And maybe we’ll find ours on this toboggan,” he joked.

  He straddled it and sat, then waited for Mikala to do the same. She was nervous and anxious and self-conscious and every other adjective she could think of, but she sank down in front of him and, tilting a little, ended up balanced on his thighs.