Kiss Me, Chloe

by George, Linda

  Greg glared at Byrdie for a long moment, then back at Chloe, his eyes cold with anger. “We’re going to talk. I’ll be back in the morning.”

  Byrdie led her inside, trembling like a fawn in the midst of gunfire.

  Chapter 8

  Greg left the porch. “I’ll be back. And I will talk to her, one way or the other.”

  “If you ever cared a whit for her, you’ll leave her alone. She could find some happiness here, if you’ll give her a chance.”

  “With you?”

  “Maybe. But it’ll be her choice.”

  “So, how long have you been seeing her behind my back?”

  “You’d better leave right now.” Kyle balled his hands into fists.

  Greg stared at him for a long moment, then got into his car and drove off toward town.

  A strange wrenching settled in Kyle’s gut. It never occurred to him—even when he’d told Chloe it could happen—that Greg might show up and try to take her back. Kyle felt like felling a tree with his bare hands. Tonight, for the first time, she’d relaxed, forgotten about the past, and kissed him. Him! Not some jerk who bounced between women like a tennis ball. She had to feel something to kiss like that. His head swam, thinking about it. He stepped out into the yard and looked up at the stars.

  Damn! He couldn’t stand the thought of Chloe going back to Houston. He had to help her remember how it felt when they’d held each other. And he had to control his anger so he wouldn’t smash that fish salesman’s face like an overripe melon.

  <><><>

  Byrdie took Chloe all the way to the kitchen, pulled out a chair, then headed for the sink to fill the tea kettle and put it on to boil. “I’m so sorry, child. I never thought he’d follow you all the way up here. Kyle told me Greg was involved with another woman. If so, he must have dumped her to come here and order you to go back with him. I can’t imagine a man so wishy-washy he can’t make up his mind who he wants. I sure hope you don’t plan to go back to Houston with him. You deserve better than someone like that.”

  Chloe, still in turmoil, couldn’t reply. She hardly touched the hot spiced tea Byrdie fixed for her. After offering any help Chloe needed, Byrdie had settled into silence—an unusual state for her—and waited until Chloe was ready to talk.

  Still in a quandary, Chloe released a huge sigh. “I never expected him to follow me.”

  “I understand.” Byrdie patted her hand gently.

  The emotion of the day was too much. Tears threatened, but Chloe refused to give in to them. By coming here, Greg had put her back under his control. He wanted her to give in, go back to Houston, forgive his betrayal, and piece together the dreams they’d once shared as though nothing had happened. But everything had changed. Couldn’t he see that? His dream wasn’t hers anymore. And if she went back, things wouldn’t change for long.

  “I’m so confused, Byrdie. I thought I knew what I wanted when I left Houston. A different life. A different job. Less stress …”

  “And more love.”

  Chloe nodded. “When Kyle brought me here, it felt as though I’d come home. This world was completely devoid of Greg and his influence on me. Now, with him here, everything has changed.” Greg was an invader, taking way her precious new freedom.

  “Don’t worry, child. You’ll figure out what you want in time.”

  Chloe nodded, suddenly exhausted.

  “How did he know where to find you?”

  “I told Fran, my best friend. She must have told him where I was, even though I asked her not to. Greg wore her down, just as he always wore me down whenever we disagreed.”

  “She must think there’s still a chance the two of you could straighten things out between you.”

  Chloe’s mind swirled with fatigue.

  “Do you think he really wants you back?”

  Chloe thought for a moment. “That’s what he said, but I’m not sure I believe him.”

  “Well, from what I know of men like Greg—the ones with giant egos—I figure he needs to feel like he’s the one who broke off your relationship. When you left, he knew he’d take the blame from people he considers friends.”

  “I’m not sure he has any friends. Plenty of business contacts, though. All of our friends from high school and college are gone from our lives now.” She took a tissue and dried her eyes. “So what should I do? Greg won’t give up. He never gives up on something he wants.”

  “Tell him that, straight to his face. Tell him you’ve found a new life without him—and wish him well with his. It’s more than he deserves.”

  Chloe nodded. “I have to be honest with you, Byrdie. As precious as Kyle is, my new life may not include him.” Saying those words bothered her. Had she already included Kyle in her life to the point that leaving him would cause her pain?

  “I know. If it does, I’ll be plumb tickled, but you have to decide what’s best for you. If that doesn’t include Kyle, I’ll keep coaxing him to find the right woman and settle down. I worry about him being on the road all the time, but he’s a grown man. He’ll survive, with or without you. You have to do what’s right for you.”

  Chloe hugged her. “You make it sound so simple.”

  “Love is never simple. Of all our gifts, it’s the most fragile, and the most valuable. It’s never the simplest.”

  “I’ll talk to Greg in the morning and try to settle things, so he can get on with his life—and I can get on with mine.”

  “And you can get back to deciding where you want to be, and with whom. Things have a way of working out. Take it one day at a time, live fully in the present, and try not to worry too much about what’s going to happen tomorrow. Before long, you’ll get everything straight in your mind, and you’ll know what you want to do.”

  Chloe hoped with all her heart Byrdie was right. After a hug, Chloe went upstairs, gathered her things, and went down the hall to take a hot shower.

  Twenty minutes later, back in her room, she heard a light knock at her door.

  “Chloe, are you still awake?”

  Kyle. She got up, put on a fluffy blue robe, tied it securely, then opened the door. She was glad to see him.

  “I just want you to know how I feel about all this.”

  She hesitated. “I think I know.” Standing back to let him come in, she pushed the door around, but didn’t close it completely.

  “I don’t want to pressure you. Lord knows you’ve had enough of that in the past. You don’t need any from me. But I can’t stand the thought of your going back to Houston with him. He’s been seeing another woman while letting you believe you were the only one in his life. I know that hurts, but doesn’t it make you so mad you want to smash something?”

  “It isn’t my place to judge him for what he’s done. I’m responsible only for my own life. I can’t condemn Greg for the choices he’s made. I won’t.”

  “Maybe not, but you don’t have to be part of those choices. I know one thing for sure. If he gives up and goes home, you’ll know he never had a commitment in him, and you’ll be free of him once and for all.”

  “And if he stays and tries to convince me I should take him back?”

  Kyle gripped her shoulders gently and peered into her eyes, speaking slowly, emphatically. “Then I’ll give him the biggest run for his money he’s ever faced. He’s not right for you.”

  “But you think you’re right for me?”

  “Without a doubt.” He ducked his head. “And I told you in Albuquerque I was fresh out of advice. I’m far from perfect, darlin’. Especially when it comes to something that really matters to me.”

  Chloe recognized the conflict she saw in Kyle’s eyes. “You know I can’t promise anything right now.”

  “I know.” He pulled her against him, crossing his arms around her back. “I want to see you laugh and smile most of the time. I want you to be happy. Even if that means leaving here, I can live with that. I’m just not sure I can live with your going back to that stuffed shirt.”

  She tremb
led in his arms, just as she had when he kissed her. She tightened her arms around him, remembering how wonderful that kiss had felt. “I have to find out what I want for my life from this point on. I’m not sure what that is, yet.”

  He leaned back. The hurt in his eyes pierced her soul. “I’ll just have to hope you find it right here.” Enfolded in his arms, she relaxed for the first time since Greg had arrived, and nestled her cheek on Kyle’s broad chest. He kissed the top of her head, and, when she looked up at him, he kissed her lips with such tenderness she wanted to tell him everything would work out exactly the way he wanted. If she only knew that was true.

  “I can’t stand the thought of hurting you, Kyle. That’s why I have to be honest.”

  “Hurt me? Why, you couldn’t hurt me if you tried.”

  Chloe could see right through the I. This precious man could be hurt so easily it made her cringe. She wanted to comfort and reassure him, but she couldn’t let him expect more than she might ultimately be able to give.

  “Chloe, you’re the best thing to come into my life in longer than I care to admit, so I have to be honest with you, too. I hope Greg tucks his tail and runs home tomorrow, knowing he’s outmatched.”

  “I don’t think he will.”

  “Then I’ll have to live with whatever decision you make.” He touched his lips to hers, briefly, sweetly. “Good night, darlin’. If you need me—no matter what time—just bang on that wall. I’ll be here before you can say ‘Kiss me.’”

  “I’ll remember. Kiss me.”

  He did.

  When she closed the door behind him, she waited until she heard his door close, then slipped out of her robe and back into bed, knowing he was just on the other side of that wall, thinking about her while she thought about him.

  Pulling the quilts snug around her neck, she touched her lips and remembered his sweet parting kiss. Never, with Greg, had she felt so alive, so vibrant, so full of desire. And how long had it been since they’d made love? She realized it had been months ago. About the time Ellen Delacorte had come into Greg’s life.

  Having dated no one but Greg since high school, Chloe had no experience with casual dating. She knew, though, she would never make love to a man on their first date, as so many women did these days. Making love was reserved for two people who meant something special to each other. If two people truly loved each other, then making love would be an extension of that love, and not just the expected end to an evening spent together at a restaurant or seeing a movie.

  Chloe closed her eyes and thought about making love with Kyle. There would be nothing tentative in his love-making, yet he would be infinitely gentle and generous. If she’d asked him to stay—

  Chloe opened her eyes with surprise at her thoughts. But then, with a smile, she closed her eyes again and enjoyed the fantasy.

  <><><>

  Kyle climbed into bed, turned over twice, but couldn’t find a comfortable position. So, he got up again and went to the computer, determined to divert his thoughts from the sight of the man who’d treated Chloe like a possession.

  Pulling up his accounts, he went through each client’s holdings—Byrdie, Hank, Cindy, and the others—making sure they were progressing as expected. He made one change on an annuity. Since leaving the firm, he’d assumed control of his own investments, adding Byrdie and the others when they asked for his advice, and begged him to broker their investments. Monitoring the accounts was as simple as turning on his computer here in Ouray, or his laptop in the truck.

  He wondered what Chloe would think if she knew about this little “home business” of his. She might accuse him of being unable to give up his high-pressure job. It was hard to explain to someone who wasn’t into investments that managing these accounts wasn’t work for him. It was fun. And, he was helping people he knew and loved by helping their money grow at the best possible rates. The biggest problem he’d had, when he’d been doing it all day, every day, was trying to manage every penny as though it were his own. Some people didn’t appreciate his hesitance to invest their money in a high-yield, high-risk venture. He’d heard plenty from his clients when he’d passed on an investment that later paid off in the millions. He’d lost a few clients over those deals.

  He should tell Chloe about the accounts he managed. And he would. But not yet. When he finished, he turned the computer off and went to the window, staring out into the night.

  Two days ago, he’d been as near normal as anyone could expect—and as lonely as a hawk that’d lost his mate, endlessly circling, hoping to find her again. If he hadn’t met Chloe in Albuquerque, there’s no telling what direction his life would’ve taken. Although, she might have wandered into Ouray and to the Nest on her own. If they were destined to meet, it would’ve happened, no matter where they’d had dinner that evening.

  One thing Kyle knew for sure. He wanted to settle in Ouray, to help Byrdie with the Nest. He’d probably expand his list of clients for added income, but never would he take on more than he could handle in ten hours a week. Chloe might not see it the same way. He felt bad, not telling her, but she had enough to think about right now. If he could just figure out how to get that cheating bastard to hightail it back to Houston tomorrow—

  A knock at the door sent him running to answer it. “Chloe?” he said without thinking. But it was Byrdie.

  “I didn’t think you’d be asleep yet. I won’t keep you long.”

  “You want to rearrange the furniture in here?”

  “No, silly. We’ve moved all the furniture we’re going to move. I want to know what you’re going to do about that Houston feller. Are you going to let him take Chloe away from you?”

  “Absolutely not. I won’t let her leave with him. She’s staying here.”

  She nodded knowingly. “Just as I thought. Chloe doesn’t belong to you, Kyle, any more than she belongs to him. I suspect you’re having a hard time remembering that.”

  At first, Kyle felt annoyed with Byrdie, but his anger evaporated as he studied her expression. “You’re right. I’m no better than he is, trying to run her life to suit myself, instead of letting her decide what’s right for her.”

  “Exactly. As much as I’d love to dance at your wedding, I won’t let you railroad that precious girl into thinking she has to jump into another relationship just because you’re sweet on her.” Byrdie stroked Kyle’s whiskery cheek. “I love you. You know it so well I don’t have to say it much.”

  “I know.”

  “I love Chloe, too. I want her to find out who she is, separate from Greg—and separate from you. Separate from me, too, for that matter. I have to give her the space to make the journey—and you have to take two steps back.”

  “I know what you’re getting at, Byrdie. Thanks.” He kissed her on the cheek and pulled her into a bear hug.

  She laughed, gasping for breath. “Don’t be late for breakfast in the morning. I’m fixing your favorite.”

  “Egg in the hole?”

  “I figure you’ll want about four. Am I right?”

  “At least. Is that what everyone else is having?”

  “Course not. They’ll have scrambled, with some cream cheese to make them a little special. Egg in the hole is too time-consuming to fix for a crowd, and you know it.”

  “Thanks, Byrdie. Can we have French toast next?”

  Byrdie grinned. “If you’ll fetch me some powdered sugar at the store tomorrow. It’s the one thing you didn’t bring from Durango.” She beamed her appreciation for the groceries.

  “Consider it done. Make a list. Stores will be closed on the Fourth.”

  Byrdie paused in the hallway. “You’re the light of my life. Don’t ever forget.”

  He grinned. “How could I forget my best girl?”

  She shook one finger at him, then headed downstairs.

  Chapter 9

  Chloe was out of bed, dressed and in the kitchen by six-thirty the next morning, insisting on helping Byrdie serve breakfast. She’d almost forgotten h
ow much she loved to cook. In Houston, she’d relied on the microwave and quick recipes most of the time. When occasions arose for special meals, she and Greg usually went to a restaurant.

  Greg was partially responsible for this early rising. Chloe hadn’t slept well at all, dreading the confrontation to come.

  To Chloe’s delight, Byrdie welcomed the help. Breakfast was on the table at the stroke of seven. Chloe was surprised at how many people were at the table, waiting, when seven rolled around, eager to get an early start on the day.

  Kyle’s eyes widened when he reached the dining table and found Chloe setting a huge bowl of cream cheese scrambled eggs in the middle of the lazy Susan.

  “Where’s Byrdie? She isn’t sick, is she?”

  “I volunteered to help, since the house is full and she has more pies to bake this afternoon for the contest day after tomorrow.”

  “That’s right! She told me about baking peach pies, but I didn’t realize they were for the contest.” He followed Chloe to the kitchen, circled her waist with his hands, then kissed the soft skin just under her left ear.

  “Kyle, I’m busy!”

  “Mmm. So am I. I think I taste strawberry jam.” He nibbled some more. “No, by golly, I think it’s plum. Wild plum. Nothing better in the world.”

  Chloe wiggled out of his grasp. “Don’t you know better than to bother a woman while she’s cooking? Shoo!”

  Grinning like a possum, Kyle muttered, “Yes, ma’am,” and contritely left the kitchen.

  Chloe watched him go, heart tugging, her body sending mixed signals of desire and confusion. Byrdie stood at the stove, cracking eggs. She’d cut the middles from pieces of skillet-fried toast, added a dollop of butter to the hole, then dropped an egg into each one. The bread “middles” sizzled alongside.

  “These are for Kyle. There’s nothing he likes better for breakfast than egg in the hole.” She let the eggs cook about a minute, then flipped them with a spatula, toast and egg together, to brown on the other side until the whites were cooked but the yolks still runny.

  Chloe smiled with the memory of her mother fixing fried eggs for her as a child, plopping them on pieces of toast before cutting it all up together. Each piece of toast had exactly the right amount of egg on top. Delicious. Egg in the hole was simply another version of that favorite, with a bit of humor mixed in.