by Stacey Wilk
“Grace, spit it out.”
She couldn’t meet his eyes. Heat flushed her cheeks, and she was grateful for the night sky to hide her. “Have you slept with a lot of women? I don’t need a number or anything, but do you, have you, I mean…” She couldn’t finish. The words stuck in her mouth and wrapped around her tongue.
He laughed.
“Please don’t laugh at me,” she whispered. He didn’t know how hard this was for her. Just sitting next to him, feeling the heat of his skin, wanting to kiss him and so much more was a big jump for her. She didn’t trust herself and was still a little afraid to trust him. “My husband left me for a younger woman, and it was mortifying knowing I wasn’t enough for him. It could be like that for you. I might not measure up to the, the, others.”
“Please look at me.” He lowered his voice. “I wasn’t laughing at you. I’d never laugh at you. You don’t know how cute you are when you get ruffled, and I like that I can do that to you. I want to see how ruffled and flushed I can make you lying underneath me, but only when you’re ready. I know my lifestyle might be questionable for you, but I promise you, I believe in monogamy. I never cheated on my wife, never.”
“My friend told me about a scandal with you.”
“Lies. Every word.”
“You know what I’m talking about?”
“I think there was only one scandal that made the tabloids. I was never A-list enough for those papers. Was there another one?”
She couldn’t help but laugh. “I don’t think so. I never follow that stuff. I only know what Jenn told me.”
“Remind me to strangle her.” He winked, but she knew he was joking. “I left Melissa because she only wanted to be married to my status and my name. She never loved me the way I thought she did.”
She knew the feeling. “So you didn’t have a lot of women?”
He kissed her knuckles. “Grace, you don’t have to worry about my past. It’s only this moment that counts. The one with you and me in it. Nothing else matters to me.”
Her heart swelled. She held tighter to his hands. “I haven’t been with many men, and my ex-husband accused me of being cold.” She couldn’t look at him.
“He was a jerk. And I don’t care if that sounds like I’m a twelve-year-old.”
Her cheeks flushed again. “I’m sorry I said that to you.”
“I am like a twelve-year-old. It’s only since I’ve met you that I wanted to grow up. When I’m around you, I feel settled. I’ve never felt that way before. You’ve helped me be a better father too. Thank you for that.”
“That’s kind of you to say, but I’m such a lousy mother. I’m hardly a good example.”
“You just went to bat for my kid. That’s the kind of person and mother you are.” He leaned in and whispered in her ear. “It’s a giant turn-on.”
She was turned on too, and she couldn’t believe it. This man who jumped off scaffolding on a dare had made her feel things she never thought possible. He made her feel alive. “Kiss me, please.”
He wagged his eyebrows and leaned in. His lips found hers, and she opened her mouth for him. She didn’t wait. Her tongue sought his. He tasted sweet, like sugar. Her hands reached up around his neck, and her fingers tangled in the back of his hair.
His hands cupped her face, bringing her closer. She loved the feel of his calloused, strong fingers against her jaw. She didn’t mind the scratchiness of the brace. Grace wanted those hands to touch her everywhere, and she let out a little moan at the thought.
Blaise pulled her closer. His hands slid down her arms and held her waist. She reached under his T-shirt, and her fingers traced every inch of his chest. This time he moaned. His hands sought her under her shirt. His fingers traced her belly and then slid higher to her breasts.
He pulled back and looked at her, his eyes shining. “Look who gets a surprise.”
Heat filled her cheeks. “I thought I was going to bed. If I’d known you were stopping by, I would’ve dressed more appropriately.”
“Grace?”
“Yes?”
“I know you’re not easy. Now kiss me.” His lips found hers again, and he turned her so she faced him better and pulled her legs around his waist. She was practically sitting on his lap. She thought of her too-short shorts leaving everything open and exposed. She wished she were twenty years younger with tight skin and a body that hadn’t pushed a baby out. His ex-wife was pretty and perfect. She’d seen pictures.
Grace broke the kiss.
Blaise’s breath came in ragged. “What’s the matter? Did I do something wrong?”
She untangled her legs and clamped her knees together. “No. It was wonderful. I…I…”
He kissed her neck and shoulder, leaving a trail of warmth in the wake of his lips. “It’s okay. When you’re ready. Besides, we might need a room at the B&B. I can’t come to your house, and you can’t come to mine. Too many eyes and I won’t make love to you in my truck. I haven’t done that since I was seventeen. I have some sense now.”
“You had sex in a truck?”
“Forget I said anything.”
He helped her up and wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her close. “I’m not done with you, Grace Starr.”
She hoped he wasn’t. But for how long? What would happen in a few weeks when he went on tour and she went back to Silverside? Could she throw caution to the wind for the first time in her life and just enjoy him? Or would she think this whole thing to death and ruin a chance for some happiness, even if it was temporary? Would it be better to finish this before it started?
She untangled herself from his hold. “I should go in.”
He kissed her lightly on the lips. “Can I persuade you to go to dinner with me tomorrow night? Just us. Out of town where we won’t run into anyone I know.”
“I’d like that.” More than she wanted to admit.
“All righty, ma’am. I’m fixin’ to pick you up at six.”
His southern accent spread warmth over her skin. “What should I wear?”
“Don’t care. Just leave the bra at home.”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Cash dragged himself into the kitchen, wearing basketball shorts and no shirt. His hair stuck up in the back. He rubbed his eyes with his fists and smeared his leftover eyeliner. Blaise couldn’t believe that tall young man was his son. He’d missed too many years. Too many moments. He was going to miss more, and that nearly killed him.
But his beautiful, sexy neighbor helped him see he could have time with his son. He was becoming a better father because of Grace. What a surprise she turned out to be and what a handful he got last night. Probably not the best thing to think about while his son was standing inches away. Blaise glanced out the window toward Grace’s house. Maybe he’d get lucky tonight. Only if she wanted to. Should he get flowers? Or a tomato from his garden? One popped up so far.
“You want some coffee?” He handed Cash a mug.
“No. Do we have eggs?” Cash opened the fridge.
“I can help you make them if you’d like.”
Cash kept looking in the fridge and shrugged. “I can do it.”
“Step aside. Let the master show you.”
“The one-handed master?”
“I’m managing.” And he was. His wrist hurt less and less. He had a follow-up appointment in a few weeks. The brace would be off before he hit the road. And if it wasn’t, he’d take it off. He still couldn’t hold his sticks the way he wanted with this thing on, but he could still whip up some mean eggs. He pulled out mushrooms, cheese, and spinach. An omelet was in order.
“I smell breakfast.” Colton sauntered into the kitchen.
“I’m doing enough for you by letting you stay here. Make your own breakfast.” Blaise handed him the carton of eggs.
“There’s one egg left.”
“You know where the store is. I believe you broke their front window once.”
“Uncle Colton broke a window? Cool.”
“Not cool.” Blaise slid the eggs onto Cash’s plate.
“I was a kid. I did a lot of stupid things back then.”
“You’re still doing stupid things.” Blaise took the egg carton back and dropped four slices of bread into the toaster. “I’ll make you some toast because I feel bad you were such a dumb kid.”
Colton punched him in the arm.
“Hey, watch the bad arm, will ya? I’ve got a tour to go on.”
Cash dropped his fork on the plate. “So you’re going.” It wasn’t a question.
Colton grabbed some coffee. “Time to build a house.” He mouthed good luck over Cash’s head and left.
Blaise pulled out the chair next to Cash. “I’ve got some good news.”
Cash kept staring.
“Grace spoke to Beau. You have your job back.”
“Really?”
“I don’t think I’d joke about that. What do you think?” What if Cash didn’t want the job back? He hadn’t thought about that last night.
“That was nice of her.” Cash pushed his eggs around the plate.
“Do you want to go back to work with Beau?”
“Not with Jud there.” He met Blaise’s eye. “If you’re really going on the road, I’ll go back to Mom’s when you leave.”
“First, Jud isn’t going to be there. Grace fought only for you. She’s waiting for you to show up this morning. Second, I want you to stay while I’m gone. We’ll figure out the details. You shouldn’t be here by yourself for months.”
“You don’t think you can trust me. Are you afraid I’d burn down the house?”
“What? Of course not. Listen, Cash, when I was your age I had no business being on my own either. You’re smarter than I was back then, but anything can happen. A pipe could break, the roof could leak, and the toilet could overflow.”
“A house could catch on fire.” Cash’s tone challenged him.
“I’m not blaming you for making a mistake. I’m not. Truth is, a house could catch on fire. What would you do?”
“Call the fire department.”
“Get out first.” He ruffled Cash’s hair. “Then call. Let’s take things one step at a time. Take back your job and stay here, go to school. We’ll figure out the rest.” He could work it out. Not every detail needed to be planned. Cash was an adult, for Christ’s sake. Blaise was on tour by the time he was twenty-four. He hadn’t known shit about being an adult back then. He would have to convince Melissa that Cash staying alone was a good idea. That wasn’t going to be easy, but he’d figure that out too.
“Now what about that job? Are you going to take it?”
Cash dumped his leftover eggs into the garbage and put the dish in the dishwasher. “I guess. I can handle living alone. That’s not the worst part. The worst part will be seeing Jud or when Aunt Savannah wants me to come over for dinner.”
“Jud is going to be away at college. You won’t see him much.”
“It will only take once.”
“What did he say to you?”
“Doesn’t matter. I need a shower.” Cash headed down the hall.
Blaise called after him. “Does that mean you’re going to work?”
His answer was the closed door and the water running. Good enough. Grace believed in Cash and so did he. Maybe a conversation with his nephew was in order. Man to man.
Blaise knocked on the bathroom door. “Cash, I’m running out. Hurry up and get next door. Make sure to thank Beau and Grace.” Especially Grace.
While he was out, he’d get those flowers. He had some thanking to do himself.
****
Blaise pulled up in front of Savannah’s house. He didn’t bother to call before he came over. He didn’t want to tip off anyone he was on his way. Hopefully, he’d catch Jud still asleep. He just wanted to talk. Maybe hear Jud’s side of things and drop the hint whatever Jud’s gripe with Cash was had to stop. They were family. They should stick together the way he, Colton, and Savannah always had. No matter what went on between him and Colton, his older brother always had his back and Savannah was always the mother hen looking out for them.
The grass looked a little shaggy, and the bushes could use a cut. Not like Adam to ignore his yard. Blaise’s brother-in-law spent all his free time cutting, trimming, spraying weed killer. Sometimes Blaise wondered if yard work was just a hobby or Adam’s way of getting some peace from their busy house and his wife’s constant planning and directing. The front lights were out too.
He barely knocked when the door swung open.
“Uncle Blaise.” Caroline, with her hair pulled back and white shirt and tiny black shorts, squealed when she saw him. She threw herself into his arms. “What are you doing here? I’m about to go to practice. You almost missed us.”
“Hey, kiddo. What kind of practice do you need those shorts for?”
“Oh, Uncle Blaise. You sound like Daddy. They’re cheer shorts. Everyone wears them.” Posing, she turned to the side with hands on her hips.
His niece was going to give her father a heart attack. Blaise was glad he had a boy.
“Do you want to see my back hand spring?” she asked.
“Not in the house,” Savannah shouted from the kitchen.
“Hey, sis.” He walked into the kitchen, where his sister was packing lunches. The counters were covered in mail, papers, cardboard boxes, and flower arrangements. “What’s all this?” Her place never looked out of sorts.
She waved her hand. “Stuff for the fundraiser. Those are the start of centerpieces for the dinner tables. I haven’t had a minute to look through the mail. This place is a mess. What brings you by?” She zipped up a flowered lunch bag and handed it to Caroline. The other bag she shoved into her large tote. “Caroline, could you make sure Grey is out of the shower? We need to leave in fifteen minutes.” Caroline skipped out of the room.
“I was hoping to talk to Jud if he’s around.” Blaise leaned against the counter and crossed his arms.
Savannah rolled her eyes. “Are you kidding? He’s never here. He slept at Alex’s house last night, and I don’t know when he’ll be back since he doesn’t have a job to go to.” She pointed her gaze right on him. “Honestly, Blaise, sometimes I think Cash is more Colton’s son than yours.”
He pushed away from the counter. “What does that mean?”
“Cash. He’s so much like Colton. Always getting into trouble or getting into fights. Do you remember the time Colton flipped the vice principal’s desk over? And it was his fault bringing a bow and arrow to school in the first place.” Savannah dumped breakfast dishes into an already-full sink.
He smiled at the memory. “It was the archery unit in gym class. The teacher never liked him and wouldn’t give him any arrows, so he brought his own.”
“Stop making excuses for Colton’s behavior and stop making excuses for Cash’s. I love your son—you know I do, just like I love my brother—but Cash has no sense of right and wrong.”
“Wait a second. That isn’t true. He made a mistake. That’s it. Some of us make mistakes, you know. We can’t always be perfect.”
“What about school, Blaise? Did he care about his future? He didn’t join any clubs or activities. Why not the band at least? Why not play in the school band?”
“For the same reasons Colton and I didn’t play in the school band. He’s too talented for that.”
“Give me a break. You didn’t play in the band because only the nerds would do that and because Dad was the music teacher.”
“Does it really matter what activities he was in during school? He’s got his whole life ahead of him. He can’t be counted out because he wasn’t in the damn winter concert.”
“The kids that don’t get involved are the ones who find trouble. The experts say.”
Anger burned his blood. “Who are these experts? You?”
She let out a breath and dropped her shoulders. She straightened some mail on the counter. “All I’m saying is, if he had some goals, he might have made differ
ent choices.”
“Like Jud.”
She slapped her thighs. “Well, as a matter of fact, exactly like Jud. I’m not trying to compare our boys, but Jud was captain of the football team and class ambassador. He was in the school band. He got good grades, and every school he applied to accepted him. He’s got a future.”
“And Cash doesn’t. That’s what you’re saying.”
“He’s only going to have a future if he starts shaping up, and picking fights with his cousin isn’t the way to start. Jud would never have lost that job if it wasn’t for Cash. You know I’m right.”
“You’re wrong and you’re blind.”
“Excuse me?”
“You heard me. Your son isn’t perfect. It’s been him picking on Cash. I don’t know what he says to Cash because he won’t tell me, but my son wouldn’t start a fight with anyone for no reason.” He raised his voice, and Savannah stepped back. He never raised his voice at her.
“How would you know whether or not your son would start a fight? You never spend any time with him.”
The blow hit him like a jab to his jaw. He gritted his teeth. She was right about that, and if he had been more involved, maybe Cash would’ve made better choices. Maybe not, but he’d never know. As he told Grace, the only moment that mattered was this one.
“I know he wouldn’t start a fight because I’m his father. That’s how.”
He stormed out.
Chapter Thirty
Grace pulled into the packed library parking lot. She had some work to do on the fundraiser, and she hoped to quiz Savannah about the computer and if she was lucky, get back on it and erase the history.
Arlene was at the circulation desk, talking to Dixie, when Grace pushed through the glass doors.
“Oh, Grace. How lovely to see you.” Dixie pecked her on the cheek. She smelled like gardenias. “How are the renovations going, darling? I’ve been meaning to drop by with another casserole, but Hoke told me that kitchen of yours ain’t quite ready yet. That true?”
“I’m afraid so. I think another few more days before everything is back in place. They’re almost done with the bathrooms, and then it’s resand the floors and paint. I’m looking forward to not living in so much dust.”