Renting to Own

by Linda Rettstatt

  “I should thank you. You reminded me I’m not that man you thought I was, a man who takes advantage of others.”

  She turned and pressed a palm to his chest, feeling his heartbeat. “You have a good heart. I’ll call Beau tomorrow to thank him, too.”

  “About tomorrow. Is Chelsea free? I thought we’d go to the Children’s Museum in Columbus. Of course, you’re welcome to come along, too.”

  She smiled and wrapped her arms around his waist. “Oh, am I? I don’t know. I’m not at all sure I can compete with a cute little blonde.”

  He kissed the tip of her nose. “You can compete.”

  Another deep kiss left them both breathless.

  “Okay, I should leave right now. I’ll see you tomorrow around eleven?”

  She opened the door and snowflakes blew inside. “Be careful out there. It looks slick.”

  “I’ll be fine. If the weather’s not better tomorrow, we can come up with a plan B for the afternoon.” He gingerly descended the steps and made his way to the car.

  Lily stood in the open door until he’d backed from the driveway. The chill exhilarated her. She sat down to review the sketch of Champion Cove one more time. He’s one of the good guys, Lily.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Over the next weeks, Lily spent more time with Rick. Christmas was rapidly approaching, and she planned to spend it in her own house—for as long as it would still be hers.

  “I wish you would reconsider and come to Florida with me for the holidays.” Rick sat beside her on the sofa, his fingers toying with her hair.

  “This will be the first Christmas for Chelsea and me in our own home. At least, I hope it ends up being ours.”

  “You never know.”

  “If I worked double-time for a month or two doing transcription, I could come up with the twenty-five hundred dollars. Do you think the new owner would agree to another rent-to-own agreement?”

  Rick pulled his hand back and looked away. “I don’t know. I don’t want you to kill yourself for this house. Right now everything’s fine. You don’t have to move.”

  “I should be grateful for that, I suppose. I was thinking, maybe you could come for dinner when you get back from Florida. You, Chelsea and I could celebrate a late Christmas together. She already has a present she made that she’s dying to give you.”

  He brushed his fingers along her shoulder. “Maybe I can fly to Florida early, then get back here for Christmas eve.”

  “Your parents are counting on you being there.”

  “They’ll never miss me. Joyce and the kids are flying down, too. I’ll have more time with my folks if I go ahead of the crowd. Let me see if I can change my flight. That is, if you want me here.”

  She scooted closer and dropped her head onto his shoulder. “It would be nice to have you here for Christmas.”

  “Then it’s settled. I’ll leave on the twentieth and fly back early on the twenty-fourth. I’ll call the airlines tomorrow and make the changes.”

  “That’s going to cost a fortune.”

  He wrapped his arms around her. “Being here with you, watching Chelsea open her gifts—it’ll be worth it.”

  *

  “Lily, could you come into my office for a minute?” Rick called through the open door.

  Chelsea lay sprawled on the floor in front of the office TV, coloring in her Christmas book.

  “Be right there,” Lily called back. She finished the email she had been composing and hit Send.

  When she stepped into Rick’s office, he pulled her to him and shoved the door closed. He kissed her, and her body melted against his. His arousal was evident, and she remained plastered against him, relishing in the heat they generated.

  “I wanted to say goodbye properly before I leave for the airport.”

  She caught her breath. “That was proper?”

  “It’s the best I can do, under the circumstances. Good thing there’s a five-year-old on the other side of that door.”

  “Oh, really. Or what?”

  “Or I might have my way with you right there on the sofa.”

  The thought sent excited tingles into her center. They’d been constrained, so far. Many nights, they half-sat, half-lay together on her couch after Chelsea was asleep, feverishly kissing and touching. But she’d been adamant that he could not stay over, and she’d avoided staying at his place. The result had been cold showers and sleepless nights. Something was going to have to change—soon. She trusted Rick, and it was time.

  “What are you thinking?” He looked down at her, his eyes narrowed.

  “Nothing.”

  “You’re all flushed, and your eyes look glassy. Got you all hot and bothered, huh?”

  “I’m fine.” She stepped away from him and took in a deep breath. “Do you have the gifts for your parents?”

  “They’re in my suitcase. You know, you really didn’t have to do that.”

  “Chelsea made them each a bracelet at school. It was a class project. She insisted on sending them to your ‘mommy and daddy.’”

  “They’ll love it, I’m sure. Which reminds me.” He opened his desk and removed the digital camera. “I promised to bring photos of the two of you. Let’s get the shortstop in here. You can pose on the sofa, if you can promise to stay awake and it doesn’t get you too excited.”

  She shook her head. “You’re terrible. I’ll get Chelsea.”

  “Wait, let me get a surprise shot.” He sauntered into the front office, the camera hanging casually at his side. Chelsea looked up and then went back to her coloring.

  “Hey, Chels?”

  When she looked up again, he snapped the picture.

  “What was that for?” she asked.

  “My mom and dad want to see pictures of you and your mommy. Come into my office and you two can pose.”

  Lily and Chelsea sat side by side on the sofa while Rick snapped their pictures. He also took separate shots of each of them.

  “Let me take a picture of you and Mommy.” Chelsea reached for the camera.

  “You know how to do it? You look through here, then you push this button right here.” Rick set her small fingertip on the shutter release.

  “I can do it. Now you sit beside Mommy.”

  Rick sat down and put an arm around Lily’s shoulders.

  “Say cheese.” The camera gave a blinding flash. “Now, you and Mommy kiss.”

  Rick grinned at Lily. “You heard her.” He kissed her softly as the flash burst in rapid succession.

  Lily waved to Chelsea. “Okay, that’s enough.” She stood and took the camera. “You sit with Rick.”

  Chelsea climbed up and into Rick’s lap. Lily took the photo and looked at the camera’s screen. The expression on her daughter’s face was one of pure joy and adoration. Chelsea loved Rick. And it was in that moment that Lily admitted to herself just how deeply she loved him, too. She’d said the words, but now they echoed in her heart.

  *

  Rick called the minute his plane landed in Columbus on Christmas Eve. “I should be there in an hour. Tell Chelsea Santa came early via Florida. I had to borrow a spare suitcase from my folks to bring the gifts back.”

  “She’s been napping so she can stay up late tonight. I’ll have dinner ready when you arrive.”

  “Thanks. Love you.”

  “Love you, too.” She hung up, a smile stretching across her face. The doorbell sounded.

  The silhouette of a man filled the frosted window. Lily pulled back the curtain and then tore open the door. “Mason!”

  “Hey, Sis. Surprise!”

  “It certainly is. Come in.”

  Her brother brushed the fresh snow from his hair and stamped his boots before entering the house. “I hope I’m not interrupting any plans. I’m on my way to Dad’s, so I thought I’d take a detour. I flew into Columbus instead of Cleveland and rented a car.”

  “You’re not interrupting a thing. It’s great to see you.” She took his coat and hung it on the wal
l hook.

  “Where’s my niece?”

  “She’s planning on a late night, so she’s napping. I’ll wake her soon, or she’ll be up all night. Come into the kitchen. Let me get you something hot to drink.”

  Mason set down the shopping bag he carried and followed her through the living room. “You have a nice place here. Cozy.”

  “Yeah, I just hope I can keep it.”

  “Why? What’s the problem?”

  “Long story. The owner has it up for sale. I didn’t read all the fine print. Anyway, things could be worse. How are you doing with your new business? You miss the Navy?”

  “My business is growing. And, no, I’m happy to be a landlubber—and my own boss.”

  “You want coffee, tea, hot cocoa or something stronger? I have wine and beer.”

  “Cocoa sounds great. You have marshmallows?”

  She grinned, remembering their childhood. “Of course. It’s not cocoa without marshmallows. Even Chelsea knows that.”

  “Good to know you’re passing on all the important Champion traditions.” His face sobered. “I hear you’ve been talking with Dad.”

  The microwave dinged and she set a cup of steaming cocoa and bag of miniature marshmallows in front of him. “I called, just to see how he’s been. He sounds good.”

  “He’s trying, Lily. I know it’s a little late, but he’s really trying.”

  “He’s coming for dinner next week.”

  “Good. I hope you two can work things out. I feel bad about leaving when I did, not being here for you.”

  She sat opposite him, stirring her cocoa. “You had to go. You’d enlisted. If you had stayed here, you would have probably ended up in jail.”

  “I should have stood up to him, though. It wasn’t right, him putting you out like that.”

  “He probably did me a favor. What kind of life would it have been with him drinking the way he was? Helen gave me a good home, and she helped me with Chelsea.” She sipped her drink. “Hey, it’s Christmas. Let’s not rehash bad memories. Tell me what’s going on in your life.”

  Mason talked about his computer business. “I’ve asked Dad to consider moving to Norfolk and working with me part-time. And, I’ve met someone.”

  “I thought so. Where is she?”

  “She’s a nurse. She has to work the holiday, and her family is in Norfolk. I’m flying back to spend New Year’s Eve with her.”

  “Does she have a name?”

  “Of course. Julie. You’ll like her.”

  “I already do. She makes you happy.”

  “We’re getting married next fall. I hope you’ll come to the wedding.”

  “I wouldn’t miss it.”

  Feet pattered down the stairs and Chelsea bounded into the kitchen. “Rick?”

  Lily looked up. “Not yet. But look who is here. Uncle Mason.”

  Mason turned around. “There’s my favorite niece. Wow, are you getting big. I haven’t seen you since you were this tall,” he said, holding his hand about three feet off the floor.

  “Mommy says I’m growin’ like a weed.” She scrambled up onto a chair between them.

  “Do you want a cup of cocoa?” Lily asked.

  Chelsea nodded. “When’s Rick going to get here?”

  “Any time now.”

  Mason narrowed his eyes. “Who’s Rick?”

  Before Lily could respond, Chelsea said, “Rick’s Mommy’s boss, and he likes to kiss her sometimes, too.”

  Mason chuckled. “Oh, really?” He glanced at his sister. “Is that harassment?”

  A flush warmed her face. “Only if it’s against my will.” She added milk to Chelsea’s cocoa to cool it. “He should be here soon. I’m glad you two will get a chance to meet.”

  “Does he make you happy?”

  Lily glanced at Chelsea and murmured. “Uh-huh.”

  Mason took the cue to change the subject. “Chelsea, you know what? Santa stopped by my house in Norfolk a little early, ’cause he knew I was coming to see you. There’s a shopping bag in the living room you might want to investigate.”

  Her blue eyes widened. “Can I, Mommy?”

  “It’s almost Christmas. I don’t see why not.”

  Chelsea slid from her chair and raced into the living room.

  “She’s beautiful, Lily. I hope Julie and I have a couple just like her. Is this thing with Rick serious?”

  She bit her bottom lip. “It could be. I have to get some things straightened out before I consider a relationship, though.”

  “What things? The house?”

  “Tyler. He’s turned up.” She filled him in on Tyler’s reappearance and her meeting with him and his parents. “He signed papers to relinquish his parental rights. I’ll feel much better when the court finalizes it, though.”

  The doorbell sounded, then the front door opened.

  “Rick!” Chelsea yelled and scampered across the room.

  “Hey, Shortstop. Wow, it looks like Santa Claus arrived here early. That must be his car in the driveway.”

  “That’s Uncle Mason’s car. He’s in the kitchen with Mommy. Come and see what he brought me.”

  Rick smiled and waved as Chelsea dragged him past the open doorway.

  When he entered the kitchen a few moments later, he bent and kissed Lily’s cheek and then extended his hand to Mason. “Rick Gardner.”

  Mason shook his hand, his face somber. “You’re the guy who’s harassing my sister?”

  Color drained from Rick’s face. “I…what?”

  Mason barked a laugh. “Just kidding. Chelsea told me you like to kiss my sister.”

  Rick nodded. “Well, that’s true enough.” He turned and dipped his head to kiss Lily lightly. “I do like to kiss your sister.”

  Lily patted his cheek. “You are incorrigible, and the two of you together could be downright dangerous. Sit down, Rick. I need to check on dinner.”

  “Need help?” he asked.

  “No. Why don’t you and Mason get acquainted in the living room? Mason, you’ll join us for dinner, won’t you?”

  “I don’t know. I should get back on the road soon, before it ices.”

  “Dinner’s practically ready, and it won’t take that long. You could crash here tonight, if you want to wait and set out in the morning.”

  “You twisted my arm. You and that delicious aroma. I’ll stay for dinner and see how the roads look before heading out. Dad’s expecting me tonight.”

  Rick removed a beer from the fridge and popped the cap off the bottle. He slapped Mason on the shoulder. “Come on. You can tell me stories about Lily’s formative years.”

  The two men moved to the living room.

  Lily set the pan of lasagna on the table and removed the garlic bread from the oven. When she went to call them for dinner, Lily found the two men wearing tiaras and sipping make-believe tea from tiny cups while Chelsea instructed them on how to properly sip tea with the pinky finger extended.

  Lily guffawed at the sight. “Where’s a camera when you need one?”

  “Mommy, look what Uncle Mason brought me. It’s a tea set.”

  “I see. It’s very nice. How about eating dinner now?”

  Both men removed their tiaras and stood. Rick stooped and picked up Chelsea. “Come on, Princess. I’m starved.”

  Later, Mason patted his stomach and leaned back in his chair. “That was a great meal, Lily. Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. It’s so good to see you. Are you sure you don’t want to stay for the night?”

  “I don’t want to be in the way.” His gaze shifted to Rick.

  Lily bit her lip as she thought this through. She had pretty much decided she would invite Rick to stay the night. But, now, with her brother here, that would feel awkward.

  Rick spoke up first. “You won’t be in the way. It’s getting icy out there. And I can assure you the sofa is quite comfortable.”

  “If you’re sure, I’ll get my bag out of the car and call Dad and let him kno
w.” Mason shrugged into his jacket and headed out the door.

  “I hope that was okay,” Rick said.

  “It’s fine. But you should know I was going to invite you to a sleepover.” She grinned.

  He didn’t. “Oh.”

  “Yeah. Oh.” Lily laughed at the look on his face and slid her arms around his waist. “I’ve decided you’re a keeper,” she whispered.

  “I need to learn when to keep my mouth shut though.”

  Mason stomped at the front door to remove snow from his boots, his announced return interrupting their kiss.

  From the living room where Chelsea was busy with her tea set, came a giggle. “See, Uncle Mason. I told you Rick likes to kiss Mommy.”

  Rick released Lily and turned toward Chelsea. “That was a goodnight kiss. And I think I need one from you, too.”

  Chelsea squealed as Rick swooped her up and kissed her cheeks. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Princess.” Slipping into his jacket, he said, “Mason, it was nice to meet you. Lily, I’ll be back in the morning. I think Santa has a few more gifts I need to deliver.”

  She tugged on the front of his jacket. “Be careful out there. And come for breakfast. I’m making waffles.”

  “That’ll be an adventure.”

  She reached for her coat. “I’ll walk you out. Be right back, Mason.”

  Rick leaned back against his car and pulled her to him. “So this was going to be our big night?”

  Her breath escaped in a cloud and she nodded. “I was hoping. I’m really sorry. I wasn’t expecting Mason.”

  “I won’t pretend I’m not disappointed, but you need time with your brother, too.” He traced a fingertip along her cheek. “You’re worth waiting for.” He bent his face to hers and kissed her thoroughly.

  Her body blossomed as his mouth trailed down her neck and his hands slid beneath her jacket, caressing her. She plastered herself against him, enjoying the hardness of him. All of it. Rick ended the kiss, breathing hard. “God, Lily, if this any indication, we’re going to need a fire extinguisher.”

  She grinned at him. “I think we can handle the fire, don’t you?”

  “Who is this woman and what has she done with my shy girlfriend?”

  “That woman was your girlfriend?”