Guy Next Door (9781460341179)

by Tippens, Missy

  “Well, uh, it’s been ages.” Her hand went to her cheek again. “I’d enjoy seeing you, too. I look forward to it.”

  After a brief discussion of details, Darcy and Bryan agreed he would plan to spend the whole weekend of the event in Appleton.

  Oh, joy.

  She ended the call and stuck the phone in her pocket. “Wow. He’s coming to the auction.”

  Luke forced his clenched teeth apart. “Yeah, I heard everything he said.”

  “Oh.” Hand to cheek again. “You don’t look happy. Do you think it’ll cause too much commotion to have him here?”

  Ridiculous. He should be pleased for the donation. “Do you expect a problem?”

  “I don’t think so, since people around here know him. He’s going to email me a list of items he’ll donate. So for now, let’s say ‘Concert tickets and personally autographed Bryan Winningham items’ in our ad.”

  “Whatever you think is best.”

  She huffed. “Are you mad?”

  “No, I’m glad we have the donation. Do you really think he’s a big enough draw?”

  “Well, he can’t bring the rest of the members of his band but—”

  “What’s his band’s name?”

  When she told him, he let out a whistle. “I’ve heard of them. I had no idea that was this Bryan.” Having items from the up and coming band could be really good for his mom’s ministry—if he could get over himself and his insane irritation at Bryan. “Nice work, Darcy. Glad you befriended him in high school.”

  “Are you saying I’m using him?” she said.

  “Sorry. Didn’t mean it that way. I’m actually relieved. Should be a good auction.”

  She leaned back and looked up at the stars, letting out a sigh. “Yeah. I think we could definitely meet our goal.”

  The tension flowed out of him. Honestly, he needed to get a grip.

  Darcy had a friend years ago. The guy was interested in her. So what? This drummer could actually be The One for her. Luke had to be prepared for that. Maybe the timing of this was part of God’s plans for Darcy.

  The light from the moon played on her shiny hair as she angled her head to better see the night sky, placing her head nearly on his shoulder. “Look how beautiful. A waning gibbous moon.”

  “A what?”

  “I’ve told you about it before.”

  As she once again explained about moon phases, all he could concentrate on was how close she was, how good she smelled—like flowers and everything sweet, sweet like her.

  How could he ever separate the Darcy he grew up with and depended on from this woman who attracted him like crazy?

  He couldn’t. That was the problem. If he allowed the attraction to lead to its logical conclusion, he’d end up hurting her and lose his lifelong friend, his support, the person he’d always depended on for honesty. The person who would always be there for him if he needed anything.

  She lifted her head off his shoulder and looked into his eyes. “You’re not listening, are you?”

  Focus. He had to ignore thoughts of her shiny hair and the smell of her perfume. Thoughts of her sparkling eyes and full lips. He had to concentrate on the geeky girl, the friend who’d tutored him through math and science.

  “Tell me more about this gibbs thing,” he said.

  “Gibbous, Luke.” She laughed and leaned close. “You goof.”

  “But you love this goof.”

  She shoved him in the shoulder. “You wish.”

  Yes. Unfortunately, at the moment, he did wish.

  Chapter Seven

  Luke’s dad left for his office early Saturday morning as usual. Luke picked up breakfast and two cups of coffee at the café and carried it to the other side of the downtown square, one block from Rome Street.

  If he was successful, he would kill two birds with one stone this morning. Persuade his dad to move to join his law practice, which might also serve to speed the end of the ill-advised relationship between Burt and Noreen.

  The old Victorian home that housed Burt’s office had been renovated a decade earlier and stood tall and proud, flanked by two giant magnolia trees that nearly touched the ground. The sign out front read Burt Jordan, Attorney at Law. At one time, Luke had imagined that sign would someday read Jordan & Jordan.

  The familiar smell of paper and books and furniture polish brought back memories of working there in summers during high school. “I always loved this place.”

  “You used to beg to come to work with me when you were little.” The smile his dad gave him eased some of the tension of the past few days. Being in this building did the same.

  Burt nodded down the hallway toward his personal office and conference room. “Thanks for bringing breakfast. Let’s eat while it’s hot.”

  Luke glanced at the receptionist’s desk, though Inez was much more than a receptionist. She’d been Dad’s assistant for twenty years. “How’s Inez doing these days?”

  “Doing well. She’s on vacation this week, kicking up her heels in Daytona Beach.” His dad stopped at the last door on the right. “In here or the conference room?”

  “Here’s fine.”

  Inside his dad’s office, a massive wood desk sat in front of a wall of windows. Outside, a huge live oak stood sentinel over the backyard that was bordered by pines. Bluish-­purple hydrangeas below the window added a touch of color to the scenery.

  Burt settled at his desk while Luke pulled a sausage biscuit out of the bag and handed over a steaming cup. Once Luke had his own food, he sat in the leather chair on the other side of the desk.

  With fingers steepled under his chin, Burt locked his gaze on his son. “So why the meeting this morning?”

  “Wanted to touch base since we’ve been going in different directions lately.” And since you’ve been avoiding me. Luke took his time adding cream to his coffee and stirring, uncertain how he should approach the topic of asking his dad to move to Nashville. “The painters and roofers did a good job this past week. House is looking good.”

  “Yes, a new coat did a lot to brighten up the exterior.”

  “Other than occasionally supervising workers, I feel like I haven’t been much help at home. However, I have a nice ceremony planned that will honor Mom at the Food4Kids auction. I’m going to ask Granny to speak, to tell how Mom came up with the idea of the program and give a report on the number of kids served since its inception.”

  While sipping from the rim of his cup, his dad’s eyes shone gratitude. “Your mom would’ve been happy to know you’re involved.”

  “I also asked the mayor to speak, to honor Mom. I’d like it if you could come.”

  “Of course. Wouldn’t miss it.”

  They ate in silence for several minutes. Luke hesitated to tackle the main topic he’d come to discuss. He took a deep breath, ready to toss the idea out there.

  “I appreciate the ceremony for your mom. It’s exactly what I’d been hoping for.” Burt set down his coffee cup with finality. “But I’m not selling the house.”

  Luke slowly placed his coffee on the desk. Though he hated the thought of letting the house go, this wasn’t the news he’d wanted to hear. “I see.”

  His dad had never been good at communicating. At least not feelings. After a few moments of silence, Luke figured that he wouldn’t get any further explanation.

  Leaning back with elbows propped on the arms of the chair, clasped palms folded under his chin, Burt watched Luke.

  “You seem disappointed,” Burt said. He was sharp. Didn’t miss a thing, which was what made him a good attorney.

  The refusal to sell was a definite wrinkle in Luke’s plan. He could understand Burt’s attachment to the house, yet he suspected this had more to do with Noreen—who could end up being a much bigger wrinkle t
han a house. “I want you to do what’s best for you.”

  Burt nodded. “I am as happy as I can be, considering what we’ve been through. I truly care for Noreen and feel hopeful for the first time in a long time.”

  “I’m afraid you’re rushing into something you’re not ready for yet. Don’t you think maybe you’re depending on her too much?”

  “No, I don’t.” Burt wadded up the biscuit wrapper and shoved it into the brown paper bag. “Your mom made me promise to move on and live my life after she was gone. I think—” He cleared his throat and looked away. “I’m trying to honor her wishes.”

  Luke had heard his mom make that request of his dad. Still, romance was blinding the man. He couldn’t see potential problems.

  “Dad, I’d like—”

  Burt threw his hand up to stop him. “I expect you to honor your mother’s wishes as well, by supporting me on this.”

  What could Luke do in light of that request? Would his mom really want his dad to move on so quickly? Luke didn’t think so, and it frustrated him to no end that Burt wouldn’t at least slow down, take his time before diving headfirst into dating.

  No matter, his dad wouldn’t be budging on the issue today. “I’ll try.” He took one last sip of his coffee and then gathered their trash. “I’ll let you get back to work. I’ve got to check in with Roger, then Darcy and I are going to the lake to open the house.”

  Burt’s shoulders relaxed, his eyes lit with pleasure. “Take a picnic. Plan to roast marshmallows and enjoy yourselves.”

  “We’ll be working, but we’ll try to have fun.”

  “Oh, I don’t think you have to try too hard with Darcy. You two know each other so well it’s like you’re two halves of a whole.”

  The thought made breathing difficult, which happened a lot around Darcy lately. Stress must be getting to him.

  For now, though, he’d focus on getting through one day.

  * * *

  Darcy finished dusting, sweeping and mopping the lake house. Though someone had to have already been to the house that spring. She’d hardly found a speck of dust or dirt.

  Now that the kitchen was stocked with non-perishables, the auction winners would be able to come any week they’d like.

  Time to find out how Luke was progressing on the boat.

  Darcy wove her way through a small cluster of trees along the path that led to the dock. As she approached, she slowed, peeking through branches to find Luke inspecting the life preservers.

  She’d always loved watching him on the boat. He was at home and totally relaxed, as if he’d been created to be on the water. He’d been as good on water skis as at anything else he attempted, a natural athlete.

  Continuing down the path, she walked out of the woods into the open.

  “Oh, hey. Done cleaning the house already?” Luke asked. “I was going to come up and help you finish.”

  “All done. And either our parents are senile, or else they didn’t tell the whole truth about coming up here this season.”

  “I agree. The dock and boat were in great shape.”

  “I suspect my mom wanted to make sure I took a day off.”

  He didn’t respond, simply stood on the boat, hands on his hips, with a grin big enough to rival the sunshine.

  “Luke Jordan, did you have something to do with this?”

  “Nope.” He laid a hand to his chest. “Cross my heart. But I think you’re right.”

  He hopped off the boat onto the dock, the weathered wood swaying with his heavy footsteps. When he reached the covered area set up with lawn chairs and picnic table, he grabbed a canvas bag and handed it to her. “Your mom sent this.”

  Inside, Darcy found her swimsuit, a beach towel and bottle of sunscreen. “Yep. She knew we’d end up with free time.”

  “I brought my trunks just in case. How about taking the boat out for a swim?”

  She was hot from cleaning. And she did have a free afternoon. “Sure. Why not?”

  They headed back to the house to change, planning to meet up again at the boat.

  When Darcy arrived, she found Luke in the driver’s seat, ready to go, with sunglasses on and the key in the ignition. “About time.”

  “Mr. Impatient.” She stowed her belongings and went to the cushioned seating at the front of the ski boat, eager for the rush of speed on the water.

  Luke started the engine and backed away from the dock. Then he pushed the throttle forward, slowly moving out of the cove. Once they reached open water, he opened up the engine, sending them speeding across the lake.

  Wind whipped her hair, and a fine mist of water cooled her as the boat bumped over the wake created by a nearby boat. She closed her eyes, her face directly in the breeze, and enjoyed the thrill of freedom. She’d always adored being out on the lake, just the two of them with the wind, sun and water.

  Soon, Luke pulled into their favorite cove and killed the engine. The isolated spot was small and perfect for swimming.

  “No pushing me,” she called. “The water is probably freezing cold. I need to ease in.”

  Slowly taking off his sunglasses, a predatory gleam lit his eyes. “You know how I feel about easing into the water.”

  She squealed and laughed as he walked near. “I’m serious! No throwing me overboard.”

  Right before he got to her, he changed direction, yanked off his T-shirt and jumped over the side of the boat making a big splash. “Come on. The water is perfect.”

  She peeked over the edge of the boat and watched as he swam around. “You’re just saying that.”

  “I’ll give you two minutes to do this the slow way. After that…well, I won’t be held responsible for my actions.”

  From past experience, she knew he meant business. He didn’t tolerate wimps.

  With a huge smile on her face, and memories of all the times they’d had similar conversations warming her inside, she removed her cover-up and went to the back of the boat. Sitting on the edge of the swim platform, she splashed water on her legs and slowly inched her way in up to her shoulders, the cool water taking her breath away momentarily.

  “This water is not perfect,” she called. “Maybe it will be by July when it’s burning hot outside.” Looking around, she couldn’t find Luke. Which usually made her nervous.

  Suddenly, he burst through the water not a foot from her. “About time you got wet.”

  “Hey, you know I like to do things differently,” she said, treading water. “You yank off bandages, and I like to slowly pull them off.”

  “It’s less painful to just dive in.”

  His brown eyes sparkled as his strong arms wove back and forth, treading water to keep him nearby.

  If only she was the type to do that. To risk all. To go for everything she wanted in life without thinking.

  As he swam closer, she took hold of the swim platform. He grabbed hold beside her, his hand touching hers.

  “I’m glad we have today,” Luke said, slicking back his wet hair. Water ran off his tanned, muscular arm resting beside hers. Familiar brown eyes locked with hers, and he smiled.

  How was it possible for his smile to make her chest ache?

  She swallowed, his nearness making it difficult to speak. “Me, uh—” She cleared her throat. “I’m glad, too.”

  The sun made his eyes lighter than usual, the gold flecks sparkling and bright. He looked happy. Relaxed. More relaxed than he’d looked since he arrived.

  “Being in your old stomping grounds is good for you,” she said. “You seem content.”

  The water swirled between them, and she floated closer. Too close. She’d float right into his arms if she wasn’t careful.

  “On the lake, I can pretend I’m on vacation.”

  “Yeah, me, too. A much-needed vac
ation.”

  Luke glanced up at her hair, a flash of mischief entering his eyes. “You still haven’t gotten all the way in. I think it’s been way more than two minutes.”

  “Don’t you dare.” She squealed as she darted away.

  He took slow, deliberate strokes to catch up, intent on catching her. She kicked her feet launching herself away from him even as she splashed water at his face. Laughing so hard she thought she might inhale half the lake, she took off toward the boat. She grabbed the back of the boat and gasped for breath, still laughing.

  Once again, Luke was hidden somewhere underwater.

  “I’m a goner.”

  At the same moment Luke’s head broke through the water, his hand shot up and dunked her under.

  She came back up, sputtering and coughing, water dripping in her eyes and was met with his gloating grin, an expression of utter satisfaction.

  She laughed as she wiped her eyes. “I’m glad I can make you so happy.”

  “Yanked off that bandage,” he called with a grin as he swam away to take a few laps around the boat.

  She held her ribs that ached from laughing.

  Luke Jordan would never change. She didn’t want him to.

  Smiling, she climbed back in the boat, dried off and put on her cover-up. She stretched out her legs along the seat in the front, soaking up the warm rays of the sun.

  Before long, Luke joined her, lounging on the seat across from her with knees bent since his legs were too long for the space. The sway of the water lulled them.

  How many times had they done this on a lazy summer day?

  “Do you remember that fall break when I tossed you in the water wearing your new sweater?” he said, pulling her out of her stupor.

  “How could I forget? I nearly drowned from the weight of that oversize thick cotton knit.”

  He chuckled, deep and rich, the sound sending chills along her arms.

  “Hey, I jumped in to rescue you. In my jeans. With my wallet.”

  She’d been secretly thrilled, even while furious with him. “That sweater stretched so badly it never did fit the same.”

  He tilted his head and looked over at her. “And my cheek never recovered. If I remember, you smacked me pretty hard.”