Guy Next Door (9781460341179)

by Tippens, Missy

  Bryan reached out his hand as if he was going to touch her face or hair, but then snatched it away. “I have to admit, this is difficult…not to push you or force something you’re not feeling.”

  “Let’s just enjoy the evening together and not worry about Luke or anything else, okay?”

  His eyes lit with pleasure. “Okay.”

  And they did just that as they drove along the curvy mountain road to the Woodlands resort about thirty miles outside of town. The driver dropped them in front of the lodge, which housed one of the nicest restaurants in the area.

  Of course, Darcy had never been there with a date. She’d only been to the lodge for a church women’s retreat. But she’d heard about the romantic dining room for honeymooners. Had read about the elopement package the resort offered—had daydreamed about being whisked away to a tiny mountain cabin with a new husband…with unmanageable brown hair and golden-brown eyes.

  A man who needed to be forgotten.

  Pushing away thoughts of those brown eyes as they had watched the limo drive by, she stepped inside the restaurant. “It’s beautiful.”

  A hostess greeted them, and the young woman’s eyes nearly bugged out of her head when she saw Bryan’s face. Glancing at the reservation book, she said, “I thought it was a joke.”

  “Pardon me?” Bryan said.

  “I’m sorry.” She blinked a few times and bit her lip to control the grin, as if trying to pull herself together and act professional. “Right this way, Mr. Winningham. Your table is ready.”

  Darcy fought her own grin at the surreal experience. She truly did feel like a princess on the arm of a celebrity.

  They were escorted to a private dining room that had one whole wall of windows with a gorgeous mountain view, perfect sunset included. “Wow.” Oh, my goodness. A private dining room? “This is spectacular,” she said in a voice much calmer than she felt at the moment.

  He pulled out her chair for her. “I hope you like it. I used to wait tables here on the weekends. Always thought I’d like to bring you here.”

  Darcy’s insides warmed. “I’m touched you thought of me. I only wish I’d known back then.”

  Seated across from her, he leaned closer, laying his hand on top of hers. It felt odd to touch someone’s hand besides Luke’s. Not bad, just…strange. Comfortable.

  Not nearly as thrilling.

  “I hate that I never had the nerve to go after what I wanted back in high school. But I do have the nerve now. And I know exactly what I want.” Heat lit his gaze, like the heat she’d witnessed in Luke’s eyes. Only the heat went one way in this case. No zipping and zapping electrical current from her end.

  Her heart sank. Luke has ruined me for others.

  For now, anyway.

  Darcy smiled and gave his hand a quick squeeze before releasing it. “Let’s enjoy a nice dinner. I’m starving.”

  With a crooked smile, he leaned back in his chair somewhat deflated. “I’m sorry I pushed. I’ll back off until you give me the green light.”

  “Thanks, Bryan. It may take a little while.”

  He opened his menu. “Totally understandable. But promise you’ll let me know if I’m totally out of the running. Don’t want to make a nuisance of myself.”

  Nodding, she opened her menu. “You’re never a nuisance. We’ll always be friends.”

  And so went the rest of the evening. He was a wonderful dinner partner, great conversationalist, totally engaging, asking her about herself and her family.

  Yet her heart wasn’t in the date.

  Her heart was in Appleton with the guy next door.

  Later, as the limo pulled up in front of Darcy’s house, Bryan turned toward her, lifted her chin to look into her eyes. “Did you have a good time tonight?”

  “I had a lovely time. Thank you for the prom I never had.”

  Bryan gave her a tender, understanding look. “I think I can manage to stay in Appleton another night if you’ll go out with me again after the auction tomorrow.”

  Darcy tried to smile, but the smile wobbled. “I’m sorry, Bryan. I can’t go out with you again.”

  “Because of the complicated thing with Luke?”

  “Yeah. You’re a great guy, and I know I would enjoy spending time together. But my heart would be elsewhere.”

  “So I can’t change your mind?”

  She shook her head. “I’m afraid not. I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be. I’m glad I finally gave it a shot. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”

  The exact phrase she’d said to Luke the night she called Bryan to ask for the donation. “I’m sure you’ll find a great woman someday.”

  “Yeah, maybe in Nashville.” He gave her hand a squeeze. “Hang in there. You’ll figure it out.”

  “I hope so.”

  “I know so.” He opened the car door and helped her out, settling her arm through his, then walked her to the front door.

  She opened the door and faced him. “Thanks again.”

  He wrapped her in a friendly hug and kissed her cheek. “Hey, don’t let him yank you around, being all wishy-washy. Promise me you’ll hold out for total commitment.”

  No matter what Luke did, Darcy deserved total commitment. Because when she finally made her own commitment, it would be for always. “I promise.”

  “Darcy, tell him how you feel. And if it doesn’t work out, call me. I’ll help pick up the pieces.”

  She gave him a pained look. “Bryan.”

  With a gentle, sad smile, he said, “It’s what I do best—granted, usually in song lyrics. But I’d love the opportunity to try.”

  If only she could return his feelings. Surely, she was crazy for turning away this handsome, nice, talented man.

  Bryan’s bright smile gleamed in the porch light as he gave her a thumbs-up and headed back to the limo.

  Before he could shut the door, she called out, “I’ll still see you tomorrow at the auction, won’t I?”

  “Of course. No hard feelings.”

  Darcy couldn’t believe she was sending such a wonderful, caring man away.

  Then again, she couldn’t believe she’d never truly gotten over Luke, either.

  Someday in heaven she would ask God why He created her to love the one man she couldn’t have.

  Darcy’s cell phone vibrated. Her heart jolted when she saw the text message was from Luke.

  Impressive limo. Did you have a good time?

  * * *

  Luke stared at the text message he’d just sent Darcy, suddenly wishing he hadn’t sent it. After a couple of minutes without a response, he especially regretted it.

  She’d definitely arrived at home, though. The limo had just left. Maybe Darcy was ignoring him. Or maybe Bryan had stayed.

  He tossed his phone on the counter. It vibrated, and he snatched it back up.

  Darcy had answered his text. A very nice time.

  Luke’s gut tanked. He quickly typed a response. Did he ask you out again?

  Yes.

  His heart thunked in his chest. Why couldn’t he be sure of his feelings? Why couldn’t God knock him over the head with a clear answer? He was terrified he’d mess up with Darcy. What if she was the one for him, and he piddled around and missed his chance?

  But what if he rushed into something and it ended up he wasn’t the one for her?

  Staring at her answer, he knew he had to do something. He typed, Can I come over?

  An agonizing minute later, the phone finally vibrated.

  I’ll be on the patio.

  A smile slid over his face as he strode out the door. He stepped around the corner of Darcy’s house and stopped in his tracks. With waves of curls cascading around her face, Darcy stood watching for him, glowing in the moonl
ight like a vision in cream-colored lace. He sucked in a breath. “Darcy?”

  * * *

  Darcy bristled. He had to ask who she was? As if an elegantly dressed woman standing in front of him at this address could be someone else? “Hey. How’s Grace doing tonight?”

  “What?” He seemed distracted, but then his eyes snapped to her face. “Oh. Granny. She’s doing even better this evening.”

  A rush of relief passed through her, followed by irritation that he seemed shocked by her appearance.

  “You look beautiful,” he said.

  “Thanks.” Her pulse thudded in her ears as she glanced away, unable to hold his gaze.

  Indicating the glider, he ushered her into the seat as if she were breakable. A flutter tickled her chest.

  He wedged in beside her trying not to bump her shoulder. “So you had a good time, huh?”

  “Yes, we had a lovely dinner at Woodlands Resort.”

  He nodded. Crossed his arms. “And in a limo.”

  “Yes, the prom date neither of us got to experience. Bryan’s very thoughtful.”

  Luke’s jaw twitched. “So he asked you out again, huh?”

  She nodded, telling the truth yet omitting her answer to Bryan’s invitation. She needed a change of subject. Couldn’t risk Luke digging into why Darcy could have refused him if she’d had such a wonderful time.

  Maybe it was time to brave another difficult subject. Something she hadn’t been able to shake from her mind. “So when are you going to tell me about your conversation with your dad?”

  Angling toward her, Luke rested his arm along the back of the glider. He gazed out into the dark backyard, brushing a curl behind her ear as if he didn’t realize he’d done it.

  He pulled in a deep breath. Looked into her eyes. “He asked me to join his firm.”

  The air squeezed out of Darcy’s lungs. From joy…fear. “Wow.”

  He laughed, his eyes warm, excited. “I know. That’s how I felt.”

  Had he not told her that earlier, at the hospital, because he thought it might affect her?

  Well, of course it would affect her. But would it really affect her? “Wow,” she said again, unable to think of anything sensible.

  “Yeah.” He looked her over, checking out her hair, her dress, even her shoes. “And…” Staring into her eyes, his uncertainty turned to resolve. “And I need to go. You haven’t even had a chance to change yet, fresh off your date.”

  Had her date with Bryan influenced Luke’s decision to tell her about the job offer?

  No matter, the result was the same. Darcy knew without a doubt she couldn’t simply move on and get over Luke. She could try all she wanted to forget him by going out with other handsome, eligible men. But the truth was, she loved Luke and wanted him.

  He stood and offered his hand. She laid her hand in his and allowed him to help her up.

  Maybe the lacy dress emboldened her, or maybe it was pure desperation. For whatever reason, she stepped closer to him. “I guess your announcement of the job offer begs the question. What are you going to do?”

  “I haven’t decided.” Luke stared into her eyes, and she saw that longing, that heat she’d seen since he’d first arrived.

  The connection wouldn’t go away. Yet, he apparently didn’t feel anything beyond the physical attraction, or if he did, he refused to acknowledge it.

  “I have to weigh the pros and cons,” he said. “Have to evaluate how I feel about…everything.”

  Was she included in that everything? As if she were tossed in there with buildings and business partners?

  Apparently so. Iciness gripped her heart. “When will you know?”

  “If I were to leave Nashville, I’d have to make a quick decision. Would need to let Roger know something immediately, and then figure out what to do with the building. Moving home would be complicated.” He glanced away. “I’d have to be certain.”

  “I see.” So he’s not certain.

  His eyes pled with her, looked apologetic. Was that all Darcy was to him, a complication? Inching away, she tucked away the hurt. Why did she always manage to set herself up for these moments?

  “I hope you’ll let me know once you decide,” she said.

  “Of course. I’m glad you understand.”

  She understood all right. “Thanks for telling me.”

  Looking relieved, Luke gave her another once-over. “You really do look amazing, Darcy. Gorgeous.”

  Don’t waver. Act normal, so you don’t fall apart. Despite the ache his comment caused, she punched him in the arm, old Darcy style. “So much so, that you had to ask who I was when you arrived?”

  A crooked smiled formed, lifting one side of his mouth. “I did not ask who you were. I gasped your name, stunned at your beauty.”

  “I figured I needed to look decent for my big date with Bryan, so Chloe gave me a makeover.”

  Without looking from her eyes, he took her hand in his, threading his fingers between hers. “You do look amazing and gorgeous all fixed up. Of course, to me, you also looked that way this morning while we were setting up the auction.” He lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed her palm. “See you at church tomorrow. I’m glad you had a nice evening.”

  * * *

  Luke felt as if his chest might burst. He didn’t want to release her hand, but he had to get out of there.

  “Yeah, Bryan’s a great guy,” she said, chin held high.

  Sure, she looked beautiful and classy. But he missed the old Darcy. This Darcy looked ready to move on to the next phase of her life. And Luke still didn’t know what he should do about that.

  “Winningham seems to be a decent guy,” he said. “You deserve someone who’ll treat you well.”

  “Stop it,” she snapped, glaring at him as she planted her hands on her hips. “Just stop it.”

  “Stop what?”

  Anger flashed in her eyes. “I’m sick of hearing you talk about what I deserve. I don’t deserve any more than you or anyone else does. I’d just like to think there’s someone out there who loves me.”

  As if embarrassed by her outburst, she mashed a hand over her lips. She appeared hurt.

  Lord, I don’t feel ready. I don’t feel clear direction yet.

  As Luke stared into her eyes, he ran a thumb over her smooth cheek.

  Oh, there was someone who loved her, all right. And he wasn’t out there somewhere.

  He was standing right in front of her.

  A car door slammed out front.

  Luke swallowed words of love—words that would bind her to him, because he wasn’t yet sure he was the man she needed. “I think our parents are home from their date.”

  He had a choice. Tell her how he felt before he was certain he was ready for lifelong commitment, and possibly end up hurting her again. Or watch her jump into a relationship with one of the good guys, one who’d been crazy about her for years.

  He hesitated, fear rooting him to the ground.

  She stepped away, her expression frosty, distant. “Good night, Luke.”

  * * *

  Darcy slipped inside the house and hurried upstairs, dodging her mom and Burt. With a quiet click, she eased her bedroom door closed and rested her cheek against the cool wood.

  The feel of Luke’s lips pressed to her palm would be permanently etched in her mind. In her heart.

  Her aching, broken heart.

  But wasn’t this exactly what she’d expected from him?

  One more day. If she could make it through one more day, he’d be gone. And then she could fall apart.

  Lord, help me get through tomorrow.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Luke slipped out of the worship service early to do last minute preparation for the auction. H
e and Darcy were so busy setting out the last of the auction donations and making sure all bid sheets were in place that there wasn’t time for any awkwardness.

  Until Bryan showed up.

  Unable to sleep last night, Luke had lain awake, torturing himself with doubts and questions he hadn’t dared ask—didn’t have the right to ask. Mainly whether Bryan had kissed her.

  With a sick knot in his stomach, Luke watched a small group of fans flock around Bryan. Yet the celebrity drummer’s gaze swept the room for Darcy, and he smiled when he found her.

  Luke’s jaw clenched, and he immediately checked out Darcy’s expression.

  She smiled and waved when she saw their biggest donor.

  Once Bryan extricated himself from the young women following him around, he darted straight over to Darcy.

  She looked relaxed, comfortable. Her blush said plenty, too.

  Luke had seen all he needed to see and turned away.

  He had to be patient. Couldn’t jump based on jealously.

  Lord, give me wisdom, and certainty.

  People began to drift into the fellowship hall, indicating the service had ended. Luke welcomed the Mayor and asked the pastor to say a blessing. Then attendees lined up on both sides of the long tables loaded with fried chicken, salads and every type casserole imaginable. Off to the side, more tables held a variety of desserts, iced tea and lemonade. The whole affair reminded him of all the times his mother had shown up with enough food to feed a small army.

  Darcy approached and hooked her arm through his, like she would have done any time in the past. The familiar action felt good, yet he could tell she was preoccupied, had grabbed on to him without thought.

  “Once everyone is through eating, do you want to start the welcome and recognition for your mom?” she asked.

  “That’s the plan.”

  “Okay.” She tried to look perky, but he could tell it was a strain.

  “Everything looks great, you two,” Noreen said.

  “Thanks, Mom.” Darcy let go of Luke and followed her mom through the line. Several minutes later, Darcy’s small plate of food remained untouched at a table beside Noreen. Never landing long enough to eat, Darcy darted around the room arranging and rearranging items, checking her to-do list, sending him on errands.