Fool For You

by Megan Noelle

  As Corey drove us to our mystery destination, we held hands above the shifter. Corey sang along with some of the songs from the radio and I couldn’t help but stare at him. He smiled when we caught me watching and brought our hands to his lips for a kiss. The sun was shining, despite the chill wind and it lit up his eyes in a way that made me never want to look away. When Corey put the car in park, I was surprised to realize I spent the entire drive just staring at him.

  “We’re here.” Corey said with a smile.

  “Where is here?” I looked around and spotted a large building that resembled an elegant barn. A wide wraparound porch, large glass windows on multiple levels and flowers surrounding the entire property.

  “It’s the apple orchard; I realize it’s not super exciting but they have hay rides and a great menu, along with the apple picking.” Corey suddenly seemed unsure about bringing me here. “I mean we don’t have to stay here. It was an idea, but we can go catch a movie or something instead.”

  I reached over and took Corey’s face in my hand, turning him to look at me. “Corey, I love it, this is perfect.” He smiled and placed a kiss to my palm.

  “So, let’s get to it.”

  The place was beautiful. Families, couples and friends clamored around the trees and hay bales situated at the back of the building. A tractor pulling a flatbed of hay drove up and the group of waiting people climbed up. Most kids went up the man-made pyramid to wait at the top, while the parents chose a place along the outer edge. Corey picked a spot and scooted back far enough for me to fit between his thighs, while our legs dangled off the sides. Our fingers laced together, before Corey wrapped our arms around my waist pulling me into his chest. I angled my head to nuzzle my nose into his neck; a soft contented sigh coming from him hummed delightfully against me.

  He moved his head enough to look down at me with a smile. There were no words for the way I felt in this moment—it truly is perfect. All my worries were gone. There was just us. My neck stretched up to reach his lips, the same moment he leaned down. We pulled back with the same peaceful look in our eyes and cuddled close for the remainder of the ride.

  During the actual apple picking part of the trip, we each only had one free hand as we refused to release our intertwined fingers from one another. It was my job to grab the apples hanging low on the tree, while Corey held the single bag to collect them. After I’d drop one into the bag he’d place a kiss somewhere on my face—lips, nose, forehead, cheek—each time was different, but it always made me smile. We sat on the hay bales the same way we had when we were coming out to the trees.

  Once we were back, Corey led us over to one of the tables on the outdoor patio. We ordered food and from what I remember it was good, but honestly I was so focused on Corey, I didn’t notice of anything else. The way the sun lit up his face when he smiled, the way he smirked at something I said. I memorized every moment of it but the best part was the way he looked at me. It was as if for the first time in my life someone was seeing me—not who I was supposed to be. I wasn’t just a family member with an obligation or another conquest he was trying to nail. I was the one he wanted to be with, and every part of that knowledge made me realize how deep I was into this.

  There was no denying it anymore—I was falling in love with Corey Preston—but it took everything in me not to freak out and run off.

  Every single time before I thought I was in love with someone—it shattered me. I was left broken and alone, with no one to protect my damaged heart, but me. On the other hand, the way I thought I cared about the others, was nothing compared to the way I felt right here and right now… with Corey.

  When we finished eating, Corey held out his hand to me which I took without hesitation. He walked us a few steps into an non-crowded area and pulled me in for a slow dance. It didn’t matter if the only music was a soft elevator tune in the background—the music in my heart was enough. We moved together, he twirled me out and brought me back in tight, before dipping me low. After our dance was over he kissed me so deeply the world around me spun out of control. If only the real world could forever be put on pause, then there would be no doubt in my mind that I’d be with Corey.

  Honestly, I’d never let this man go, if that were the case.

  When we finished our dance, an older woman walked up to us, her face beaming with a grin. “You two have to be the most beautiful couple I’ve ever seen in my entire life. I have a feeling about people and I can tell that you two are going to be together forever.” Corey pulled me into his side and thanked her as I sat there in a stunned silence.

  Together forever?

  It felt more like a fantasy to think people were going to be together forever—it was a far-fetched idea. Not that I was going to tell this sweet old woman that.

  After the apple orchard we went back to my place and spent the rest of the evening cuddled up on the couch. We ordered in and made love more times than I can count. Each time was slow and passionate, a total contrast from the way we were the night before. The only difference was, I thought last night had been amazing—this blew that memory out of the water. There was no comparison in my mind. Eventually we made our way to the bedroom where we curled up together as if we’ve been doing it for years.

  * * * * Sunday morning started out the way most mornings did for us. A morning love making session, a shower with lots of washing and making out, then constant flirting while getting dressed. Today was a little warmer than yesterday, so I decided to take advantage of it with my red and white stripped flowy knee length sailor skirt with a white beater and a jean jacket. It was a little too chilly for my gold goddess sandals but I sucked it up!

  We decided it’d be fun to go out for breakfast, since we planned to spend the rest of the day locked in my house. We left hand in hand (the way we had spent the past 24 hours) and it was (of course) that moment my Grandmother had chosen to show up. She had just left her car and was standing in front of us; arms crossed across her chest. Violet wore her ‘don’t mess with me’ expression and I knew I was in trouble. Instinctively I dropped Corey’s hand and took a step away from him. My grandma smirked at us, but it was far from an encouraging sight.

  “Well, well…what do we have here? Good morning Corey, I see you seem to be very well acquainted with my granddaughter. Unless of course, either of you would like to give me some lame excuse about this being a ‘business’ meeting.” Shit—of course that was the first lame excuse that came to mind. With a sigh I shook my head.

  “No, it’s not a business meeting. Corey stayed the night.” I admitted.

  “Please Lord; tell me you are actually in a relationship and not taking after your mother. Every time I caught her the morning after when she had a man over—it was never the same guy. Don’t tell me you’re in a similar situation, Danielle.” I opened my mouth to retort and closed it again. Violet’s jaw dropped to the gravel but before she could curse me for breathing, Corey spoke up.

  “We are in a relationship, Violet, have been for a few weeks now.” His fingers laced back with mine and my body immediately loosened at having him next to me again.

  “That explains why you’ve haven’t been coming over lately, Dolly.” Her eyes darted between the two of us; taking in the image of the happy couple most people already believed us to be.

  “Sorry.” I lamely muttered, as she closed the distance between us.

  “The reason for my visit this morning is to let you know we will be having a family dinner tonight. No excuses. Corey, you will also be expected to attend.” My mouth opened to protest and with a sharp glare from Gram, she continued. “And before you give me one of your many excuses to get out of it, just know that this is not a request. If you try and tell me you need to work or have previous obligations—cancel it. If the two of you do not show up tonight, I will dissolve the Inn’s partnership with your bar, Corey.” Damn—guess she really wasn’t screwing around. There was really no choice but to accept but I wasn’t going to let her walk over the both of us. �
��Did you invite anymore unexpected guests?” I snap back.

  “Well, I have no need to now.” She said with an overly sweet smile, as she looked at Corey.

  “We’ll be there.” I finally said. Violet clapped her hands together with a grin.

  “Wonderful.” She leaned in, placed a kiss on my cheek, and then did the same for Corey. “See you both at 6:00, don’t be late.” We watched her retreat to her car. Before getting in she turned to us one more time. “Bring the wine, Dolly.”

  “Bye Violet!” Corey waved with his free hand and she returned it. While she was still in the driveway Corey wrapped both his arms around my shoulders. His lips pressed against my forehead.

  “This could be fun, Dani. Besides, I already know your grandma, so I know what to expect.”

  “I’m sorry you got roped into this.” Without caring that my Grandma had yet to pull away, he pressed his lips against mine.

  “I’m not. Call me a fool but I enjoyed telling your Grandma that you were my girl.” I tried to keep a stern face but I couldn’t when he said cute things like that. My arms wrapped around his shoulders as I smashed my lips to his. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad after all.

  * * * *

  “Stop fidgeting, baby.” Corey reached over and took my hands from my lap. We were sitting in his Jeep on our way to my Grandparent’s house and for some reason my nerves were all over the place.

  It is just dinner. Is the mantra I continued to repeat in my head, but that was doing nothing to help me.

  “Sorry.” I murmured.

  “What are you so worried about, Dani?”

  After a minute of thinking about it, I admitted. “I really don’t know.”

  “It’ll be fine—I promise.” My fingers intertwined with his, as we finished the rest of the drive in silence. A few times I reached over to steal a glance at Corey, to see if maybe he was more nervous than he was letting on. Each time though, I saw just how at ease he was. His thumb drummed along to a steady beat and his breathing remained even; unlike the erratic way mine was.

  Corey parked the car; I practically stumbled out while he went around to grab the bottles of wine from the back. Typically, when I come over I only bring one bottle of either white or red—depending on my mood. Corey refused to just bring one, he said it was just in case we brought one and the other one would have tasted better with the meal. It really was endearing to see Corey in the liquor store going the extra mile to impress Clayton and Violet Hamilton.

  After adjusting the bag of wine bottles in one arm he took my hand and just about dragged me along to the side door. My hand shook the entire way up to grab the doorknob; Corey’s soft laugh next to me eased some of the growing tension in my mind. We entered into the kitchen where the heavenly smells of my Grandma’s cooking immediately surrounded us. She looked our way and a grin slowly spread, brightening her whole face.

  “Perfect timing.” Corey walked to the island in the middle of the room and set down the wine. Gram walked around the counter and drew Corey in for a tight squeeze. He still didn’t release his hold on my hand, maybe because he was convinced I was about to run. Gram held Corey at arm’s length with an approving smile on her face.

  “You are going to make a wonderful addition to this family, Corey! I half expected Danielle to one day bring home a dead beat with no job, and no direction.” I scoff.

  “Thanks for the faith, Gram.” She pursed her lips, casting a glare at me.

  “It wouldn’t surprise me dear, but because that’s how your mother has always been. Beautiful and brilliant woman that made some of the dumbest decisions, and now I don’t even know who she is.”

  “I’m not my mother.” Was all I wanted to say. She knew my mom was the last thing I wanted to discuss—ever— especially not after she shanghaied Corey and I to come over for dinner.

  “Yes Dolly, I know that. The biggest difference of course is with your mom running my Inn; we were close to going under! With you at the helm that Inn can basically run itself! We’re making a wonderful profit, the staff is happy and every guest I speak with tells me how pleased they were with their experience. You’ve really turned that place around Danielle, and in just the few months you’ve been here.”

  By the way Corey tensed up ever so slightly next to me, I realized he came to the same conclusion I did. I’ve done my job at saving the Inn. Now there was nothing keeping me from returning to my job and life in New York. Which has been the plan from the moment I got in the car to make the long drive to Serenity Cove.

  So why was the thought of returning home suddenly leaving a bad taste in my mouth?

  “Well I’m just happy I could help out.” I forced a smile, which was enough for my Grandma. She went over to inspect the wine Corey brought. Corey looked down into my eyes and mouthed, are you okay? With a smile, I nodded. This was not the time to admit I was anything but okay.

  “Go on in and formally introduce Corey to Clay, then come back in here and give me a hand with dinner.”

  “Yes, Gram.” We walked into the living room where my Grandpa was focused on some sporting event on the TV. When he saw us he stood and reached his arms out to me, the same way he had done since I was a child. For the first time Corey let my hand go, so I could let my Grandpa hug away the unease in my heart.

  “Grandpa, this is Corey Preston. Corey this is my Grandfather Clayton.” Both men extended a hand for a firm handshake. Without hearing it from his mouth, I could tell by the look on my Grandpa’s face that he already approved of Corey.

  “Yes, we’ve met—you work with the Inn, is that right?”

  “Yes sir, I own the Underground, which is the bar that supplies the alcohol for events and weddings.” Clay gave an approving nod.

  “That’s right, still like working with us?” Corey looked to me with a smile.

  “It brought Danielle into my life, and that is the best thing that has ever happened to me.” This time it was my Grandpa that looked at me with admiration radiating from every inch of him.

  “Dani is a very special girl. You better take good care of my Dolly, she deserves the best.”

  “I couldn’t agree more.” The sincerity of their words caused a lump to form in my throat. Before my emotions got the best of me, I needed to step away.

  “I’ll be in the kitchen with Grandma, if you boys need anything.”

  “Sounds good, Dolly.” I moved to pass Corey but he placed a hand against my stomach and lowered his mouth to mine. The kiss was tender and soothing, in a way that let me see Corey was trying desperately to take away the sudden discomfort rising within.

  We didn’t exchange any more words before I went to the kitchen—we didn’t have to. With a single look, a simple kiss, and a soft touch—he knew. Corey knew me better than I knew myself and I wasn’t sure why that scared me so much.

  The second my foot hit the kitchen tile, Gram was talking my ear off. Topics ranged from how pleased she was that I was with Corey and how I better not screw up; then onto upcoming Inn events, to my mother receiving word that she may be up for parole in just a couple months. The more she rattled off every little thing circling through her mind, the more I felt the pressure rising in me. I needed a cigarette, fresh air and to get the hell away from this house. I am a complete wreck but my Gram didn’t seem to notice. Part of me wanted nothing more than to go back into the living room, curl into Corey and let him comfort me. But there was something in me that was seriously holding back.

  All I know is, I am scared. I’m scared to let down my family. I’m afraid that I’ll forever be stuck in Serenity Cove. But I am downright terrified of what is happening between Corey and I. He is the reason I want to stay and he is the reason I need to leave. No one has found a place in my heart the way he has but my past mistakes still managed to leave me nothing more than a damaged woman.

  What would happen if I actually lost the person my heart desperately wanted to love? Not just that, but what happens when I let myself love him and he loves me back… bu
t later decides that I’m not good enough. Then what will I do? How would I ever recover from that?

  Before I knew it, we were seated around the dining room table. My chair faced Corey’s and for some reason, I felt the need to avoid eye contact as much as possible. The crease forming between his eyebrows was my sign that although he answered my grandparent’s questions pleasantly, he was worried for me. If he wasn’t trying to make an even better impression on them, I didn’t doubt he’d stop the meal and force me to talk and look at him. Instead, he stretched his legs out to capture mine between his. I didn’t bother pulling away because the small amount of contact really did feel nice.

  The conversation flowed from sports talk, to the bar, to any other little random topic. I offered a polite response when spoken to but was relieved the focus was mostly on Corey. That is, until my Grandma decided it was time to make things just a little more uncomfortable for me.

  “So, how long are you two planning to wait before you announce an engagement?” My head shot up, as I nearly choked on the bowtie pasta in my mouth.

  “What are you talking about?”

  Her eyes shifted around the room as if looking for a reason for my outburst. As if her words weren’t nearly as crazy as they sounded in my ears.

  “Oh please Danielle; you are twenty-five years old. It is time to start settling down and now that you have Corey, you can do just that.”

  “We just started dating.” My voice didn’t hold back my shock at her words.

  “It’s been months!”