Secretly Smitten

by Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Denise Hunter, Diann Hunt

  “I hope I’m not interrupting,” she said.

  He leaned back in his chair. “Please, interrupt me. I’m doing payroll. My least favorite job in the world.”

  “I would have guessed you hired that out.”

  “I have a bookkeeper who usually does it, but her daughter had a chance to go on a field trip to DC, and she wanted to go along to chaperone. Which means I’m stuck with it this week.” He rose and came around the desk. “Sorry this place is such a mess.” He lifted a pile of folders from the chair by the door. “Have a seat.”

  She had to smile. “I think the state of this office disqualifies you from the title neatnik.”

  His smile widened. “I was trying to impress you on your first visit to the house. I didn’t want you to know what a slob I am.”

  Impress her? Her spirits rose. “I’m not staying. I wanted to tell you what I found out!” If she didn’t tell someone soon, she was going to explode. “The cemetery where David’s parents are buried is near Burlington.”

  “So they didn’t go far.”

  She shook her head. “I thought I’d go over and see what I can find out. I was going to see if you wanted to come with me, but it looks like you’re busy.”

  “I’m finished.”

  His nearness flooded her with warmth. The musky scent of the cologne she loved filled her senses. If she took his hand, would he jerk away? She didn’t have the nerve to find out.

  “What about Sophia?”

  “We can pick her up from day care on the way out of town. Burlington has a great pizza place if you’re game.”

  “You can probably tell that pizza and I are on a first-name basis.”

  “I like a woman with curves.”

  The intensity in his eyes made her gulp. He’d actually looked at her that way? She’d spent many nights lately imagining what it would be like to be pressed against that broad chest. She’d wondered how those firm lips would feel against hers, what texture his hair was, how the stubble on his chin in the evening might scrape across her cheeks if he kissed her.

  The moment between them seemed to last an eternity. What did she even say to that remark? She’d had so little experience with men that she didn’t know how to play coy.

  She finally cleared her throat and gave a nervous laugh. “I’ve got plenty of those.”

  “I’ve noticed,” he said softly. His hand reached out and touched the curve of her cheek, trailed down her neck until he twisted a lock of hair in his fingers.

  She forgot to breathe. The sensation curling in the pit of her stomach was something she’d never felt before. Then it dawned on her. Desire. So this was what she’d heard about but never experienced.

  He leaned closer. She lifted her chin an inch and closed her eyes.

  “Mr. Stevenson?” The teenage boy’s voice behind them sounded nervous.

  Tess’s eyes flew open and heat flooded her cheeks. What had Ryan thought of that ridiculous pose? He was probably glad they’d been interrupted. But he didn’t look happy. In fact, he seemed downright snarly.

  “What is it?” he snapped.

  “Uh, the ice cream conveyer broke. Sorry to bother you.”

  “No problem.” Ryan’s voice sounded normal again. He grabbed the phone and barked an order into it, then turned back to the boy. “Max will be along. Show him what’s wrong.”

  “Yes, sir.” The kid gave a nervous glance in Tess’s direction, then turned and practically ran from the room.

  There was no way to recover the moment. Still, Ryan took her hand as they walked to the front, where the customers would be able to take one glance and see there was something between them. And there was, wasn’t there? Or was it just how men acted?

  “Here we are.” Ryan opened the door for her in front of the restaurant. Since they’d wandered through the cemetery the other day, he’d been waiting for this night with eager anticipation.

  The new place on Main Street, Logger’s Run, was packed, but Ryan had called ahead to reserve a table in the back corner. It had once been an old boardinghouse, but the renovation had taken the rustic character and enhanced it with wide plank floors, chairs and tables from hewn wood, and various axes and other tools from the lumber trade hanging on the walls.

  “I hope you don’t mind a change of plans,” he said as they followed the hostess to their spot. “When I heard this was opening tonight, I thought it would be great to support them. We can always go to Stowe another night.” He grinned at her. “And to tell you the truth, I wanted to show you off to everyone here.”

  Her face went pink. “I don’t mind at all.” She thanked him when he pulled out her chair.

  Man, she did that dress proud. It was red and clung in all the right places and showed off her killer legs. Her hair was up in some kind of twisty hairdo, and the dangly earrings touched her neck in exactly the place he’d like to kiss. Lucky pieces of metal. He was glad he’d worn a sport coat, though maybe a muscle shirt would have been better so he could beat off the other guys he saw glancing her way.

  He’d relived every second of that near-kiss the other day, and he had every intention of getting a real smooch tonight.

  He nodded out the window. “Look at the view.”

  She turned and inhaled. “Smitten is like a fairyland now.”

  That was a good way to put it. From the large windows the town looked spectacular. Twinkling lights were wrapped around antique streetlights on the brick sidewalks. Bright flowers nodded hello to passersby from the window boxes framing the storefronts. Out on the square, people walked hand in hand toward the gazebo to listen to the Garner sisters. It was a place he was proud to call home, and a town he wanted to help others learn to love.

  He picked up the menu. “I hear the lobster is terrific.”

  Her brow furrowed. “That’s so expensive.”

  She was downright adorable. Candace always ordered the most expensive thing on the menu. “I can afford it, honey.”

  Her gaze came up, then caught and held his own. She was scared. He could see it in the way she bit her lip and how often she shifted in her chair. If only he could tell her he wouldn’t hurt her. Her family had probably warned her against him.

  He ordered lobster for them, and they both decided to try the raspberry iced tea. After the server brought hot rolls and their drinks, he leaned across the table and took her hand.

  She shot a nervous glance around. “I’m so glad we found out where David’s sister lives. I wanted to call her, but I wasn’t sure what to say.”

  He cupped her hand with both of his and rubbed his thumb across the top. Her skin was so smooth. He turned it over and touched the roughness on her fingertips. She wasn’t afraid of work, though. “Want me to call?”

  She gulped and nodded. “You wouldn’t mind?”

  “Got her number?”

  “In my purse.” She seemed in no hurry to pull her hand away.

  With reluctance, he released her. “I’ll call while we’re waiting for our food.”

  She dug a piece of paper from her purse and handed it to him. He tapped in the number, then leaned close so Tess could listen with him. A woman’s voice answered. She sounded much too young to be in her seventies. “Mrs. Howard?”

  “No, this is her daughter, Stephanie.” The woman sounded curious. “Mom passed away twelve years ago.”

  “I’m sorry.” Ryan explained why he was calling. “So there’s a bit of a mystery here, and we were wondering if your mother had heard from her brother after the war?”

  “Oh yes. He came to her funeral. As far as I know, he’s still living.”

  Tess’s head was pressing against his, and he found it hard to think. “That’s great! Have you seen him lately?”

  “No, I’m sorry. I haven’t heard from him since Mom died. There was some mention that he lived in California, but that’s all I know.”

  “Would you have a phone number?”

  “Hang on.” There was rustling in the phone. “I have an old phone
book of my mom’s. I’ll give you the number that she had.”

  He jotted down the number she rattled off. “Thanks so much.”

  “Let me know what you find out. I’d love to hear if there’s a happy ending.”

  “We will,” he promised. He ended the call and smiled at Tess. “Might as well call, yes?”

  Her eyes were bright. “Oh, I hope he’s there!” But a woman with a coarse, raspy voice answered and said she’d never heard of David, and she had rented the place for five years. He hung up and shook his head. “So it’s a dead end.”

  She bit her lip. “We’re no further than we were. And for all we know, he could be dead now too.”

  “We’ll find him. Or at least where he’s buried. Your grandma might like to visit his grave.”

  “I think she would. There was real passion between them. Even now I can see it.”

  Her eyes were so luminous. They let him see right to the heart of her caring nature. “True love never fades with the years. It grows deeper roots and becomes richer.”

  He wanted to rush into telling her how he felt, but it was too soon, and she was so fragile. She had no idea of the power she held over him. And maybe he didn’t want her to know. It was hard to turn over that kind of control to another person.

  “Is that how you felt about Candace?” she whispered.

  It wasn’t going to be easy to explain the relationship he’d had with his wife. And he’d never spoken to anyone about it before. This probably wasn’t the time or place either.

  “Not exactly,” he said finally when it was clear she was waiting for an answer.

  “Oh.” Her voice was small and hurt.

  “I think I’ll go wash my hands,” he said. Maybe if he got away by himself, he could figure out the right words.

  Why did she assume he wanted another fashion plate, when it was a warm and real woman like Tess who was so much more interesting? A wife wasn’t an ornament but a soul mate.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  Her pulse had finally stopped galloping in her chest. Tess leaned back in the chair and let out her breath. What had possessed Ryan tonight? He was acting like a man in love. At least that was how she was interpreting it, but what did she know about love? Or about men, for that matter?

  “Well, I wasn’t expecting to see you here.” Isabelle’s smooth voice was laced with something unpleasant.

  Jealousy? Malice? Tess couldn’t decide. “I think half the town is here tonight.”

  Without waiting for an invitation, Isabelle slid into Ryan’s vacated seat. “I suppose you’re here with Ryan?”

  Tess eyed her warily. “Yes, I am.”

  Isabelle was everything Tess was not and wished she were— the kind of woman who attracted the attention of every man between fifteen and a hundred and fifteen. Nearly every guy in the room had glanced their way since she’d sauntered into the room.

  She leaned in and whispered, “He told me he was going to woo you.”

  “H-He did?” Was that what he’d been doing? Wooing?

  Isabelle flashed a sultry smile toward a man in a tailored suit. “Of course. We’re very close. He tells me everything. And he’s right. You would be the perfect mother for Sophia. Between you and me, I don’t think Ryan could stand to have another wife who betrayed him. And he knows you would always be faithful.” She fluttered her fingers in Tess’s direction. “I mean, let’s be honest, Tess. You’re not the kind of girl who has many options where men are concerned.”

  Though the words were cruel, Tess barely flinched. Isabelle wasn’t telling her anything she didn’t already know. A mother for Sophia. A month ago Tess would have accepted that job without a qualm. But not now that she knew how that curl of passion in her belly felt. She wanted more.

  Isabelle’s slim shoulders shrugged. “Don’t look so offended, dear. Men are so practical.”

  Tess could barely move her lips. “I’m not offended. I know I’m not in your league, Isabelle. I’ve always known that.”

  Isabelle stood. “Well, I’m glad we had this chat. It’s always good to go into marriage with your eyes wide open.”

  Tess couldn’t muster the will to tell her good-bye. Surely those were pitying glances directed her way. Everyone in town must know why Ryan was seeing her. Everyone but her. Something was crushing her chest, but she couldn’t stay here and examine what emotion was squeezing the life out of her. She jumped to her feet and stumbled out the door. That might have been Ryan’s voice calling after her, but she didn’t pause.

  She thrust open the door and rushed into the night air. It was moist and fragrant with flowers. There was a wooden bench half hidden in the flowers and shrubs, and she managed to make it to the seat before her legs gave out on her. Her head swam, and she put her head between her knees. What had she expected? Did she seriously think a man like Ryan Stevenson could find her beautiful? Desirable? She gave a choked laugh. What a fool she was. A total fool.

  A shadow moved in the moonlight and Ryan’s voice floated out of the darkness. “Tess?”

  She scrubbed at her cheeks. “I’m here.” How could she escape this situation with her dignity? But no, what difference did it make now? The shrubs rustled as he moved to join her.

  “Honey, what’s wrong?”

  “Wrong? Why, nothing that a little money won’t fix, right? You needed a mother for your daughter, so why not pick someone no one else wanted?” By the time she was finished, her voice had risen to nearly a shout.

  He tried to take her hand, but she jerked it away. “Tess, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “Isabelle told me, okay? You don’t have to pretend any longer. I know you’re only dating me to find a mother for Sophia.”

  “Isabelle said that?” He still sounded bewildered.

  “I know all about Candace’s infidelity. I’m sorry about that, but it’s not okay to—to . . .” She ran out of words and out of strength.

  He knelt in front of her. His dark curls gleamed in the wash of lamplight. The earnestness of his eyes drew her. “Tess, do you really think everything I’ve said has been a lie? Have you seen evil in me, Tess, have you?”

  Her shoulders sagged. “No,” she whispered. “I’ve seen only goodness and mercy in your life.”

  His lips smiled, but his eyes were serious. “Part of what Isabelle said is true. It’s hard for a man to admit he wasn’t enough for his wife. And I wasn’t enough for Candace. She was never happy at home. She craved bright lights and adulation.” He ran his fingers through his hair and exhaled. “Some of it was my fault. I was working a lot of hours. She told me she wanted a divorce just before Sophia was born. We argued, and she went into labor early. Forty-eight hours later she was gone.”

  “I’m so sorry.” She could hear the heartbreak in his voice and longed to heal his pain.

  “So am I.” When he smiled again, the humor reached his eyes. “But I’m ready to love again. It sneaked up on me. I finally realized I was going to the bookstore for me, not for Sophia.”

  She dared to cradle his face in her hands. His cheeks were smooth. He must have shaved tonight before he came to pick her up. “Can you say that one more time? I can’t quite grasp it.”

  His hands circled her shoulders and he drew her close enough that his breath mingled with hers. “How about I make it clear, Miss Tess? I love you. I’m not quite sure when it happened. Maybe when you came into the store in that ridiculous clown suit. I knew then that you were a woman who would always be herself. Good, true, honest. And so very beautiful.”

  When he pulled her toward him, she went willingly. His lips were everything she’d dreamed of: firm and warm and oh so tender. The feelings that washed over her weren’t motherly at all. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back with all the passion she could muster. Which was quite a lot.

  She lost all sense of place and time with his warm breath caressing her face. She could spend the rest of her life in his arms. And she had a suspicion that was exactly what h
e was planning.

  CHAPTER ONE

  Zoe Thomas perched herself atop the metal ladder and straightened the wooden sign that read Cupid’s Arrow Matchmaking Services. She looked down at her older sister, who stood on Main Street’s brick walkway. “Better?”

  “A little higher on the right,” Clare called up. Zoe wondered if it would ever be straight according to Clare’s exacting standards.

  She pressed upward and peered down again to the brick sidewalk. “Now?”

  “Perfect,” Clare confirmed.

  Zoe breathed a sigh of relief, amazed that Clare hadn’t produced a level from the overalls she wore. Clare could survive in the woods for an eternity with all that came out of those gardener pockets of hers. Zoe jumped from the ladder and brushed her hands together. Seeing the hand-painted calligraphy announcing her business made everything so real.

  “Can’t you just feel the love? Imagine Smitten being bitten by its own love bug. And Nat’s marriage to Carson was the perfect kickoff to my new business.” Zoe’s heart filled with possibilities, seeing the fruits of her labor. The tired storefront looked fresh and inviting with its newly painted wood-paned windows and a gold-framed “services offered” announcement. She’d draped two small crystal chandeliers in jewel tones to bring attention to the services menu, and with a little specialized lighting, the display would emanate romance.

  Clare grimaced. “This is still Smitten. If the men here have been bitten by anything, it’s something closer to a mosquito carrying malaria.”

  Zoe’s shoulders slumped. Poor Clare, never looking for the spontaneous. “Life is too short to be so serious, Clare. We can’t exactly claim to be the romance capital if we don’t believe our own slogan. Romance should start here; we shouldn’t simply import it.” She blew her bangs off her glistening forehead. “It’s hot already today. I’m glad we started so early.”

  Clare wouldn’t allow her to change the subject. “The point is, Smitten is a romantic destination. The couples bring the love with them. We just warm the embers of the fire they’ve already built. I’m worried, Zoe. You could lose everything with this.”