The Lewis Legacy Series Box Set: 4-in-1 Special Edition

by JoAnn Durgin

  She looked at it, regret settling in her heart. “I’m so sorry.”

  “I’m not.”

  “I’m talking about running out of the restaurant, the food, everything.” She stared at the pavement, feeling silly and more than awkward. She was pathetic and really needed to get out more.

  “I’m not,” he said again, stepping closer.

  Turning, she led him to stand beside Ladybug. “I have a confession.”

  “What’s that?” His gaze skimmed over her face.

  How did Josh expect her to think—much less form a coherent sentence—when he looked at her like this? Winnie swallowed hard, reaching deep inside to try and find the words. Tell him. “You were the last man I ever kissed.” The words came out in a rush. “Guess that makes us even. Not that it matters.” She attempted to sound half-hearted but failed in spectacular fashion. Coward.

  “I disagree. I think it does mean something.” He waited as she unlocked the car. “Are you coming over to the house to meet with Lexa tomorrow? We could have lunch together. Or dinner. Something. Anything.”

  Oh, his voice did such things to her, too. “I think so. I can’t remember,” she said, shaking her head, her thoughts concentrated on anything but business as she lost herself in those impossible eyes. “Do you want me to?”

  “Yes.” His gaze held hers without wavering.

  “Well,” she said before being cut off as he drew her into his arms and lowered his mouth to hers again. This time, his kiss was firm and convincing. Josh Grant was making up for lost time but good, the years melting away. She moved her hands around his neck and leaned into him as he drew her closer, tightening his hold. Along with his kiss came memories that stirred a yearning deep within her. Go away. Now is not the time.

  “Yes, I do,” Josh said, his voice quiet as he pulled back.

  She’d already forgotten the question. Winnie bit her trembling lower lip as he withdrew his arms from around her waist with obvious reluctance and graced her with that dazzling smile. What a time of prayer she faced tonight. She shouldn’t have kissed him. Not only once but twice. That second one she’d certainly never forget. Confessions would be made, forgiveness asked for the thoughts running rampant through her mind. Oh, she’d be up all night long.

  Sometime during their embrace, the bag of leftovers slipped to the ground. She stared at him, not moving.

  Retrieving the bag, Josh took her hand and curled her fingers around it. “Don’t forget this.” A slow smile upturned the corners of his mouth. “So, lunch tomorrow?”

  Her lips still swollen from his kiss, Winnie nodded, dazed. “I’m, uh, sure it can be arranged.” Whirling around and climbing into her car, she started the engine and pulled away before Josh had a chance to say—or do—anything else. Safer that way.

  As it was, they were in deep enough trouble.

  Chapter 13

  Thursday Morning

  Winnie drove to Sam and Lexa’s after dropping Chloe off at daycare. Lexa had an appointment with the pediatrician for Joe’s checkup early in the afternoon, so she’d left a message on Winnie’s cell phone asking if they could get an earlier start. On the agenda was reviewing the menu for their event the following Saturday night and making the list of items and ingredients they’d need.

  Lexa stretched her arms wide, not bothering to hide her yawn as she opened the kitchen door and ushered her inside, still dressed in her nightgown and robe. “What has you smiling so bright this early in the morning?”

  “Someone lose a little sleep last night?” Winnie asked, ignoring Lexa’s question. Better to keep her secrets a little longer. “Baby Joe keep you up?”

  “No, but his daddy did.”

  Winnie groaned, pulling out a breakfast bar stool and parking herself in it. “You know, Lexa, I really don’t want to hear intimate details about your love life with Sam.”

  “No, no,” Lexa said, sitting down across from her. “Actually, it was the sweetest thing in the world. I finished nursing Joe and was half-asleep in the bed. Then I started thinking about things and sort of woke up again. I looked across the room and there’s my husband in the rocker, singing to our son. He was looking down at him and singing ‘In the Garden.’ I love hearing Sam sing, and that was my mom’s favorite hymn. He pours all his emotion into it.” She sniffled. “Just when I think I can’t love him more than I already do, he does something that takes my breath away.”

  Winnie teared up and waved her hand. “All right, woman, give me a tissue. You can’t say something like that and not have one handy. Tell me something—doesn’t Sam know any regular baby songs—you know, lullabies? It must be hard living with such a pillar of faith all the time.”

  Lexa shook her head. “Would you prefer he’d sing to our impressionable child about a cradle falling out of a tree? Some of those nursery songs have questionable meanings and dark undertones. Trust me, Sam has his moments. Besides, perfection is highly overrated, not to mention boring.” She retrieved the box of tissues from the small desk in the corner of the kitchen, handing one to Winnie and taking one for herself. “Sorry for getting all sappy on you since I know how much you hate it.”

  That comment made Winnie smirk; she dabbed at her eyes. “If I didn’t like sap, I certainly wouldn’t hang around with the TeamWork crew. Marc always says we’re tailor-made for a Hallmark ad. By the way, I hear Marc’s pushing for Sam to write down those seven rules of marriage. My two cents says he should seriously consider it.”

  Lexa’s eyes widened. “Winnie, how do you know about Sam’s rules?”

  “I thought everyone knew about them. Why? What did I say?”

  Her friend shook her head. “Wait until Sam hears about this. I guess Marc couldn’t keep them to himself, could he?”

  She looked irritated and Winnie hoped she hadn’t gotten him into trouble. “Let’s get over the fact that others know about the rules of marriage, shall we?”

  Lexa snorted. “You’ve been talking with Amy again, haven’t you? You’re starting to sound like her. It’s a little scary sometimes, I have to say.”

  She bypassed that one. “Come on, Lexa. It sounds like an awesome plan for marriage and it works for both men and women. Marc’s a genius when it comes to things like this. Any man who owns an advertising agency in the Prudential Tower in Boston—hugely successful, but that goes without saying—is definitely worthy of paying attention to. He recognized a great idea as soon as he heard those rules and told Sam as much.”

  Lexa chewed on her bottom lip, silent, but she nodded for her to continue.

  “Sam’s certainly got the qualifications,” Winnie said. “He’s a leader in his professional life and in the church. Think of the possibilities! He could use the royalties for all things TeamWork—camps for kids, new ministries, whatever. People eat this kind of stuff up. Besides, there’s a whole lot of good that can come from a godly man sharing his personal plan for loving his spouse. He could expound on the rules and make it a premarital marriage guide or something, or maybe take a couple from the premarital stage to after-the-vows. Now, that’s an idea.”

  Lexa held up one hand. “Been talking to Natalie and Marc, too, have you? Are you their secret weapon to try and convince me?”

  “It’s a great idea and you know it. Honestly, I don’t see what the problem is. Just promise to think about it, okay?”

  “No promises, but I suppose it would bring positive attention to TeamWork, and that angle would definitely appeal to Sam,” Lexa said. “But you make it sound like writing a book is easy. It takes a major time commitment. He’s already so busy at the office and church, I don’t know how he’d find the time even if he wanted.” Sliding down from the stool, Lexa headed for the coffee pot. “Want a cup?”

  “Thanks. Thought you’d never ask. I need to wake up a little more before we start working.”

  “Late night?” The question was deceptively casual as Lexa measured out coffee.

  “I was home by ten-thirty.” This could be fun, letting her
guess.

  “Oh.”

  “I have a child, Lexa. I can’t stay out as late as I used to. I’m sure you know a little something about that yourself.”

  Lexa opened the refrigerator and pulled out the hazelnut creamer. She brought it over to the counter with napkins and spoons. The aroma of fresh-brewed coffee filled the kitchen soon enough. “Have you had a chance to look over the menu for next Saturday yet?”

  She shook her head. “I was going to when I got home last night, but I was tired and fell asleep early.” That one was like dangling a carrot in front of a hungry rabbit.

  “Oh.” Lexa sat down, watching her. She started to ask something else a couple of times before stopping, closing her mouth.

  Winnie laughed. “Just ask, Miss ‘Oh.’ It was one date. I haven’t seen Josh in more than four years. I have to be realistic. I’m not some lovestruck teen with stars in her eyes. Once he goes back to Louisiana, I don’t know when I’ll ever see him again.”

  Lexa’s grin was coy. “Who said anything about love?” She slid off her stool again and pulled two coffee mugs from the overhead cabinet, standing on her tiptoes. Winnie hid her smile. Sam sure must come in handy around the kitchen, although she knew a stepstool was stored in the pantry. “We’re talking Baton Rouge not San Francisco, Winnie. All I’m saying is, there’ve been enough sparks around here the last few days to power a car. A really big car. Or maybe a small jet.”

  “I wouldn’t go that far,” she said, grabbing a couple of artificial sweetener packets. “But, okay, I’ll admit there are sparks.” More like a small inferno.

  Lexa poured their coffee. “You know you want to talk about it and I’m the logical person. Your partner, your confidante,” she said, carrying their mugs and lowering them to the counter, being careful not to spill the contents.

  The aroma of hazelnut made her smile. “Josh wants to have lunch today, but that’s all I’m saying.”

  “Fair enough,” Lexa said. “I’m going to fix pancakes for the guys before we get started. Would you like some?”

  “No, thanks. I ate a quick breakfast with Chloe before I left the house.” She glanced at the menu for the event on the counter in front of her and gave it a quick rundown.

  Lexa busied herself at the stove, pulling out the griddle and a pitcher of premade batter from the refrigerator. “Joe’s been fed and I had some instant oatmeal right before you got here. Let me whip up these pancakes and then we should be good for a couple of hours.”

  Winnie jumped as the swinging door flew open and Sam walked in with Josh right behind him. Sam was fully dressed, but Josh was still in his sleep pants—and wrapping a robe over his bare chest. Have mercy. Lexa kissed her husband good morning, ignoring them, and didn’t see the view she’d just enjoyed. Obviously, Josh didn’t expect her to be there so early, but he had the grace to look embarrassed. Sipping her coffee, Winnie averted her gaze, doing her best to ignore the chest—the man—seated less than a foot away.

  “Forgive me,” he said, leaning close, his voice deep and a bit husky. Very nice. “I didn’t know you’d be here quite this early.”

  “No need to apologize. It’s nothing I haven’t seen before. Just not with any frequency, or any time in the last four plus years.” She heard his chuckle low in his throat. Sam and Lexa talked together by the stove and Sam pulled out plates, stacking them on the counter as she flipped the pancakes. Observing them, Winnie suppressed a sigh that sounded suspiciously like longing.

  “You look very pretty this morning,” Josh said as he accepted a mug of steaming coffee from Sam with a grateful smile.

  His compliment made her thankful she’d taken the time to dress in nice khaki shorts and a new trendy, white cotton top. It was feminine and fitted, but not in an I-want-attention-from-men way. She’d pulled her hair back in a smooth, high ponytail and wispy tendrils framed her face. Coral nails winked at her from beneath the straps of her sandals and contrasted well against her lightly-tanned skin. She hadn’t bothered to paint her nails in a long time—until Josh came to Houston. Of course, Chloe noticed right away and was fascinated. Next, she’d be begging for her nails to be painted, too, so they could be “twins.” Ever since she heard about Josh, she’d asked all sorts of questions about how two babies could be born at the same time. That was only the beginning, she feared.

  Sam engaged Josh in a conversation about some political event in a foreign country, but Winnie tuned them out, choosing to steal glances at Josh, praying they wouldn’t ask her opinion and thereby prove her ignorance and inattentiveness. He hadn’t taken the time to shave yet either, and that morning stubble on his face was nothing short of incredibly sexy. She blushed at the thought.

  Within a couple of minutes, Sam brought over two plates stacked high with pancakes. They smelled out-of-this-world delicious. Given his preference for all things peach, it must be the special, not-so-secret ingredient. Pulling out the counter stool next to his wife, Sam bowed his head and asked the blessing. “I understand you ladies have a lot to discuss this morning,” he said. “I thought I’d take Josh to the TeamWork office and catch him up to speed on what he’s been missing, maybe convince him to join us again on one of our missions.” He winked at Lexa.

  Josh grinned. “Nothing like being direct.”

  “As you can see, subtlety isn’t their strong suit,” Winnie said.

  “Lexa, should we be insulted?” Sam asked.

  “Never,” she said with a smile. “I think it’s a great plan. Winnie and I probably only need a few hours and then she’s all yours, Josh. At least until about two this afternoon.” Intentional or not, the statement sounded provocative.

  Winnie snorted and coffee almost spouted from her nose. Grabbing a napkin, she hid her smile.

  “Where do you recommend we go for lunch?” Josh asked, directing the question to her.

  Nice of him to help cover her obvious embarrassment. “I’m sure I’ll think of something.” She hoped she could come up with a place where she wouldn’t burst into tears, not that geography had anything to do with it.

  As she sipped her coffee, Winnie felt those mesmerizing green eyes on her. She couldn’t complain since she was doing the same thing and checking him out when he talked with Sam. I’m certifiable. The man was back in her life forty-eight hours and she was falling hard for him all over again. Had she learned nothing in the past few years? The tension in the air between them was palpable but it was the best possible kind.

  “Sam, you must dream about peaches.” Josh took another hearty bite and made a big show of savoring it. “I’m surprised they don’t ooze from your pores. Seriously,” he said when Sam laughed. Picking up a daintier bite of pancake with his fork, Josh offered it to Winnie, but she shook her head.

  Now he wants to feed me.

  “What do you love, Josh?” Sam asked.

  Winnie shot him a chastising glance. She dared not look at Lexa.

  Josh didn’t hesitate. “Are we talking metaphorically, figuratively or simply fruit?”

  They all laughed. “Fruit,” Sam said. “Name your favorite.”

  “Hands down, strawberries.”

  “Winnie?” That from Lexa.

  “Mango.” That probably sounded ridiculous since most men wouldn’t know a mango from a papaya, if even that.

  “Is that a fruit?” Sam asked.

  “Yes. Of course,” Winnie said, and Lexa concurred.

  “Well,” he said, rising from his seat, “if you’re finished, Josh, what do you say we get ready to head downtown?” With a quick kiss of thanks for the pancakes and a promise to meet Lexa at the pediatrician’s office, Sam carried his dish to the sink.

  Josh finished his last bite, and followed him. “Thanks, Lexa.” He planted a quick kiss on her cheek. “Those were the best pancakes I’ve ever had in my life even if they weren’t strawberry.” He ignored Sam’s grunt as he gave her one of his trademark smiles. “I’ll see you back here in a few hours, Winnie.”

  Watching him go, W
innie swallowed her sigh. Seeing Lexa’s knowing grin, she grunted. “Not a word. Time to work, partner.”

  Chapter 14

  Thursday, Early Afternoon

  Shortly after one o’clock, Winnie and Josh sat across from each other in a park close to Sam and Lexa’s neighborhood, sharing a foot-long hotdog. “Now, isn’t this better than a fancy restaurant?” she asked, laughing as she used her pinky to wipe off a dab of mustard at the corner of her mouth. She needed to get it before Josh could try and wipe it off or kiss it off. Not that it would be such a bad thing, but they were toeing a very fine line.

  “Without a doubt,” Josh said. He had on khakis and a short-sleeved blue shirt—effortlessly casual chic.

  “Not to discount the lobster last night or the prime rib. Or the cuff links.” A giggle escaped, and again, it seemed to work its charm on the man. Why, he’s a pushover in so many wonderful ways. This could be fun.

  “Were you and Lexa able to get your plans made?” he asked, surveying the hotdog, holding tight onto his end as she took another bite. “Bad timing. Sorry. Please chew,” he said and took another bite.

  “Yes, I’m happy to say we got everything accomplished this morning. It’s a private party at one of the museums. I always love museum galas. They’re sophisticated and elegant.” Realizing what she’d said, she laughed. “Spoken by the woman eating the foot-long hotdog.”

  “More people should try this. The hotdog’s quite good, actually, and this open air ambience is much better than a stuffy restaurant, especially at lunch.” Josh’s gaze fell on a young couple with their toddler son and puppy playing nearby.

  Winnie’s heart quickened at the reminder. She needed to tell Josh—and tell him soon. Just the way he looked at the cozy scene spoke volumes. It’s time. He’s ready. Work up the nerve to tell him. Now. Soon. Sometime in this lifetime.

  “How about another hotdog?” she asked, dusting her hands together. “My treat.”

  He sat up straighter on the bench and took the last bite. “I have an idea. Surely there’s an ice cream vendor somewhere nearby?”