by JoAnn Durgin
“I know a little something about that myself,” Josh said.
Kevin nodded. “I’m happy for you and Winnie, and pray it works out.”
Josh hesitated, not speaking for a long moment. “Thanks.”
Kevin’s lips curled. “That little girl is a Grant through and through, and I’m not just talking about the green eyes.”
Josh’s eyes were wet when he looked up at him again. “She’s adorable, isn’t she? She got the best parts of her mother, too.”
“You’ve got that right.”
“If anyone I trust asks me about her, I won’t hesitate to tell them, sure, but until Chloe’s a little older and can understand it better, I don’t want to be telling everyone.” He straightened his shoulders and grunted. “My daughter learns new words every day but ‘illegitimate’ isn’t one I want her to learn anytime soon. Or the even harsher alternative word. Pray that Winnie will marry me as soon as I can get her to the altar. I might even have Sam do the honors, if he’s agreeable.”
“Understood. So, you don’t think I should tell your sister I’m leaving for Texas?” He wasn’t so sure of this plan, although it was intriguing. What exactly would be the point? “It’ll be difficult, but I suppose I can do it. Why shouldn’t I tell her?”
Josh broke out in the widest grin yet. “This is the fun part. Hear me out on this, buddy. Force Rebekah to admit how much she cares about you. She knows you’re waiting but this is the key: she doesn’t think you’re going anywhere so she’s taking her own sweet time.”
“I also told her to figure out what she wants before she comes to me. I’m sure she hasn’t forgotten that part.” He’d never forget the look on her face, the wide eyes and tremor in her voice after he’d confronted her in the gym. But it was true, and she needed to hear it.
Faint lines stretched across Josh’s forehead but they disappeared quickly enough. “Not a problem. If you take my advice, mark my words, she’ll wake up and take action. You told her to find out what she wants, and after this date-to-beat-all-dates, she won’t have a doubt in her mind she wants you. This is about you loving her enough to force her to admit how much she loves you. Then she’ll come to you freely. My point being, make her come to you.”
“You really think she’ll come after me?”
“I know so. Trust me on this. Let her stake her claim on love. It’ll be good for her.” He paused and shifted. “And when she does, I’ll be right there beside her, ready to claim Winnie and Chloe.”
“There’s also the matter of a gazebo.”
“A what? Excuse me?”
Kevin grinned. “Imagine my surprise when Adam Martin walked into the store and commissioned a gazebo. Turns out he wanted to marry Rebekah in that gazebo. I insisted on waiting on him, and I guess I somehow gave him the brilliant suggestion he should also propose to her in it, too.”
“That must have been a real interesting conversation. Didn’t you meet him at the restaurant?”
“Yes, but he didn’t remember me. Maybe because I was in my normal work clothes. Let’s face it, a man like Adam wouldn’t expect a suitor for Rebekah’s heart to be dressed so plain and simple.”
“There’s nothing plain and simple about you, Kevin.” Josh’s gaze was penetrating. “You’re one of the most loyal, upstanding, godly men I’ve ever known. Your strength is in your quiet confidence. I’ve seen you in action and you’re a leader, even though you might not see it. For one thing, any man who can play a guitar like you and get up in front of people and sing has my utmost admiration.” He shot him a sidelong grin. “She also told me about the frog legs. That was rich, my friend. Didn’t know you spoke French. That’s quite a surprise.”
He shrugged. “I know enough to get by.”
“When she saw you with that other woman, Beck was so jealous she couldn’t see straight not to mention mortified you thought she looked inappropriate.”
It surprised him Rebekah told him that much, although perhaps it shouldn’t. In any case, it was gratifying to hear she’d been jealous. “I probably shouldn’t tell you this, but the front of her dress had slipped down so far I wanted to throw my jacket over her. She obviously had no idea. I had to get her out of there before Adam devoured her with his eyes.”
Josh laughed. “Thanks for protecting my sister’s virtue. Now, got your cell phone?”
The man was always focused so he must have a good reason for asking. “Sure.”
“Good. Before you leave the parking lot, call Beck and ask her out to dinner tomorrow night, and then make sure that dinner is one she’ll never forget.” He thumped his hand on his desk. “Not that I’m trying to tell you what to do, of course.”
Kevin’s brows rose. “Done.” Grabbing his Stetson from the desk, he stood to leave. “Thanks, Josh. I’ll let you know how it goes.”
“I’ll be praying, brother.”
Climbing into the truck a couple of minutes later, Kevin stared at his phone. He liked the sound of that. Brother. Even a guy with two of them could always use another one, especially one like Josh Grant. He punched in Rebekah’s number. Time to put Operation Rebekah’s Heart into action.
Chapter 40
The Next Afternoon
Kevin’s dinner invitation surprised—but thrilled—her. Maybe he knew she’d parted ways with Adam and decided to stake his claim after all but, after what he said about wanting her to figure out she wanted, Rebekah couldn’t be sure. Still, he’d been so attentive during the time of Dad’s funeral. Been beside her or close enough for her to sense his presence.
Am I ready to tell Kevin how I feel about him? Is it too soon after Daddy’s death, disloyal to his memory?
As she surveyed her reflection in the mirror, she nodded with satisfaction. She looked entirely appropriate. The neckline of the dress was modest and didn’t dip anywhere it shouldn’t. It was a classic little black dress that nipped at the waist, flared at her hips and flirted around her knees. Opting for the less-is-more look, she’d applied only a little blush, a hint of mascara and the tiniest bit of lipstick. Her eyes misted as she put on the teardrop pearl earrings and fastened the matching pearl necklace, her dad’s Sweet Sixteen heirloom gift to her. She’d piled her hair on top of her head in a loose chignon and prayed it would stay in place all evening. If not, she knew Kevin liked it down. He’d probably prefer it that way.
The doorbell rang at four o’clock. The man was punctual like clockwork, and she liked that he was reliable. Why he wanted to meet so early in the afternoon, she had no idea. No way would she complain. Now that school was out, she’d been able to take her time getting ready.
Opening her door, Rebekah stared, trying not to openly gape. It was rude, but she couldn’t help it. She’d never seen Kevin so dressed up or incredibly handsome. Wow. Her heart pumped a bit harder as she ushered him inside. Double wow.
“Hello, beautiful.” That didn’t even sound like Kevin, and yet, it did. This was very confusing.
“Hi,” she said, feeling almost shy, like this was some new guy and it was their first date. But that made her feel disloyal. She closed the front door, unable to tear her eyes away. He was wearing a dark suit with a starched, light blue shirt and silk tie with varied hues of blues, purples and greens. It was an unusual tie, and incredibly stylish. As he moved past her into the living room, she caught a whiff of that musky cologne he wore for special occasions and wanted to fall into his arms right then and there. The man plus that particular cologne were an enticing, dangerous combination. His hair was different, too. Must be what it normally looked like before she got her hands on it. It looked so silky and touchable, she ached to run her fingers through it. Later. She swayed, prompting Kevin to reach out and steady her, his hands on her waist.
“Forgive me,” she murmured.
Oh my, I’m in trouble here. I’ve never seen him like this before.
His look was tender. “Are you okay, sweetheart? It’s really me. I thought I’d dress up for once.” Making sure she was steady on her feet,
he released her.
She shook her head. “This is great, but am I missing something here?”
He put two fingers over her lips and stepped closer. “No expectations, no promises. Tonight is about a man taking a beautiful woman he adores to dinner. Time to enjoy being together. Nothing more.”
She tilted her head, her eyes wide. “That does it. What’d you do with the real Kevin?” Stepping closer, she gave a gentle tug on his silk tie. “Is he somewhere in there?” The man standing in her living room was sophisticated and suave. It wasn’t loopy Kevin, and she missed that man.
“He’s here.” His smile was slow, assured, self-confident and more sexy than loopy. “You look incredible as always. You are grace personified.”
“I don’t break, you know.” That’s all the invitation he needed. Stepping closer, he took her hands in his. Leaning forward, he brushed her lips softly, just enough to whet her appetite and leave her longing for more. “No fair,” she muttered.
“Later.”
“Oh, right. Sorry. I forgot about the silly lipstick.”
That spurred him into action when he stepped forward and put his arms around her, planting a long kiss guaranteed to leave her devoid of the goop on her lips.
“Okay,” she said, swaying again. It was a great kiss, as always. This was going to be one interesting evening. “Where are you taking me to dinner? Nowhere French, I hope.” She couldn’t resist, and smiled as Kevin laughed.
“I’ve made special reservations for us tonight. The French part is entirely optional. Your choice.” He gave her a wicked wink. It was downright provocative, but so unlike sweet, reserved Kevin.
You can’t just shove shyness out the window. What’s going on here?
“Do you have a lightweight coat or something? You might need one.”
“Yes, my wrap’s right over here. Let me get it.”
“Allow me,” he said, taking the lightweight, shimmery shawl from her. “This doesn’t look like it’s made for warmth.”
“Oh, I’m sure you’ll think of something to keep me warm,” she said with a coy grin. Two can play at this game, if that’s what it was.
“No doubt,” he said. In a move reminiscent of the day at the French restaurant, Kevin pulled it over her head and, his eyes never leaving hers, brought it around her shoulders, pulling it together in front. She moved her hands so they made contact with his and gave him a look of wonder.
“Kiss me again, Kevin.”
He tilted his head. “Third time’s the charm? My pleasure, but then we must be going if we hope to get to dinner.” He touched his lips to hers but only a soft one. Tantalizing. That was the word for it. Enough yet not enough.
“Unfair advantage,” she said as he released her, a look of amusement lighting his eyes.
“Later,” he said, taking her elbow. “Shall we go to dinner?”
Rebekah didn’t trust herself to speak. Finally she sputtered, “As ready as I’ll ever be.” Locking the door behind him, she stopped and stared at the sleek silver sports car parked at the curb.
“Your carriage awaits.” Kevin bowed and waved to the car.
This made no sense. The car was so expensive she couldn’t identify its make. “Kevin, where’s your truck?” She looked up and down the street.
“I left it at home. I rented this one for the night; I’m thinking of trading in the truck. Upgrading.”
“You what?” It came out an unladylike screech. She grunted and cleared her throat. “Um, why would you do that? I love your truck.” Besides, renting a car like this for one night would set him back some serious money. That was so unlike his usual cost-conscious self. She couldn’t fathom him even walking into a dealership to rent such a car.
He stopped on the walkway. “You do?” Now that sounded like the old Kevin.
“Yes, I do. It fits you.” Suits me, too.
“At least for tonight,” he said, “I didn’t want you to have to climb up into the truck, especially with that fabulous dress.” She appreciated how he was careful to tuck the hem of her dress inside the car before closing the passenger door. When he slid behind the wheel, he brought another wonderful whiff of that cologne into the car with him. It should be illegal. Maybe it was a good thing this car had bucket seats and a console in between.
The unmistakable scent of new car and expensive leather also enveloped her. Running a finger over the seat, she smiled. “Well, this is quite nice, too.” She snuggled into the soft, leather seats. “Are you sure you’re really Kevin and not some handsome, suave imposter?”
“Oh, I’m Kevin all right. I just thought it was high time I expanded my horizons and tried something new. I’m too predictable and I never want to get stagnant. Especially where you’re concerned.” As he pulled away from the curb, she sighed with relief when he drove like Kevin: both hands planted on the bottom of the wheel. She felt a small stab of disappointment when he didn’t reach for her hand. Probably afraid to take his hand off the wheel since the car was so expensive. She couldn’t blame him.
“I like you just the way you are, but this is rather fun. Sort of like role playing, which you are in no way to take as a complaint.”
His look assured her he was pleased. For the next few minutes, he let her rest. With a start, she opened her eyes a short time later. Is he actually nibbling on my ear? Wasn’t that a kick? Oh my, that’s good. He’s pushing all the right buttons tonight.
“Wake up, sweetheart. We’re here,” Kevin said, his warm breath tickling her ear. Sure enough, there was that little telltale rumble.
Sitting up and looking out the tinted window, her eyes widened. “Where are we?”
“The airport.”
“The airport?” she said, dazed. “What for? Where are we going?”
Helping her from the car, leaving it near a small hangar, Kevin walked with her across the tarmac to a waiting private jet.
“A Learjet, Kevin?” Is this really happening?
“I hope your stomach’s not squeamish,” he said. “Probably should have thought to ask earlier, but I didn’t want to spoil the surprise.”
She shook her head. “I’ve only been in one private plane before, but I was perfectly fine.”
The pilot met them at the door as they climbed onto the jet. He tipped his hat. “Miss Grant. Mr. Moore.”
Kevin shook his hand and stepped closer, lowering his voice as they talked for a moment. Rebekah’s heart raced and she ran her hands up and down her arms, wondering what parallel universe she’d entered by mistake.
When the two men broke apart, the pilot pulled up the steps and closed the door. After securing the overhead compartments and showing them a few features of the jet, he headed toward the cockpit. “If you’ll take your seats and buckle in, we’ve got clearance for takeoff in ten minutes.”
“Thanks, Tom.”
The middle-aged man nodded and smiled. “Glad to be of service, sir.”
“Do you know him?” Rebekah whispered.
Kevin smiled, taking her hand. “I do now.”
Stunned speechless, she concentrated on snapping her seat belt in place. Tom left the door open and she leaned forward so she could see inside the cockpit. She’d always loved to fly and watched as Tom took his seat and began his pre-flight check. Soon, he flipped switches, turned dials, and radioed the tower. Rebekah’s stomach fluttered as a thrill rushed through her when the engines started, and she gave Kevin a bright smile. Although he smiled back, he looked this side of nervous. Leaning close, he made sure her seat belt was secure before buckling his own. Taking hold of her hand again, he raised her fingers and kissed them, one by one.
“You’re turning my head, Mr. Moore. I feel like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. One of my favorite parts was when he takes her by private jet to San Francisco to the opera.”
“I didn’t know. Score one for originality on my part.”
“Oh no, I didn’t mean it like that at all,” she said. “This is absolutely incredible. I never thought I’d
be doing something like this. I love. . .” She felt him stiffen beside her and gently squeezed his arm. “I love that you’ve planned such a special night for us.”
She sensed his smile as she leaned her head on his shoulder. Lifting her head, she stole a glance at his incredibly handsome profile. If he was disappointed, he didn’t show it.
Tom’s voice came over the speaker as he closed the door between them. “Looks like we’ll have a smooth flight. The winds are in our favor. We’ll get there in good time, maybe even ahead of schedule. Enjoy the flight, folks.”
“Just where are you taking me tonight?” she asked.
“You’ll see soon enough, sweetheart. It won’t be too long.”
She thrilled at his use of the endearment. As the plane made its ascent, Kevin bowed his head. Slipping her hand into his, she said her own silent prayer even though her inner child was tempted to gawk out the window and point out passing landmarks below.
“I always pray during take-off,” he told her, finished with his prayer a minute later. Although she’d never flown with him before, Rebekah remembered him telling her once it wasn’t his favorite thing to do. “Landings, too.”
But he was here. He did it for you.
~~**~~
Kevin prayed under his breath the whole way. Trained as an engineer, he knew better than most the dangers, but then again, it was still less dangerous than driving a car. They bounced a few times and he swallowed hard, hoping he wouldn’t lose his manhood and embarrass himself in front of Rebekah.
She’d tempted him before leaving her house. He shouldn’t have kissed her so much. Except for that second kiss, he’d kept it appropriate. From the looks she darted his way every other minute, he knew he’d confused her. She hinted at his exciting news about the store, obviously wanting to know more, and it was difficult not to tell her everything. Lord, don’t let this plan backfire. With Josh’s help, they’d pulled in enough favors to arrange the private plane and pretentious car. They’d even involved Sam and he pulled a few strings to make this evening a reality.