Maddie calmly picked up her cellphone and dialed. After a few seconds, she chuckled and merely said two words.
“It’s time.”
A few more seconds of silence on her end, and I swore I could hear Chance’s voice echoing through the room full of excitement.
“We’re all with Tiffany and Stacy. Yeah. My mom’s here too.”
Hildie came into the house right when Muppet was flapping its wings and cackling while Holly was quickly muttering the address to dispatch, and Lucky was lying by my chair whimpering as he stared at Muppet, hoping for an early dinner. I kept running my hand through his fur, but I wasn’t sure how much longer that would hold him back. Muppet looked plump.
“What in the world?” Hildie asked. “I thought this was a day at the spa, not the zoo?”
Hildie’s eyes landed on her daughter-in-law, who was now clutching her belly and leaning backward.
“Her water broke and the ambulance is on the way,” Holly told Hildie.
“I don’t need an ambulance.” Maddie shook her head. “Chance will be here in minutes.”
“You think you can make it to Fireweed?” Hildie asked.
I closed my recliner and reached for my crutches. I hated feeling so useless.
“I think so.” She pressed her lips into a flat line. “Actually, I’m not sure.”
“Which is exactly why you need the ambulance,” her sister scolded her. “You’ll get priority on the next ferry off the island.”
Maddie let out a groan. “The one time I get a girl’s day out, another girl decides to break it up.”
“You’re having another girl?” I asked and she nodded excitedly. “Yes. Chance will be sorely outnumbered.”
“And I can’t think of a better way to keep him on his toes,” Hildie answered, rubbing her daughter-in-law’s back. “Where is Scarlett May at?”
“Jake was at our house, so he’ll just watch her,” she told her mother-in-law while her own mother paced back and forth with her bird.
“Who’s Jake?” I asked Holly.
“Chance’s brother.”
I stood on my crutches and looked out the window to see both the ambulance and Chance arrive right at the same time, but Chance made it inside minutes before the medics.
He was at her feet discussing next steps, and I could see the love and excitement brimming over for both of them. It sent an unexpected yearning I’d never felt before. I tried to push it away, but it only grew.
“I think we can make it,” Maddie muttered to Chance as he helped her off the couch.
Holly’s shoulders looked full of tension as they made the assessment.
The medics had come inside, but nothing was going to sway her. She wanted to ride with Chance.
“I’ve got your hospital bag in the car,” Chance said.
Hildie switched to rubbing Chance’s back, and I noticed Maddie’s mother still pacing with her bird, but it looked like she was texting someone, probably Maddie’s dad?
Holly gave me a big hug, careful not to bump my crutches, and took a step back.
“I’m so sorry about all this, but the masseuse will be here any minute so at least you can get something out of this.” She glanced at the coffee table. “And I’ll leave all this stuff here. There’s food in one of the bags too.”
I shook my head. “Don’t be crazy! This is amazing. I’m so excited for your sister. I’m glad I got to be a part of it.”
She gave me another hug as everyone, including the medics, filed out of the house, leaving my sister and I feeling like we’d just gone through a hurricane. But something happened in the last few minutes. I couldn’t help but wish that this small community was mine. For the first time ever, I didn’t want to go anywhere.
“There’s never a dull moment on this island, is there?” My sister’s eyes were filled with happiness as she let out a sigh. “But I’m starving.”
Her gaze fell to the bag with the food. “Shall we?”
“Absolutely.”
As my sister opened the bag and began taking out the cartons of food, I could see it was a feast fit for royalty.
My sister was grabbing some utensils when the doorbell rang.
“I got it,” I told her, spinning around on my crutches. “I bet it’s the masseuse. I could totally go for a neck rub.”
“You need to stay put.”
“I can’t.” I shook my head and hobbled toward the front door.
When I swung it open, I didn’t expect to see Billy staring back at me.
He was dressed in a suit and looked like he should earn a spot as the sexiest man alive. I shook myself out of my ogling phase and cleared my throat.
“Are you the masseuse they ordered?” I asked and his brow arched.
“I could be.”
I laughed and invited him in. “Did you hear?”
“Hear what?” He looked around the living room that was now filled with tubs of clay mask, jars of oil tinctures, a pile of towels, and Lucky, who looked extremely disappointed about not getting any Muppet for lunch. “Where’d everyone go?
“Maddie went into labor right over there.” I pointed at the couch.
“You’re kidding. Does Chance know?”
I nodded. “He beat the paramedics inside.”
“I bet he did.” A tenderness filled Billy’s gaze, and for some strange reason, it made me wonder if he’d ever wanted kids.
Not that it mattered one way or another.
He touched my shoulder and squeezed it slightly. “I didn’t think you were supposed to be on your feet for a couple more days.”
“We were about to eat so I was already up,” I assured him. “You hungry?”
“I only stopped by to see how everything was going. I actually have a team meeting about to start over at the restaurant. I want to make sure everything goes smoothly while I’m gone. Not that I can’t just hop on a plane and fly back here but…”
“I completely understand.” I nodded, feeling a bit of disappointment.
My sister put the third plate back into the cupboard and went to check on Lucky.
“You doing okay?” he asked quietly.
“Totally fine. Why?” I asked, leaning into my crutches, trying my best at looking cute.
“I sense something a little different about you. Maybe a little softness?”
“Are you saying I’m not very soft?” I teased.
“How about guarded?” he offered and I nodded.
“It was really sweet to see Chance and Maddie. That’s all.” I shrugged and noticed a little flicker of understanding behind his gaze. “I think it was a little more intense than I imagined watching a couple about to give birth and their love is so...” I couldn’t even find the right word.
“They’re definitely a good match,” he agreed. “He’s at her mercy.”
“I’d say it works both ways.”
He stepped closer. “Is that something you want?”
“What?” I stammered. “A baby or?”
“That kind of love?” His gaze fell to my mouth.
“I don’t know. I didn’t think so.”
“But you don’t know now.”
My heart started pounding in my chest as he studied me. I couldn’t tell what was going through his mind. Had I scared him off? He wasn’t really mine to scare, but I had revealed too much for something so casual.
“I don’t think it’s that attainable for some people, but I know fun is.” I wiggled my nose, but felt absolutely unsexy in every single way. No need to point out the reasons why.
“I didn’t come over just to check on the girls’ day. I also stopped by to see if you’re free tonight.” He glanced over his shoulder to see my sister bringing Lucky back inside. “After your sister goes back to the lodge.”
A flutter of excitement came to life in my belly.
“I…” I wanted to see him. I wanted to start where we’d left off so many times before, but I suddenly wondered if that was a good idea. I had a cast on one
leg, a brace on one arm, and I hadn’t been able to stay up past eight o’clock since this happened, but then I looked up into his eyes and couldn’t help myself. “I’d like that very much.”
“So would I.” His voice was low, gravelly. “Text me when she heads back.”
“What if it’s super late?”
“Doesn’t matter.” His smile tangled my emotions into a sloppy mess.
I knew I wanted to sleep with him, but I wasn’t sure I’d be able to snap out of it as easily as I thought. No promises of something more were being dangled in front of me. He was leaving and so was I. This was only meant to be a friendly, fun encounter.
Then why did my heart feel a little emptier at the thought of him leaving?
“I’ll see you later,” he whispered, peppering a soft kiss on my cheek as my sister entered with the masseuse.
“Later,” I whispered back.
He let himself out of the house, and I prayed I didn’t make a big mistake.
Chapter Fourteen
My sister took Lucky out one more time before she left, and he’d already curled up on the couch and passed out. I’d only heard from his parents once since they’d left, which was kind of unusual. Generally, I heard from the owners via email every day. I always sent a little nightly recap and that’s when I usually got a response, but not with Lucky’s parents. They must have been having a really good time.
I stared at my cell phone and felt a wave of anxiety flow through me. The thought of texting Billy was exciting, yet completely nerve-wracking. I was a big ball of messed-up. I wanted to sleep with him, but being in a plaster cast wasn’t exactly how I pictured our first encounter. But if I didn’t jump on the occasion, I’d completely miss out, and it had been a long, long, long time since I’d been attracted enough to anyone to even think about the deed.
And since meeting him that was all I could think about, so how could I let an opportunity like this slip by all because I’m being a nervous Nelly.
I groaned and Lucky opened one eye before falling back to sleep.
“It’s no big deal,” I told myself. “Just text him like you do this thing all the time. Fun is your middle name.”
I took in a deep breath and quickly texted Billy three simple words.
My sister left.
The moment I hit send, my stomach tied into a million little knots as I waited for his response. Tonight could go in so many different directions. It wasn’t like he’d actually said anything about sleeping together, but why would he? Billy had more class than that, but what if all he meant by coming over was watching a movie or something? It wasn’t the first time I gotten my idea of fun and his crossed.
I groaned again, hoping a message would pop up soon.
“Lucky, what is about this man that always makes me think about sex?” I leaned back in the recliner and stared at the ceiling. “As I’ve proven over the last several years, there is more to life than sex.”
Lucky was completely ignoring me and I fully understood. This topic was way above his pay grade. After several minutes without a response, my pulse started to slow to a normal rate.
When I’d just about given up, a message popped up from Billy.
Still up for a little fun tonight? I rented a couple DVDs and can bring some popcorn.
“Of course he did,” I muttered to no one, pushing away the disappointment and attempting to welcome the relief.
Sounds perfect. I’ll be here.
He texted back quickly.
I counted on that.
Even if it was only a movie night, my stomach flip-flopped with delight. At least I’d get to see him and there wouldn’t be anything to interfere.
I glanced around the living room, which looked a lot tidier than when he was here last. The flames were roiling in the fireplace and Lucky’s soft snores filtered through the air. I wasn’t sure how he’d feel when we booted him off the couch.
I hobbled into the kitchen just as my cellphone rang so I quickly hobbled back to the recliner.
Expecting it to be Billy, I was completely surprised to hear my mom on the other end.
“Hey, dear,” her voice sang into the phone. “Your dad and I are so looking forward to our visit. How are you feeling?”
“I’m only taking Ibuprofen now and then so I’m doing fantastic.” I sat back down in the recliner. “It’s so nice of you guys to come out here for so long. Are you sure you don’t mind?”
“Oh, please. That’s what early retirement is for. We’d planned on visiting for a couple weeks, so what’s the difference with adding a couple more to the mix?”
My parents were the most selfless, giving people I’d ever known. They’d always made time for my sister and me, and I couldn’t imagine them not in my life. My mind wandered to Billy. I wondered what all went on with his family, what made him so closed-up on certain topics? It didn’t sound like he’d had a stable upbringing, but I wanted to know more.
And I shouldn’t. If this was nothing more than fun, what did it matter?
“Honey, are you okay?” she asked.
“Oh, yeah. Sorry. I get kind of foggy at this time of night.”
“I understand. You have a lot on your plate, but your dad and I will be great dog sitters. You tell us what to do and we’ll make sure we do it.”
I laughed, knowing she meant it. “Maybe I’ll be lucky and I’ll get my walking cast sooner so we can be tourists.”
“Don’t count on it.” I heard my dad in the background.
“I also called to see if there was anything you needed us to bring. Your sister said she was going to go grocery shopping for you tomorrow and then some man on the island was going to help the day she left? Is he reliable? Can he be trusted? Do you feel safe around him?”
More than she knew.
“He’s fine.” I chuckled, realizing poor Billy had no idea what he could have gotten himself into. “Very reliable.”
The doorbell rang and my mom didn’t miss a beat.
“Who’s coming to your door at this hour? I talked to your sister who’s already in bed at the lodge.” She didn’t even give me a chance to answer. “Do you want me to stay on the phone while you see who it is? Make sure you don’t blindly open the door.”
“It’s fine, I promise. You’ll see when you come to the island, mom. It’s one big, happy community. It’s probably someone bringing me movies to watch or something.” I felt slightly guilty for not telling my mom.
“I’d feel much better if you’d let me stay on the phone while you checked.”
“It’s hard for me to walk over there with crutches and a phone in hand. I promise I won’t open the door if I don’t know them.”
“I don’t know…”
“I’ll text you and let you know. How’s that?”
I knew she didn’t like my idea of a compromise, but she relented and hung up so I could hobble to the door and let Billy in.
“Did you know it’s not fair to show up looking so good?” I teased, noticing Lady spinning at his feet.
He glanced down at his jeans and a sweater. “Sorry. I’ll do better at looking worse next time.”
“That’s more like it.” I moved away from the door to let him in, and he put the DVDs and popcorn on the table. “But I was talking about Lady.”
He smiled and shook his head. “I should have known. I hope you don’t mind that I brought her.”
“Not at all. She can keep Lucky amused.”
And with that Lady pranced through the foyer into the living room.
“I’ve been thinking about you since the moment I left this afternoon.” He slid his arms around my waist, careful to not throw me off balance.
“Is that so?” I asked, feeling the strength in his hands and wishing I wasn’t standing in a cast in front of this man.
I wasn’t one to compare myself to others often, but seeing the lady in red whom he’d actually dated was a little intimidating. She was gorgeous. Tall. Elegant.
I pet sat for a living
. I was super short and preferred Converse to heels.
“Very so.” He brought me closer and I widened my crutches.
See? Sexy.
“I need to text someone to let them know you weren’t a mass murderer.”
“Who?” His brows furrowed.
“My mom,” I muttered and he chuckled.
“She’s a really nice woman.”
My gaze flew to his. “Huh?”
“Your sister gave me their number so we could coordinate everything.” He smiled. “In fact, I let them know I was bringing over DVDs tonight when your mom called.”
“She called?”
“Your parents really care about you.”
“They do.” I nodded.
I saw a dart of sadness flutter through his eyes.
“The benefit of having not the greatest family growing up is that I can really spot the ones who care for one another.” He stepped back and grabbed the DVDs. “You want comedy or drama or…”
“You choose.” I smiled, noticing a mound of tension in his shoulders that hadn’t been there a few minutes ago. There was so much about Billy that I wanted to know. “I’m up for anything. No promises I’ll stay awake though.”
I made my way back to my phone in the living room and sent my mom a quick text.
Billy dropped the DVDs off, but I’m guessing you already knew that.
She texted back.
Totally slipped my mind. Love you.
I let out a chuckle and tossed my phone on the recliner.
“We can start with comedy and go to thriller. How’s that?” Seeing him walk into the living room with the stack of DVDs made my heart squeeze. It was like for a minute I could pretend that this was my house, my town, and the man I was dating. I wasn’t usually one to daydream and fantasize, but there was something so perfectly cozy about this moment that I promised myself to remember even the smallest details.
Like Billy’s adorable smile.
And his thoughtfulness as he scratched Lucky’s ear on the way to the television.
Lucky in Love on Hound Island (Island County Series Book 8) Page 12