“I’m afraid it’s too far to walk, you guys.” Wade nodded toward the parking lot. “Wanna follow me?”
“Ummm, not really.”
“Well, you want to go with—”
“What if we change the plans? Let’s sit on the patio and order it at the hotel.”
Wade shrugged. It didn’t matter to him. He enjoyed her company whether it was here or blocks away. “Sure, lead the way.” She walked on ahead of him. There was nothing bad about her looks. She had it all. He sped up to walk beside her.
She smiled up at him again. “I’d like to hike out on the pier tomorrow evening. The week is going by fast.”
“You never know, I could be there. I ran down and back on the pier this morning on an early run.”
“If you’re there at the same time, I can promise our walk will be slow.”
“Fine.” On the restaurant patio by the pool, he pulled out her chair before sitting down. She seemed to appreciate the gesture. “I bet you like cheese pizza, Emmett.”
“Yep. How’d you know?”
“I hang out with people at home who have lots of kids. I like supreme with everything on it except green peppers.”
“Sophie laughed. “So do I.”
Wade read the menu. “Good, I’ll order one for us. Emmett gets his own whole pizza.”
Sophie touched his hand but pulled hers back. “No, we’ll get him a couple slices. He doesn’t like it warmed up.”
“Hey, I eat it cold for breakfast. You will one of these days, kiddo.”
Emmett grinned. “I like you, Mr. Emory.”
“Yeah? Well, I like you, too.” And I like your mommy. He winked at her but hadn’t meant to. He must’ve got a bug in his eye, so he rubbed it to be sure. “You know, I wasn’t going to say anything, but I have a flight out on Saturday as well. Think there’s a chance we’d be on the same plane?”
Sophie brushed long bangs from her face. “Wouldn’t that be coincidental?”
“I suppose.” This was the first time he’d noticed freckles splayed across her nose. He liked them.
“We’re taking the redeye home. I’m off work for summer. Emmett can sleep on the way. I’ll sleep a little myself, but I don’t usually on planes or in cars.”
“That comes in handy if you’re the driver.” Wade sat back and entwined his fingers behind his head.
Sophie chuckled. “Funny guy.”
The server came over to their table and brought a placemat and crayons for Emmett to color or draw, but first asked him if he was too old to color. Emmett grinned and took it. Wade ordered the pizza’s and asked if she drank beer or wine.
“Right now a beer sounds good with pizza...but…” She shook her head. “Lemonade, please, and milk for my son.”
“Mom, I want soda.” He frowned.
“Not this late, Emmett.”
Wade ordered a soda for himself instead of beer.
“Coming right up.” The server left them alone.
He glanced over at what Emmett drew. It didn’t look like a drawing a kid his age could draw. “How old is your son?”
“I’m eight and a half.” He gazed back and forth at them as if they were about to give him a birthday gift.
“Can you draw a horse?” Wade asked.
“I can.” He got busy doing exactly that and did a good job.
“Your boy is talented. He’s a little young to be drawing that good.”
“He’s been drawing since he was about four. He inherited the gift from his dad, I think.” She tousled up her boy’s hair. “I’m proud of him.”
“Dad could draw good, huh.” Emmett drew a bridle on the horse, then looked up at Wade. “Do you have a horse, Mr. Emory?”
“I have a couple.”
“My grandpa does. My mom rides Grandpa’s horses, but I have my own.”
Wade smiled at her. “Good for your mom.” Their pizzas came and Wade put a slice on his and Sophie’s plates while she took care of Emmett’s. “Did he say Grandpa?”
“My stepdad. He’s a great guy, and we all love him. He’s been around so long, I think of him and my brother and sister as full-blooded family.” She held her glass up and tapped his soda glass. “Cheers to pizza on the patio.”
“Salute to walking on the pier tomorrow night.” It didn’t seem like they’d just met yesterday. She made it easy to be comfortable. Her smile got to him. That was a bad sign.
Emmett stood, put his fingers up to his brow, and saluted. Wade laughed but Sophie’s expression changed to a solemn and almost mournful frown. He gazed back and forth at them. “Did I say something wrong?”
“My daddy was a soldier. When you said salute, I saluted.”
Was? Oh, God Almighty. He felt like hell. “Emmett, my kind of salute meant the same thing as when your mom said cheers.”
“My daddy died.” Emmett folded his hands in his lap and stared downward. A lump formed in Wade’s throat he couldn’t push down.
Sophie placed her arm around Emmett’s shoulder, and Wade wanted to do the same thing for her. “I’m sorry, Sophie.”
“It’s fine.” She took a drink and gazed into his eyes. “It’s been three and a half years now. I’m surprised he remembered the word.”
Sonofabitch. A widow. Sophie laid her hand over his on his lap and nodded. “It’s okay.”
No, it wasn’t. He had a blip in his heart he’d never had before. A band started up on the beach. Their first song was a cover for a tune called “Strip it Down.” Wade didn’t think he’d be able to sit still without touching her in some way to those sexy song lyrics. Why now? Their eyes connected. He leaned in a bit closer. Their gaze held, but she sat back and took another drink of lemonade.
“Eat up, Emmett.” She gave Wade a quick glance. There was a spark in her eyes, and he bet it had lain dormant since her husband had died. Well, good thing he hadn’t let his heart go yet…or had he?
After they finished eating, Wade walked them upstairs. He didn’t argue when she wanted to pay for Emmett’s pizza. “Can you wait out here a minute while I urge Emmett into his pajamas? I promised him a movie tonight, but I’d like to talk to you.”
“Yeah. I’ll go down to the end of the walkway here to see what’s going on if I don’t get picked up for being a peeping-Tom.”
***
Sophie closed the door and leaned against it. Rhett had been on her mind since she’d come across Wade. She hadn’t dated since he passed away, unless you call having dinner with your sister and brother-in-law a date, or with her guy friend. She wasn’t ready, but when she peered into Wade’s eyes, she’d wondered what it’d be like to date him. A real date, not an outing with her son but the two of them. “Emmett, are you getting your jammies?”
“Yeah. Don’t call them jammies. Are we watching the movie?”
“Sure. Can you give me a minute to say good-bye to Mr. Emory? He’s waiting outside.”
“He can come in.”
What? Was that a good idea? “You like him, don’t you?”
“He’s nice, and he has horses.”
She put her arm around Emmett and ran her fingers through his hair. “You know, he doesn’t live too far from us in Arizona.”
He left her and ran into his sleeping area but returned in a rush and with a smile. “Can we visit him when we get home?”
Emmett stood in front of her with his pajama’s in hand. What could she say? “I don’t know. Put them on now, and I’ll be right in.” She hugged him.
“Can Mr. Emory watch the movie with us?”
Could she let Emmett get attached to this man? Her son longed for a father. It hadn’t been confirmed until now. “Not tonight. I’ll be right in.” Wade leaned against the rail looking over the first floor at the end of the walkway. She strolled toward him. “You’ve made an impression on my boy.”
“I’m honored. Listen, Sophie, honestly, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to stir up hurt feelings for either one of you. What did you want to talk about?”
She
placed her hand on his wrist on the rail. “Think we could have coffee, or maybe even a drink after we get home? I live in Queen Creek.”
“Wow, that’s shorter than a marathon run away.”
She released his arm. “You must be a runner.”
“Nothing much anymore. No time. I’m busy on the JL Ranch. Hey, your stepdaddy might even get supplies from there.”
“Would you like to watch a movie with me and Emmett?”
“Huh? When? At Home?”
Sophie gulped. “Now. It’s a kid’s movie, but what the heck. Would you like to join us?”
“Are you sure? It’s okay with your son? Your brother won’t be by, will he?”
“Well, if he does, you’ll be here to shoo him off.” She shoved his shoulder, but he caught her hand before she removed it and held it against his arm. Her cheeks warmed. “I’m joking. Clay’s going home early in the morning. I hope he’s sleeping.”
“His home is?”
“He lives near me and my family.”
“Family?”
Here she was a grown adult with a child, telling him, “I live with my dad for now. After…well, after Rhett died, he was a big help to me in the beginning. Plus, a neighbor lady helps take care of Emmett after school some days, and when I need her. I was a widowed Army wife and had nowhere to go.”
“Wow, I figured the military would’ve taken care of you. Couldn’t you stay on base? You must have tons of friends there.”
“There was no reason to stay, nor would I be allowed. The movie? It’s fine with Emmett. He suggested it.”
“Good. Sounds good. Yeah, I’ll watch it.”
Sophie observed Wade glance off toward the ocean out the end window, but all that could be seen was their reflection. He focused on her again. Sophie swallowed hard. With a cocky kind of charm, he smiled, and her heart abounded. “You will?”
“Yeah.” On down the walkway to their room, he clasped her hand. “Sure, we can have a date when we get back home. How about you call me when you’re ready. I’ll be ready, Sophie.” They stopped outside her door, and Wade kissed her on the cheek. His lips were pleasantly warm. Loneliness consumed her.
Sophie swiped her card and they entered. “Look who I found, Emmett.”
He ran over to Wade with another drawing. “You can have this. Tell me what color your horses are. I’ll draw them.”
Wade took his phone out. “These are mine.” He pointed to the picture. “But they have more where I work.”
“Cool. Movie, Mom.”
“I already set it up.” Wade gave her a pleasing smile. What was she getting herself into now? What would this do to Emmett? She couldn’t let him get attached and have him get hurt all over again. It’s only a movie.
Halfway into the show, Emmett fell asleep. Sophie turned it off and put on a sitcom, lowering the volume. “This must be a boring night for a man on vacation.”
“Not at all. I’m not a rousing type of guy unless I have to be.” Wade stood. “I’m on vacation to get away from work, which I don’t do often enough. It’s no fun going to bars alone in a city where you don’t know anyone, and I don’t do one-night stands. I have another reason for being here.”
With his charisma, he’d have no problem finding a one-nighter if he wanted one. Was he all he seemed to be? “That’s refreshing to hear. Let me get my boy to bed. We can have a glass of wine if you aren’t in a hurry.”
Wade went to her son. “Want me to lift him?”
“I got him.” If Emmett had woken in his arms, it’d be hard on the kid since his daddy used to carry him to bed. She reached for him but he woke, scurried off the couch, and took her hand. He was too big for her to carry, anyway. “Come on, I’ll tuck you in.”
She tucked in Emmett, glanced at the picture of his daddy on the side table, and closed her eyes a moment to regroup. She returned to the kitchen and held up a bottle of wine. “Red or white?” He looked so good sitting there, and to think she’d traveled nearly four hundred miles to meet a hometown guy that interested her. No. No. Deny it. No, she couldn’t be interested. The part of her heart that wanted to be, whispered, “Why not?” She reflected on her dad’s words about love happening again when she least expected it. She neither expected it, nor waited for it, even unsure if she wanted love again.
He switched positions on the sofa to see her better. “Whichever you want is fine.”
“This is Cabernet Franc from Napa Valley. I thought it was fitting to pick up something from California when I bought it.”
“You should do a wine tour sometime.”
“I will add it to my bucket list.”
Wade took the glass. “Sophie, you’re a little young for a bucket list.”
She sat on the end of the couch. Bending her knee, she twisted to face him. “You know, we’re never too young to start a list of things we want to do before we die. Life can be taken in less than a breath. How often do you take a vacation?” Where had that all come from?
He laughed. “Not often, but I needed a break. Work’s been crazy. Don’t get me wrong, that’s a good thing. Keeps me and three of the ranch hands working. Jake’s a good business partner. We went to school together. Everybody in Canyon Junction did, it seems.”
“You said they have horses where you work. Do they do trail rides?”
“No, but it’s funny you asked. One of Jake’s friends used to do trail rides into the Superstitions, but he gave his wrangling job up.”
“Would Emmett be able to?”
“I don’t know. Probably. I’ll text Zach Bryson to find out if you want to know for sure. Look out your door though. You got the whole Sonoran for a trail ride. I’ll look into it if you want…”
Sophie observed him from top to bottom. He fumbled with the neck of his t-shirt. The man looked beyond sexy in that light blue t-shirt and nice-fitting jeans. “I’d like if you looked into it.”
“Do you work in Queen Creek?”
How much information did she want to give before knowing more about him? She shook her head. “Uh uh. What did you think of the kid’s movie?”
“Eh, it wasn’t bad. They always have a moral.”
She laughed. “You watch kid movies often?”
“Not by choice. Like I said, most of my friends back home have kids. Something is always blasting on their TVs when I’m over there.” Wade finished his wine and sat the glass on the table beside the sofa. He scooted closer and laid his hand over her bended knee. “Listen, shut me up if I’m being rude here, but I like you. I liked you right away. I know you’re still missing your husband. You call me when you’re ready. Can you do that? I’d like to…” He cleared his throat. “I’m getting way too far ahead of myself. Sorry.”
Here it comes. Decision time. She didn’t want to lead him on, but she didn’t want him to get away before… Say it. She needed to think about this.
He stretched out his arm along the back of the couch. “I’d like to get to know you, but it’s in your hands.” Wade stood and took her wine glass to set beside his. He gently clasped her hand and coaxed her up. “It’s all up to you. If it were up to me, I’d kiss you good night. Shut me up if I’m too—”
She pressed her finger over his lips. “Shut up.”
“Okay,” he mumbled against her finger.
What would it feel like to kiss someone again? Their gazes locked. “I’d like if you kissed me good night.”
Wade grinned. “Ya would?” He hesitated a moment then cupped his hand around the back of her head. Wade slowly leaned in while peering into her eyes with a desire she hadn’t seen in too long. He held the stare, moved in a little more, waited. Damn him. Come on, kiss me. Wade pressed his soft lips against hers, and she nearly lost her breath at the first touch. It didn’t last though, and he pulled himself back. Now, she breathed. Now, she wanted more.
She slowly opened her eyes. It was a wonder her heart hadn’t stopped at the shock of beating so fast for this reason. She stepped closer. “I want to see you tomo
rrow and the next days of our vacation, and at home. Shut me up if that’s too much for—”
His mouth collided with hers. They fell back onto the couch, embracing, kissing without a care. His lips bonded with hers with a need as big as hers. She threaded her fingers into his thick hair, returning the kiss—happy that she remembered how. Sophie hoped her lips told him everything he’d said had been accepted. Her brain turned in circles. Her chest heaved until she couldn’t breathe. She moved back a whisper and spoke low, “I didn’t expect that.” She didn’t mean only the kiss, but the tumbling in her belly that went with it, the extra little thump to her heart, the tingle… “I’m sorry.”
“Neither did I.” He kissed the corners of her mouth. His lips moved to her ear. “I’m glad we met. It’s time for me to go.”
She moved back and straightened her shirt, licked her lips, and breathed deeply in and out. If she knew anything, Wade Emory was an excellent kisser.
Wade slammed his fingers into his hair then smoothed it back, turned to look at her, and smiled like a man who had kissed his woman.
His woman. It’d been so long. Rhett, I’m sorry. He’d wanted her to move on and had said as much in the final letter to her. The one she’d found when she opened his footlocker after it’d been delivered. Sophie placed her hands against her chest.
Wade slipped his arm around her. “I know it can’t be easy for you. I almost lost my best friend to Afghanistan, and I know what his family went through not knowing. It’s not the same as what you’ve experienced.”
Emmett’s voice rang loud. “Mom?”
Oh no. What had he seen? Wade removed his arm. “What is it, honey?”
Emmett waved to Wade. “I’m thirsty.”
“Come on, let’s get you a drink.”
“I’ll take off. See you two on the pier tomorrow night.”
“Okay. I’m looking forward to the walk and another magical sunset.” She smiled, saying calmly, “Good night.” She stood frozen until the door closed, and he was gone. What could she do about this now? She glanced at Emmett, blinking. “Um…”
Hooked By Sundown (Canyon Junction: Hearts In Love Book 3) Page 3