Can't Fight It (Fair Lakes Book 3)

by Kaylee Ryan

  “I will,” I tell her and know that it’s the truth. This boutique is definitely a place I’d love to shop at again in the near future. “Thank you,” I reply before slipping out the door and heading to my car.

  My plan to visit a few of the other stores in the strip mall proceeds, but I don’t spend any money there. Instead, I find myself heading over to that secondhand store I found a lot of my great furniture pieces at. There was a huge clothing section too, and I’m anxious to see what sorts of treasures I find there.

  The moment I walk through the door, the owner greets me by name and offers me a smile. It’s one of the best parts about living in a small town. Back in California, no one took the time to remember your name, let alone your shopping style.

  “I’m so glad you’re here! I just took in a new consignment, and there is this great aged lantern. I instantly thought of you and the bookshelf,” she says as she retrieves the medium-sized wooden and glass piece from behind the counter. “I was just pricing it to put on the shelf.”

  My eyes are glued to the rustic piece, and I know she’s right. This decoration would look fabulous sitting on my bookcase, maybe with some ivy and a battery-operated candle inside. “I love it,” I whisper, reaching for the lantern when she sets it in front of me.

  “I was going to put six ninety-five on it,” she says.

  “That’s a great price,” I reply with a smile.

  “I’m so glad my husband, Herb, here last time,” she says. “He got you all set at home with your new things, right?”

  Nodding frantically, I reply, “He did. I offered to pay him for his time, but he refused to take it. I’m willing to pay for any delivery fee,” I insist.

  She waves her hand in dismissal. “No, dear, that’s not necessary. Herb is always willing to help out, especially delivering some furniture to a young woman who doesn’t have a truck to haul it.”

  “Well, I definitely appreciate it.” I look back down at the lantern, wishing it was something I could get today, but if I’m going to be successful in my new home, I need to stick to my lists and allowance.

  “Are you looking for anything special today?” she asks, sorting through a few more items and adding price tags.

  “I was going to check out your selection of winter coats and sweaters.”

  “There’s several over on the far wall, and I’m sure there’s a few in your size. Do you want help?”

  “No, thank you. I’ll just go take a look.”

  “Let me know if you need anything. Oh, and there’s a changing room in the back if you need it,” she says before turning her attention back to her task.

  I make my way through the shop, eventually coming across the women’s clothes section. The first thing I find is a rack of jeans and slacks. Beside it, a rack of sweaters and long-sleeved shirts in all colors and sizes. Zeroing in on my size, I find several I like, but ultimately decide to try on four. Before I head back to the dressing room, I find her display of coats. There’s a few leather ones, but I’m not really a leather kinda girl. So I pick a navy blue Columbia puffer coat that’s marked at only fourteen ninety-five and make my way to the back.

  Each sweater I try on fits well enough to buy, and at only about seven dollars each, it’s almost a crime not to get them. The coat is a tad on the big side, but by the time I layer for the winter, I’m sure it’ll be a perfect fit.

  Happy with my purchases, I head to the front with my four new sweaters and coat. “I’m loving that coat,” Jeanette says, ringing up my new-to-me clothes. “Oh, and the deal of the week is buy one, get one half off. So, two of the sweaters are fifty percent off,” she adds with a smile.

  “Can’t beat that deal,” I reply, digging out a few more bills.

  “It’s mix or match. If you want something else, you get it half off, since you’re getting the coat,” she adds, folding the sweaters and setting them aside.

  I glance around, wondering if there’s anything else I should purchase. When my eyes fall back on the lantern, a grin spreads across my lips. “I’ll take the lantern,” I tell her.

  “Excellent choice,” she replies, grabbing the lantern and some newspaper.

  We chitchat about the predicted cold front coming in before the Thanksgiving holiday, while Jeanette wraps up the lantern to protect it. When she gives me my total, which is considerably less than I expected to pay, I hand her some cash to cover the amount and take my two bags of goodies from the counter.

  “It was a pleasure seeing you again, Hollis. Stop by anytime. I run different deals all the time to keep inventory moving, so if you’re ever looking for anything in particular, come here first,” Jeanette boasts with a wave.

  “I will, thanks,” I tell her as I head to the door.

  Outside, the mid-November air is brisk and dry, so I speed-walk to my car and fire it up as soon as I’m inside. I also pull my new coat from the bag and slip it on, instantly appreciating the warmth that wraps around me. I sit for a few minutes, wondering where my next stop will be. I still have a little money left and want to grab some boots, so I guess I’ll head out toward the supercenter to see what they have in stock.

  Just before I go to pull from my parking spot, my cell phone rings. I dig it from my purse and find a local number I don’t recognize. “Hello?”

  “Hey, is this Hollis?”

  “This is,” I reply, already recognizing the voice on the other end.

  “It’s Gabby,” she says.

  “Hi, how are you?”

  “I’m good. Listen, I’m at the gym and just had a meeting with Harrison about the website. Are you available soon for a quick meeting?”

  My heart starts to dance in my chest with excitement. Past experiences tell me, a meeting request is usually a very good thing. “Yeah, sure, anytime. I’m just running a few errands now.”

  “Yeah? Well, would you want to stop by after your errands? I don’t want to rush you, but Harrison’s afternoon schedule is open so he can go to a doctor’s appointment with my sister. He’s got a little time before he leaves,” she tells me.

  “Yeah, sure! I can come right now, actually,” I reply, feeling that familiar anticipation of potential work bubbling up inside me.

  “Really? I mean, if you’re sure,” she says, the smile evident in her voice.

  “I’m sure. I’ll be there in about ten minutes.”

  “Okay, I’ll meet you at the front desk. See you in a few,” she replies before hanging up.

  “Yes!” I holler in the confines of my car, my palms hitting my steering wheel a few times in celebration. Giving myself a few seconds to enjoy the prospect of another new job, I finally pull from my parking spot and head toward the gym, boot shopping forgotten for the time being.

  It only takes me a few minutes to get there, and when I pull into the lot beside the building, I spy Colton’s familiar truck in the back. My heart starts to beat a little faster in my chest, and I can’t help but wonder if I’ll see him, but then I think about how stupid that line of thinking is. It doesn’t matter if I see him or not, right? I’m here for a job, nothing more, and that job doesn’t involve ogling my landlord while he’s at work.

  I get out of the car and head to the front door, thankful for the extra layer of warmth. Inside, I instantly find Gabby, who’s smiling widely, her hands resting on her slight baby bump. “I’m so glad you’re here,” she says, pulling me into a hug.

  “Me too,” I tell her.

  “Let’s go. We’re meeting in his office.”

  I fall in step beside her as we make our way through the massive gym. Even for the time of day, there are a bunch of people walking or running on treadmills and ellipticals. They’re using rowing machines and free weights. There’s even a handful of older gentlemen standing around the water cooler and pointing to the football game muted on the television.

  “We’ve been crazy busy,” she says, walking swiftly down a short hallway. When she rounds the corner, we’re in a small room where what I assume is her desk i
s positioned. Gabby heads over to the open door and knocks as she walks in, me tagging along behind her.

  “You must be Hollis. I’ve heard a lot about your work,” the man behind the desk says with a smile. “I’m Harrison Drake, owner of All Fit.”

  I’m going to be honest with you. Harrison is hot. Like walking on the sun barefoot kinda hot. He’s tall and muscular, with a tight All Fit T-shirt and dark glasses perched on his nose. Actually, he reminds me a little of Chase. No, there isn’t much of a resemblance outside their physical bulk, but there’s just something about their charming smiles and bad boy demeanor.

  But as good-looking as they both are, neither of them are Colton Callahan.

  Funny, Chase and Colton are brothers, yet I don’t feel the slightest attraction toward the younger brother. Colton, on the other hand, has this way of constantly keeping my heart pounding and my panties wet, and he doesn’t even realize it. At least, I hope he doesn’t realize it. Otherwise, things are going to get awkward real fast.

  “Pleasure to meet you,” I tell him, shaking his extended hand.

  “Have a seat. Gabby has been raving about your work for the last week or so, and we were finally able to sit down and review the information you emailed her,” he starts, steepling his fingers at his lips. “I’m definitely ready to improve our online presence. I think it’s a logical step in marketing the company, but I’m honestly a little hesitant to do this now.”

  My heart skids to a stop, and I just pray my eyes don’t bug out of my head in shock. “Oh.”

  Not exactly how I expected this meeting to go. He couldn’t decline my business via the phone? No, he just had to bring me to his office and fire me face-to-face.

  Well, not fire, really. You can’t be fired from a job you didn’t have.

  The letdown is real as I feel myself sag in my chair.

  “Don’t be an ass, Harrison. Tell her the rest,” Gabby demands, opening up his candy dish and taking a mint from the jar.

  Harrison chuckles and glances my way, a small smile on his face. “My assistant loves to point out when I’m being an ass. Anyway, here’s my concern,” he starts, sitting up straight and looking across the desk at me. “Gabby is going to be taking maternity leave in a few months. I’m afraid to start this project, train our clients to check it for updated classes and such, and then her be off for six to eight weeks post-baby. What I’d like is to have someone maintain the site for us. Someone who can make the adjustments quickly online in a timely manner. I want this person to show Gabby how to do it, but then take the reins and maintain the site for a period of up to six months. You interested?”

  I find myself staring back at him, listening to his words, but not truly hearing them.

  “I’m sorry, you want me to maintain your site?” I ask, stuttering and stammering around like an idiot.

  Harrison smiles. “I do. I’d pay you, of course, for your time.”

  My own grin breaks out as I think about his offer. “I could do that,” I tell him without even really considering it. The thing is, I know my websites. No one can navigate them as quickly and as easily as I can. It does seem logical to have me do it.

  “Umm, yeah, I think that can be arranged,” I tell him.

  He grins again and stands up. “Perfect. I’d also like you to design a branding package. Gabby says she’s already mentioned it to you, so go ahead and come up with a design or two and send them my way.”

  I blink once, twice. I can’t seem to find my words.

  “Are you okay?” he asks, a concerned look crossing his face.

  “Hollis?” Gabby asks, moving her head into my line of sight.

  “Oh! Yes! Sorry, I was just…”

  Embarrassing myself.

  “Does that sound okay?” he asks, taking his glasses off and watching me closely.

  “Yes, that sounds amazing, actually. I’m definitely interested in designing your site and logo and am more than willing to help maintain the site while Gabby’s gone,” I assure him, elation bubbling up in my chest.

  “I’m glad,” he says, smiling across at me. When he stands up, I do the same. “Work with Gabby on the project, okay? When she’s happy with it, I’ll sign off on final approval.”

  “Sounds good, Mr. Drake,” I tell him, unable to stop the grin on my lips.

  “Please, call me Harrison,” he replies with yet another smile.

  I nod. “Harrison. I’ll be in touch with Gabby by the end of the week,” I tell him, reaching down for my handbag.

  “Good. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to meet Winnie and the kids for lunch before the appointment.”

  And just like that, Harrison Drake is gone.

  “Wow,” I whisper, forgetting I’m not alone in the room.

  “Yeah, he’s something. Pisses me off more often than not, but he makes my sister happy, so I try not to bust his balls too much,” Gabby says.

  “Whose balls are you busting now?” Chase asks, entering the way Harrison just left.

  “Yours, if you’re not careful,” she sasses, crossing the room to where her husband stands.

  Chase wraps his arms around his wife. “I love it when you do anything to my balls.”

  I snicker a laugh because even I saw that comment coming a mile away.

  “Oh, hey, Hollis. You talk to H about the website?”

  I nod as Gabby replies, “She did. She took the job and is going to knock this site out of the park.”

  “Well, I appreciate the vote of confidence. I guess I should probably head home and get to work. I’ll have a few more ideas to you by Friday,” I tell her, heading toward the doorway.

  “I’ll see you out,” she says, her arms wrapped around Chase’s waist.

  “No need. I can find my way,” I tell her.

  Chase winks at me and gives a knowing grin. “Thanks, Hollis,” he replies, confirming my suspicion that he’s going to take advantage of a few minutes of alone time with his wife.

  Waving goodbye, I head out the way I came. As I reach the end of the little hallway, a wall moves into my path, hard and unforgiving. I practically bounce off it, no doubt heading toward the floor until two arms reach out and wrap around me. I’d know that scent anywhere. It’s a touch of woodsy, mixed with spice and sweat.

  Colton.

  “Hey, sorry about that. I wasn’t watching— Oh, Hollis.”

  “Hi,” I reply, my voice sounding dangerously high-pitched for a late twenties woman. “I didn’t mean to run into you.” I’m flustered and probably flushed with embarrassment, my body suddenly sparked to life.

  “My fault,” he says, those blue eyes gazing down at me. I swear he can read me like a book. “I was headed to find Chase. Was he in the office?”

  I glance back the way I came, and it’s the first time I realize his arms are still wrapped around me. He must notice too because he suddenly straightens and drops those strong arms from around my body. “Oh, uh… yeah. But you may want to give him a few minutes. He had that look in his eyes that said he was about to do something to Gabby that you can’t unsee if you were to walk in there.”

  He chuckles that deep, sexy sound that makes my lady parts tingle. “Thanks for the warning. It’s been a while since we were kids, and seeing my brother’s naked ass isn’t something I care to see again anytime soon. Not to mention my sister-in-law…”

  “Yeah,” I reply, glancing down at the floor to where a few sheets of paper lie at his feet. Bending down, I gather the flyers and look at the headline. “Self-defense for beginners?”

  He nods. “We’ve been talking about starting a class, and I was finally able to nail down a schedule. We’ll meet Wednesday evenings for four weeks.” He seems to study my face for a few long seconds, and I can’t help but wonder if he sees the curiosity and hesitation I feel as he talks about it. Curiosity because I’m seriously considering taking this class, but hesitation because I’m not sure I can be around the instructor without embarrassing myself further.

  “Are
you interested in taking the class?” he asks, clearly able to read my body language and my facial expressions better than I’d like.

  “Umm… maybe?”

  “Is that a question?” he asks with a smile.

  Oh, that sexy smile.

  “No?”

  He laughs.

  Fuck, that sexy smile.

  “Well, how about you join me tonight and give it a try? I won’t even charge you. If you don’t like it, no harm, no foul.”

  “Oh, no, I couldn’t do that. If I come tonight, I insist on paying,” I tell him, but my mind zeroes in on that one word.

  Come.

  There’s no denying the way his man-brain homes in on it as well. His eyes dilate dark and fierce, and his breath catches in his throat. His Adam’s apple bobs as he swallows, and suddenly all I can think about is that dark dusting of stubble on his jaw and neck. I bet it would feel amazing rubbing against my—

  “So what do you say, Hollis? Join me tonight? We can just ride together. Mom is coming over to watch Milo.”

  Milo. Right. His son. The reason I need to stay away from my landlord and not imagine all the… stuff I was just imagining. He has priorities that don’t involve giving me a whisker burn on my thighs.

  “Um, okay, that sounds good. What time should I be ready?”

  “Class starts at seven, but I’d like to be here by six thirty. Be ready at six fifteen?” His arms cross over his broad chest, the shirt pulled tautly over his arms. Arms that were just wrapped around me a few minutes ago.

  The words just don’t come, so I nod in agreement.

  Colton flashes me a warm smile. “Great. Just knock on the door when you’re ready,” he says, taking the flyers and moving toward the hallway. “Oh, Hollis?” I glance over my shoulder to where he stands. “Can’t wait.”

  I open my mouth, but nothing comes out. My brain officially stops working, just like it did in high school when the star basketball player stopped by my locker after school to chat. I turned into a stumbling, bumbling idiot then too, barely able to form sentences.