by Vella, Wendy
“That makes no sense. It’s not like you’re a career criminal, Ted. You’re kind and gentle.” With me. Mandy pressed her lips to his, enjoying the fluttering feeling inside her tummy as she did so. His body felt hard against her soft one. Everything about him was a contrast to her, and it was exciting.
She felt his hand on her ribs, the heat burning through her dress. Then he touched her breast, and she shuddered. He cupped it gently, and Mandy had never in her life experienced such a feeling. Sensation ricocheted through her entire body.
So this is passion.
She tried to get closer.
“No!” He grabbed her shoulders and stepped back. “No,” he said, softly this time, hauling in a deep breath.
“Why?” Mandy wanted more and knew he did, felt it in his body.
“Because it will get complicated, and I don’t want that. Anything between us would be brief. You couldn’t handle that, and I can’t offer you more.”
“I don’t remember asking you for more,” she said, trying to understand what he was saying.
“How many men have you slept with, Mandy?”
“What has that got to do with us kissing?” She wasn’t telling him she was a virgin. Not now.
“How many men have you dated?”
He stood there, arms folded, speaking in a calm voice as if the last few minutes hadn’t happened. How was he composed so quickly, when seconds ago he’d been as affected as her… hadn’t he? Was she deluding herself, and in fact this was something he did regularly with women and was no big deal?
“What has that got to do with this?” Mandy kept her voice even.
“Everything.”
“I don’t understand what you’re trying to say, Ted.”
“You’d want more from me than I can give if this continues.”
Had he thrown icy water over her, the impact would not have been greater than those words.
“Because I’m innocent, I’m therefore a risk to be involved with? Is that what you’re trying to tell me, Ted?”
“No, that came out—”
“Because you’re experienced in the bedroom and with women, you’re therefore too much for me to handle? Pathetic little Mandy Robbins, who will be heartbroken if the first man she sl-sleeps with doesn’t marry her.” Her anger was climbing, and Mandy embraced it.
“That’s where this is heading.”
“To the bedroom?” The thought of them naked made her knees go weak.
“Yes, and even someone as innocent as you knows that.”
“Stop saying that like it’s a fault. I’m innocent, yes, but not naive. I know what happens. Don’t treat me like I’m a fool. I don’t need you to look out for me either. I have others for that.”
“I don’t want you hurt.”
“And you think you can do that to me. That you’re such a big deal, my heart will break if you walk away from me?”
“That came out wrong. What I meant to say was, I can walk away from an affair, but I don’t think you can.”
He was possibly right, but as she’d never had one she couldn’t say. One thing was clear though: she wouldn’t be having one with him.
“Whatever. You’ve made your point. End of discussion. I don’t want to do that with you anyway.”
“I haven’t done anything wrong here, Mandy. I’ve just been honest. I don’t want to hurt you.”
She knew that, just as she knew he was a good man. But maybe finally she was done with people thinking she was so soft she’d break with a wrong word or action.
His jaw was clenched. She watched the muscle bunching and releasing. Okay, so maybe he wasn’t as calm as she’d thought. That made her feel a bit better.
Mandy pushed his chest; he didn’t move.
“Move. I need to get back to my aunts. I can see now this was a mistake. I’m sure there’s a man in Ryker somewhere who won’t see me as too much of a challenge and would be willing to take the risk—”
“What the hell does that mean?” The words came out harsh.
“You’re a smart man, I’m sure you’ll figure it out.”
This time she used both hands and pushed as hard as she could. He relented and backed up a step, but only, Mandy guessed, because he wanted to.
“See you round, Ted.”
She walked back along the street instead of running, which was her first impulse.
You’re strong in here, Mandy.
When she entered A.S., it was to find Mr. Goldhirsh and Aunt Jess at their table.
She chatted, but didn’t really pay attention as she fumed over the way Ted had treated her. Like she was some pathetic woman who would crumble if he didn’t want to have a relationship with her.
To be fair, the Mandy of a few weeks ago would have, because she’d never even contemplated having a relationship, but suddenly she wanted what other people had.
“Hey, Mandy.”
“Hi, Lenny.”
From the lodge, Lenny was a friend of Jack’s, and like Jack he’d looked out for her. Tall and lanky, he had a nice smile and was always happy.
“Who knew you sang that well?”
“It’s not something I usually do, but my aunts blackmailed me into it with tears.”
“Harsh but true,” Aunt Marla said.
“You want to dance, Mandy?”
“I’m not really—”
“She would love to, Lenny,” Aunt Sarah said.
“Great.”
Mandy glared at her aunt as Lenny led her to the floor, where Fin was dancing with Maggs.
Ted, she noticed, was talking to Dylan. That kiss…. Her body still hummed. Maybe he was right about her and that she was different from him, and maybe he was trying to protect her, but Mandy felt about done with that now. People had been protecting her for years, and she’d let them. It was long past time she stood on her own two feet.
“You move well, Mandy.” Jack joined her and Lenny. “All these years, and I never knew.”
“All part of the new me, Uncle Jack.”
“I like it.”
He flashed her one of his killer smiles. The man had been a legend with women in these parts before he and Rory had fallen in love. There were plenty of unhappy ladies after that.
“Just saw my nephew, actually; he already looks smarter than me. Gracie was fussing around him like a little hen. That kid is the best.”
“She’s so sweet,” Mandy agreed. “And has her uncles right where she wants them.”
“Actually, has everyone right where she wants them.” Lenny raised her hand and Mandy did a twirl. It felt good so she did another one.
This was fun. She’d missed out on these kinds of things, but no more.
“When you moving to the apartment?” Jack did a shimmy with his hips that Mandy tried to copy.
“Like this.” Lenny grabbed her around the waist and moved her.
“Tomorrow,” Mandy said, shimmying. “And then the next day Bailey, Rory, and maybe Maggs are going to take me shopping for clothes.”
“No way are you letting them get hold of you?” Jack grabbed her hips and moved them again.
“I know, right? I’m not going to lie, I’m nervous they’ll dress me in skintight leopard print.”
“You be strong, girl, I know what those women can be like.”
Mandy laughed and did another shimmy. Jack clapped, and the Howling boys joined their circle. It was fun, being with these men who all had women in their lives, except Lenny, but he was her friend. They teased her, and she teased them back.
“I’ll come help you with the move if you like?”
“Thanks, Jack. I don’t have much, but what I got from Bas will need carrying up the steps.”
“I’ll help,” Lenny added.
“Thanks.”
After several songs, she took a break.
“I don’t have your stamina.”
Her eyes went to Ted before she could stop them, and he was looking right back at her. She couldn’t read his expression, but
had a feeling he wasn’t happy about something.
Heading for the bar, she ordered a soda.
“Look, Mandy. What I said earlier may have come out wrong—”
When she turned, Ted was standing behind her. His chinos were caramel colored and his shirt white. He was sexy, she couldn’t deny that, or the way her tummy flipped just looking at him.
“I really don’t want to discuss that again, Ted. I understand, okay. I’m innocent, and you’re not. You don’t date woman like me.”
“That’s not what I said.” His brows met in the middle in a fierce scowl. “I just don’t want you to go throwing yourself at men. You’re inexperienced, and they’ll get the wrong idea. I know men, how they think—”
“I beg your pardon?” She cut him off as it dawned on her what he was saying.
“I just meant—”
“Those are my friends. How dare you suggest I was doing anything other than having fun!”
“What? No.” He looked surprised, but Mandy was done caring what this man thought tonight. It was exhausting.
“Thanks for your flattering opinion of me, Ted. I’m innocent, and therefore desperate enough to throw myself at the first available man.”
“You’re deliberately misunderstanding what I’m saying, Mandy.”
“I don’t think so. But thanks for the advice, it’s always good to get some from a seasoned professional. And FYI, I may find you attractive, but I’m sure that’ll pass. So your job is done now.”
“Mandy—” He reached for her, but she slapped his hand aside.
“Thank you for helping me, you’ve changed my life. But I can see now that it’s best we don’t spend time together anymore.”
She walked away before he could say another word and told herself that the pain in her chest was from gulping her soda too fast.
“Are you ready to go, Mandy?” Aunt Marla said when she returned to the table.
“Are you in pain?”
“A bit,” her aunt conceded.
“You should have said something.”
“You were having fun, and I haven’t seen that before, so I didn’t want to intrude. If I hadn’t been so sore I’d have joined you.”
“Where’s Aunt Sarah?”
“Gossiping with the bridge players over there.”
Mandy located her other aunt and told her they were leaving.
They said their goodbyes and headed out to the car. Mandy ignored Ted, who was back at the table with his friends. It wasn’t until she was home and in bed that she let herself think about him again and what they’d shared.
She was angry with him for wanting her and then pushing her away. He was experienced, she wasn’t, and clearly he felt she was someone who needed protecting, if only from herself.
She couldn’t deny that because of him she’d started to change. Bit by bit, she could feel her protective layers peeling away, and beneath was someone who wanted things. Had hopes of one day experiencing things like relationships and love.
Tonight, passion had stirred inside her. The wonderful flood of need had made her feel reckless, and for minutes Ted had been there with her.
Of course, he’d experienced that before, and what a depressing thought that was. Mandy vowed that one day she’d feel passion again. Not with Ted, he’d made that clear tonight. And maybe she’d overreacted at the bar when he’d confronted her, which again was not like her, but she was starting to feel things, and they were making her behave differently.
From now on she’d smile and be polite when she saw him, but there’d be no more kisses or intimate moments.
“Yes, that makes sense,” Mandy said, thumping her pillow. The thought of not going back to the gym was not a happy one, but she could find somewhere else to go that would not put her up close and personal with Ted.
Closing her eyes after one more pillow thump, Mandy pushed thoughts of sexy Ted Hosking aside and decided that tomorrow was officially a new beginning for her. A new apartment and a new life. Tomorrow night, she’d be cooking for herself. The thought had her falling asleep with a smile on her face.
Chapter 17
Ted read the paper midmorning and saw his father and brother staring back at him… again. Things were hotting up for Anthony, it seemed, and some people were saying he could win that seat in the Senate. Ted wasn’t so sure. Yes, his father had pull, but Anthony was a newbie in political circles compared to the other candidate.
“Ted, I wanted to let you know that last night there were several complaints from guests about the noise coming from 234. Niki just filled me in on all the details.”
Lenny smothered a yawn. He’d had a late night like Ted and started his shift here at five. Looking at his watch, Ted noted it was time for Lenny to head home now.
“Did she go to the room with security?”
He nodded. “When the guy opened the door, he said he was sorry and that he and his partner were dancing, and that they’d shut it down.”
“Did she go into the room?” Ted asked.
“No. Niki stood outside for a while, and all was quiet. There were no further complaints,” Lenny said.
“Okay, I want someone cleaning outside that room, and the minute they check out, I want to know.” Something told Ted there would be a mess inside that room. They’d had two complaints so far about room 234’s guests.
“She couldn’t throw them out at that time of night,” Lenny said, looking defensive.
“Niki did the right thing. Now go get a coffee, you look like you need it, and head home. Next time call me, and I’ll deal with it.”
“She dealt with it, Ted.” Lenny smothered another yawn.
“Sure, I can see that, and thanks. Now go home and get some sleep.”
“Wish I could, but I foolishly told Mandy I’d help her move this morning.”
That’s right, she was moving today, he’d completely forgotten. Not that she’d want him anywhere near her after last night. He’d dreamed about that kiss and the feel of her breast in his palm.
“I’ll go help, you head home to bed,” Ted said before he could stop himself.
“Really? Thanks, man, that’s awesome.”
Ted raised a hand, and Lenny hesitated, then high-fived him. Clearly, he had to loosen up a bit.
Finishing off his coffee and the work that was pressing, he went back to his rooms and changed. He then drove into town, not giving himself time to think.
Parking close to Tea Total, he got out and headed up the street.
She wouldn’t be pleased to see him, Ted knew that much. Not after he’d made a complete mess of talking to her last night. He cringed as he remembered his words. She’d been furious with him, and justifiably so. But he still believed what he said was right. She was an innocent, and it would be easier for him to walk away from an affair than her.
“You just said it all wrong, you idiot,” he muttered.
“Ted, could I have a moment of your time?”
“Hi, Mrs. Longkovsky.” She stepped into his path. The owner of one of Ryker’s gift shops, she was one of the more colorful characters in town. They often nodded and exchanged a few words, but hadn’t talked a lot.
“Call me Mrs. L. Everyone else does.”
“Thanks.”
“Could you change this bulb for me? I asked Mandy, but she was busy moving. Not sure what’s got into that girl. First Jack, and now her.” Mrs. L. look annoyed.
She blinked rapidly, and Ted noted she had diamantés on her long fake lashes.
“Are they hard to wear?”
“Sometimes I get stuff caught in them, and they wake up looking a bit wild, especially after a few sherries. But after a brush—”
“You brush them?” Ted leaned closer for a look.
“Yup, it makes them spread out.” She blinked several times.
“Hell of a draft you’re creating.”
She punched him in the arm.
“So what have Jack and Mandy done to annoy you?” Ted entered the shop th
at was crammed full of knickknacks. He’d never been asked to change a lightbulb in here before, like Jack often was. He felt like it was a defining moment in being accepted in Ryker Falls.
“Mandy always helped anytime I needed her, as did Jack. But he has Rory, and she’s… well, she’s changing.”
“In what way?” He took the bulb and climbed the ladder.
“She’s just different. I saw her walking the other day, wearing exercise clothes.”
She said it as if Mandy had streaked down Main Street naked. Not that Ted would mind, as long as only he was watching.
“I heard she was even dancing at A.S. And singing with her aunt too.”
“Actually, what she’s doing is becoming independent, Mrs. L. It’s a good thing. Mandy has been shy and living in the shadows her entire life. Now she’s trying to step into the light. You should cut her a break. In fact, you should try helping her with this change, because it can’t be easy on her,” he said in a gentle tone.
“Oh, well—” Mrs. L. sighed loudly. “I’m selfish, aren’t I?”
“A bit.” He followed the words with a smile. “But change is never easy on anyone, and I’ll change your bulbs if you need it.”
She returned his smile. “You’re a good man, Ted Hosking, no matter what anyone says different.”
“What do they say?” He was curious. It didn’t bother him too much what people thought of him. Okay, maybe a bit. But after what Jack and Mandy had said, he knew there was room for improvement.
“Oh well… maybe I mean—”
“Come on, I can take it.” He waved her on.
“You’re a hardass and not terribly easy to converse with. Plus, you have more money than anyone needs. There’s also that arrogant streak… so they say,” Mrs. L. added.
“Don’t you hold back now, Mrs. L. On account of my feelings getting hurt, I mean.”
She barked out a laugh, then sucked in her lips. The lines around her face flattened out, making her look younger.
“What else you got?”
“I’m helping make you a better man, Ted. This is my way of showing support.” Her smile was sly.
This time it was him who laughed.
“I’ll let you in on secret, Mrs. L. Most of what you said about me is true.”
“That young Bridie Hopkins said you were hot in a suit.”