“Where’s he now?”
“He died several years ago.”
He reached across the table and rested his hand on hers and waited until she raised her gaze to meet his. “I’m sorry. What about your mom?”
Though sadness filled her eyes, a smile touched her lips. “Every February she packs up and goes someplace sunny. This year she went to Florida. The rest of the year she lives with me. When Dad died, she sold the house and moved in.”
“How’s that working out?”
“It’s fine. If it weren’t for Valentine’s Day, February would be my favorite month of the year.”
He chuckled and moved his hand away. “Because you have the house to yourself?”
She nodded.
Their server appeared seemingly out of nowhere and took their orders.
“What about you? I’ve been doing all the talking.” She took a sip of water.
“What do you want to know?”
“Everything. Why are you living with your mom, for starters?”
He cringed. “I recently made a rather large change in my life and decided the best place to work things out in my head was at my mom’s place. I was living in the guest cottage behind her house, but after her stroke, I moved into the guestroom.”
She leaned in. “Oh, so how are you doing? Have you found any answers?”
“Not yet. Her stroke put my thinking time on hold.” Besides, the longer he spent in Oak Knoll, the more he wanted to stick around. Maybe it was time to give Pastor Miller a call about the worship leader position. He’d been here long enough to know who liked him for himself and not because he was famous. The anonymity he’d experienced over the past month had been a godsend, but it was time to face who he was, and his music was a huge part of his identity.
“How do you like working for UPS?”
“It was great.”
“Was?”
“Yeah, I turned in my notice. I want to be there for my mom.”
A frown marred her beautiful face.
“What did I say wrong?”
“Nothing. I feel bad for your situation. What are you going to do?”
“Time will tell. I have money put away, so that’s not an issue.” She truly seemed concerned for his situation, which endeared her to him. Not many people over the past several years cared much about him. They cared only about what he could do for them.
Kayla was a breath of fresh air. Hmm, “Breath of Fresh Air” would make a good song title.
She grinned wide. “You went somewhere for a minute. Glad you decided to rejoin me.”
He chuckled. The woman certainly demanded his whole attention, but he didn’t mind delivering. Their food arrived, and he breathed deeply the scent of baked potato and steak. “Do you mind if I bless the food?”
She bowed her head.
He offered a quick prayer.
“This looks so good. I haven’t had a steak in years.” She reached for her knife and dug in.
He enjoyed watching her a moment too long, and her hand froze midair.
“Do I have something on my face?” She put her fork down and reached for her napkin.
“You’re fine. I didn’t mean to stare, but it was fun watching you enjoy the steak. I eat these so often I forget what a treat it is to most people.”
“You’re right. It is a treat.” She waved a hand. “I’m not going to ask why you eat steak so often, but if you care to share…” She raised a brow.
He cut into the meat and stuffed a piece into his mouth in reply.
Kayla chuckled. “I like you, Derek Wood. You’re still a mystery, but I like you. Thanks for this.”
He winked and forked another bite into his mouth.
The evening flew by with good conversation and way too much food. Before he realized it, the waitstaff was quietly preparing the restaurant to close. He checked the time on his phone. Where had the evening gone? “I think we’d better go.” He paid and left a very generous tip for monopolizing the table the entire evening.
Kayla’s eyes widened at the bill he’d dropped on the table, but to her credit she didn’t say a word.
They stepped out into the clear evening. Kayla slipped her arm through his. “It’s gorgeous tonight.”
“Want to walk a bit?” He wasn’t ready for the evening to end, and he liked the warmth of her arm pressed against his.
“Sure.”
They meandered down the block and ended up at the park in the heart of downtown. Kayla pulled him toward the fountain. “This fountain is famous in Oak Knoll.”
“Why’s that?”
“All the money that people toss into the water goes to help local families in need.” She pulled a coin from her purse, turned around and tossed it over her shoulder, then handed him a quarter. “Your turn.”
He copied her. The coin landed with a plop.
She laughed and her eyes twinkled in the light of the streetlamps.
He pushed a strand of hair away from her face and feathered his thumb across her cheek. “Everything about tonight has been incredible.” He lowered his lips to hers and hesitated only a moment before claiming her lips in a gentle kiss.
Chapter 5
Kayla awoke to sunlight streaming into her bedroom. Her thoughts immediately went to Derek and a smile tugged at her lips.
“Good morning, sleepyhead.”
Kayla twisted to face her bedroom door. “Mom, you’re home. When did you get in?”
“An hour ago. I’m gone a month and suddenly you turn into a sloth. Don’t you need to get to the shop?”
Kayla pushed up and settled her pillow behind her back. “What time is it?”
“Nine.”
Kayla’s heart rate accelerated as she tossed the covers to the side. “Will you call Jill and let her know I’m running late?”
“Sure thing, sweetie. We can talk when you get home. Based on that dreamy smile I spotted, I’d say you have a story to share.”
Kayla paused at her closet. “How was your trip? I didn’t know you were coming home or I would have met your plane.” She grabbed a skirt and blouse from her closet, then rushed into the bathroom and closed the door. She flipped on the shower and willed it to warm fast while she pulled her hair into a ponytail.
“No worries. I took the red-eye and didn’t want to bother you. My trip was perfect.” Mom’s voice filtered through the door. “I may go back to Florida sooner rather than later. I met someone.”
Kayla’s hands froze in midair. “Really? Maybe you should stop by at lunch today. We could grab a bite, and you can tell me all about him.” She set the brush on the counter.
“I’d like that. And you can tell me about that smile.”
Kayla ignored her mom’s suggestion and hopped into the shower. She hurried through her morning routine and sat down to apply a light coat of makeup. She hadn’t gone to bed until one, and it had taken forever for her to fall asleep. Her mind would not shut down after Derek’s kiss. And, oh, what a kiss that was. Perfect in every sense of the word. It was as though he’d read her mind.
A glance at the clock told her she would make it before the store opened, but just barely. Too bad she’d forgotten to set the alarm. Now she’d have to wait until lunch to hear about the man in her mom’s life. She hadn’t so much as looked at another man since Dad died four years ago, and the curiosity was almost too much to handle.
Undoubtedly Mom had turned more than a few heads with her model good looks and sweet spirit. Trim body, chin-length dark hair, high cheekbones, long legs and large eyes—and Mom always dressed to impress. It was a wonder a man hadn’t snatched her up sooner.
Kayla flung the door open and rushed into the kitchen, where her mom sat at the counter holding a mug. “Oh, good, you made coffee.” She pulled a travel mug from the cupboard and filled it.
“Yes, and there’s a muffin in the bag. I bought an extra one at the airport.”
“Thanks.” Kayla grabbed the bag and placed a kiss on her mom’s cheek as she p
assed by. “See you at noon.”
Ten minutes later she rushed into the flower shop, which Jill had opened early—odd.
“Oh, good, you’re here. When your mom called and said you’d be late, I panicked.”
“Sorry. I had a late night and overslept.”
Jill gasped. “That’s right! I want details. How was your date?”
“Great. We had a steak dinner and talked for hours.”
“And?” Jill waggled her brow.
“And he’s kind of a secretive guy. We talked and talked, but he is still somewhat of a mystery.”
“How so?” Jill leaned over and rested her elbows on the counter and propped her chin on her fisted hands.
“From about high school to present there’s a black hole he won’t talk about. I tried, but he’s tight-lipped.”
“Hmm. Maybe he was in prison.”
“Really? That’s what you come up with.” Kayla shook her head and set about her normal opening routine. “Is everything ready for the bow wedding tonight?”
“All except for the setup. The wedding is at seven, so I asked Charlie to be here by four-thirty.”
A woman walked in and meandered around the gift side of the store. Before long there were several customers browsing and someone who wanted to buy flowers. Saturdays tended to be busy, and today was not an exception. She only hoped she’d be able to run next door for a quick lunch with her mom. She couldn’t wait to hear about her man. The morning passed quickly, and right at noon her mom glided in wearing a long, flowing skirt and a sleeveless top that showed off her new tan.
“Mom, aren’t you freezing?”
“Only a little. I left my coat in the car and didn’t want to go back for it. Are you ready?”
“Yes, hold on a second while I tell Jill.” She strode into the workroom. “I’m going next door for lunch with my mom. If you need me, I have my cell.”
“Sure thing.” Jill dried her hands and followed her into the store. “Welcome home, Olivia.”
“Thanks, Jill. How’s the flower business?”
“Brisk. Enjoy your lunch.”
“We will.” Kayla wrapped her arm through her mom’s and pulled her from the store. “I’m so hungry.”
“Didn’t you like the muffin?”
“I didn’t have time to eat. It’s a good thing I had a huge dinner last night, or I’d be famished.”
They pushed into the deli and placed their orders, then found a seat at one of the small tables scattered around the dining area.
“So tell me about this man.” Kayla popped a chip into her mouth and listened as her mom shared about her vacation and how she met Stan. He was an attorney in his fifties, widowed, with three grown children and his own practice in Orlando.
“We met at Epcot. He was dining at the same French restaurant as me and struck up a conversation. And as they say, the rest is history.”
“He sounds like a catch, Mom. But what about Dad?”
Mom’s eyes widened. “What about him?”
“I suppose it’s not really about him. After he died and you never started dating, I thought either he was your one and only or you didn’t want to go there again since things were rocky.”
“Whatever gave you that idea? I know we didn’t express our love in front of you, but I loved your father. Our marriage wasn’t perfect, but a perfect marriage doesn’t exist.”
“Then why haven’t you gotten back out there?”
Mom shrugged. “I was content to be alone.”
Kayla swallowed the lump in her throat. “What changed?”
“I met someone who makes me not want to be alone anymore.” Her eyes glowed.
Had Mom fallen in love?
Their sandwiches were delivered with a side cup of cream of broccoli soup. Kayla offered a blessing for the food and focused on eating her soup.
Mom picked up her turkey sandwich. “You still haven’t told me about that smile I saw this morning.”
Kayla’s hand stilled. She met her mom’s eyes. “I met someone, too.”
Mom flashed a smile and leaned forward. “Tell me about him. Does he mark off all the requirements on your list?”
“I don’t know yet.” But he sure is a good kisser. He’d surprised her last night with his toe-curling kiss. She closed her eyes and still felt his soft lips brushing hers. His touch so gentle, yet strong. He’d drawn her closer and deepened the kiss, then held her, resting his head on hers. The perfect ending to a lovely night. She sighed.
Mom chuckled. “You’ve got it bad. I’d like to meet this man.”
“And I need to meet Stan.”
Footsteps approached.
“Jill said I’d find you here.”
Kayla whirled around, her heart skipping into overdrive. Derek. His azure eyes sparkled in spite of the dreary day and artificial lights of the deli.
* * *
Derek stood beside their table holding a sack. He offered a hand to Kayla’s mother. “I’m Derek Wood.”
Her mom took his hand. “Olivia Russell.”
“Kayla said you’d be back any day.”
“Mom surprised me. I had no idea she’d be standing in my doorway when I woke this morning.”
“Grab a chair and join us.” Olivia motioned toward another table with an empty seat.
“I don’t want to intrude.”
She smiled sweetly. “But you were looking for my daughter, so you must need to speak with her. I have a better idea. Please take my seat. I have errands to run, anyway.” She pushed back and stood. “It was nice meeting you, Derek. I hope the next time our paths cross, I won’t be in a rush.” She strolled away, and right before she left the room, she turned and wiggled her fingers.
Kayla blinked and shook her head. “What happened to my quiet, unassuming mother? That was not the woman who left for Florida a month ago.”
He chuckled. “I wondered. She wasn’t how I’d pictured her after you talked about her last night. But the two of you could be sisters.”
“I know. Mom carries her age well. But I’ve always thought she was way prettier than me. She has a timeless beauty about her.”
“Just like her daughter.” He winked.
She raised her palm. “Please don’t flatter me. What did you need?”
“I came into town for takeout and wanted to stop in and say hi.”
Kayla grinned. “That’s nice of you. How’s Helen doing today?”
“She’s a little tired. I think she may have tried to wait up for me. I found her asleep on the couch when I got home last night. Otherwise, she’s doing well.”
“I’m glad. Sorry she waited up, though.” She yawned.
He chuckled. “Tired?”
“Nope, all this talk about sleeping makes me yawn.”
“Did you have a nice visit with your mom? I really didn’t mean to chase her away.”
“Yes, we had a very nice talk. And don’t worry. She wouldn’t have left if she didn’t want to.”
He sensed there was more but didn’t want to intrude. Sure, they’d shared a perfect evening together last night, but that didn’t give him license to invade her private life uninvited. Boundaries were important in any relationship. Did they have a relationship? Maybe not yet, but at this rate they were well on their way. He wasn’t sure that was what he needed in his life right now, but he wouldn’t close off the possibility, either.
“You okay?” Kayla placed her hand on his.
He nodded. “I should be going.” He slid his hand out from under hers and stood.
Kayla hopped up. “I’ll walk you out. I need to get back to work, anyway.”
Derek pulled the door open. “After you.”
“Thanks.” She breezed past, then waited, a soft smile touching her lips. “I just thought of something. I’m on the Spring Festival committee. May I recruit you to help?”
He liked giving back, but was now the right time with his mom’s health scare? “I don’t know.”
She raised a hand. �
��Before you say no, I understand you’re busy taking care of your mom, but I promise this won’t take a lot of your time.”
“That might work, then. Maybe we can get together later and discuss what you have in mind.”
“Sure. We close at four tonight. Jill booked a wedding, so we’re closing early. Lucky me—I don’t need to be there. I can meet you at Java World, my treat. They make the best mochas in town.”
“How could I say no to that offer?” He grinned and headed to his pickup.
His cell buzzed in his pocket. “Hey, Jerry. What’s up?” His manager had given him the space he’d asked for, but if his frequent calls the past couple of weeks were any indication, that was over.
“When are you coming back?”
“I’m not. I told you that.” Derek jumped into his truck and closed the door so no eavesdroppers would hear their conversation.
“I know what you said, but I need you in LA.”
“Not now. I need to be with my mom.”
“This is a mistake, Derek. People will forget about you if you’re not in the public eye or putting out albums.”
“Let them forget.” He rested his head against the side window.
“You don’t mean that, so I won’t hold it against you. I have a strong feeling you’ll be back here sooner than you realize. You just need the right motivation.”
“Not gonna happen. And what do you mean, right motivation?”
Silence.
“Jerry?” Since when did his manager hang up on him? A sick feeling gripped his stomach. What was Jerry up to?
Chapter 6
Kayla locked up the flower shop, then darted across the street at exactly four o’clock. The day had dragged ever since she’d seen Derek at lunch. All she could think about was seeing him again.
A Valentine for Kayla Page 4