Bree gasped. “What did you say?”
A sharp dart of pain sunk into his chest as he replayed it in his mind. The redness in her cheeks. The quivering of her chin. And the tormented, nearly pleading look in her eyes. “I swear to you she wanted me to stop her. I swear she did. And that’s what I wanted to do.” He paused there, wishing for the millionth time that he could go back. Do it all over again. “I don’t know if it was guilt over being Terrance’s friend that stopped me, or if I was just scared that her reasons for wanting to back out weren’t tied to me, like I hoped. Either way I just felt compelled to … encourage her to go through with it. To tell her it’d be fine. Cold feet and all that.”
“I can’t believe she did that,” Bree said.
“Hey, like I said, Terrance never treated her right.”
She shook her head. “No, not … I’m not judging her, Braden. It just shows that she was ignoring her instincts. That on some level she knew you were the better choice. She was reaching out to you.”
The words were a series of fresh darts. Sharp and cutting. “We can’t know that,” he said. “But I’m telling you there was a moment when I was comforting her, getting closer than I should have,” he shook his head, “I could have sworn she wanted me to kiss her. But what for? So I could steal her away from my best friend?”
He broke into a pace when the pain got too much. The ache that made it hurt to breathe. “I thought I was doing right by not tearing them apart. She belonged to him, not me. And it was her choice, not mine.” With the frustration mounting inside him, his lungs tight and achy from the pressure, Braden forced out a labored sigh. “That night has haunted me ever since.”
Silence fell over the room, leaving his own words to ring in his ears, the horrid truth of it sticking to his skin like an unseen film. What’s worse is that he hadn’t told Bree the whole of it. There’d been another time Allie Emerson had shown up at his door. Yet it was too private to share. He wasn’t so sure Bree wouldn’t judge Allie for it, and that was something Braden just couldn’t take.
Anxious for an escape, he took a slow step toward the door. And then another.
“Wait, aren’t you staying for prayer?”
“No. I changed my mind. I’ve just got – thanks for dinner, but tell the kids I had to leave.”
“It’s just a goodnight prayer, Braden,” Bree said.
He gave her a single nod in return. “Tell the kids goodbye.”
The night was dark as he sauntered toward the truck, watching his shadow stretch and grow in the porch light. He was a real jerk for leaving without saying goodbye to Carter and Sophie; he knew that. But what was the use of praying to a God who’d punished Braden for nearly every good deed he’d done? A rash of bitter memories moved over his body, vanquishing any refreshment the cool air might have lent. He squirmed, wishing he could get out of his own skin, if only for the night. He knew what lay in store for him – hours of rehashing the times where he’d failed. Forget the hero complex he’d been cursed with years ago. All he wanted was to turn back the clock and snag Allie away from Terrance when he had the chance, the consequences be damned. Heaven knew he was damned either way. At least he might not be living with so much regret.
He stifled the small voice that said he had a second chance now. That this was what he’d been waiting for all these years. But how could he take her now? Even if Allie wanted to give it a go, Braden didn’t like the circumstance. She hadn’t picked him over Terrance. Or decided to divorce that jerk of a man she’d married. Allie had sat around playing the perfect wife until he left her. That thought alone was just too much to look past.
CHAPTER TEN
The sun played across the windshield as Allie pulled into the drive of Braden’s workshop. “Well,” she said, propping her cell phone with her shoulder. “I’m here now, so I better go.”
“Invite him to do something,” Reese said from the other end of the line. “Ask him to lunch. Just do it.”
“I might.”
“You’ve got this, Allie girl,” Jade hollered from the background. Allie pictured the two hovered over the speaker during their workout, losing count of their sit-ups as they always did.
“I think he just needs you to make the first move,” Reese said in that southern tone. “Especially with your history. Men need to know we’re interested at least.”
That was easy for her to say. “We’ll see,” Allie finally said, knowing she’d do no such thing. “I’ll talk to you guys later.”
“Be brave,” Jade blurted before the call was through.
The word ran through her mind as she stepped over pitted pavement, eyeing the green, ivy leaves clinging to the structure. She shivered as a frigid breeze picked up. If Allie did what the girls suggested – which she had no intention of doing – would it be brave or foolish? Foolish, she decided. Definitely. He wasn’t interested in her. He might have kissed her at a high school party once, and gotten a little close while blowing sawdust from her hair last week, but nothing more had come of it. She forced things into perspective: Braden was her boss and she was his secretary. She would just be happy with that for now.
A healthy reality check was always a good way to start off the new week, she decided, turning the weathered knob to the shop. No misunderstandings. No expectations. This was work. She’d do her best job and stay focused on that.
The door pushed open with a swoosh, revealing a sight Allie had to look at twice to fully take in. A glass vase, small and simple, stood on the desktop. A cluster of baby daisies rested inside, their green leaves cradling a tiny white card. Her heart sped into action as she saw her name written on it.
She hurried inside and closed the door behind her, wondering if Braden had heard her come in. Soft clusters of baby’s breath tickled her fingers as she reached for the envelope. The card was small. The text plain and simple.
Just wanted to say thanks. You’re doing a real good job, and I’m glad to have your help with the business. Braden.
Okay, so the card wasn’t romantic by any means, but why should it be? It was kind. And appropriate for the circumstance. Still, Allie tried to control the persistent thrill working her stomach into a frenzy. It was nothing more than a nice gesture from her boss. Appreciation. What was better than that? She leaned down to smell the bouquet, recognizing the distinct clean scent of the fresh daisies. Sprigs of something in the mix lent a woodsy scent as well. She inhaled it deeply one last time before sliding the vase to the corner of her desk. Just as she took her eyes off the arrangement, a memory popped into her mind. Daisies – Braden had given her daisies once at school. A single daisy, actually. He’d done it right in front of Terrance too. Terrance had complained about it all the way home. Accused her of leading Braden on.
Hmm. Was it possible Braden chose the flower on purpose, or was it strictly coincidence? Either way the gesture was a romantic one. With that thought, Allie removed her thin jacket and walked around the corner to look into the shop. It took her a moment to spot him. He was in a different section today. A far away corner lit by a bright, dangling light. The hutch he’d been working on stood there atop a large tarp. As always, he wore a worn pair of cowboy boots, accented by faded Levi’s and a tool belt. Only today, he wasn’t wearing a shirt. The sight of him half-naked made her blush. The strong lines of his massive chest, boasting an even more impressive physique than she’d imagined.
The strong smell of polish wafted through the air as she approached him. “Good morning,” she said.
Braden kept his eyes on his work. “Morning.”
“Wow. This piece is incredible.” With the view of Braden’s bare chest owning her attention, it had taken a moment for Allie to look at the hutch. But now as her eyes ran over the length of it, she noticed the new details. He’d finished the carving entirely and added a deep, cherry finish. It was nothing short of a masterpiece. “She’s going to be so happy with this, Braden.”
He slid his loaded brush up one side of the piece. “I hope s
o. Mrs. Carmichael’s a good customer. I want to keep her happy.”
“Oh, she will be.” Allie admired the hutch a while longer, enjoying the way Braden had labored so diligently to make it just right. What a great talent he had. Taking wood in the form of logs, beams, and planks, and turning it into something beautiful. He had a gift. One he shared with others through his work. And she liked that. Allie caught herself staring once again and cleared her throat. “I also wanted to say thanks. For the flowers.” She motioned toward the dividing wall. “They’re lovely.”
He was turned away from her now. Brushing over the crevices of wood with a much darker polish. “What’s that you’re using?” she asked. “It looks different from the stain.”
“It’s a glaze.” He tipped his head, motioning for her to come closer. “Here, you try it.”
Allie took the brush from him, tentatively eyeing the tool. It looked a lot like a normal paintbrush, only the bristles were transparent and much smaller in diameter than what she’d seen. “I’m not sure what I’m doing.”
“It’s fine. Just dunk it in here, wipe off one side, and start where I left off, at this edge right here.” He pointed to a corner of the hutch. The polish had a strong scent, there was no doubt about it. But when Braden stepped closer, nudging his arm against hers, hints of his aftershave stirred in the air. It was impossible to not be distracted by his bare chest, the fact that it was just inches from her back. If he moved closer, would she feel those solid contours through the fabric of her shirt?
She cleared her throat, forcing her mind to the task at hand. The slick, black glaze dripped off the brush as she moved it along the edge of the small canister. She pressed it to the top corner of the hutch, watching the color cling to the crevices as she moved.
“Good,” Braden said. He reached up, placed his large, warm hand over hers, and tipped the bristles on their side. “Like this.” He pulled it back toward the top before smoothing it down once more. His other hand found her waist, nearly rendering her breathless. “You want to catch any drips before they dry. Like this one here.” His movements with the brush were that of an artist. Skilled, fluid, and filled with silent respect for his work. “There’s something rewarding about this kind of job,” he said. “Watching a piece come to life. Knowing it will wind up in somebody’s home. Be cared for and put to good use.” He shrugged, released his grip on her and backed away.
“I can see why you like it.” She looked down at the floor as a moment of quiet fell over the space. Bright colored squares caught her eye as she did, and Allie leaned down for a closer look. “Are these candy wrappers?” she asked.
Braden nodded. “Starbursts.”
“I’ve noticed them on the floor before.” She glanced back at the familiar image of wrappers scattered over swept piles of sawdust and wood curls. “I just didn’t realize what they were.” It seemed funny. And for a reason she could hardly fathom – charming. A big strong man like Braden, laboring over a carpenter’s work, eating bright chewy candy along the way. When their eyes met once more, he looked younger to her. More childlike. “You know, I remember you always had them in Science, too. You’d share them with me.”
He nodded knowingly.
“So you’re still a big fan of Starbursts?” she asked.
Braden gave her a questioning glance. “Who isn’t?”
Allie bit her lip in return, covering the smile that threatened to take over her face. She wanted to laugh, really. This different, more youthful side to him was endearing to say the least.
Braden cleared his throat. “Can I uh… buy you lunch today?” he asked, breaking into her thoughts.
Her lids flickered as she looked at him. “What?” It was the only word she could muster.
“I figure since you get off at noon, we may as well grab a bite to eat. If you have time, that is.”
An untamed thrill shot through her chest as she pulled in a breath. “That… sounds nice.”
He eased into a smile. “So, yes?”
“Yes,” Allie said with a nod. She wished there was more to say. Something. Anything. But for the life of her she couldn’t force another word. So she spun around instead, began heading toward the office in a brisk walk.
“Oh, Allie?”
She stopped in her tracks, turned her head over one shoulder to see him. “You want one?” He removed a yellow package from his back pocket, flicked a square-shaped candy away from the stack, and held it up with a smile. “Cherry.”
She barely had time to put her hands out before he tossed the thing toward her, but it landed in her cupped palms just the same. Gripping it with her finger and thumb, Allie lifted the wrapped treat. “Thanks.”
“Enjoy,” he said, replacing the package and reaching for the paintbrush once more.
Allie unwrapped the candy after rounding the corner, popping the deep red square into her mouth. Braden had just asked her out! Anxious energy moved through her limbs as she got to work. She listened to voice messages from the business line, returned the necessary calls, and took a few new ones as well. She set up a handful of jobs for him, staggered them over the next month as his schedule allowed, and then took a moment to check the time. Nearly noon already.
“Wow,” she whispered in surprise. She’d assumed the morning would drag on slower than ever, as nervous as she felt about their upcoming date. No, she told herself. Don’t call it a date. That might set her up for disappointment. It was a simple lunch. With Braden. Just the two of them. She couldn’t stop the grin that spread over her face.
With just a few minutes to spare, Allie grabbed her purse and headed for the restroom. She was glad she’d gone casual today, but not too casual. A white, button up blouse with khaki pants and tan pumps. She smiled as she looked down at her feet, remembering the way Braden had iced her foot the week prior. He’d been gentle, but persistent. And alluring – whether he knew it or not – he always was.
After adjusting her hair, pinching at her cheeks, and spreading a thin coat of gloss over her lips, Allie pulled open the door and strode back to the workshop. Braden stood there, tipping his hat as their eyes met. Her heart thumped out of rhythm. He’d put a shirt on. A black top that snapped up the front. He wore it well. And it’d been a long time since she’d seen him in a cowboy hat. It brought back a rush of memories, reminding her of just how much he’d matured since high school. He was a man now.
He tossed a thumb over his shoulder. “You ready to go?”
Allie stepped toward him with a nervous nod. “Yep. Ready.”
~+~
“Well,” Braden said, as he slowed for the stop sign ahead. “Where would you rather go? Lynn’s Diner or the 25th Street Deli?” He glanced at Allie while waiting for an answer, admiring the way her skin seemed to glow in the outdoor light.
“Which do you like best?” she asked.
He shrugged. “Depends on my mood. The diner may have a few more options, which I know you women usually appreciate.”
Allie cracked a smile. “We women do like our options.” She chuckled then. “The diner sounds great.”
Braden was glad she’d chosen it. The deli had great food and all, but a lunch there would take no more than twenty minutes, with as fast as they prepared the food. Here, they’d have a waitress, some conversation, and more time to get reacquainted.
Allie released her seatbelt as he pulled into a slot.
“Let me get your door for you, if you don’t mind.” Braden could hardly believe he had Allie Emerson in his truck. She was there with him, and not only that, she was single now. The words repeated in his mind as he walked around the truck and opened her door. In a month or two he’d be able to take her out in the convertible. Braden liked the image that conjured – her windblown hair tossing in the breeze.
Allie took the hand he offered while stepping down from the truck. “Thanks.” He wanted to keep a hold on that hand but released it just the same and led her toward the entrance, getting the door for her there as well.
&
nbsp; The dim lighting in the diner was a stark contrast to the sunny day outside. He squinted, willing his eyes to adjust as the waitress led them to a quiet booth in the back corner; perfect. It was as if she’d read his mind. Or perhaps the gal was just happy to finally see him bringing in a lady friend. Braden had seen this particular waitress several times here at the diner, and wondered if perhaps she knew Allie or her family. Would news of their date spread all over town before he could even pay the bill?
“Take some time to look over the menu,” the woman said. “I’ll getcha started with some drinks.”
Braden glanced at the tag she wore. “Okay, Gina.” He cracked open the tattered menu. “I’ll take a Mountain Dew.”
“I’ll have a Diet Coke with lemon, please,” Allie said.
The waitress gave them a nod and a smile. “Be right back with those.”
Instead of eyeing the options before him, Braden cast his eyes in Allie’s direction, watching as tiny lines pulled at her pretty brow.
“I’d like to pay for myself,” she announced.
He straightened up, waited for her gaze to meet his. It took a moment, but after a long bout of silence she lifted her chin, her deep blue eyes questioning. “What?” she asked.
“I asked you to join me for lunch. I’d like you to let me pay for you.”
A hint of pink brushed her cheeks. “Okay.” She tipped her face toward the menu once more, but not before he caught sight of a timid smile on her lips. And though he knew he should force his attention elsewhere, Braden was captured by the view. Allie Emerson was the same in so many ways. Light brown hair that framed her pretty face. The way she’d slip it behind one ear with the smooth glide of her fingers. There was a look she’d always give when she was stuck in thought – that familiar little furrow in her brow. The way it narrowed her eyes.
Rough Edges: Allie's Story, A Companion to the Sweet Montana Bride Series (Second Chances Book 1) Page 7