Maybe I Do

by Nicole McLaughlin

  He hadn’t mentioned seeing her any sooner than Tuesday, or calling her. It was probably best if she just played it cool and waited things out. She’d hoped something would develop between them for a while, and since she already knew he had a lot of concerns about them dating, the last thing she wanted was to scare him away.

  Charlotte’s phone rang on her desk. She picked it up and the caller ID read TARA STILLINGS, the Stag’s usual wedding coordinator.

  “Tara, so good to hear from you,” Charlotte answered.

  “Hi, Charlotte. I hope you’re doing well.”

  “I’m doing great, but I heard you’ve been put on bed rest.”

  “I have, it’s so frustrating. I don’t even know what to do with myself besides eat, binge on Netflix, and eat some more.”

  Charlotte laughed. “Sounds like my kind of life.”

  “It was nice at first, but it’s getting really old. I’ve actually resorted to reading books.”

  “Aww, you poor thing,” Charlotte teased. “What can I do for you?”

  “I actually called for a couple of reasons. First, I did some begging, and cleared it with the doctor to meet you for thirty minutes for my maternity photos as long as it’s not a super-hot day. Could we get something in that amount of time?”

  “Absolutely. I can get some great photos in ten minutes if I need to, and we’ll leave the car running nearby so you can just get out and then back in as soon as we’re done.”

  “Oh good. I thought we could go back to that neat park that you did our engagement pictures at. Do you remember?”

  “I do, and I think that’s a great spot. What else?”

  “The other thing is also photography-related. Do you happen to have July twenty-first available? It’s a Friday.”

  Charlotte clicked out of her photo editing software and opened her calendar. “Looks like I do. What’s going on that day?”

  “That’s the night the Stag is hosting its uncasking party for the premium line. It’s kind of a big deal. They’ve waited five years for this day. I’d love if you could get some photos of it.”

  “Of course, I’d love to. But do the guys know you’re still planning this? They’ve been so worried about you.”

  “I know, and TJ did take over the majority of the planning, but I just had some loose ends I hadn’t wrapped up before I left. This was one of them. It’s killing me not to do more. I won’t even get to attend and I’ve been so excited for it.”

  “I understand that. But you know you and your baby’s health is way more important.” Just the thought made Charlotte sad. Sometimes she wondered what she might have done differently to prevent her miscarriage. It was hard not to feel like she’d done something wrong, and worry it would happen again the next time. As much as she wanted it, the thought of getting pregnant was terrifying.

  “You’re right, but this work is easy to do from my bed, and asking you is the last item on my list. I apologize for not getting in touch sooner.”

  “Don’t apologize, you’ve had a lot going on. And my answer is without a doubt, yes. I’d be thrilled. But promise me no more working.”

  “Promise. I heard you’re helping Dean plan Alex’s wedding. That’s so nice of you.”

  “Not a big deal. It’s been fun.”

  “I was surprised he didn’t have his crazy ex helping him with it. She’s weirdly still close to his sister.”

  “Oh really? I didn’t know that.” Why hadn’t he told her? Actually, why would he have? But she couldn’t deny hearing that Dean’s ex was still a part of their lives bothered her. Was he close with the woman?

  “Yeah, Dean and Amy practically raised Alex after their parents died.”

  “He told me a little bit about that. But not everything.” Charlotte was being nosy, but she was so curious about Dean, who didn’t really offer up much information about himself. Of course, she didn’t ask him much, either. Their relationship wasn’t really like that. She wondered if it might become that way now that they were “seeing what happens.”

  “Supposedly, and this is from TJ, but I guess his mother left his dad for some younger guy. They were always traveling and doing adventurous things. They had Alexis, who is much younger than Dean, and when she was about thirteen, they died in a small plane accident on a trip to the mountains.”

  “That’s so awful.”

  Tara’s story basically matched what little bit of information Dean had shared. The big part he’d left out was how close his little sister still was to his ex-wife. Hearing this story helped Charlotte understand Dean’s feelings of responsibility for his sister, but she couldn’t help wonder how close the ex still was to him.

  “So do you think he still sees his ex a lot?”

  “Not really, I don’t think. She used to come into the Stag on occasion. She seemed nice, but … I don’t know. I think it was hard for me to like her after hearing how they split.”

  “Was it bad?” It really wasn’t right of Charlotte to pry, but she was sooo curious and Tara was practically volunteering her the information.

  “I’m not entirely sure, but I get the feeling she was unfaithful.”

  “Oh my, I had no idea.” It was crazy to think a woman would be unfaithful to a man like Dean, and Charlotte felt a rush of sadness that they’d spent time that morning discussing her heartache and not once had she asked Dean about his own past.

  “He doesn’t talk about it. Like I said, I only know because I was nosy and pried it out of TJ, who also seems to hate Amy because of it.”

  Wow, all of these people hating a woman they didn’t know because she’d been unfaithful to their friend seemed slightly harsh, but Charlotte couldn’t deny feeling the same.

  “Don’t you think Dean’s cute, in that sort of … older-man kind of way?” Tara asked with an awkward laugh. If Charlotte recalled, Tara was about a year younger than she was.

  “Yes … I would agree with that completely.” Charlotte had a grin on her face as she spoke.

  Tara chuckled. “But I’ll never admit to saying that.”

  It was Charlotte’s turn to laugh. “I’ve already forgotten it.”

  But she knew there would be no forgetting all the things she’d just learned about Dean.

  Eighteen

  Tuesday morning, Charlotte wasn’t sure which delicious treat she was more excited about: cake or Dean. It had been a long couple of days to go without seeing him, and she was anxious to spend some time together.

  She pulled up in front of the Stag and put her car in park before shooting off a text to Dean.

  CHARLOTTE: Out front, “boyfriend.”

  She stared at the screen, biting back a smile, wondering how he’d reply. When she finally saw that he was writing back, she held her breath.

  DEAN: Be right there, dear.

  She laughed and shoved her phone in her purse. Within a couple of moments Dean came out the front door, dressed in jeans and his Stag polo with the logo on the chest. She admired his body as he walked, the way his belt sat right at his hips and the denim of his jeans hugged his thighs. Now that she knew exactly how beautiful he was underneath, it was hard not to imagine it as he got into the front seat of her car.

  As soon as he sat down he leaned forward to grab the lever beneath and then push the seat back.

  “Sorry, I forgot I was picking up a big strapping hunk of man.”

  He laughed quietly and turned to look at her while he buckled his safety belt. “How are you?” he asked.

  “Happy to see you.” She couldn’t help being blunt about it. Why lie?

  “Good. I’m happy to see you.”

  She hoped so. “Ready to eat cake?”

  “Always.”

  She pulled off from the curb and headed for their first stop, Delicious Diva’s. She’d had their cakes a handful of times. They were pretty good. Not nearly as good as Jill’s cakes—that was their second appointment—but they would do if Dean liked them and their price. Charlotte knew that Jill’s would be over t
he budget, but she kind of hoped the woman might be willing to work with them.

  When Charlotte had called and explained their situation, Jill had been kind and excited to hear from her. They’d referred each other several times over the years, and Charlotte always sent Jill digital photos of her cakes for her website. She’d informed Charlotte that she was booked on that Saturday for two cakes, which made her Friday very busy, but to go ahead and come over for a tasting and they’d discuss what she might be able to do.

  So that was today’s plan, and Charlotte really hoped she and Dean would manage to work in some kissing along the way.

  Delicious Diva’s was about twenty minutes from Maple Springs in downtown Overland Park, so on the ride she and Dean discussed everything except Saturday night or their new relationship status. Which left her a little frustrated, although she knew that was silly. What was there to say, really?

  “So John called this morning to verify that I still wanted him to come in tomorrow. Talked to TJ on the phone,” Dean said. Reminding Charlotte of the conversation she really didn’t want to have anymore.

  Her stomach twisted a bit, but she knew being cool was important. She’d told him repeatedly that she was okay with this. “That’s good. He seems eager still. What did TJ think?”

  He rubbed the top of his thighs. Maybe the topic made him a little uncomfortable still, also. “TJ seemed to like him. It was only over the phone, but he thought he seemed really excited about the process and the business. And I can’t imagine he and Jake won’t get along.”

  Dean was right, Jake got along with almost everyone. Charlotte twisted her lips as she watched the highway zoom by. It hadn’t occurred to her how much she’d hate the idea of John becoming chummy with her Stag guys. Would he become one of them? Close friends? That idea grated a little more than she’d expected. But it was inevitable. Everyone liked John. Always.

  “Does this upset you, Charlotte? Be honest with me.”

  Clearly he could read her thoughts … or her body language was more like it. “It’s a little weird, obviously. But truly, it’s fine,” she said brightly, and she knew her attempt had been unsuccessful when he turned to face her. Well, as much as a man his size could in her little car.

  “Seriously?”

  “What do you want me to say? It’s not like my feelings should affect your business decisions.”

  “That’s not true. You’re like … part of the family at the Stag. I hate the thought that someone working with me will make you uncomfortable. I hate knowing he hurt you.” He looked out the windshield and ran a hand through his hair. “I hate knowing … he slept with you.”

  Charlotte’s hands tightened on the steering wheel, and her gaze flickered to him for a brief moment then back to the road as she merged to get off the highway.

  “Why would you even think about that?”

  “I can’t help but think about it. I know that’s messed up, but I’m a man, babe, and we generally don’t like to share. Even retroactively.”

  His words warmed her from the inside out, and she knew her cheeks flushed. It was a very relationship-minded feeling to have, and that made her optimistic about them.

  “Would it help if I told you Saturday night was the best sex I’ve ever had?” Charlotte asked.

  She felt his eyes on her. “Yes, it would help. Feel free to elaborate.”

  Laughing, she pulled into a parking spot outside the Delicious Diva’s awning. “Hold that thought. It’s time to eat cake.”

  Once inside the cute little bakery, Charlotte and Dean chose four different flavors of cake and two varieties of frosting to try. They sat down at a small table with a woman named Gloria and dug in. They were good, no denying that, but Charlotte just couldn’t help comparing every bite with Jill’s.

  “They are all really good,” Dean said once they’d tasted all of the offerings.

  “Thank you,” Gloria said with a smile. “Our recipes are all made fresh from scratch.”

  She proceeded to give more of her spiel on price, delivery, and ordering. When she was finished, Charlotte thanked her and assured her they’d be in touch soon.

  Stepping outside, Dean let out a deep sigh as they walked to the car.

  “Let it out,” Charlotte teased. “What are you thinking?”

  “I’m thinking that five dollars and seventy-five cents a serving, for that, is thievery.”

  Charlotte winced. “It is expensive, but so is Jill’s. Maybe more so.”

  Dean shook his head and held out his hand. “Let me drive.”

  “Why?”

  “I’m frustrated.” His words were clipped.

  She handed her keys over with flair. “Oh yes, please take my life into your hands while you’re irritated and want to blow off steam.”

  His eyes softened. “I’m sorry. I just … like to drive.”

  She was beginning to see that Dean was not always as chill as he appeared to be. They got into the car and he started up the engine before adjusting his seat. Charlotte did the same, but moved the passenger chair back up to where it had been before he and his long legs got in.

  “I hope I shouldn’t take this as an insult on my driving,” she said.

  “No, not at all.” He sounded convincing. “Now, where do I go?”

  Charlotte pulled up Jill’s address on her phone and told him to get on the highway. Jill worked out of her home, and luckily it wasn’t far. They were pulling into her driveway not ten minutes later.

  “So, Jen told me this Jill woman has an entire wing built onto the house.” Dean put the car in park and stared up at Jill’s cute little bungalow.

  “She does, but I’ve never seen it. I’m so excited.” And she was. Jill’s cakes were among the most delicious things Charlotte had ever eaten in her life.

  “We’re supposed to walk around to the back.” Charlotte led the way around the side of the house and up to the addition on the rear. A cute little awning topped the glass-paned door. A sign hung off to the side that read JILL’S CAKES BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.

  Before Charlotte could knock, she saw Jill wave through the glass, so she waved back and waited. When Jill opened the door she ushered them inside.

  “It’s getting hot out there,” Jill said. Her blondish-gray hair was pulled into a low ponytail. Jill was a beautiful woman, and it was obvious that she’d probably garnered a lot of attention from the boys in her younger days. Her warm personality only added to her charm. “Don’t worry, I keep it nice and cool in here so my frosting doesn’t melt.”

  It was chilly in the little space and Charlotte squeezed her arms against her body. Just as he had in the flower shop, Dean laid his hands on her bare skin and slowly rubbed up and down in an attempt to warm her. Lately he seemed to be very in tune with her body, and she was afraid that was something she could get used to in his presence.

  If Jill noticed their closeness she made no mention. She went right on and showed them around her bakery, which she was clearly very proud of—for good reason, in Charlotte’s opinion.

  “My late husband built this entire space ten years ago with the help of my grandson Joshua, who still builds all my cake stands. He’s a carpenter.”

  “This is remarkable, Jill,” Charlotte said. The entire work space was maybe the size of a small living room. One entire wall was shelving that held pans, cookie cutters, cooling racks, delivery boxes, and all kinds of baking accoutrements. The far wall had two wall ovens, a full stove, and a giant sink, and in the center of the space was a massive island with three professional mixers and several turning cake stands.

  “They did a great job. And it smells wonderful,” Dean said.

  “Yes. I’m so excited, Jill. I have to be honest, you’re really the only baker I wanted right from the start.” Charlotte glanced at Dean, who was holding back a grin. With an embarrassed laugh she said what she knew they were all probably thinking. “I sound like this is for my wedding, don’t I?”

  “A little bit,” he teased her. “But it�
��s cute.”

  Jill smiled, her eyes darting between them. “Well, come over here you two. I’ve invited my granddaughter Julia. However, she appears to be running a touch behind. I hope you don’t mind me including her, I know it was presumptuous, but I think having her involved will make this all possible.”

  Charlotte wasn’t sure what Jill meant by that, but she had no problem with Julia joining them. As she and Dean sat down at a pair of stools, the door connecting the bakery to the house burst open.

  “Sorry I’m late, Grandma. Traffic was just so crazy.”

  “Hurry up, dear.” Jill waved her granddaughter over. “We’re just getting started.”

  “Dean, Charlotte, this is Julia Morris.”

  “So nice to meet you,” Charlotte said.

  Julia took her hand and then shook Dean’s hand with a large bashful smile on her face. Charlotte’s senses went on high alert at the look. Julia was quite beautiful, with wavy brunette hair and bright-blue eyes.

  “I guess I should explain my thoughts to you,” Jill said, sitting adjacent to them at the island. She motioned for Julia to sit beside her, and the young woman plopped her large purse on the counter. With a sigh, Jill grabbed the bag and quietly moved it to the floor. “Food-safe, dear. Purses are filthy things.”

  Charlotte smiled as Julia quickly grabbed a Sani-Cloth out of a nearby container and wiped at the counter with it.

  “So, after our phone chat the other day I was able to get another good look at my calendar. I am sad to say that I’m already incredibly busy the weekend of your event.” Jill shifted in her seat, but before Charlotte had time to show her disappointment, the woman held up a finger. “However, I’ve been teaching Julia here the business. I’m no spring chicken, you know, and I’ve developed quite a client base, which I’d hate to lose to someone else. Julia’s doing really well and I thought maybe she could take on your event.”

  Charlotte’s eyes went wide. “Oh…”

  “She uses all my recipes,” Jill said quickly. “And I’m here if she needs me, but the majority of the execution will be up to her.”