Dean's List

by Stacy Claflin

  Lydia went upstairs and collapsed on the bed. That was not the reaction she was hoping for—he looked guilty. He was shaken by the paper. Who got upset over a coupon? No, it was because of the other ones hidden underneath the floorboard in their closet, all of which matched the dates of his travels.

  Would he believe she was clueless? He was probably going to start watching her more closely to see if she knew or suspected anything. Lydia closed her eyes, focusing on her breathing. She had to be calm and act natural. Going to the meeting later was probably the best thing they could do.

  She could watch him interact with others. It wasn't something she got to see often. She felt drowsy, and gave into it.

  A hand on her arm woke her. Lydia's eyes popped open, and Dean stood next to the bed actually touching her. "What's going on?"

  "It's almost seven. Time for your meeting. We can just eat there. You said they have refreshments, right?"

  Why had he woken her? He would have loved nothing more than for her to sleep through the meeting so he wouldn't have to go. She sat up. "Yeah. I didn't mean to fall asleep. I was going to get dinner."

  He smiled and she relaxed. He always had such a nice smile. It had actually been one of the first things that drew her to him. "Don't worry about it. I lost track of time myself." He took her hand and helped her up. "What should I wear? I have no idea what people wear to these things."

  Lydia looked him over. "You're fine. Are those new slacks?"

  "They were a Christmas gift from my parents. I just forgot about them for a while." He stared into her eyes.

  Lydia's breath caught. What was going on? She cleared her throat. "Right. I remember you opening them. Well, I'd better get dressed. These are wrinkled from sleeping in them."

  Dean stepped back, still looking at her. Lydia went into the closet and picked out a summer dress. She walked back into the room, and was surprised to see Dean still in there. He hadn't moved from where he had helped her off the bed.

  They stared at each for a moment not saying anything. Lydia moved to the opposite side of the bed and set the dress down. Was he going to watch her get dressed? It was something she figured was normal in a typical marriage, but not for them.

  He kept looking at her, and for a moment, Lydia felt exposed. But then she realized there was nothing he hadn't already seen—back when he had adored her. She didn't look any worse now. In fact, she looked better. She'd been eating mostly organic and had been working out more than ever.

  She looked into his eyes. He could watch her and see what he'd been missing out on. Then he could remember that after she left him. Lydia wrapped her fingers around the bottom of her shirt and pulled it off slowly. She flung it into the laundry basket and looked back over at him.

  His eyes were hungry, reminding her of the early days of their marriage. He walked over to her to and stood behind her, wrapping his arms around her. He was cold because he had his desk right under the AC unit in his office.

  Chills ran through her, and goose bumps formed along Lydia's skin. Dean brushed her hair out of his way and she felt his lips on her neck, kissing toward her ear. She rolled her head to the side, giving him better access. Her muscles relaxed as warm familiarity enveloped her.

  This was what their relationship had been like before it soured. Spontaneous shows of affection that always left her wanting more of him. She grabbed his hands and wrapped hers around them. He pressed his fingers against her skin harder as he kissed her earlobe, his breath sending more chills through her.

  Could he be acting this way to get out of going to the meeting? Or to distract her from the clipping? Lydia shoved aside the thoughts, glad to be close to him in a way she'd wanted to be for so long.

  Dean's hands moved toward her waist. "Let me help you with those shorts."

  Lydia turned around, giving him easier access and then pulled his shirt off. She stared at him. She wasn't the only one who had been working out more. Lydia forced her lips on his and enjoyed every moment of reenacting their newlywed days.

  It was as though they had gone back in time to their carefree days. She leaned against him as they lay in the bed, and he wrapped his arms around her.

  "I think we're going to be late to your meeting." Dean pulled her closer. They fit together like they were made for each other.

  "No complaints here." She caressed his arm, watching bumps form under the hair. She noticed some of them were silvery.

  "What happens if you miss the meeting?"

  Lydia turned to face him and ran her fingers along his strong jawline. "Just a fine."

  "A fine? Really?"

  "Yeah. They add it to the dues."

  Dean kissed her nose. "I hope someone brings beer."

  "Someone usually does."

  He helped her off the bed, and as they got dressed. She walked by him into the bathroom, aware that his gaze lingered on her.

  Dean came over to her and stood behind her. They stared at each other through the mirror. "Is it okay with you?" he asked. "Things haven't been…ideal lately."

  Lydia stood taller. "Every marriage has its bumps."

  He put his hands on her waist and spun her around. "It's time we moved past ours, don't you think?" His voice was husky.

  "I do." Lydia stared into his eyes, noticing the lines around them were deeper than she was used to.

  Dean ran his fingers through the length of her hair and then gave her a kiss, lingering. "We should get going before we end up with a late fee."

  She nodded, her breath caught. He stepped away, and she watched as he walked out of the bathroom. Lydia took a deep breath and looked at herself in the mirror. What had just happened?

  Was all that because of the newspaper? Did he realize his need for her, or was he merely going out of his way to make sure she was on his side? He knew everything she liked, so it would be easy enough for him to try to woo her back. And with her still broken over Chad, he was the perfect rebound. How ironic was that?

  Meeting

  Lydia pretended not to see the stares. Everyone was not only surprised to see Dean at the HOA meeting, but even more so that they were holding hands.

  Bri raised an eyebrow at Lydia. The look on her face told Lydia that Bri wanted all the details as soon as possible.

  Lydia turned around and made eye contact with Cara. She had a disapproving look on her face.

  Dean squeezed her hand. "I'm going to grab a drink." He walked over to the beer and greeted some of the husbands standing near the table.

  Bri made her way over to Lydia, and Savannah showed up from somewhere, too. They both stared at her, barely two inches from away.

  "What's going on?" Savannah asked. "I've never seen Dean at one of these. I've barely seen him, period."

  "I suggested he come, and he did. He seems to be in a good mood today."

  Savannah raised an eyebrow. "You look a little flush. Just how good of a mood is he in?"

  Lydia shoved her. "None of your business. Did you have a good motorcycle ride with Tom today?"

  "None of my business?" Savannah laughed. "Sounds pretty good. Oh, yeah. We had a great ride. We went to…."

  Lydia couldn't focus on what Savannah said, mostly because of the looks Bri was giving her. Lydia tried to ignore her, while pretending to be engaged with Savannah's story.

  "What's up with Cara?" Lydia asked when Savannah was done.

  "What do you mean?" Savannah asked. "She's fine."

  "No," Lydia said. "She keeps shooting me these looks. Something's up."

  Bri leaned closer. "Trouble in paradise."

  "Them?" Lydia asked. "Since when? Why hasn't she said anything?"

  "Probably hormones," Savannah said. "It took them a while for her to get pregnant. The dust is settling while she's dealing with that. Poor dear. We should go talk to her."

  "Or," said Bri, "maybe we should give her some space. If she's grumpy, we don't want her taking it out on us."

  "She's not in a bad mood," Savannah said. "I just talked wi
th her a few minutes ago, and she was happy enough."

  "Maybe she's mad at me," Lydia said, eying Cara. "I'm not sure why, but I'll ask her after she stops looking at me like that. You guys can talk with her if you want. I'm going to mingle."

  "I'm sure everything's fine," Savannah said. She grabbed Bri's hand. "Let's find out what's going on."

  Bri stepped back. "You find out what's upsetting Cara. I'm going to mingle with Lyds."

  "Sure. Whatever." Savannah shrugged, but looked a little hurt.

  "I think I'm getting a headache," Lydia said.

  "You and me both," Bri said. "Who do you want to mingle with?"

  "Anyone without drama."

  Bri hugged her. "Don't worry about Cara. Like Savannah said, it's probably hormones. You haven't done anything to her."

  Lydia wandered around the room, not seeing anyone she wanted to talk to. She flinched when she saw Chad. He was sitting with Alyssa, and they were holding hands. They were speaking with another couple, and Chad looked really happy. He turned to Alyssa, and they exchanged a loving look. Lydia's stomach twisted in a knot.

  It was the first time she had seen them together.

  Bri bumped her arm. Lydia looked over. "Chad?" Bri mouthed. "Chad Mercer?"

  Lydia hesitated.

  "Oh. My. Gosh." Bri over-emphasized each word. She dragged Lydia to an empty corner. "Your mystery guy was Chad Mercer?"

  "It was before everything happened with his family. That was pretty much what ended it, though things were a little muddy for a while even then."

  "Chad Mercer."

  "Would you stop saying his name?"

  "I never would have guessed. He was really planning on leaving?"

  "That was the plan." Lydia looked around Bri to sneak another look, and to torture herself. They looked ridiculously happy together.

  "But…but he's like the all-American golden boy. They're each other's first loves, right? I remember Alyssa talking about that when Corey and I first moved in."

  "Thanks. You don't need to rub it in."

  "What kinds of problems were they having?" Bri asked.

  "I really don't want to have this conversation."

  Bri raised an eyebrow. "You said that you guys talked about everything."

  "We did. They couldn't stand to be in the same room as each other. Now, obviously that's changed."

  "Oh, honey." Bri gave her another hug. "I can see how much you still love—"

  "Mingling. We came here to get to know our neighbors." Lydia stood taller and headed for a group of young married women they rarely talked to. Two of them had bulging bellies, and a third was rocking a baby. "We haven't talked to you guys in so long." Lydia forced a smile. "Congratulations all around."

  They spoke about baby showers, and just when Lydia was ready to move to a different group, another young lady ran to the group. She looked excited, and the others asked what was going on.

  "We made it into the finals."

  The other ladies squealed and hugged her.

  Lydia and Bri exchanged a look.

  "That sounds exciting," Lydia said, showing her confusion.

  "It is. My gorgeous show horse, Flash, just made it into the most prestigious show in the state. This is huge."

  "Congratulations," Bri said, showing off her gorgeous smile. She grabbed Lydia's arm, and tugged, obviously wanting to leave the conversation.

  Lydia pulled her arm away. "Most prestigious in state? That's incredible."

  "I know, right? I'm Dakota, by the way."

  "Lydia." She shook hands with Dakota.

  "You know about horses?" Bri asked Lydia, raising an eyebrow.

  "My mom and I used to watch shows all the time when I was a kid. I was obsessed with horses. My whole room was filled with posters, books, and even horse bedding."

  "Really?" asked Dakota.

  Lydia nodded. "Tell me all about Flash. How long have you had him?"

  Dakota looked down at her hands. "Actually, he's really my brother's. I live vicariously through him. I wish I could live on a big enough piece of land to own my own horses."

  "I'd love that, too." Lydia sighed. She hadn't thought about ranch living in years, but it still held a magical appeal.

  "Actually, my brother's here. You should meet him." Dakota looked behind Lydia and waved. "Toby!"

  Toby came over. He was tall and muscular, with most of his face hidden underneath a cowboy hat. "Ladies." He tipped his hat.

  Lydia nearly gasped. He was really hot.

  Dakota linked her arm through Lydia's, and smiled at Toby. "This is Lydia, and she wants to know everything about Flash…and she's single."

  Bri raised an eyebrow at Lydia.

  "Wait. No, I'm not. My—"

  "You can't be married," Dakota said. "I live across the street and two doors down. I've seen you hundreds of times, and never once with a guy."

  "It's complicated. He travels a lot. He's actually here tonight." Lydia looked around, not seeing him. "Somewhere."

  "Complicated?" Dakota asked. She leaned close and whispered in Lydia's ear, "Look at Toby. Isn't he cute? He's single."

  Lydia looked over at him. "Adorable. He's going to make some lucky girl very happy."

  Bri pulled on Lydia. "We've got to find our husbands. Nice meeting you guys."

  They barely took two steps when HOA president, Sandra McMillan, clapped her hands. "Time to start the meeting. Let's head over to the chairs."

  Lydia looked at Bri. "I didn't think her hair could get any blonder."

  "Or bigger," Bri said. "But she manages both."

  They sat down, and Dean joined them, next to Lydia. "Having fun?" she asked.

  "I remember why I don't like coming to these."

  "The food is good, though." Lydia wiped something orange from the corner of his mouth.

  He sat taller. "Can't deny that."

  "Focus up here, people." Sandra clapped her hands again, this time standing in front. "It's great to see everyone, and lovely to have Dean Harris with us again. Hi, Dean!"

  Dean smiled and waved, but Lydia could hear him groaning. Lydia tuned Sandra out, not interested in the association business. Dean leaned over and whispered, "Another reason I hate these things."

  Lydia put her hand on his knee. "If you came more often, no one would give you special attention."

  He put his hand on top of hers. "And if I didn't come at all, they wouldn't ever have occasion to put me on the spot."

  "But they would still ask about you. They always do—every month."

  Bri nudged Lydia. "Shh. Some of us are trying to listen."

  Lydia rolled her eyes. She knew Bri wasn't paying any more attention to Sandra than Lydia was. Lydia looked around and noticed Chad and Alyssa sitting a couple rows in front of them. They stole a kiss and Lydia felt a lump form in her throat, her hand sandwiched between Dean's knee and hand.

  She tried to take her attention away from the Mercers but she couldn't stop looking. Chad whispered into Alyssa's ear every so often. He wrapped his arm around her. Then he played with her hair. She looked over at him and smiled.

  Bri leaned over and whispered in Lydia's ear, "Stop torturing yourself."

  "Am I being that obvious?"

  "Now that I know, yes."

  Lydia looked up at Sandra.

  She was discussing the color someone wanted to paint their house. It wasn't a pre-approved color so they had to vote. "All who agree on shade number 325 Wenge, raise your hands."

  Lydia raised her hand, not caring either way. As long as it wasn't something ridiculous like violet or magenta, she really didn't care. The meeting dragged on. Sandra appeared to love every minute of it, but Lydia was all too aware of Dean squirming next to her. Normally, he would yell at her about it when they got home—why had she dragged him there? But with any luck, his good mood would continue.

  Finally, an hour later, the meeting ended. Dean practically dragged her to the door. "I can't take another minute of this. You still like t
hat Italian place by the mall?"

  "You mean Gianotti's? I love it."

  "Let's go. They make strong drinks, and I need a couple."

  "Okay." Lydia couldn't help smiling. It was almost like the old Dean, the one she had married, was back. She would take him as long as he would stay around. Maybe he would even help her to forget about Chad. Going to the meeting had only made that worse.

  It felt so good to have him back. The way he kept looking at Lydia made her feel like a newlywed again. Sneaking away from the meeting before it ended reminded her of their early days together, when they were carefree and didn't have a worry in the world except for spending time together.

  She thought back to the clippings. It was ridiculous of her to jump to the conclusion that he was a murderer. A killer, of all things.

  He smiled at her as they made their way to the door. Butterflies danced in her stomach. There was no way he had killed anyone. If anything, he was investigating those murders and didn't want anyone to know. Dean's job was so secretive, it was possible that he had to lead a double life in order to solve the cases.

  They made their way back to their house and then got into Dean's car.

  "I don't even think I've been in here before," Lydia said. He had shown up with it one day, and since he barely ever spoke to her, they had no reason to go anywhere in it.

  "Really? Not once?"

  "Nope." She sniffed. "It still has the new car smell."

  "Once that's gone, it's time for a new car."

  They made small talk on the way to the restaurant. Once there, he ordered one drink after another and talked even more, telling Lydia about the exciting changes taking place at his work. It was the first she had heard anything about any of it, but she smiled and encouraged him to keep talking. As he went on, and she listened, she couldn't help wondering what was going on.

  His sudden attention had to have something to do with the newspaper, which made it feel more like he was guilty. That meant that he was just trying to keep her on his good side…and that she was sitting across from a murderer. Not just a one-timer, either. It had been going on for at least a couple years.

  Lydia sighed. She didn't know what to think. Was the new—old—Dean a good thing or a bad thing?