Whatever You Say_A Highland Springs Romance

by Leigh Fleming

  “That’s it, huh?” She dragged her fingers through her snow dampened hair and he finally loosened his hold on her. She stepped back, releasing a cloud of warm breath into the frigid night.

  “You’ve got to admit, we had a good time in there,” he said.

  “It was fun,” she said, with more reluctance than he wanted to hear.

  “But…”

  “But I can’t do this. I have—”

  “Work to do. I get it. But you need balance in your life. You know what they say, all work and no—”

  “It seems like you approach life from the other angle—all play.”

  “Hey, I work…when I want.”

  “What about songwriting? You said you haven’t written anything lately. Why?”

  Brody pressed his back to the driver’s side door and looked unfocused over her shoulder. How could he possibly explain how he’d felt since Kyle died? It was all his fault; he’d pushed for more, to the point of exhaustion. It was because of Brody’s insistence on getting the demos done to his standards that they’d both stayed at the studio for something like three days, only leaving their work area to meet take-out delivery at the front door. Entire nights passed without them realizing it, mostly because he had flipped out the one time he’d caught Kyle checking the time on his phone. Their success was the only thing Brody could see, and in the end, it was Kyle who paid the price.

  “It’s hard to explain. I just haven’t been able to.”

  “Look, Brody.” She rested her hands on his shoulders and gave him an arresting, green-eyed gaze. “What I know about country music is it’s all about storytelling. I get the feeling you have a story to tell. Why don’t you write about that? You’re too talented not to compose more music.”

  “Have you been talking to my sister?”

  “No, does she say the same thing?”

  “Every chance she gets.”

  “See, then you know I’m right. I’ll make a deal with you. If you promise to get back to songwriting, I’ll try to relax a little.” She pinched her thumb and forefinger together. “Just a little.”

  “Can we seal the deal with a kiss?” Before he could pull her close, Kate pushed him away, a melodious chuckle escaping her lips.

  “I can see you’re going to be trouble,” she said.

  “Funny,” he said, his voice as quiet as the fast-falling snow. “I’ve always thought the same about you.”

  TWELVE

  Only three more things to try on and Kate would have to make a decision about what to wear to the fundraiser. She’d ordered two dresses, two pairs of pants, and four blouses for the big night where she’d be on display for all the available men of Highland Springs. She could kick herself for agreeing to this ridiculous event. Her cell phone rang as she was pulling a silky, form-fitting dress over her head.

  “Annie, you caught me at a bad time. Can I call you tomorrow?”

  “I just wanted to see if you were ready for your big night.”

  “You make it sound like I’m being presented at a debutante ball. It’s a stupid fundraiser where women parade around like heifers at a county fair.” She turned to her left and then her right, analyzing her appearance, then plopped on the bed with a heavy sigh. “I can’t believe Gram talked me into this. Do you think it’s too late to drop out?”

  “Yes, it’s too late. Besides, it sounds fun.”

  “Fun? How would you like being on the auction block for a bunch of slathering backwoods bros? It’s insulting.”

  “You’ll probably bring in the most money—you know, new blood and all that.”

  “Great, I’m the freshest cut of meat at the butcher. That makes me feel a lot better.”

  “Are you worried you won’t get chosen?”

  “I’ve considered it. How embarrassing would that be if no one bid or better yet, I get picked by some reject who couldn’t get a date any other way?” She reached back and pulled down the zipper, letting the dress fall to the floor. She stood in just a bra and panties in the middle of the bedroom, looking at the pile of garments she’d ordered. She plopped in the center of them and dropped her head into her hands. “This is ridiculous. Do you have any idea how much money I’ve spent on clothes for this thing? God, I’m pathetic.”

  “First of all, you’re not pathetic. You’re doing your grandmother a favor, plus you’re helping a good cause. It wouldn’t matter if you showed up in a potato sack—you’ll look gorgeous. And you know you won’t be left standing on the auction block without a date. Think positive and be your most charming self.”

  “I see why Kip calls you ‘Coach’.” She stood up, looked at her half-naked self in the full-length mirror, and flashed a few smiles while doing her best fashion model poses. “You’re right. I can do this. Men of Highland Springs better watch out.”

  Having decided to stick with what’s most comfortable—gray pants, white blouse, and a matching gray blazer, Kate tentatively stepped into the banquet hall where the Bag a Bachelor or Bachelorette event was taking place. She had pulled her hair into a tightly wound bun, her only accessory a pair of crystal earrings. She dropped the bag of groceries she’d brought along into the pile with the others. Her hands were already shaking, knowing she’d be on display for the Highland Springs singles scene.

  When she first walked in, she didn’t recognize anyone. No one seemed to have noticed her…maybe she could just turn around and leave before they did. With an about-face toward the door, she ran directly into her grandmother, who was being wheeled in by Arthur from the board.

  “Gram, I didn’t know you were coming. I could’ve picked you up.”

  “That’s okay, honey. I know how busy you’ve been. Arthur came to get me.” Arthur pushed Virginia into the room and parked her at a table away from the drafty doorway.

  “But, Gram—”

  “Here, honey, give me a hug. I haven’t seen you in days.”

  A guilty, self-disappointed flush warmed her face. “I’m sorry. Work—”

  “Work, I know. Katherine, my goodness, you look like you’re going to court, not a fun night out.”

  “I didn’t know what to wear.”

  “That’s okay, honey. You still look beautiful. Here, let Arthur pull up a chair for you.”

  Kate nodded her thanks, feeling ashamed for not picking up her grandmother. It had never occurred to her to ask Gram to come. She should have been the one to bring her—that’s what she was in Highland Springs for, to take care of her grandmother. The trial prep work just kept piling on and she wondered what other important things or people she’d forgotten. Tonight she’d be sure to spend plenty of time with Gram and get to know her friends better—starting with Arthur.

  “Why don’t you sit here, Arthur? You should join us,” she said. She gave him a warm smile, hopefully gracious enough to make up for her behavior at the last board meeting. Tonight was all about turning on the charm and if there was anyone she needed to practice her charm on, it was Arthur. “That was so sweet of you to bring Gram tonight. It means a lot to me to have her here.”

  “It was my pleasure,” he said.

  “This has to be so fun for you to be out of the rehab place for a few hours, Gram.”

  “It sure is. I feel like I’m playing hooky.”

  Kate wrapped her arm around her grandmother and gave her a warm hug, then rested her other hand on Arthur’s shoulder. “You’ve made both our nights really special. Thanks again.”

  “Anytime, just call me.” Arthur’s cheeks blushed and he gave her a beaming smile.

  “Okay now, first things first,” Gram said. “Go over and let Darla know you’re here so the bidding war can begin.” Her eyes scanned the room as if she were taking inventory of all the potential bidders. “Arthur, you wheel me closer up front. I don’t want to miss a minute of the action.”

  The event had been in full swing for over an hour and Kate was chatting with a pasty pale banker who had an annoying habit of straightening his tie and straining his neck, as i
f his collar were cutting off his airflow every time he started a sentence. He was in the middle of telling her about his whale watching trip to New England and it was all Kate could do not to yawn. She looked past his shoulder, hoping someone more interesting would interrupt his epic tale. Unfortunately, he was the only man to give her any attention.

  “So if I were to win a date with you, I was thinking we could spend the evening in Charleston. Have you ever been?” he said.

  “Oh, um, no I haven’t.”

  “There’s a really good restaurant on the river I’ve been to several times for banking functions and afterward maybe we could catch a symphony performance.”

  “Hmm.” It took real talent to keep one eye on the banker, appearing fully engaged, and one eye scanning the room. Thankfully, the inch or two she had on him height-wise gave her a slim advantage. “Um, that sounds nice.”

  “If it all works out—” Once again he strained his neck and adjusted his tie. “There are several other places we could go, you know, later on, on future dates.”

  “Oh, that’s sweet. But, you know, I was telling you I’m only here temporarily. I’m going back to Washington soon.”

  “I don’t mind driving.”

  She swallowed the last of her drink and flashed the banker a big smile. “Gee, I just remembered there’s something I need to tell my grandmother. It was nice talking with you.” Before he could respond, she beelined to Gram, who was sitting at a table with several of her friends.

  “There you are, honey. Are you having a good time?”

  “It’s been, um, interesting.”

  “Met any nice young men?”

  “Some?”

  “See, I knew you’d be popular. I’ll bet your bid sheet is filling up. I sent Brody over there to check on it for me.”

  “Brody?” An electric charge shot through Kate and she rose up on her tiptoes, looking toward the table where the bid sheets were set out. “When did he get here? I didn’t see him come in.” Just hearing his name made her realize that perhaps it was Brody she was searching for while the banker droned on and on. She hadn’t seen him for over a week, not since the Brass Rail. Several times a day, she’d look through the sheers, hoping he was working on the ramp, but unfortunately, a week went by without so much as a glimpse.

  “He got here a few minutes ago. Came in through the back. He had to pick up bags of ice and it was easier to bring them through the service door.”

  “Oh.” Her view to the opposite side of the room was hampered by the dozens of people milling around the hall. She tipped her head left and then right, but still hadn’t caught sight of him. “I think I’ll get another drink. Want anything?”

  “No thanks, honey. They’ve got me set up real good.”

  “I’ll be back.” Thank goodness they’d decided to hold this event at the American Legion hall, where alcohol could be served, rather than some church basement. Kate didn’t think she could get through this night without something to relax her wire-tight nerves. She drew in a sharp breath—Brody was leaning against the bar and had just turned around. His hair was brushed softly away from his face and he was wearing a dress shirt, no tie, and a sports jacket. She was growing fond of his beard—it gave him the look of a rugged outdoorsman mixed with a soft teddy bear. And what a sexy smile he had: beautiful white teeth, full lips, and a hint of a dimple hidden under that soft facial hair. She smoothed her hair into place and took a few steps toward him, but stopped when the crowd parted to reveal Holli, dressed in a skin-tight minidress, looking up at Brody while she twirled a strand of hair around her finger.

  Damn. Holli was another one of the bachelorettes up for auction and it looked like she was working hard to snag her winning date. Brody handed her a drink and released another raucous laugh. What could she possibly be saying to make him beam like that? Kate hadn’t found her particularly interesting at the Brass Rail.

  Just as she was about to turn around, Brody looked up and pegged her with those gorgeous dark eyes of his. He gave her a big smile and held up his finger, asking her to wait a minute. She wasn’t going to wait there another second and watch him fall under Holli’s spell. She turned away and had only taken three steps when she felt a hand on her shoulder.

  “Katherine—Kate, wait. Hi.” Brody pulled her around to face him. “You look—”

  “Like I’m going to court. I know. Gram already told me.”

  “I was going to say nice, but you’re right. You look a bit too professional for this crowd.”

  “Sorry to disappoint you.”

  “No worries. Apparently you haven’t disappointed most of the guys. You have a lot of bids. Looks like you’ll bring in plenty of money.”

  “Like a prized heifer.”

  He threw his head back and laughed. “You look a little better than a heifer.”

  “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

  “Can I get you a drink?”

  “Quite the generous guy, aren’t you?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “You bought Holli a drink, now you’re buying me a drink. Why don’t you just buy the whole house a drink?”

  “Something bothering you?”

  “No.” She shook her head and pinched the bridge of her nose. She was feeling slightly nauseous, a burning in her stomach that had nothing to do with what she’d eaten that day. As ridiculous as it was, the pang deep in her core was jealousy. It had bothered her more than she cared to admit when she saw him laughing with Holli.

  “This whole thing, it’s making me uncomfortable. I don’t like being on display.”

  “Yeah, I get that.”

  “How did you get out of being one of the bachelors?”

  “I just said no. I don’t participate in stuff like this.”

  “Very smart of you.” She lifted his beer out of his hand and took a long drink. “Mmm, good. Yours?”

  “Yeah, we donated a couple kegs. I’ll be glad to get you one.”

  “Maybe later. I’ll probably need it when they announce the winners.”

  He nodded toward a table and placed his hand on her lower back, urging her to sit with him. He pulled out her chair and then gave her the slightest squeeze on her shoulders.

  “I can tell you who’s got the highest bid on you right now, if you want,” he said as he sat down.

  “Let me guess, the ghostly little banker?”

  “How did you know?”

  “He’s already got our night planned. Dinner in Charleston along the river and a concert by the symphony orchestra.” Kate pressed circles into her temples while shaking her head.

  “Sounds…” Brody propped his elbows on the table and leaned toward her, “somnolent.”

  “Who needs a sleeping pill when you can have a night at the symphony with mister ‘my collar is choking me’?”

  “It might not be bad. You can discuss the latest interest rates over crème brûlée.”

  “Thrilling.” She released an audible sigh, splayed her hands flat on the table, and shook her head, tipping it towards her lap. Brody looked so good he was making it hard to breathe. What was the matter with her? Only a few weeks ago she couldn’t stand the thought of him, but somewhere along the way he’d become a permanent fixture in her mind. Maybe it was Gram always touting his virtues that was clouding her good judgment.

  “What kind of a date would you like to go on?”

  “With the banker?” She looked at his dark eyes, crinkled at the corners, and his sexy crooked grin. Her heart skipped a beat. It was too bad he didn’t participate in these things.

  “With whoever wins the bid.”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Oh, come on,” he said. In his best game show announcer voice, he asked, “Kate McNamara, what’s your perfect date?”

  Her heart rate reached a dangerously high level, threatening to thump right out of her chest. How could she possibly think clearly with his deep brown eyes drilling into hers, his intoxicating smile so close to hers? “Well,
I’m not really one for a lot of fanfare. I’m, um—”

  “So you like to keep it simple, casual.”

  “I prefer it.”

  “Don’t need roses and champagne, a chauffeured limo?”

  “I never had a desire to ride in a limo, no, but roses are nice.” He sat back in his chair, his eyes squinted as if he were trying to read her.

  “Are you surprised?” she asked.

  “A little, maybe.”

  “Why?”

  “I don’t know. I took you as liking the finer things in life.”

  “I’m not easily impressed with the finer things. It’s just not important to me.” She pressed her hand against her stomach, trying to calm the wave rolling through it. It was the same nauseous feeling she had when he was laughing with Holli. His eyes lost their amusement and he looked pensive as he turned his cup around in circles.

  “Hmm.” He laughed unconvincingly and plastered on a wry grin. “Good to know.”

  “Dinner and drinks and good conversation, and I’m happy.” She picked up his cup and drained his beer. “Now, it’s time for me to get back out there and drum up another bidder. The banker can’t be my final bid.”

  Brody watched Kate’s long stride across the room, stopping periodically to speak a few words with several single guys he knew. She’d changed since he first met her. Sure, there were times her snippiness emerged or she’d pull into her protective shell, but more and more he could see the real Kate starting to take over. And he liked it. Having felt nothing but guilt and a certain dull lifelessness inside for almost two years, it was pleasant but frightening to feel that exciting zing whenever she was around. It was too bad she wouldn’t be here much longer.

  He looked into his empty glass and stood, planning to get another, when his little sister stopped him. “Hey, hold it right there. I have a bone to pick with you.”

  Looking over his shoulder, he saw Liza charging toward him, her blue hair bobbing with each determined step. He chuckled to himself at his sister’s ever-changing appearance.

  “What’s your bone?”