Swallowing, he glanced away. "There is no privacy in this town."
"Then one of your staff phoned us and said even the animals are starting to quiver around you."
What could he say, he had been a little difficult these days. Blowing up when normally he praised his people. The worried expressions on their face, just pissed him off even more.
"The last and final straw was when you didn't show up for our dinner last night."
Oh crap! In his drunken state he missed Jim and Shadow's engagement party. His oldest brother was getting married and instead gotten drunk and thrown water filled surgical gloves off the balcony. Why? It was better than tossing glass. A lot less clean-up.
Putting his palms over his face, he rubbed it trying to hide his expression.
"Wow, sorry man," he said.
"What the hell is wrong with you?" Drew asked.
Stopping, he stared at his younger brother who had yet to dance around the fountain. "You don't have the right to say a word to me. Until you strip down naked and become vulnerable and have your heart battered by that boy in a diaper, you have no right to ask me what's wrong."
Drew gave a little half smile. "The judge frowns when you abandon a case."
Jumping up from behind his desk, Kyle was ready to fight someone, anyone. "No more excuses. It's your turn to face that demon statue, find a woman and let her crush your soul. When I did the dance, I didn't believe love would happen to me. After all, I wasn't looking for the happily ever after. Didn't really care about finding a wife, but oh no, that damn statue brought a girl right to my front door."
"Why aren't you marrying her?" Drew asked. "Seems a simple enough solution."
Those were fighting words. He almost begged her to marry him and instead she ran crying from the clinic, hauling her sweet little ass away as fast as her car would go. And it hurt. Bone crushing pain.
"Is love ever simple? How many times you been in love? We know you've experienced enough lust for all of us, but who has broken your heart?" Kyle shouted.
"Hey, I've experienced heartache before," Drew replied.
"Oh yeah, when?"
Drew sat back in his chair and frowned. "So I like the ladies. Not everyone is ready for marriage and babies."
"Well, I didn't think I was either." No way was the Cupid statue going to affect him. He was immune to love or so he believed. Until a smart intelligent woman quickly proved him wrong.
Warily, Kyle glanced over at his brother Jim. "You're being awfully quiet."
Across the desk from him, Jim laughed. "Funny, Cody had almost the same talk with me just a couple of weeks ago. Sitting here I'm thinking what convinced me to go after Shadow. Maybe because I realized my life would be nothing without her. Shadow makes me happy. She's ditzy and fun and more loving than I deserve. Swallow your dang pride and go after the woman and ask her to marry you."
Kyle's frustration was mounting and about to go off like a volcano. Seldom he lost his cool. Seldom he got angry. Right now he was ready to explode.
"Do you think I'm stupid? I asked her to marry me," he said all the vexation spilling over. "Tempe turned me down. Then she ran out the door."
The room grew quiet.
Drew glanced at him. "Do you know why?"
"Yes, I understand exactly the way her logical brain was working. The very reason she said no, but if I told you, I'd have to kill you."
The two brothers stared at each other and Kyle watched them and sighed. Could she be right? Was he not thinking clearly about the consequences of marrying Scott Gaston's daughter?
Bitting his lip, Jim said in that elder brother voice he seldom used anymore. "We're you're brothers. Why won't she marry you?"
Like a rock, he sank back down in the chair and put his hands on his face again. "Tempe Tangier is actually Tempe Gaston, Scott Gaston's daughter."
"I knew I'd seen her face before," Jim said glancing at Drew.
"The Scott Gaston. The one that ran the largest ponzi scheme in the history of the United States?"
"None other," Drew said with a sigh. "After the trial and her mother's death, she changed her name and moved from the east coast to get away from all the publicity. She doesn't want to drag a husband and children into the spotlight, in case she is ever revealed."
In her eyes, the logic was sound, but to Kyle he only wanted to protect and shield and love her. Their babies would be protected. Any reporter that showed up at their door, would be in for a rude awakening.
Drew nodded his head. "Well, I hate to say it man, but I kind of respect her for that. Don't you remember all the coverage of their home, the trial. The family lost everything. Then her mother committed suicide when she learned she had no money and her husband had been cheating on her all those years."
"Her families shame has not been easy on Tempe," Kyle said softly, remembering the pain on her face when she revealed her background.
"Don't you see?" Jim said. "This could be the perfect place for her. Small town, few people, working beside her husband in the clinic. Go to her. Convince her that the life you're offering would be a great hide out."
With a sigh, he shook his head remembering that terrible day. After she left, he thought of so many things he should have said, but had no way to contact her. No cell number, nothing. And yes, she'd done that on purpose.
Drew smiled. "Let's lay out your argument. First, ask her if she loves you. Did she say she loved you?"
Oh no, here came the lawyer, the attorney speak. Drew was a wonderful defender of the small guy.
"No, but Tempe is not one to let her emotions be known." Yet she had been crying when she ran out the door and he could see how hard it was for her to leave.
"She is a rather cool and collected person," Jim said. "Very logical and I admire that about her."
Drew picked up a piece of paper and started making notes. "Sorry, this is my job. First off does she love you. Second has she considered that living in a small town is the perfect hideaway. Three when she marries you, there will be another name distancing her from the Gaston name."
"So far you've said nothing new, but keep going."
"Four, who is going to search for a broke heiress in a town of less than three thousand. Five, but more importantly you love her so much that even if some reporter learns her true identity, you would protect her and your children."
For a moment, Kyle considered his brothers arguments. It was everything he had already thought of and agreed to. "But I have no way of finding her."
Laughing, Jim stood up and went to the door. "Gloria, can you come in here."
His receptionist walked into the office. "I'm sorry Kyle, but we were all worried about you."
With a flip of his hand, he blew it off. "Don't worry about calling my brothers."
With a smile at Gloria, Jim asked, "Can you tell us anything about where Tempe Tangier is at the moment."
"Oh yes, she told me she was going to the beach for a few days down in Port Aransas. The hotel she is staying at is the Sand Dollar Condominiums. Her vacation starts tomorrow."
His brothers looked at him expectedly like okay, there you go. With a sigh, he realized they were right. He had to go after her and give this one final shot.
"Brenda book me a flight to Corpus Christi."
A grin spread across her face. "Of course Dr. Lawrence. Shall I make it for one or two returning?"
At the thought of Tempe coming home with him, his heart gave an extra thump. For the first time in days, he had hope. "Let me get there first and then I'll let you know."
Turning she walked out the door humming a happy tune.
Looking at the men he loved and respected, he sighed. "Thanks guys. What if she turns me down, again?"
"We'll go get drunk somewhere," Jim said. "After Drew does his dance."
"Why would she say no to you," Drew said. "Did you offer an engagement ring the last time you asked her?"
What could he say? Last time was a desperate attempt to keep her from lea
ving and returning to her old life. A spur of the moment, try to hang onto her that failed miserably.
"No," he admitted. A sense of relief overcame him. "All I can do is make one more attempt. If she says no this time, it will truly be over."
"Come on, let's go spend some of your hard earned money. A man needs to do a proper proposal down on his knees, with a ring. Women expect romance. No wonder she said no," Drew exclaimed.
"Everything happened too quickly."
"Well, let's slow it down a bit and do it right."
Kyle narrowed his eyes at his youngest brother. "Fine, we will. When are you going to do the Cupid stupid dance?"
"Soon," he said. "Very soon. Someone in this family has to show you boys that love does not come about because of a statue."
Tempe sat in her beach chair and stared out at the families in the water. The mothers clinging to their toddlers hands, fathers splashing with the older children, neither far from the precious little ones as they constantly watched them.
Pain gripped her chest and it wasn't from the fading bruise. Oh no, this was from a broken heart. A heart that realized children, a loving husband, and her charm boy Kyle were not possible for a woman with such a public past.
Raising her book, she once again tried to read the sappy romance, but the words blurred on the page. All through college, she kept herself entertained with stories with a happy ending. But there would be no happy ending for Tempe.
Picking up her water, she drained the bottle to keep her sadness from spilling down her cheeks and then tossed it down beside her bag.
"Hey Lady, we don't allow littering on Texas beaches," a deep voice she recognized said. Tears pricked her eyelids as her heart leaped into her throat. No, no no, he couldn't be here.
Her head all but swiveled towards Kyle, wearing swim trunks, stylish sunglasses and the grin she loved. "What are you doing here? How did you find me?"
"If you decide to stand before a minister with me, then there is one thing you should understand about the staff in my office. They're terrible at keeping secrets. Don't tell them anything you don't want the whole town to learn," he said and promptly pulled out his own chair and plopped down next to her.
"Look at that ocean, isn't it beautiful," he said.
"Gloria told you where I was?" she questioned.
"Yes, she did. The woman is the sweetest gossip in town. Not like the other women who are all waiting for the two of us to return as man and wife."
The words caused her heart to skip a beat. How could she continue to fight him, when her defenses were weak? Somehow she had to remain strong.
"Kyle, this isn't funny. You know my past and the reasons why I will never get married," she said looking around to make certain no one was listening to their conversation.
"Okay, my brother Drew is a mighty fine lawyer. We'll probably use him to draw up the new legal documents for the clinic since we'll be Dr's Lawrence and Lawrence."
Her chest ached more from emotional pain than it had even from that heifer's kick. Didn't he realize how badly he was hurting her when he said these things. Everything she ever wanted was sitting beside her and to protect him she had to push him away.
"Stop it Kyle. Enough, you know I can't marry you."
Turning in his chair, he faced her, his eyes flashing defiantly. "Hear me out before you say no again. Because if you say no a second time, then I will walk away and you'll never see me again. For both of our sakes, I hope that's not what you say, but here are my arguments."
Sitting up he swung around to meet her gaze. "One, do you love me as much as I love and can't live without you?"
"Yes, I love you," she said her insides aching. "I love you so much I don't want to drag you into my shitty life."
With a nod of his head, he continued. "Two have you considered living in a small town is the perfect hideaway? Three, as my wife your name will now be Lawrence, two names removed from your maiden name. Four, who is going to go searching for a broke heiress in the middle of cow country? Five..."
Glancing at her he paused. "Look, I understand you're concerned about protecting me and our children. As your husband, no one harasses my wife. No one. I love you so much Tempe that I would move us to Africa if I thought there was a chance of someone hurting you."
He dropped to one knee and her chest all but exploded. This is what she wanted, what she'd dreamed of and Kyle was the only man for her. But...
"Marry me and let me spend the rest of our days together, showing you how much you mean to me."
Tears welled up in her eyes and she grabbed him and kissed him full on the mouth. The logical side of her repeated this was a mistake, she was putting him in jeopardy, but her heart refused to listen. Filled with love, her heart dictated what she knew she longed for. To be Kyle's wife, his partner.
With her lips she showed him what she was feeling, knowing they were making a spectacle, but she didn't care. Finally, he pulled back.
"Honey, I'm praying that means yes, but if you don't stop, these parents are going to be upset their children witnessed a man's hard on at the beach."
Extending her hand she caressed his face. "How could I say no to a proposal all laid out with the reasons why I should marry you. Tell me you're sure that you understand the depth of the publicity that I could be subject to if anyone learns who I am."
"It doesn't matter, Tempe. You're all that matters to me. The world can go to hell as long as I have you."
Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out the box and opened it. A big bright beautiful solitaire diamond sparkled at her and she gasped.
"Oh, Kyle, you picked exactly what I would have wanted."
Smiling, he kissed her again. "See we're a good match."
"Yes, charm boy, we are. There is one stipulation. No more dancing naked around that silly Cupid statue in town."
Shaking his head, he held up his hand. "Never again. No need. That fountain found the perfect woman for me to love. She was waiting for me on my door stop."
A gasp escaped her at his heartfelt words. "With no idea what awaited her. Let's get married tonight. Just you and me here on the beach."
"Let's do it." And he reached down to seal the commitment with a kiss.
Next up Drew’s Story
Drew Lawrence knew his day of reckoning had come. No longer could he avoid doing the Cupid Stupid dance all because he joined in with his brothers and agreed to the bet. But he never dreamed they would lose and the idea of dancing naked around the statue to meet your true love was ridiculous.
Who believed this crazy superstition.
Now here he stood in the town square, in the buff waiting for the church clock to strike midnight, waiting to fulfill his part of the gamble he'd made with his future brother-in-law, childhood friend, Cody. Thank goodness there was a park that surrounded the God of Love giving cover from main street, in Cupid, Texas.
"Are you ready?" Cody asked.
"I'm naked aren't I?" Drew asked, his hands over his privates. The weather had warmed enough, he didn't have to worry about frostbite, but still this was crazy. As an attorney, he knew the penalties of being caught.
"Remember three laps around chanting, 'oh Cupid Statue find me my true love."
"Really?" he said, looking at his friend. They'd known each other since they were children. "You believe this sculpture brought you and my sister together?"
"Scout's honor," Cody said.
"Jim and Kyle warned me you left them without clothing. Are you going to steal my stuff?"
Cody grinned. "Nah, it wouldn't work a second time."
"Well, just in case. I'm prepared." He held up his hand. "Car keys in hand and a pair of jeans and a shirt in the car. Cell phone in the car. Remember, I'm a lawyer who tries to think of all angles."
"I didn't force you to make the bet. As I recall, you guys didn't believe your little sister could fall for me."
Drew shook his head. "Like my brothers, I'm going to keep my part of the wager. Three laps and I'm o
ut of here. And to make certain the Sheriff is busy, Mrs. Raffsberger's cat is once again fighting in the alley."
"Good, he'll be occupied." His friend glanced at his watch as the bells began to chime. "Time to go."
Growling at the absurdness of this humiliation because that's all it was, he took off, a ball cap covering his junk, his keys in the other hand.
"Oh Cupid statue find me my true love, so I can put my clothes back on," Drew said laughing. With a sputter, the lights that normally light up the sculpture went dark. That was odd. But he kept running, hoping to get this over with.
During his second lap, he closed his eyes for a moment as he came around the corner and slammed into a body.
Startled, he raised his fists up ready to fight off his attacker and was stunned to recognize Chloe Kilian, the preacher's daughter.
"What the hell?"
"Oh no," she screeched trying to cover all her very nice curves that she obviously had kept hidden away all these years.
"What are you doing here?" he asked stunned.
With her arm across her breasts and her hand covering her privates, she glared at him. "The same thing you're doing."
Chloe would believe he was running to find a lover, not to fulfill a bet. And if the superstition could possibly be true, she would be his love. That thought had him laughing out loud.
"I hardly think this is funny," she said with a hiss.
Just then he heard Cody voice louder than normal. "Good evening officer Ryan. What brings you out tonight."
"Someone called in a fake problem with Mrs. Raffsberger's cat. That pussy lost all nine lives a week ago. So someone must be trying to keep me busy while they danced around Cupid. Whose clothes are those?"
Drew cursed quietly. Ryan Jones, the sheriff was standing on the other side of the statue waiting to arrest them.
Amazon
One wants an everlasting love while the other only believes in the moment….
Preacher’s daughter Chloe Kilian’s luck with men has been less than inspirational. One was a cheater, two thought they were God’s gift to women, three had Mother Separation anxiety, and four had been chosen by her father. None of the odds were in her favor of meeting Mr. Right. Ready to flee Cupid, Texas to save her sanity, Chloe decides to give love one more chance.
Cupid Cures: Small Town Western Contemporary (Return to Cupid, Texas Book 5) Page 11