Imagine That

by Kristin Wallace

  Zach arched a brow. “Or check her out.”

  He should have gone ahead with his plan to sell Zach to the pet shop when the kid had been five. “Stop. I was curious.”

  His brother laughed, but Nate didn’t have a chance to respond because Lauren Nelson emerged from a back room.

  “Hello, everyone, and thank you for coming tonight,” she said. “When I learned E.J. Sinclair was in town, I couldn’t resist asking her to speak. She graciously agreed, and I know you are all going to love her as much as I already do. E.J. Sinclair.”

  The door opened again, and Emily walked out. She wore a forest green dress with narrow straps and a body-hugging top, and Nate’s hormones fully appreciated the effect. The bottom of the dress seemed to be stitched together with multicolored silk scarves, which fluttered around her calves in jagged edges. Her copper-colored hair was styled in loose waves down her back.

  What had Emily said her book was about? A warrior fairy princess? She might have stepped right from the pages.

  Emily came to a halt when she saw the crowd gathered in the store. She blinked, as if to convince herself she hadn’t imagined such a big turnout. Their eyes met, and she froze. Then she flashed him a sassy grin and winked. The impact slammed into his gut like a well-aimed punch. Such a smile, like pure sunshine.

  She went to sit at the table, leaving him reeling.

  Zach leaned closer and whispered in Nate’s ear. “I don’t blame you for being curious.”

  Nate’s mind couldn’t function enough to muster a rebuke.

  Lauren took a seat at the table. “Before we get to the signing, E.J. will answer some of your questions. I had people fill out index cards when they came in, so we’ll go off those. First question… Where did you get the idea for Grisela?”

  The questions went on for some time. Emily didn’t miss a beat answering them, and before long she had the audience eating out of the palm of her hand. Her wit, her energy, and the way she used her entire body when she spoke drew everyone in.

  Toward the end, Nate realized his cheeks were sore from laughing. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d smiled so much, but then Emily always did make him feel better.

  Nate’s brain sputtered, and for a second the room froze as his thoughts centered on one undeniable truth. Emily made him smile. Something eased inside his soul whenever he saw her, like a spring uncoiling. Nothing could take away the lingering sorrow over his mother completely, but the clawing, desperate urge to tear something apart somehow eased.

  So, his reaction was more than a physical attraction. More than curiosity. And more trouble than he knew what to do with right now.

  ****

  Emily signed her name with a flourish. “Lori, right?”

  The teenaged girl smiled. “Yes. I think you’re amazing. The way you can create a whole other world.”

  Praise never failed to fill Emily’s heart, no matter how many times she’d heard the words. These days, admiration could be counted as a miraculous balm to her bruised ego. “Thank you.”

  The younger girl, obviously a sister, handed over her book next. “I’m Katie, and I love you.”

  “Thank you, Katie.”

  Lori handed over a third book. “Can you sign one for my boyfriend? His name is Aaron.”

  “He couldn’t come tonight?”

  Lori rolled her eyes and jerked her head to the right. “He’s here, but he’s — well, I think he’s embarrassed to ask you himself.”

  Emily scanned the rows of shelves and spotted a dark-haired teenager loitering around the sci-fi section. She waited until he saw her watching and then waggled her fingers in a salute. Caught, the boy hunched his shoulders and ducked back out of sight.

  Chuckling, Emily signed the other copy. “Tell him hello for me.”

  “Don’t mind the kid,” a feminine voice drawled. “Reputation is all in the Kingdom of Teenagery. He probably thinks getting a book signed would damage his carefully cultivated image.”

  Emily looked up to find Addison Covington by the table. The jolt on seeing the famous television star five feet away diminished due to the real fear she might try her own special brand of rehabilitation again.

  “Hello,” Emily said, pinning a bright smile on her face.

  A knowing grin appeared and Addison held up her hands. “I promise, you’ll get no lectures from me tonight. Julia spent the entire lunch berating me for pouncing on you. I’m sorry. I’d forgotten I didn’t always take kindly to unwanted advice when I was wallowing in my own misfortunes.”

  Tension seeped from her shoulders, and Emily smiled for real. “It’s all right.” She directed her attention to the gorgeous man standing at Addison’s side. He had wheat-colored hair, startling green eyes, and a smile that made women sit up straighter and bat their eyelashes.

  “Ethan Thomas, the man who currently puts up with me,” Addison said, looping her arm through his. “The kid playing hide and seek in the bookshelves is my stepson, and these lovely young ladies are Ethan’s nieces.”

  Emily took his hand. “Nice to meet you, Ethan.”

  “My nieces have been raving about your book signing for days,” he said.

  “They’re sweet.”

  Addison glanced over her shoulder. “We’re holding up the line. I’ll talk to you later.”

  “Okay.”

  Emily watched the couple retreat and then turned back to greet her next customer. Her gaze landed on a faded brown T-shirt, molded over sigh worthy male pecs. She dragged her eyes up, past the sharp chin and angular nose to the gray pools of mist. She couldn’t stop the quick indrawn breath of feminine appreciation.

  “Nate…”

  She’d known he was here. Shoot, Emily had almost tripped over her feet when she’d seen him standing at the back of the room. She’d been hyper aware of him all night, but once the book signing started, she’d lost track of him. Now here he stood in front of her.

  He cleared his throat and then held out a copy of Kingdom of Dreams.

  “You’re actually buying my book?” she asked in surprise.

  “I wanted to know what my brother is talking about. Besides, I’m curious to find out why everyone thinks this warrior fairy princess of yours is so great.”

  Emily took the book.

  Here’s hoping you fall under the spell of Grisela. E.J.

  She handed the copy back. He glanced down, and his brows pulled together as he sorted out the words. She knew the moment he did because his chest expanded as if he’d gotten a shock. His gaze flew up then drifted along her bare shoulders and — briefly — down. Her stomach clenched, and she wondered for a startled moment if she might combust right here in the bookstore.

  “I think I’m more interested in Grisela’s creator—” He stopped himself, puffed out his cheeks, and then let out a gust of air. He shook his head, as if to clear all romantic urges, and coughed into his hand. “You must be proud. Having so many people come out.”

  So, they were going to play like nothing had happened. Like they weren’t both singed. Fine. “Yes, it’s an ego boost, but lots of pressure, especially now that this—” She pointed a finger to her head, put-em-up style. “Refuses to cooperate.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  So was she, but short of getting a new brain like Scarecrow, she didn’t see a way out of her predicament. “Yeah.”

  Someone jostled Nate from behind, and he stepped aside. “Your public waits. See you around.”

  A little bit of color left with him, and Emily fought back irrational disappointment. Stupid really, the urge to chase after him. Very stupid.

  Finally, the long line diminished, and Emily signed the last book. She flexed her wrist, trying to ease the cramping.

  “Occupational hazard?” Julia Richardson asked, regarding her with an expression of sympathy and amusement.

  Emily grimaced as she stretched each finger one by one. “One of them anyway.”

  Julia leaned her hip against the table. “You must be ecstatic o
ver the turnout.”

  “I’m grateful. It’s so easy to feel sorry for myself, but my fans remind me why I keep trying. Why I want to keep writing.”

  “Speaking of your writing, I’m sorry about the gang-up the other day in the boutique,” Julia said. “We shouldn’t have been so harsh. Especially since we don’t know you well. Seth is always telling me I stick my nose in where it doesn’t belong.”

  Emily waved in dismissal. “Addison already delivered her mea culpa. Don’t worry, I’ll live.”

  “But will you write—” Julia let out an exasperated yelp. “There I go again. Sorry. Can’t help it. You haven’t met my fiancé yet, have you?” she asked, pointing across the room.

  The fiancé in question had broad shoulders and midnight-dark hair. Emily’s eyes widened in feminine appreciation. He was a preacher? In all the many different religious services Emily had attended, she’d never seen a man of the cloth who could have posed on the cover a men’s magazine.

  There must be something in the water in Covington Falls. It was the only possible explanation for such an excess of male good looks. Unless it was God’s way of ensuring a steady population growth.

  Julia waved and he ambled over. “Seth, this is Emily, the writer I was telling you about. We met in the library.”

  Seth dipped his head. “Welcome to Covington Falls.”

  A preacher with dimples and sapphire-blue eyes? Emily contemplated giving church another try. “Thank you. I’ve never felt so welcome anywhere in my life.”

  “We like new things here,” he said.

  Julia tossed her hair. “Mm-hmm. Gives people something to talk about.”

  Seth chuckled. “Other than a small kitchen fire, you haven’t given much cause for talk, Emily.”

  “Oh, it’s been years since I’ve done anything noteworthy,” she said, hoping her statement didn’t sound too bitter.

  “You must have faith you’ll find your voice again,” Seth said, all sympathy and understanding.

  Oh, yeah, bitterness detected loud and clear.

  He gave her a smile filled with such gentleness, it was no wonder he’d found a calling as a preacher.

  “Sure. I’ll say a prayer about that tonight,” she said then winced as she replayed the words in her head and heard the sarcastic bite.

  Seth didn’t take offense. His gaze never wavered. “Not a bad idea.” He kissed Julia. “I told Nate Cooper we’d grab a cup of coffee. I’ll see you tomorrow?”

  Julia batted her eyelashes. “If I’m available.”

  He rolled his eyes and then planted another quick, but potent kiss on her lips before striding over to meet Nate. Emily watched the two men walk to the door. At the last moment, Nate turned his head. He smiled and held the book aloft in a brief salute, and then they were gone.

  “What are you smiling about?” Julia asked.

  Emily jerked back to reality. “I am?”

  “Yeah.” Julia made a little curvy gesture against her lips.

  She’d been smiling? Because of Nate? Emily hadn’t even realized. She cleared her throat and tried to look innocent. “I’m not sure what you’re talking about.”

  Boy, for a writer who makes up fantasies, I sure do make a bad liar.

  Julia ignored the faint denial. She was too busy gazing out the door. “Nate Cooper,” she murmured, as if turning over a thought in her mind. “You know him?”

  Do. Not. Give. Anything. Away. “Sort of. He rescued me when my car broke down out by the lake.”

  One brow lifted. “Rescued you? How gallant.”

  Emily had a feeling the not giving anything away plan had failed. “I mean, he stopped and gave me a lift into town.”

  “I wouldn’t have put you two together—”

  “Why not?” Emily asked, before she could stop herself.

  Julia’s eyes widened at the outburst. Then she shook her head and let out a wicked laugh. “Why do you care?”

  “I don’t.”

  “Mm. I only meant Nate is so quiet and serious. A bit of a recluse. While you…”

  Emily nodded. “Tend to run off at the mouth, I know.”

  “It’s one of your most interesting qualities,” Julia said with a teasing grin. “Actually, I have to say the idea of you two isn’t so strange. You could be exactly the person he needs.”

  “No.”

  “Hey, I understand. You think I’m one of those people who fall in love and then sets out to pair up the whole world. I know I would have balked if anyone had dared suggest a romance between me and Seth.”

  “There is no romance here,” Emily said, emphasizing every word. “Besides, Nate and I have nothing in common. We might as well be from different planets. I know we speak different languages. Half the time he looks at me like I’m crazy. I was raised by two college professors. I’m not even sure Nate went to college.”

  Julia tilted her head. “So what? There’s no shame in making a living working with your hands.”

  “I know,” Emily said, wishing she could dive under the table. If she checked a mirror right now she wouldn’t be surprised to find a big Snob branded into her forehead.

  “You have a problem because Nate doesn’t have a degree in philosophy or literature?” Julia asked. “Because he paints houses for a living instead of sitting in a corner office crunching numbers? He’s good at what he does. He repainted Seth’s house and did a great job. He met every deadline, didn’t disappear for days on end, and never ran over budget.”

  She groaned and covered her face. “I must sound like the world’s biggest jerk.”

  “You sound like you don’t know him well, and you’ve made a judgment based on his job.”

  Emily didn’t say anything. Her shame ran too deep to argue.

  Julia’s expression softened. “Do you think he has no ambition? Maybe it would make you feel better to know he owns the house painting business.”

  Her head shot up. “He’s the owner?”

  “Yes.”

  “He never said anything.”

  “Nate is a pretty humble guy.”

  Emily felt the weight of her misconceptions crushing in on her. “Next, I suppose you’ll tell me there’s a wonderfully noble reason why he still lives with his mother.”

  Julia didn’t answer right away and Emily froze. “What?”

  “Maybe you should ask Nate about that, too.”

  The weight pressed harder. “Julia…”

  “I can’t talk about his private business. I shouldn’t be saying anything at all, except I can tell you he came back for a good reason.”

  “I am such a horrible person.”

  Julia smiled. “Not horrible. Just misinformed. Now you’re starting to get the bigger picture where Nate’s concerned. The question is what will you do now?”

  Chapter Ten

  Emily stepped out of her car and gaped. Talk about a small-town utopia. Stately oak trees lined a quiet street, which was framed on both sides by graceful homes that wept of I-do-declare charm. Covered verandahs, intricate gingerbread embellishments, painted shutters. White picket fences. For what picture of America could be complete without gleaming white partitions?

  Something warm and gooey filled Emily’s veins, like chocolate chip cookies right out of the oven. Home, sweet home. Unbelievable.

  The front door creaked open, and Julia emerged on the front porch. “Hey there. Glad you found us. Did you have any trouble?”

  Emily’s gaze caught on the flower boxes underneath the upstairs windows. “No, your directions were perfect.”

  Window boxes? Seriously? People still had those?

  Julia walked down the steps and surveyed the house and yard. “What do you think?”

  “Is that a porch swing in the back?”

  “Takes your breath away, doesn’t it?” Julia asked with a conspiratorial grin. “I nearly left skid marks the first time I pulled up in the driveway when I came back. Covington Falls scared the life out of me.”

  First chance Emily go
t, she would head for the swing, armed with a glass of sugar-loaded ice tea, some cute finger sandwiches with the crusts cut off, and a good book. “I didn’t know places like this still existed.”

  “So you’ll be at home?”

  “I think I could live here forever.”

  The comment brought forth an outright belly laugh. “I warned you about that. Let me run in and tell Grace you’re here. We’ll get the key for the apartment and meet you by the garage.”

  Julia disappeared inside the house, and Emily wandered around to the back yard. Lush trees and colorful blossoms created a Southern brand Garden of Eden. Tucked above the garage was a small apartment. Concrete steps led up to a narrow landing with a waist-high iron railing. Giggling, Emily took them at a run. She peered in the small window, but the dim light didn’t reveal any secrets.

  “There isn’t much to see,” a soft, feminine voice said from behind her.

  Emily found Grace and Julia on the landing.

  Grace held out a key. “Would you like to do the honors?”

  Yes, Emily would. With an excited grin, she unlocked the door. She flipped on the light, revealing a small, single-roomed space with a couch, an old wooden dresser, a twin bed, and a kitchenette. She immediately fell in love.

  “You said Seth lived up here?” she asked.

  “He moved in after his wife died,” Grace answered. “I think he found comfort in this quiet space.”

  Emily wandered over and sank down onto the bed. “How long did he stay?”

  “Until he didn’t need it anymore.”

  Emily bounced on the edge of the mattress and hid a smile. Grace did have a way with words. There always seemed to be a wealth of meaning behind each phrase.

  “So you like the apartment?” Julia asked.

  Emily stood up. “I’m sold. I’ll go get Wordsworth out of the car.”

  Julia stayed to help her unpack, and before long, Emily had settled in to her temporary new home. She sat on the bed and surveyed her domain again. Julia plopped down next to her with a gust of air.

  “As that little singing orphan would say, ‘I think I’m gonna like it here,’“ Emily said.