Brayden looked down at the boys. "I've got four brothers. I'm sure we did a lot more damage than you two ever have." He winked at them.
"Four brothers?" Cora asked, looking faint. "Your parents must be saints."
Lana stepped back. "Come on in. We didn't invite you to stand on the front step."
Brayden stepped in, holding her gaze. He also held his breath. Her eyes were stunning.
A man about Brayden's dad's age stepped forward holding out his hand. "You must be Dr. Hunter."
"Brayden, please."
"I'm Dwight." He took Brayden's hand, squeezing hard as he shook it.
"It's a pleasure, sir."
"You can call me Dwight, but I won't stop you from calling me sir." He laughed loudly, causing Brayden to jump a little.
Lana shook her head, mouthing, "Sorry."
"The women are just finishing up dinner. Let me show you what I came up with for turning the hardware store into a clinic."
"You've already thought about it?" Brayden asked, surprised.
"I never stop thinking about things to build. This gives me a nice break from the mansions I usually design. This is a bit of a challenge, and I find it exciting. It's good for the old mind to try something new. Besides, I finally found something my daughter is interested in."
Brayden looked over at Lana, whose face turned red. "What, Mom? You need me in the kitchen?" She hurried out of the room.
"Take a look." Dwight walked over to a table that was covered in papers. He picked one up and held it up for Brayden to see. "As best as I can tell, this is the current layout of the hardware store. It's open in front, which makes for a nice waiting room. There appears to be a decent-sized back room which work for exam rooms. You don't need a surgical center or anything?"
"No. Emergencies requiring specialized care like that would still need to be sent to the hospital."
Dwight pulled a pencil from behind his ear and wrote some notes on the paper. "Explain exactly what you have in mind."
Brayden explained the number of rooms he pictured and the equipment needed.
Dwight scribbled notes and added to his drawing. "I think we'll have to add on to the back, but there's quite a bit of land on the lot so it shouldn't be a problem. Now, tell me about the private practices on the second floor. I assume we'll need an elevator for the cardiac patients." He pulled out a different sheet of paper, pointing to a layout similar to what Brayden and Lana had discussed the other night.
Brayden looked over at Lana, busily helping her mom and sister in the kitchen. He couldn't believe that she had not only remembered what they discussed about his dream building, but that she had shared it with her father. His heart swelled.
She looked over at him, and they met each other's gaze. Lana froze, and Brayden's heart skipped a beat. He looked back at Dwight's plans and tried to focus on what he said. He couldn't shake Lana from his mind.
He really needed to have one of the other doctors take her on as a patient.
Eight
Lana chewed her lasagna, but was all too aware of Brayden sitting next to her. She could barely focus on anything else. His presence was like a homing beacon, keeping her focused on him.
Why had everyone insisted that they sit next to each other? It wasn't that she didn't like sitting next to him—no, she liked it entirely too much. That was the problem.
Every time the conversation came to her, she had no idea what it was about. Lana had to ask what was asked. Brayden had to think she was an idiot. It was time to up her game, and get over her silly schoolgirl embarrassments. She was a woman. In just a few years, she would be thirty. Thirty. Where had the time gone?
Laughter brought her back to reality. She smiled, and turned to Brayden, who also laughed along with everyone else. He was able to stay with the conversation. Obviously, he had the maturity to sit next to her and stay focused on everything. There was a spark between them that she couldn't deny, yet he could act like an adult despite that.
She looked back to her plate and picked up some vegetables. It was high time she grew up, even though being back with her family only made her feel young again. Everyone else had matured. She could, too.
Lana picked up her napkin, and her hand brushed against Brayden's. Her skin felt afire and her face heated up. She wasn't sure if he noticed, but she moved her napkin into her lap and scolded herself for being such a baby.
Maybe her friends had been right—she should have dated more while getting her degree. But she thought it would be a waste of time. She would get her degree, work a couple years to build her clientele, and then find a guy to marry. As though she could really plan life like that. And now here she was sitting next to a handsome man who seemed to like her, too, and she couldn't stop acting like a middle schooler.
"…right, Lana?"
She looked up at her Dad, covering her mouth. She pointed to it, giving the impression of having too much food in her mouth to speak. It was time to pull herself together.
Her dad laughed, and then turned to Brayden. "Top of her class, and the first to get her degree. I couldn't be prouder."
"I could tell from the moment I met her that she was accomplished. You've done well, sir."
Lana felt Brayden's leg brush against hers. Was that on purpose? An accident? What was she supposed to do? Besides kick herself for staying too focused on her studies. Would it have really hurt to have gone on a couple of dates once in a while?
She stole a quick glance at Brayden, only to find him focused on the story her dad was telling. Maybe it had only been an accident. It was possible he thought he'd just brushed against a table leg, right?
Oh, how she wanted to hide under a table—a different one. And stay there until she knew how to handle herself. Maybe it was a good thing her family was there for their first date, if that was what this even was. Brayden spoke to her dad a lot more than her.
When they later cleared the dishes, Lana would have to ask Cora what to do. Who was she kidding? Cora hadn't dated in years. She'd been married for five, and had been engaged another year before that. It would have been seven or more years since she'd had a first date. She'd be as useless as Lana.
No. She would have to call one of her friends from school. Ashley and Lindsey hadn't let their studies get in the way of their love lives. But they also didn't have their licenses yet, either. They would spend at least another five or six months—if not a whole year—continuing to work on taking their architectural exams.
Lana took a deep breath and then looked around the table trying to focus on what was being said. It sounded like the topic was a movie. Not something she would be able to chime in about. She'd seen all of two movies in the theater over the last nine years, and even then, she'd been dragged, not wanting to miss valuable study time.
She ate, watching Brayden from the corner of her eyes. He carried himself with such strength and grace, never missing a beat in the conversation. He interacted well with everyone, often having something clever or funny to say. Lana both admired and envied him. She was with the comfort of her own family, and she was nowhere as comfortable as he was with them.
There was no reason she couldn't be. She was usually strong and confident, but he brought out all kinds of things in Lana she wasn't used to. She wanted to kick herself. It was definitely time for one of Lindsey's annoying pep talks. This time, she would listen and take heart. If she could get her heart away from Brayden for a minute.
Luckily, everyone finished eating and began clearing the table. Lana was still hungry, but she could graze as she helped put everything away. She hurried to the kitchen before she could get sucked into a conversation.
Once in the kitchen, she grabbed an asparagus to eat, but put it back when Brayden came in carrying the platter of lasagna. Lana dropped the vegetable, dug into the drawer with tin foil, and covered it up.
"May I?" Brayden asked, indicating toward the foil.
Lana nodded, and he took it. Their hands touched again, and Lana held her breath. Was he doi
ng that on purpose?
He smiled at her, but she turned away and pulled out her ringing phone. "Oh, I need to take this. It's my friend Lindsey, and she's going through a personal crisis. I'll try to be quick." She ran upstairs and into her bedroom.
"Lana, baby! What's up?" asked Lindsey through the phone. It was loud in the background, sounding like she was at a party.
"Where are you?" asked Lana.
"Ash and I are at a bar. We thought there might be some hot guys, but they haven't arrived yet."
Lana smiled. "Well, I've got one here."
"What?" exclaimed Lindsey. "Do tell. Let me find a quieter corner. … Okay, tell me everything."
"It's kind of a long story, but I met this cute—"
"Hot. Sexy. Not cute, honey. You're not talking about a puppy."
Lana lowered her voice. "Okay, I met a hot doctor and—"
"Doctor? Girl, how did you manage that? Where are the doctors hanging out?"
"Like I said, it's a long story. Will you let me finish?"
"Fine, but you better fill in the details at some point."
"Thank you. So anyway, we're here at our beach house with my family and—"
"With your family? That's where you're—"
"I thought you were going to let me finish."
"All right. My lips are zipped."
"So, anyway, I can't think straight when he's here. We keep brushing our hands or legs, and I get all flustered. What am I supposed to do?"
"You're getting bent out of shape about brushing hands?" Lindsey asked. "Aw, you're so cute."
"I thought we weren't talking about cute unless it's a puppy."
"That describes you, Lana dear. You've gotta hold your head high and be that level-headed girl we all love and adore—when you're not frustrating us."
"But I can't, Linds. Every time I'm around him, I go into some different mode. I feel like a middle schooler again. I can't think, I can't talk…basically, I can't function."
"You're positively adorable. Now snap out of it! I'd slap you if I could. Slap yourself for me."
"What?"
"Lana, look. You're gorgeous and brilliant, hard-working to a fault. That doctor would be lucky to have you. Remember that. You're a fine catch, and you know it. Make him work for you. The last thing you want to do is to make it easy for him. If he's worth it, he'll move the sun and the moon for you. Most men aren't, but if this dude is hot enough to get you all flustered, he might actually be worth something."
"Okay."
"I'm serious, and I want to hear you say it."
"Really?" Lana asked.
"Yes. Tell me how wonderful you are and how hard he's going to have to work for you."
Shaking her head, Lana got up and peeked into the hall. It was clear, so she went back to the bedroom as far as she could get from the door.
"I can't hear you."
Lana laughed nervously. "I had to make sure nobody could hear me."
"Let them. The world needs to know your true worth. Speak it."
"He needs to work for me," Lana muttered.
"Louder," Lindsey commanded. "And something about how awesome you are."
Lana turned to face the corner. "I'm a catch, and any man who wants me must work hard."
"Good. Now say it like you mean it."
"Don't you have some guys to hit on?" Lana asked.
"I can't hear you."
"I'm smart and sophisticated."
"Good. Now tell me what he's going to have to do for you."
"If he wants me to pay him attention, he's going to have to earn it."
"Perfect. Now get back out there and show him how confident and desirable you are. Make him drool and beg."
"I wouldn't go that far."
"Why not? You should."
"Thanks for the pep talk, Linds."
"Anytime. Do you need me to join you in… where'd you go again?"
"It's called Kittle Falls."
"Are there other sexy guys besides that doctor?"
"The beach is full of them."
"Well, I'll talk with Ash. We could use a road trip, anyway."
"I'd love to see you guys. Let me know if you head over."
"Bye, Lana." The call ended.
She took a deep breath. Though Lana wasn't sure about making Brayden work for her affections, she did agree that she needed to think with more confidence. That would solve her problem of feeling like a preteen.
Lana went downstairs and froze before she got to the last step. Brayden was on the floor, crawling around with her nephews. He grabbed Ryder, growling playfully. "Gotcha."
Ryder shrieked and Nolan ran in the other direction. Brayden picked up Ryder and stood, rushing around the room with him in his arms, making airplane noises. Ryder laughed and squirmed, hollering for more.
Lana couldn't believe how good he was with the boys. Nolan tugged on his pant legs, begging for a turn.
She leaned against the railing, loving the sight.
Brayden picked up Nolan with his free hand and tucked both boys under his arms, darting through the living room, now making race car noises.
Cora came over and stood next to Lana. "He's something else, isn't he?"
"He sure is," Lana agreed, not taking her eyes off him.
Nine
Brayden set the two boys down, and when he looked over toward the stairs, he saw both Lana and Cora watching him.
"Like I said, four younger brothers."
"You can come over anytime you want," Cora said, looking at Nolan and Ryder who lounged on the couch, looking ready to pass out.
"Hope you don't mind that I wore them out before bedtime." Brayden smiled.
Cora laughed. "You're a saint." She headed toward the boys. "Let's get ready for bed before you two fall asleep."
Lana walked over to him. "You're so good with them."
He shrugged. "With five younger siblings, it just comes naturally. It's been a while since I've been around kids. I had a lot of fun."
"Five siblings?" Lana asked, looking confused.
Brayden frowned. "I had a sister, too."
"Had? I'm so sorry."
He looked around for something else to talk about. "So, you showed your dad the hardware store?"
"I hope that's okay. He was eager to make some new plans. I think he's going stir-crazy being away from the office so long."
Brayden stared at Lana, captured by her beauty. Her full lips curled into a smile. "Would you like to go for a walk? I could use some air."
As great as her family was, he wanted nothing more than to spend some time alone with her. He would just reassign her to a different doctor the next morning. He could easily find another patient, but he didn't want to get to know any other woman like he did her. He wanted to learn everything about her. "That sounds wonderful."
She stood taller and walked toward the door, going for the knob.
"Let me," Brayden said. He moved for the handle and opened the door, holding it open.
"Thank you." She walked through, and he closed it behind them.
"Your nephews are great."
"They're a lot of fun, and they adore you. You're fantastic with kids."
Brayden stared into her blue eyes, not knowing what to say. Part of him wanted to say he hoped to have boys of his own one day—even though it went against his plans never to marry, but given his feelings toward Lana, it felt awkward to bring up. He got lost in her eyes. They reminded him of the ocean in the summer. The water held a certain mystery that time of year, and it was fitting given how little he knew of the wonderful woman just inches away. He cleared his throat. "Where should we go?"
"You know the town better than me. Where do you think?" Her eyes seemed to sparkle.
Brayden used to know the town so well. Since he'd moved back to Kittle Falls, he really only knew the path from home to work and to his parents' house. "So much has changed since I moved back. Want to explore?"
"Sounds like fun. I could use an adventure."
"Perfect. Should we head toward the touristy area or somewhere else?"
Lana looked thoughtful. "I'm up for either."
"Don't put it back on me." Brayden laughed. "I asked what you want."
She looked over at the beach where the tourists gathered all summer long. Kids swarmed an ice cream truck and not too far from that, a pig jumped through hoops. Lana laughed. "Are there always pigs on the beach?"
"You never know what you'll find. Last year there was a unicycle-riding monkey."
"There must have never been a dull moment growing up here."
"Not during the summer. Do you want to check out the hoop-jumping pig?"
Lana shook her head. "I think I'll pass this time. I like exploring the quieter parts of town. It seems like there's more there. Not more activity, but more…mystery?"
"I'm not sure about that, but there's more history."
"Oh?" She looked interested. "Like what?"
Brayden held out his hand. "Let's walk, and I'll tell you."
She looked nervous, but took his hand. Her skin was so soft and smooth, not to mention cold. He put his other hand on top of hers and rubbed.
"Are you always cold?"
"Sometimes. Is that an indication of any problems?"
"Nothing that I can think of. It's probably just the AC from the house." He slid his fingers through hers and walked toward the part of town he called home. "You want to hear about the history of Kittle Falls?"
"Yeah. I love history. In fact, if I had more time for electives, I would have taken a lot more history courses."
"Our town was discovered by entrepreneurial pioneers."
Lana raised an eyebrow.
Brayden laughed. "Gold hunters."
"Ah." She gave a knowing nod. "Did they find any?"
"Billy Kittle had grown rich from the gold he found in the mountains, but soon word spread about how plentiful the hills were and people crowded him out. With his family's wagons loaded down with gold, he moved on, stopping here in hopes of finding more. He only found flecks in the ocean, but rumor has it he found the mother lode in nearby caves. But it's all speculation. No one has ever found the caves, or Billy Kittle."
Lana's eyes widened. "Are you pulling my leg?"
Seaside Heartbeats: A Sweet Romance (The Seaside Hunters Book 2) Page 5