Flirting With Forever

by Molly Cannon

  He put his hands on his hips. “What? Why wouldn’t you?”

  She looked around and shrugged. “I don’t know if I want to live here anymore.”

  Theo seemed confused. “Where would you like to live?”

  She pointed down the hill. “Down there in the middle of everything.”

  Theo squatted down on his haunches, staring down at the town below. “It’s a nice place to land.”

  “I’ll think of it as a new adventure,” she said, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.

  He studied her closely. “Do tell. I have my next adventure planned, too.”

  “I know. Australia, right?”

  He shook his head. “There’s been a change in plans.”

  “Really? Let me guess. South America. Timbuktu?”

  “I’m not traveling so far this time.” He stood up and faced her, his eyes saying more than his words.

  She felt something fragile dislodge from her beating heart. “So, fill me in, Theo.”

  He widened his stance, placing both feet firmly on the ground. “I’m staying right here in Everson. I’m going to buy that house on Overbrook Street and work for Jake.”

  She smiled. “So, he talked you into it? He must be thrilled.”

  Theo shook his head. “He doesn’t even know about it yet.”

  “Why not?” she asked cautiously.

  He met her gaze head-on. “I wanted to tell you first.”

  “Me? If this is about the house fire, you don’t have to worry about me, Theo. I’ll be just fine.”

  “I know that. You’re one of the strongest people I know.” He wiped a smudge from her cheek. “I’m not staying because you need me.”

  She smiled at the faith he had in her. “Then why?”

  “Because, Ree, I need you.” His voice was strong and sure, riding over her like a steady breeze. “I want you to understand I’m here for the long haul. That’s all.”

  Irene felt some weight lift and drift away. “That’s all?”

  “For now.” His smile was playful, and his eyes danced with promise.

  She studied him thoughtfully. Theo staying in one place? How long would it be before he had to fight the urge to move on? She’d been busy conjuring up the courage to tell him good-bye with a smile on her face, and now this. “That will take some getting used to. I’ve convinced myself you’re only a fleeting part of my life—someone that might pass through on rare occasions.”

  He grew serious. “I know. And I’m used to thinking of you as someone I used to know. Someone that’s always a safe distance away.”

  She acknowledged his admission with a nod. “I guess we’ll both have some adjusting to do, then.”

  “I guess we do,” he agreed readily. “But since we’ll be living in the same town, I wanted to warn you that I’ll be looking to court you.”

  A bark of laughter broke from deep in her chest. “Court me?”

  He grinned, seeming pleased with himself. “I’m not asking you to go steady or anything. Just give me the time of day when we pass on the street. Maybe let me take you out sometime.”

  She arched a brow, leaning toward him. “So, you’ll be dating other women?”

  He shrugged. “No, but you should feel free to see other men if you’d like.”

  She knitted her brows. “You want me to see other men?”

  “Hell, no, but it didn’t seem right for me to move to town and start making demands right off the bat.”

  She let out a deep sigh. “Theo. What am I going to do with you?”

  “That’s a dangerous question.” He moved closer.

  “Why?” She ran her hand down his arm.

  He let out a low growl. “I’m trying to pace myself.”

  She smiled. “Pretend you don’t have to. What kinds of demands would you make?”

  He grinned. “Not demands. Requests. Desires.”

  She moved until she was standing so close their clothes brushed against each other. “Desires? Oh, I like that.”

  “Well, in that case I might ask for a kiss. Maybe two.” He leaned down and stole two quick kisses, his lips barely brushing hers. “And then I might confess that I haven’t slept a full night since you were in my bed.”

  “I’m sorry—”

  “Don’t interrupt, woman. I’m explaining how you drive me out of my mind.”

  Her hand wandered to his chest. “I do?”

  His voice was rough. “You know you do. But I plan to wear you down until you can’t resist me any longer.”

  She played with a button on his shirt. “How are you going to do that?”

  He shrugged, but his smile was wicked. “The usual. Dinner, dancing, movies, strip Scrabble. Oh, and if you’re nice, I’ll take you flying, too.”

  “With or without your plane?”

  He laughed. “Maybe I’ll skip all the preliminaries and just ask you to marry me.”

  She grew still. “What? Theo? Are you crazy?”

  He moved away and held up both hands. “Too much, too soon? Okay. I jumped the gun. I knew I should have paced myself.” His eyes twinkled with mischief.

  She knew he wasn’t one bit sorry, but she couldn’t keep the smile from her face. “I think that’s a good idea.”

  He leaned down until they were nose to nose. “Kissing you again sounds like a good idea, too.” He wrapped her up, and she met him halfway, kissing him like he was a sunny day at the beach.

  He pulled away reluctantly. “I better go,” he said softly. “I smell like the inside of an ashtray, and I could use a shower.”

  She wrinkled her nose and brushed a lock of hair from his forehead. “Thanks for everything, Theo. You can bring the boxes by whenever it’s convenient.”

  “I’ll call. Are you okay up here alone?”

  “Yeah. I’ll be leaving in a minute.”

  Theo tapped her on the nose with his finger and started walking to the Jeep.

  “Hey, Theo?”

  He turned, the sun washing the planes of his face with golden light. “Yeah?”

  “If you’re staying here, you should get a dog.”

  His eyes widened. “You think I need a dog?”

  She put her hands out in a helpless gesture. “I think a dog needs you. A good dog like Sadie.”

  He nodded thoughtfully. “I like that idea.”

  He started to his car again. When he opened the door, he stopped and said, “Hey, Ree?”

  “Yeah?”

  “I love you. With all my heart.” And just like that, he got inside and drove away.

  She put her hands over her heart and spoke to his retreating car, “Oh, Theo, I love you too.”

  Irene watched him leave and then walked around to the back of the house. She sat down by the swimming pool on a wrought iron bench that survived the fire intact. She looked around, taking a deep breath and closing her eyes.

  “Hey, Sven. You already know this, but I’m in love with Theo. Again. Still. And this time he says he loves me too. I don’t think he was completely serious today about marrying me, but he will be soon. The next time he asks, I’ll say yes. I wanted you to know that. And by the way, you’d be so proud of Charlie. He’s going to make a great head of the board because I’m stepping down. I’ll stay involved, but I’m a wedding planner now. I think you would be proud of me, too. And Sven, thank you—for everything.”

  She got up and climbed into her car, driving down the hill, leaving her home behind for the final time.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  No one had bothered to tell the universe that her life had exploded. Life had gone on even though her house had burned to the ground, and she had weddings to plan, and an amazing man courted her day and night. Irene spent her days working on a million projects and her nights elbow deep in hot, soapy water, making her way slowly but surely through the boxes of salvaged items from her old house. Theo was there most nights helping. And most nights she invited him to stay over. Most nights he accepted.

  They talked abou
t their past, but not as much as they talked about the future. Theo made it clear that Everson was his home now. Besides working for Jake remodeling houses, he’d done some work for the Hazelnut Inn piloting guests to and from Dallas. He was most passionate about the handyman service he’d set up with Jake. They’d had a flood of requests, so many that he’d recruited more townsfolk to help fill the needs. Tonight she’d cooked dinner, and after dinner, they’d tackled another box of her smoky knickknacks.

  “I’m done,” he declared dramatically. He stepped away from the sink. “My hands are all pruney, and I’m not touching any more soapy water anytime tonight.”

  “But I still have this collection of ducks that have to be cleaned.” She laughed and snapped him with a dish towel.

  “Watch it, lady. Don’t start something you can’t finish.”

  She tried to get him again with the towel, but he chased her around the kitchen until he had her pinned against the refrigerator. She was breathing heavy when she said, “I let you catch me.”

  “Is that right?” He nipped her ear.

  “That’s right. So what are you going to do with me now?” She stuck her wet hands inside his shirt.

  He squawked and grabbed her hands, putting them over her head against the fridge. “Throw you back. You’re a menace.”

  “I’ll behave now. I promise.”

  He kissed her, murmuring, “Oh, don’t do that.” That night he stayed over, too.

  Everyone in town gathered for the grand opening. It had taken nine months but the new senior center was now a reality. It was a celebration high up on the hill looking down on the town of Everson. Irene was going to make a speech. Bands would play happy tunes. There were plaques to reveal and lives to make better.

  Irene walked around the grounds of the newly rebuilt structure, greeting people and returning smiles and well wishes. Once she’d decided not to rebuild her house, the idea to use the grounds for a dedicated senior center wouldn’t leave her alone. She’d talked to the mayor and town council, and they’d been enthusiastic about the idea. With the money from the fund-raising the town had held the past few years, plus her insurance money, the project had gotten a green light.

  There were game rooms, exercise areas, a reading library, and computer room, plus a small cafeteria. Donny Joe had serviced the pool, making sure it could be used for swimming and aqua classes during the summertime. A van would pick up patrons and carry them up and down the hill on a regular schedule.

  Mayor Ross Wolfson tapped the microphone as he stood on the front porch, trying to get everyone’s attention. “Ladies and gentlemen. I’m happy to see everyone here today.” A horn honked and the group turned to see the senior center van pull into the driveway. The door opened and Lily Porter got off waving. She was followed by a group of enthusiastic seniors who’d made the maiden voyage up the hill in the van.

  The mayor smiled and waved back. “And now that our special guests are here, we can get this party started. Irene Cornwell donated the land for our new center, so I’m going to invite her up to do the honors for our grand opening.”

  Irene smiled and took the giant scissors from Mayor Wolfson. A red ribbon stretched across the front door waiting to be cut. “Here’s to years of fun and frivolity!” She cut the ribbon with a great whack, and it fell to the ground. “Before we go inside, I’d like to reveal the dedication plaque. As you all know, this land belonged to my late husband, Sven Cornwell. He loved Everson, Texas, with a lifelong loyalty, and I know he’s pleased to see it being put to such good use.” She pulled off the brown paper guarding the plaque, and everyone cheered when they read the sign. Lily Porter Senior Center.

  More applause and calls for a speech filled the air. Irene looked around for Theo wondering where he could be. The sound of a small airplane overhead had them all looking up. It buzzed the house and dipped a wing in acknowledgment of those below. Irene’s heart was in her throat. Why was Theo flying at a time like this? For a moment she wondered if he’d decided to leave. She felt as raw and vulnerable as she had the day he’d seen her lying naked on that float in the pool.

  Everyone was pointing now, laughing and sending up cheers. The plane pulled a white banner, and when it turned back toward town, the black letters were easy to read.

  Marry me, Ree.

  Theo appeared at her side. “Well? Say yes, Ree.”

  She gasped when she saw him. “Who’s flying the plane?”

  “Bart. He was happy to help. Quit changing the subject.”

  She couldn’t help teasing him. “Bart wants to marry me?”

  “Probably, but I’m the one asking.” He got down on one knee. “Will you marry me?”

  She thought she might faint from the joy cascading through her bones. “Yes. How soon?”

  The crowd hooted their approval.

  He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. “Pushy, aren’t you? I thought right now would be good. All of our friends and family are already here, and Mayor Wolfson has agreed to conduct the ceremony. And I bought a big, flashy ring to go on your finger.”

  She looked around. It was true. Her aunt was there along with her cousins. Jake and Marla Jean stood by ready to support Theo. “So, now you’re the wedding planner instead of me?”

  He tilted his head to one side, a dark curl falling onto his forehead. “Do you have a better idea?”

  “I do. You could kiss me.”

  “In front of all these people?”

  She jumped into his arms. “Mayor Wolfson, you’d better hurry and pronounce us man and wife. My future husband appears to be a little shy.”

  Theo had planned everything. They were married within the hour in the chapel inside the center. He’d asked Etta to provide a wedding cake and enough appetizers to feed a small army. Everyone agreed that a wedding was the perfect way to open the new center.

  Theo felt dazed, lucky, and incredibly happy as they waved good-bye to the crowd. He could hardly believe she’d gone along with the plan. He could have ended up looking like a fool, but instead he was married to the love of his life. At last.

  He carried his new bride over the threshold of the house on Overbrook Street and kept walking straight to his super-comfy bed. He threw her on the mattress, kissing her until they were both panting and hungry for more. “Are you sorry you didn’t get to plan our wedding?”

  She smiled. “You saved me a lot of work. Now let’s get to the good part.” She attacked the buttons on his shirt, peeling it off his shoulders.

  He dragged himself away. “Hold on. I’m waiting for a special delivery.”

  Her lips were bruised and wet. She pouted, reaching out a hand for him to come back. “What kind of delivery?”

  A horn honked outside the house, followed by the doorbell ringing, and a loud thump against the front door. “There it is.” He hurried to the door, picked up the bundle from the porch, and hurried back to the bedroom.

  “What’s that? It doesn’t look very special.” She looked leery.

  He unfurled the banner that had been flying behind the plane, spreading it over the bed, letting it pool onto the floor. “I had this fantasy of you wrapped in this banner with nothing on underneath.”

  She ran her fingers across the letters, and the look she gave him melted any resolve he had to take things slow. She walked toward him, shedding her dress and kicking off her high heels. “I think I’m still wearing too many clothes, then. And just what are you wearing in this fantasy, Mr. Jacobson?”

  “Only you, Mrs. Jacobson. Only you.”

  Also by Molly Cannon

  Ain’t Misbehaving

  Crazy Little Thing Called Love

  Praise for Molly Cannon’s Novels

  Crazy Little Thing Called Love

  “Marvelous. Cannon incorporates an entertaining heroine, a charming hero, and a quirky supporting cast that adds color and depth… Readers will love this book and eagerly anticipate the next installment.”

  —RT Book Reviews

 
; “Sweet, funny… It is incredibly easy to fall in love with all the characters… I highly recommend this charming romance!”

  —HarlequinJunkie.com

  “If you want a book that’s delightful, fun, and full of romance, then this might be the book for you.”

  —LongandShortReviews.com

  “A great storyline as well as great writing. I can’t wait to read more of Molly Cannon’s books.”

  —FreshFiction.com

  Ain’t Misbehaving

  “An endearing heroine, an honorable hero, sizzling sexual chemistry, and writing full of sassy charm add up to a romance readers will treasure.”

  —Chicago Tribune

  “A story full of warmth, wit, and charm.”

  —Jill Shalvis, New York Times bestselling author

  “This is a funny and warm romance with a cast of quirky characters and a couple you can cheer for.”

  —Parkersburg News and Sentinel (WV)

  “If you are in the mood for a romance with a touch of Texas, then dust off your cowboy boots and check out this new author. This is a very readable book with some really funny lines.”

  —RT Book Reviews

  “Sweet, sassy, and oh, my yes—sexy! Molly Cannon’s debut Ain’t Misbehaving is delicious fun! If you like Susan Elizabeth Phillips and Kristan Higgins, you’ll love Molly Cannon.”

  —Mariah Stewart, New York Times bestselling author

  After her no-good ex-husband leaves her for another woman—a Bookmobile-driving librarian twenty years her senior—Marla Jean Bandy vows to move on with her life. And with childhood crush Jake, this good girl is ready to be a little bad…

  Please turn this page for an excerpt from

  Ain’t Misbehaving.

  Chapter One

  Stop it, Donny Joe.”