by Vella Day
“You guessed it. From that day forward until school started, I rode my bike over there and painted that damned fence side by side with Joe.”
“That’s a touching story.” As she inhaled, she scrunched up her nose. “I was afraid to do anything wrong.” Her lips turned into a pout, and he squelched the urge to do something to erase it.
Instead, Pete placed a hand on her arm wanting to let her know that he understood. “I bet you just didn’t want to disappoint your parents. Or be a poor role model.”
Her smile returned, but it looked a little forced. “Something like that.”
Zoey Donovan had totally grown on him. He’d never met anyone who he’d connected with so well. Not only was she a great listener, she seemed interested in what he had to say. Pete didn’t want their adventure to end, but he had promised his mom he’d bring Zoey back to meet her.
“Since you’ll be meeting Joe tomorrow at the anniversary party, let me give you the 411.”
“Awesome.”
“He’s Thad’s older cousin. He’s fun loving, daring, and a bit crazy. He only calmed down after he took over his father’s repair shop business.”
She blinked in surprise. “I didn’t realize you and Thad’s family went back that far.”
“We do. Joe and I were a year apart in school. He was the cousin I spoke of. Thad was two years younger, so I can’t say I knew Thad other than as Joe’s little cousin. In ninth grade, I was shipped off to boarding school in Denver.” The abrupt send-off still stuck in his craw. In his opinion, the C in history wasn’t enough of a reason to have yanked him away from his friends. Pete received a great education, but a few parental visits would have been nice.
“I look forward to meeting him.”
“You’ll like him. It’s getting dark. We should go.” The two of them had such a good time that he prayed his dad didn’t say something to mess it up.
Once they reached the horses, Pete helped Zoey onto the saddle. She probably didn’t need his aid, but he wanted to touch her, get close to her, know more about her.
“You set the pace, Zoey.” He wagged a finger at her. “But no racing.” As well as she rode, she’d held on for dear life coming here. Heaven help him if she fell.
“Okay.”
This time they merely trotted home, arriving as the sun set. Before he had a chance to help her down, she dismounted. “Need assistance with the saddle?” he asked. It was heavy, and he worried she might strain her back if she lifted it.
“That would be nice.” She glanced around. “Got a brush?”
He pointed to the shelf along the far wall, wanting her to enjoy sharing their time together. “Help yourself.”
Pete lifted off Snow Cone’s saddle and carried it into the tack room. He then did the same for Winter Run. When he returned, she was brushing her horse, talking to her newfound friend like they’d known each other forever. Her strokes were gentle yet firm, and he liked that she seemed to love animals like he did.
Pete spent time brushing down his steed, too. Today had made him realize he needed to come out here more often. Riding had given him a clarity he’d been missing for a while—or had it been Zoey who’d helped him see some things better?
Not wanting to keep his mom or Zoey waiting, he finished quickly and put away the rest of the gear. “Ready?” He needed to warn her. “You probably think my dad’s a monster. He’s not. To guests, he’ll be charming.”
“Forewarned is forearmed, right?” He laughed at her comment and held her hand as they strolled up to the main house. Zoey looked up at him. “Any topics off limit? Like politics, religion, or the death penalty?”
He rubbed his chin trying to figure out if he wanted to answer her seriously or goof with her a little. He chose the latter. “Those are good. Just don’t ask him about Harold Feinway.”
“Who’s he?”
“The man my dad murdered.” Her eyes grew big again, and he got a kick out of her reaction. He couldn’t help but continue. “Whatever you do, don’t ask my mother why she robbed a convenience store when I was six and Dina was three.”
“No way.”
Teasing her was fun, but it also helped him forget some of his issues. “She said she had to pay for medicine for us since we were so sick.”
Zoey stared at him for a moment, firmed her lips then punched him in the arm. He was thrilled to see the tension he’d sensed earlier disappear. “Funny, funny. I meant like your car thieving days, Alex, or your dad’s dislike of the hired help.”
“You are something else. Ask anything you want. I’d love for you to hold my dad’s feet to the fire.” This could be interesting to see if she could get his father to remain focused on a topic that wasn’t about him.
Pete escorted her to the house, knocked on the side door, and entered. The rich smell of baking made his stomach grumble. “Anyone home?” He hoped to run into his mom first.
“Russell, Parker’s home,” his mom sang out from the kitchen. Footsteps sounded and she rounded the corner wiping her hands on a towel. “There you are!”
“Hey, Mom.” Her blonde hair was pulled back in a bun, as was always the case when she worked in the kitchen, but she had on more makeup than usual. Perhaps she was trying to impress Zoey. His mom didn’t have to go to the trouble. At fifty-nine, she was still a regal beauty even without cosmetics.
She gave him a hug then quickly stepped back. “You must be Zoey.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
They shook hands. “Call me Isabelle, please.” His mom turned back to him and placed the dishtowel over her shoulder, looking younger than usual. “Dad’s in the den. Why don’t you two join him? I’ll be there in a moment.”
As soon as they were out of earshot, Pete leaned close. “You want to come up with a signal to let me know when you’ve had enough of the old man?”
Zoey laughed at his antics. “I can handle your dad. I think our fathers are rather similar.”
“For your sake, I hope not.” He led her down the hallway into the den. “Dad?” Jesus, the room was filled with the sweet smell of tobacco. “Can you put the pipe out?” A thin, white haze surrounded his dad’s face.
He set down the offensive pipe, stood then held out his hand. “I’m Russell Banks.”
“Zoey Donovan.”
“She’s the psychologist I told you about who works out of LACE hospital.” His father responded well to educated people.
“Well, well.” Pete was tempted to ask his father the reason for the surprise in his voice, but that might embarrass Zoey. His dad motioned for them to sit on the sofa before returning to his leather chair. “Have a seat so we can chat. Parker never brings anyone home to meet us.” I wonder why. His dad leaned forward and placed his elbows on his knees. “I think he’s embarrassed by us.”
Angry would be a more descriptive word, but mostly it was because Pete didn’t want his dad to pepper his date with questions about her plans with Pete. “I wanted to show Zoey the vista from on top of the rocks.”
“My favorite spot. So, you’re a psychologist? What kind of people do you treat?”
So much for discussing their common love of the view.
“Everyday people. Most of them just need some help navigating the rough waters of life.”
“Have you dealt with any criminals?”
Here we go.
“A few.”
“Well, I know all about criminals. Dealt with every kind from the serial killer to the petty thief. In fact I’ve put over eighty-percent of those I prosecute in jail.”
Zoey let go of Pete’s hand and leaned forward. “Sounds like an exciting career. Did you ever want Parker to go into law?”
“Not everyone’s cut out to be a lawyer. We need people to build homes, you know.”
She leaned back, looking as if she was enjoying the repartee. “Parker said you helped him get his start.”
Oh no, Zoey. Now you’ve stepped in it.
“I did, but he’s paid me back in full, plus inter
est. Guess he couldn’t wait to get me out of his hair.” His dad laughed, as if it was some big joke.
“I didn’t realize you worked alongside of him, helping him run the company. What was that like?”
His father’s mouth opened. Go Zoey. His heart zinged. Zoey Donovan had his back all along.
Chapter Thirteen
When Pete pulled into Zoey’s drive after their fantastic date, she didn’t want their time to end. Pete was fantastic and so was Thad. While she didn’t know for sure how the two acted together, from the way they treated her, the three of them would get along just fine. She couldn’t wait for the images of her last fiasco with a ménage relationship to fade and never resurface.
For the last few years, she’d spent her days helping others, never taking the time to think about what she needed. Having both Pete and Thad there for her when she’d broken down had given her some idea what she’d been missing—a lot. Life was give and take, but she’d been refusing the take half for a long time.
Pete and Thad were both good men, but different in an intriguing way. Pete was bright, adventurous, and caring—a people oriented guy. Thad understood both the criminal and regular mind, but he seemed more cautious about what he said and how he acted.
Pete cut the engine. “Here we are.” He eased out and walked her to the door, his hand pressed against her back. “Tomorrow you’ll get to meet Thad’s family. I know you’ll love them. My mom would fit in perfectly with his relatives, but my dad definitely would not.”
“I liked your dad okay.”
He halted for a second. “I could tell he liked you. He usually doesn’t try to get to know a person.”
The man had only asked her one question. “Are you saying your dad is self-centered?” It was what she believed. Russell Banks appeared to be unwilling or unable to connect to his son. It was a shame.
Pete laughed. “Is that a trick question?”
“No. Out of curiosity, do you spend a lot of time talking with him about what you do?”
“I have dinner at the house at least twice a month. Every time I mention what I’m working on, he has this incredible knack of turning around what I’ve said and telling me about one of his clients. You evidenced that.”
“True. Men like your dad are hard to get close to.”
He blew out a breath. “Ever get them to change?” The hope in his voice seemed to come from deep within.
She had to think about how to word it. “People only change when they want to.”
“There’s no motivation for my dad to be any different, but if you can think of a way, let me know. I’ll be forever in your debt.”
Now probably wasn’t the time to discuss the rest of his father’s issues. It was a bit chilly outside, but if she invited Pete in, she might be tempted to do more than give him counsel. Before she said goodbye, she wanted to add one more thought. “Here’s the thing. I’ve worked with a lot of people—many very successful—who don’t like who they are deep inside. By keeping everyone at a distance, it prevents others from finding out who they really are. Family members are no exception.”
Pete whistled. “Now that’s some deep shit. I need to chew on that for a while.”
She chuckled. “I didn’t mean to get on my soapbox.” She leaned over and kissed his cheek. “Thank you again for the horse ride and for showing me the incredible view.”
“My pleasure.” The shroud of his bitterness seemed to disappear as he moved closer. She wanted to taste him more fully, so she held still, understanding that Pete would want to make the first move. He seemed to need the control right now. He dragged a knuckle down her cheek. “We’ll have to do it again.”
Before she could say yes, he slanted his lips across her mouth, and her insides nearly melted. He’d opened himself up to her today, and with the barrier temporarily down, she didn’t want to let him go. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she returned the kiss, loving every intimate second of his warmth and tenderness. His shoulders tightened, and he stepped back.
“Better go before I act like that stupid fourteen-year-old again.”
Would that be so bad? “Tomorrow then.”
He nodded toward her door. “I’ll wait here until you’re safely inside.”
How considerate of him. As soon as she unlocked her door and stepped in, footsteps sounded on the porch, almost as if he didn’t trust himself if he lingered. The temptation to run after him was strong, but his emotions seemed too raw. Zoey deactivated the alarm and looked out the window to make sure he left okay.
“You are screwed, Zoey Elizabeth Donovan.”
She leaned her head back against the wall and sighed. Pete Banks was a good man. It was too bad he didn’t recognize it.
* * *
The next morning Zoey stopped at Zelda’s General Store to pick up something for Thad’s grandmother, since Zoey never liked to go anywhere empty-handed. Just from the few things Thad had told her about the older woman, Zoey liked her already.
Because Nana grew her own food and loved to can her jams and pickles, Zoey looked for something unique, something his grandmother might not have. After a half hour search, Zoey found the perfect gift. Thad said because the house couldn’t hold everyone, the party would be in a big barn. That meant Nana would be preparing the food in one place and transporting it to another.
The chalkboard canning jar caddy would be practical, yet whimsical. The carryall would fit three one-quart jars of Nana’s homemade food, and the front had a chalkboard strip where she could write what was in each container. Wanting to have a nice presentation for the gift, Zoey purchased a small wicker basket and a blue and white-checkered napkin to line it with. Some blue satin ribbon that she had at home would make a great finishing touch. Happy to have something Thad’s grandmother might enjoy, Zoey headed home to prepare for the evening’s festivities.
She had six hours to get ready. Even so, that didn’t seem like enough time. It wasn’t just figuring out what to wear, it was deciding how to act. This would be the first time she’d see Thad and Pete together. Just be myself. She was comfortable around Thad and totally at ease with Pete, so what was her problem? Being with both should be doubly good, right?
Not wanting to dwell on something out of her control, she went to her bedroom to pick out something to wear. If she planned on climbing on old rusted vehicles, she had to dress casually.
Courtney’s voice nudged her brain. Go sexy.
Sexy. Right. Zoey had already searched her closet for something to wear when she and Pete went riding and had failed. She didn’t own much other than practical clothing befitting a therapist. Lydia Sayers, the owner of Naughty Desires, had come to happy hour a few times because she was a good friend of Melissa’s. Zoey remembered Lydia saying she could make any sized woman look great. Perhaps it was time to stop over for a visit.
Pushing aside the undergarment issue, Zoey tried on a possible outfit. When she stepped in front of the mirror to see if she looked okay, she groaned. Not even close. She bet Nana would look sexier. That needed to change, but how? Zoey would look funny wearing a silk blouse to a barn, so all dressy options were out.
Jamie had good fashion sense, even if her style was a little more bohemian than Zoey’s. It might be what she needed though. She called her friend, hoping Jamie would be free to shop.
“Hey. What’s up?” Jamie sounded in good spirits.
“I need a clothing intervention.”
“For real?”
Zoey didn’t have time to analyze the reason behind Jamie’s excitement. Zoey didn’t dress that poorly. “Yes.”
“It’s about time. Is it for your big date tonight?”
When Thad had asked her to the party, it was because he’d cancelled the dinner Zoey had asked him to. But after being with Pete yesterday, she got the sense tonight would be a test to see if all three of them got along. “Yes. When I tried on my casual clothes, I looked more like Farmer Brown’s mother than a thirty-two year old, sexy lady.”
“You want sexy?”
Zoey told her about climbing on top of rusty cars. “It has to be practical, too.”
“Practical but sexy. Got it. I’ll be happy to help but I get the final say in what you wear.”
That was tough. To give up control or not. “Deal.”
* * *
Zoey paced her living room waiting for Thad and Pete to arrive. It was hard not to look out the window, but she didn’t want them to pull around the corner and see her peering out. No man wanted an overanxious woman.
She inhaled and checked her outfit one more time. Not wanting to embarrass Thad, Zoey snapped up another button on her form-fitting plaid shirt. The push-up bra Jamie made her buy was comfortable, but it revealed too much of Zoey’s large breasts. She didn’t want his Nana to freak. First impressions were important. It was bad enough her flaming red hair was untamable, but add in a revealing top and too-tight jeans, and his parents might tell Thad to take her home. Their son was a cop and should be with a conservative woman.
I’m conservative. True, but she sure didn’t look that way tonight.
Before she could make any more adjustments, the doorbell rang. A rush of anticipation spiked every nerve in her body. Christ. She needed to relax and enjoy herself.
Making sure her palms were dry, she opened the door. “Come in.” They sure did present a formative wall of man.
Pete looked even better than he did yesterday. He was like one of the hot cowboys her friends kept putting up on their Facebook pages with his faded, threadbare jeans that left little to the imagination, and a shirt that accentuated his beautifully developed pectorals. Yum. Thad was dressed in a white cable knit sweater, black jeans, and polished boots. He looked more GQ than Pete, but both would turn every woman’s head in Rock Hard.
Thad smiled. “Mind if I take a look at Pete’s handiwork before we head out?”
“Sure.” She appreciated that he wanted to see what his roommate had done. She loved both her kitchen and bath, but if she’d known he’d want a tour, she would have cleaned up a bit more. “Pete, you want to show Thad?” Pete would be better at explaining all of the details.