by Leah Atwood
“Until then, it was easy to deny any attraction.” She confused him. For a woman who’d been nervous and skittish all day, she approached the kiss with a casual openness.
“Or it could have been the magic of the moment, wrapped up in the romance of a wedding.”
“That, too.”
“Maybe we should try kissing again and see if it has the same effect.” Man, as soon as the words left his mouth, he regretted them. Almost.
“Here, in the house, away from anything romantic? You might be onto something.” She glanced down at her outfit. “It’s a far cry from the wedding dress, I’m sure the rain has made my hair a frizzy mess.”
“Not at all.” Maybe just a bit, but he wouldn’t say it out loud. She was still beautiful.
“How are we doing this?”
“Let’s pretend it’s a normal kiss, do what people do leading up to a kiss.” He might regret it a bit. What had he been thinking?
“This has to be the world’s least spontaneous, romantic gesture ever. How will we know when all the events leading up to it are plastic? It won’t give a reliable result.”
“On the contrary, if there are still sparks despite all the unfavorable conditions, then that means what we felt earlier was real, doesn’t it?”
“True.” Madison reached behind her head to tame her hair into a ponytail.
“No.” His arm jumped to stop her. “Leave it down for now. Please.”
She lowered her arms without a word.
He tugged her to him, wrapped his arm around her waist.
And she giggled.
“What?”
Pulling away, she continued to laugh until tears rolled down her eyes. “I think I’m delirious—it’s really not that funny.”
“What isn’t?”
“You’re still soaked.”
It seemed impossible to forget, but now that he was once again aware of the rain-laden clothes clinging to his body, he couldn’t wait to exchange them for a dry shirt and pants. “I’ll be right back.”
He excused himself to his bedroom, grabbed a shirt and jeans from the dresser. Taking them into the master bath, he stole a glimpse in the mirror. His hair stood at all angles. He changed his clothes and draped the wet ones over the shower curtain until he could throw them in the wash later. Before he left, he ran a comb through his hair.
When he returned to the living room, Madison stood at the mantel of the stone fireplace, studying the framed pictures. Tanya had placed them there—she’d decorated the common rooms for him.
His steps must have drawn Madison’s attention. She spun around. A haze hovered in her eyes, changing their color to the hue of a rich golden sunset.
He walked toward her with intentional slowness.
On his fourth step, she took a step toward him. And another. One more and they met by the sofa.
Reaching for her, he gathered a strand of her fire-branded hair and slid his fingers down, savoring the silky tresses. Her lips parted, asking for the kiss, and he wouldn’t deny her. Their lips met.
Sparks flew. Electrifying, light up the sky, sound over all the nations sparks.
They ripped away from each other at the same time.
“That can’t happen again,” Madison said, breathless.
“Too complicated,” he mumbled.
“And we don’t need that.” She sat on the loveseat, leaning over, catching her breath. “We need to lay ground rules.”
“Number one, no touching.” He still fought for breath.
“We’ll have to dance at some of the events, and your grandmother will expect us to show affection.” Sitting upright, she made eye contact with him. “But a peck on the cheek here and there while in her presence should suffice, don’t you think?”
He lowered himself to the sofa, taking the furthest sitting spot in the room from Madison. “Dancing and the occasional innocent kiss. Got it.”
Chapter Nine
Madison gritted her teeth. Today gave an entirely new meaning to April Fools’ Day. Two of her best accounts refused to renew their contracts, and worse yet, one had signed on with WEFH’s biggest competitor. Her head hurt, her ego bruised. She’d never had a work day this bad.
All she wanted to do was go home, run a hot bath, and soak until the day’s stress eased away. Unfortunately, that wouldn’t happen since she’d already committed herself to dinner at Anna’s house. She’d worked late, trying to salvage the accounts, to no avail, which pushed her late. There wouldn’t be time to run home and change. Anna was expecting her there in five minutes, and it was a fifteen-minute drive from the office to her house.
Tony poked his head into her office. “Go home, Madison. There’s nothing we can do until Monday.”
“I know.” She heaved a heavy sigh. “But I don’t understand why Taylor Gas left. Our rates have always beat out the competition, and we have the best reputation.”
“I’m not happy about it either, and we’ll figure out a solution, but not tonight.”
She turned off her computer and reached for her bag. “If I think of any ideas over the weekend, I’ll shoot you an email.”
“I’m sure you will.” He jerked his head toward the hallway and the other offices. “Everyone’s left already. Go ahead out, and I’ll lock up behind you.”
“Thanks, Tony.” Sliding her bag over her shoulder, she stood and walked out the door. “Have a good weekend.”
“You too.”
She left the building and called Anna to let her know she’d be late.
“How much longer will you be?” Eagerness infiltrated Anna’s tone.
“I’m leaving now, fifteen minutes max.” She waved bye to Tony as he walked to his car.
“Everything’s on the table, ready to go. I’m not telling you to speed, but if you go above the speed limit, I won’t tell.”
“Point taken.” Laughing, Madison unlocked her door and sat in the driver’s seat. “See you in a few minutes.”
After ending the call, she tossed her phone into her purse sitting on the passenger seat. Driving out of the parking lot, she heard the thumping noise. Something wasn’t right. She recognized that noise, had experienced it once before.
She stopped her car before navigating onto the road. Exiting the car, she looked at her tires on the driver’s side. Both were fine. She circled to the other side and saw the front passenger tire slumped to the ground, the black rubber puddling over the asphalt.
“Why, why, why.” She kicked the flat tire with the narrow tip of her shoe. “Do I even remember how to change a tire?”
When was the last time she’d had to? High school when her dad made her prove she could do it before she was allowed to take the test for her license? Her one and only other flat had happened in a parking lot while she was out with Sean, and he’d taken care of it for her.
Taking a deep breath, she popped the trunk, moved aside the present she’d ordered for her grandparents’ anniversary and lifted the flap for access to the spare. The donut wheel was there, but no tools to loosen the lug nuts. She searched all over, even squatted down and looked under the car. There was nothing, and without that, she couldn’t change the tire on her own.
She dug her phone from her purse. Calling Anna was a last resort. Neither she nor Paul were efficient at anything with vehicles, and she was the reason their dad enacted the knowledge of vehicles rule. Archer would help her, but that would mean seeing him. She still didn’t trust herself around him. Rather she didn’t trust her ever-increasing feelings for him.
Which left Sean. Relying on him didn’t feel right. She was a married woman. Temporary or not, she still carried a moral conviction to treat other friendships and relationships with that thought in mind. It was a confusing place to be.
Regardless, she needed help. She tapped on the phone icon, having every intention of calling Sean. Her finger, however, had a mind of its own.
Archer answered. “Hi Madison, everything okay?”
She couldn’t fault Archer’
s concerned greeting. Their interactions since their marriage six days ago had consisted entirely of text messages. “I have a flat tire and no wrench to change it. Any chance you could help me?”
“I was on my way to see Gran, but Landon will be there. Where are you?”
“In the parking lot at work. Do you know where the station is?”
“Yes. Give me ten minutes and I’ll be there.”
“Thank you.”
“Anytime.”
She dreaded calling Anna and telling her she’d be even later. Taking the easy way out, she sent her a text, knowing her sister would check her phone when she didn’t show up.
Archer drove up in his truck eight minutes later. He jumped out, wearing a pair of faded jeans and a forest green T-shirt. A ball cap covered his hair.
“Thank you so much.” Throwing her arms around him, she greeted him with a hug, pleased when he reciprocated and lingered. Letting go, she backed away. “If I’d have known you were going to see Gran, I wouldn’t have bothered you.”
“She didn’t know I was coming. It’s Landon’s night, but I didn’t feel like being home alone.” His eyes darkened. “Besides, I wasn’t going to leave you stranded.”
“I could have called Sean.” At the look on Archer’s face, she instantly regretted bringing his name into the conversation.
His brows shot up, his face contorted into a scowl. “Call me first. I’m your husband.”
Was he jealous of Sean? She hadn’t taken him as that type. “Only on paper, and I did call you first. The only reason I would have called Sean was so I didn’t inconvenience you.”
“You could never be an inconvenience, Madison.” His features softened, and he lifted a finger to tuck a wisp of hair behind her ear. “I’m sorry if I acted all caveman a few seconds ago, but seriously, don’t hesitate to call. Especially with car problems.”
Must. Find. A. Distraction. “I’m ready for the day to be over.”
“Rough one?”
“You have no idea. Work was horrendous. I was already late for dinner at Anna’s, and now the flat.” Her phone rang from the car. “Speaking of, that’s probably Anna.”
“Which tire is it? I’ll change it out so you can be on your way.”
“Front passenger.”
He opened the metal tool box spanning the width of the truck bed. “Spare in the trunk?”
Nodding, she turned and grabbed her phone through the still-open door. It stopped ringing when she picked it up. Missed call from Anna flashed on screen. Reluctantly, she called her back.
“Where are you?” Anna screeched into the phone. “Why didn’t you call? I would have sent Paul.”
Her laugh erupted before she could squash her amusement. “At work, and you know Paul has many great qualities, but he can barely change a light bulb, let alone a tire.”
“I’ll grant you that, but still…. Do you need me to call anyone?”
“It’s under control. I should be on my way in a matter of minutes.” She paced, unconsciously moving to the opposite side of the car.
Her gaze focused on Archer as he adeptly changed the tire. The pitter patter of attraction became full-fledged footsteps. It wasn’t that he could change a tire—that was a common skill—but that he’d come without hesitation, didn’t treat her as an inconvenience as her father had to her mother so many times during their marriage.
“Earth to Madison, are you still there?” Anna’s voice cut into her musings.
“Yes, sorry. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
“Okay. I’ll see you soon. We’re all waiting.”
Sliding her phone into her pocket, she walked to Archer. “Do you see anything to cause it?”
He rolled the tire off the axle. “The tread is gone.” Pointing to a bald spot, he said, “Look here. You can see the bands coming through.”
“I guess there’s no patching that?”
“No. You’ll need a new one.”
She wrinkled her nose. “Me and these car problems lately.”
“I’m pretty sure I have the tire you need in stock. Can you come by tomorrow?”
“Yes. What time?”
“Does ten work?”
“How much will it cost?” Thank goodness it was the first of the month. Her paycheck hit her bank account last night, and she’d be able to eat the cost without dipping into savings.
“Nothing.”
She crossed her arms and scowled. “I can’t take it for free.”
“Considering what you’ve done for me, let me do this.” He grabbed the spare. “Plus, I should have noticed the wear when your car was in for the rear wheel.”
“I won’t win this argument, will I?”
Shaking his head, he smirked. “No.”
“If you won’t let me pay, at least join me tonight at Anna’s.”
“I can’t impose on your family.”
“It’s not an imposition. Anna makes enough to feed an army.” And I want you to come.
“How will you explain me?” Squatting down, he lifted the spare onto the axle.
“I’ll tell her you’re a friend who came to my rescue.” And much more. “And that’s the truth.”
He chuckled, then proceeded to screw back on the lug nuts. “You have a deal.”
A few minutes later, he completed the job. He stood up and brushed his greasy hands. Strode to the toolbox and withdrew an orange bottle. Tipping the jar, he poured a gooey substance into one of his palms and rubbed his hands vigorously. Withdrew a rag and wiped his hands.
“Do you want to follow me, or ride together?” she asked once he finished cleaning off the grease.
“I’ll follow. If it’s not too late, I’ll still head to the hospital after dinner.”
“If for any reason we get separated, Anna lives on Poplar Street, at the end of the cul-de-sac.”
He grabbed the wrench, put it in the toolbox and shut the lid. “I know exactly where that is. My buddy, Shep, from church did some work on their neighbor’s house.”
“Good. We should get going—Anna’s already flipping out because I’m so late.”
“That’s a sister for you.” An affectionate smile graced his face. “Tanya’s also known for doing that.”
They let the conversation fall.
Madison got in her car, but kept looking at Archer. She knew his stated reason for why he hadn’t married yet, at least not for love, but she wondered how many women had tried to win his heart. So far, she hadn’t found a reason to not like him, and she’d tried plenty. She kept hoping that if she could find a flaw, then it would put a stop to the growing attraction.
She drove to Anna’s, never losing Archer behind her. An unfamiliar car was parked behind Paul’s luxury sedan. A sleek, sports car with a foreign logo she didn’t recognize. Her gut churned with a bad feeling. The way this day had gone, nothing would surprise her. She left her car and met Archer, deciding not to mention the unknown vehicle. They’d find out soon enough.
He’d taken off his hat and combed his hair. She had the urge to reach for his hand, but she didn’t want to set Anna’s tongue to wagging any more than bringing him here would do. Besides, she and Archer didn’t have that type of relationship.
His shoulder brushed hers. “I don’t have a good feeling about this. Maybe I should go.”
“Don’t be silly.” Without thinking, she glanced back to the stranger’s car. Who was its owner?
The front door opened and Anna stepped out and down the steps of the front porch. Her eyes landed on Archer, and her brows shot up. Still looking at him, she addressed Madison. “Glad you finally made it. I didn’t realize you were bringing a guest.”
“This is Archer Reeves. He changed my tire for me, so I invited him to dinner as a way of saying thanks.” She didn’t miss Anna’s disapproving but curious frown. “I believe you’ve said he’s done great work on Paul’s car.”
Anna recovered quickly and became the charming hostess though taut muscles indicated a strain. “Of co
urse. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Please come in.”
As she climbed the first step of the porch, a man appeared in the doorway. He wore perfectly pressed khakis, a pale pink polo short and Italian loafers that screamed wealth. Not a strand of thick black hair was out of place, and when he smiled, his brilliant white teeth sparkled against olive-toned skin.
Unnaturally so, if you ask me.
She sent Anna a questioning stare.
Ignoring Archer, whether intentionally or not seeing him somehow, the man approached her with too much confidence in his gait. He grasped her hand and brought it to his mouth, placed a kiss on it. “Good evening, Madison. The picture Anna showed doesn’t begin to do justice to your beauty.”
A disgusted shiver sent a tremble through her body. The man was much too forward, but she tried to give him the benefit of the doubt. She detected an accent, and perhaps his behavior was acceptable in his culture. Still… “Pardon me, but do I know you?”
“I see I’ve jumped ahead of myself. I thought Anna had told you—I’m your date for the night.”
She coughed. “Excuse me?”
Chapter Ten
Every muscle in Archer tensed. Anna’s sister had set her up on a blind date, and here he was, intruding on the evening. He should have followed his instincts and gone home the moment the bad vibe started. This incredibly awkward situation was the penalty for not listening to himself.
“May I have a word with you?” Anna grabbed Madison’s arm and yanked her inside, not giving her a choice.
To be a fly on that wall.
Gian looked at him, his eyes subtly widening as though he’d only then realized Archer was there. “Who are you?”
“Just the mechanic who fixed Madison’s tire.” Jealousy, to which he held no right, ran rampant. “She’s driving on a spare, so I wanted to make sure she arrived safely. Please remind her to drive very slowly on it.”
“I will.” Gian stared down his nose at him and retrieved his wallet. He handed Archer a twenty. “This is for your extra time and care.”
He pushed the money away. “Keep it. I was just doing my job.”