Walking on Sunshine

by LuAnn McLane

  “Don’t be sorry, Laura Lee. It was fun. Chasing you around made me feel young. I’ve been so focused on my music, my career, that moments like this have been far and few between. I’d like to start living and not just performing.” The thought also went through his head that he didn’t want to be fully clothed, but he kept that little detail to himself. “And like I said I’ve wanted to kiss you for a long time. This was not your doing. Well, unless you count how lovely you are. But you can’t help that,” he said, hoping she would smile.

  She remained still but frowned as if processing that information.

  “And judging by your reaction, you feel the same way. Am I right?” he asked with hesitation, but when she sloshed a step backward he wished he hadn’t pressed the issue. He watched her warring with the truth and wanted to tell her to stop this nonsense and just come clean. He could see in her eyes how much she wanted him, and waiting any longer for what they both so clearly needed seemed pointless.

  “I was . . . swept away in the moment.” She made a sweeping gesture that caused more water to fly.

  “And now that the moment has passed? Are you still swept away?”

  “I am your housekeeper. I sweep your floors.” She took another step back. “And now everything is going to be . . . weird.”

  Shane shook his head. “It doesn’t have to be.”

  “Right. . . .”

  She had a point. He did what he didn’t want to do and went too damn fast. “No, it won’t. This is on me. Okay?”

  She paused but then gave him a quick nod. “Okay.”

  “But would you do something for me please?”

  She nodded again. “Of course.”

  “Forget about the money and the fame and just let me be a man.”

  “What?”

  “Give me tonight, Laura Lee.” He held up his index finger. “One night where I’m just an ordinary guy having dinner with a beautiful girl.”

  “Shane . . .”

  “I don’t expect anything more. Can you do that for me?”

  She looked at him and then said, “I already had my Cinderella moment.”

  He was surprised by her statement. “Come again?”

  “When you danced with me.” She smiled this time. It was a soft, sad smile that tugged at his heart unlike anything he’d ever felt before. “But now I have to go back to being your housekeeper.”

  As if on cue a red rubber flip-flop floated his way and he reached over and grabbed it. “Shall we see if it fits?”

  “No.”

  Shane shook his head. “You’re forgetting how the story ends, Laura Lee.” His heart thudded and he had to take a step closer. She didn’t back up, but her eyes rounded. He put a fingertip beneath her chin and tilted her head up. Her mascara was smudged and tendrils of hair had escaped her ponytail and she was still the most beautiful creature he’d ever seen. “How did the story end?”

  She looked at him and swallowed hard. “Happily ever after,” she finally replied barely above a whisper.

  “Exactly.” Shane dipped his head and captured her mouth with a gentle but lingering kiss. He could feel the slight tremble in her lips and wanted to hold her close. But he pulled back and said, “And if you let me in, that’s how our story could end as well.”

  “No.” Laura Lee shook her head again. She took another step away from him and said, “We’re going to pretend this never happened. I’m going to be professional and do my job.”

  Shane saw the longing in her eyes, but he also saw stark fear. And fear like that could only come from getting hurt. She wasn’t ready to trust him. “I’ll pretend, Laura Lee. But that’s what it will be . . . pretending. When you’re ready to let me in, just tell me. I’ll be waiting.”

  She stood there as if anchored to the bottom of the pool and remained silent. He wanted to see her smile and hear her husky laughter. And he wanted to kiss her again.

  But instead he walked past her and hoisted himself over the side of the pool. He wanted to look over his shoulder and see if she was watching him, but he forced himself to keep on walking up toward the house. He still had the flip-flop in his hand and thought about taking it back to her, but if he got anywhere near her he might end up pulling her into his arms once again. And that would be yet another major mistake.

  The plants she’d been watering were thriving from her care. And when he climbed the back steps to the deck, her touch was there as well. The kitchen smelled fragrant and homey and when he opened the fridge to grab a bottle of water he saw the food she’d prepared for him. While he knew it was her job, Shane still felt the special care she took and knew that the things she did went beyond her job description.

  Because he’d been on the road for so many years, Shane never cared much about what his house looked like, more interested in getting much needed rest. He paid very little attention to whatever his interior decorator furnished his house with. But for the first time his house was beginning to look and feel and smell like a real home. Shane knew that this feeling also had to do with the laughter, the conversation at mealtime that had little to do with music and business. While he still received countless requests to do events, Shane turned them all down unless they had something to do with charity. He still wanted to give back, but other than that he was bound and determined to remain retired.

  Shane’s thoughts returned to Laura Lee and he sighed. She was right. Things were going to be weird. He would just have to tread softly and keep his distance until they found their way back to the easygoing relationship they’d forged. Then he hoped that she would let her guard down for good. Until then, he’d have to keep his distance.

  But how could he when there was evidence of her all over the house? Her reading glasses were on the counter next to a romance novel she’d been reading. A note written in her handwriting listed items needed from the grocery store. Shane realized that she already knew his favorite things. He loved her quick laugh, her lively sense of humor. She brightened his days and filled his nights with a fierce longing that he’d not felt before.

  And when he went upstairs to peel his wet clothes off, he swore he could smell the lingering scent of her perfume. He wanted her in his arms . . . and in his bed.

  But most of all Shane wanted Laura Lee in his life. And so he’d try once more to be patient.

  Shane turned on the shower, thinking that because of his success it had been a long time since he was denied what he wanted. He suddenly liked the feeling of a challenge. They were meant to be together. Shane could feel it. Now all he had to do was find a way to make it happen.

  21

  What About Love?

  WHEN GARRET PUSHED OPEN THE HEAVY GLASS DOOR to My Way Recording Studio, he smiled at Teresa Bennett. “Hello, love,” he said to the fellow Brit who never failed to make him smile.

  “Well, hey, darling. Your father is on the phone, but he’s anxious to talk to you,” Teresa said, making Garret wonder if the cheeky front desk receptionist knew the reason his father had called him in this late in the day. Garret and Mattie had plans to grill out on the back deck and then head over to the marina for a bonfire. Garret had errands to run, so at first he’d thought about asking to come to the studio tomorrow for the unexpected meeting. But judging by the look on Teresa’s face, whatever this was about was going to be interesting at the very least.

  Garret’s imagination kicked into high gear. Maybe they were going to sign a heavy hitter to the label. With Jeff Greenfield’s third top-twenty hit in a row, My Way Records was starting to attract the attention of several artists. Garret’s discovery of Rachel Ryan at open-mic night a few months ago at Tootsies had already led to a hit single that was climbing the charts. Although they were small compared to the big labels, they were creating some buzz in and around Nashville.

  Garret walked over to the watercooler and filled a cone-shaped cup with cold water. After downing the e
ntire thing, he crushed the cup and walked over to the U-shaped desk. “Okay, Teresa, are you going to give me a hint as to what’s going on?”

  Teresa gave her hair a flip. “What makes you think I know something?”

  “That look on your pretty face is a dead giveaway.”

  “Ha, you think flattery will get me to spill the beans?”

  “Yes.”

  Teresa tapped a pen to her cheek. “Normally you’d be right. But not this time, kiddo.” Teresa had been a backup singer for his father’s road band back in his rock-and-roll heyday. Teresa now doubled as the front desk receptionist and a singer on tracks when needed. Once a wild child in her own right, she’d settled down in Cricket Creek and seemed to enjoy working for the small studio.

  “Have you been back to London lately?” Garret asked, thinking he could steer the conversation in a different direction and then home in on the reason for the meeting.

  “Not in nearly a year. And I’ve had a hankering for some pie and mash,” Teresa admitted with a long, dramatic sigh.

  “No pie and mash, but I can tell you that they do have a bloody good shepherd’s pie on the menu at Wine and Diner up in town. We should have lunch there someday soon.”

  “Are you trying to butter me up?”

  “Is it working?”

  “Nope. How’s your mum these days?”

  “I spoke with her just the other day. Doing well. Misses me, of course.”

  “Who wouldn’t? Gorgeous as ever, I assume. I hate that I lost touch with Becca after she moved back to London for good. Is she seeing anyone these days?”

  “Not that I know of,” Garret said.

  “I guess that men are afraid to approach a famous fashion model.”

  “She hasn’t modeled for years, but she does keep her hand in the fashion industry.”

  “Sophia and Grace? All grown up, I suppose.”

  “Yes, and thinking about coming to Cricket Creek for a visit. Sophia can’t get over me moving to a small town and living in a cabin on the river. She thinks I’m pulling her leg even though I sent pictures showing her proof. She says she won’t believe it until she visits.”

  “Did you invite her?”

  “Yes, of course. Wait until she sees me in Wranglers and cowboy boots.”

  “I remember her being a little spitfire when she was a little tot. And Grace?”

  Grace is actually thinking of moving to London, but she and Sophia are so close that I’m afraid they’ll miss each other too much. But Grace wants to explore her heritage and I don’t blame her for that. Unlike me they’ve spent most of their lives in the States.”

  When Teresa got a bit of a wistful look on her face, Garret leaned against the desk. “Ever think of moving back?”

  “I love the energy of the city, but London is too expensive. And I’ve grown quite fond of Cricket Creek, crazy as it seems.”

  “No, I agree with you. There’s just something about this town that pulls you in and won’t let go.”

  Teresa arched an eyebrow. “Might have something to do with the cute little blonde I’ve seen you with, love?”

  Garret grinned. “It might.”

  “Good for you, Garret. That’s fantastic news. I’m glad to see that you’ve settled down. It took me a helluva lot longer to grow up and sometimes I still have trouble behaving.”

  Garret laughed. “Maybe you’ll find yourself some country boy here in town.”

  “Who could put up with the likes of me? I hardly think so.”

  “Good point,” Garret said, and was rewarded by Teresa tossing a jellybean from a jar she had on her desk. Garret ducked and it hit the window with a ping. “Hey!”

  “You deserved it.”

  “Your teeth are going to rot out eating those all the time.”

  “Better for me than smoking.”

  “True enough.” Garret was about to try to get a hint from her about the meeting when his father’s door opened.

  “Garret. Thanks for coming over on short notice.”

  “It better be good,” Garret answered, but felt a bit of excitement when his father nodded.

  “It is. Come on in my office. Teresa, hold all calls, okay?”

  “I already had that figured out.”

  “Cheeky thing, isn’t she?” Garret asked, and had another jelly bean tossed at him as he walked toward the doorway. He deftly caught it and tossed it in his mouth. “Cherry, my favorite,” he said over his shoulder, and had another one hit him in the head.

  “Have a seat.”

  “So, what’s up?” Garret sat down in the leather chair and crossed his ankle over his knee.

  “Just a little something I want to talk over with you.”

  “All right, then, carry on.” Garret tried to act casual but he could feel energy in the air. Although Garret was pretty much used to his father’s transformation from long-haired leather-clad rock star to short-cropped hair and business casual, it was still sometimes a bit surreal. Resentment for his father’s absence in his childhood still reared its ugly head on the odd occasion, but his dad’s apology and Garret’s forgiveness felt like a weight being lifted from his shoulders. Still, if Garret ever had children, he vowed, he would be there for his kids at all cost. “Don’t keep me hanging.”

  “I got a call from Russ Randall a little while ago.”

  “The producer?”

  “Yes.”

  “That’s pretty sweet.”

  “I know, but he wasn’t looking for me. Russ was interested in talking to you.”

  “Really?”

  “I wanted to chat with you before giving him your number so you could process the information first.”

  “Your beating around the bush is killing me.”

  Rick chuckled. “Russ didn’t want to give me details, but I got as much out of him as he would allow.”

  “Dad! Get to the point!”

  Rick scooted up and leaned forward on his elbows. “Russ wants you to be a judge on the British version of Sing for Me. He said that he values your ability as a musician and that he was impressed that you’ve recently spotted some amazing talent for My Way Records.”

  “How did he know?”

  “Word gets around in this business, you know.”

  “I know, but word getting around about me has never been positive before,” Garret joked.

  “Those days are done. This is huge and I’m excited for you.”

  Garret felt shock running through his veins. This wasn’t some reality nonsense but a respected talent show that was a huge success in the ratings both in the U.S. and in England. “Wow.” Garret shoved his hands through his hair and looked across the desk at his father. “I have to admit that I’m a bit shocked. But it’s really cool.”

  “It is really cool. And even if you choose not to do the show, I want to tell you how proud I am of you, Garret. This is quite an honor.”

  Speechless, Garret could only nod. “But . . . but what about my work here?”

  “That’s what I wanted to talk to you about so you’d have your ducks in a row before chatting with Russ. I want you to know that if you want to take the job I’m fine with it. Now, don’t get me wrong, you’ve become invaluable here at the studio, but I don’t want that to come between you doing something of this enormousness. Your job as a talent scout and studio musician will always be open.”

  “I appreciate that.” Garret nodded.

  “And I had zero to do with this.” He made a circle with his thumb and index finger. “Russ called out of the blue. This is your achievement, Garret.” He pointed across the table and Garret could see the emotion on his face.

  Garret’s heart thudded with excitement. “I have to admit that I’m blown away right now.”

  “You should be.”

  But then the startling realizati
on set in. “Wait . . . It’s set in London, then.”

  “Not far from your mother, actually. She’d be thrilled, I’m sure.”

  “Does she know about this?”

  Rick shook his head. “I don’t see how. Teresa knows because she took the call from Russ and she had the nerve to listen outside my door.”

  Garret had to chuckle. “Sounds about right.”

  “I should fire her.”

  “Like that will ever happen. You two have too much history.”

  Rick chuckled. “She could blackmail me with the knowledge she has from back in the day. Or write a tell-all book. But she wouldn’t. She might have listened in, but she won’t whisper a word and we both know it. She was just super excited when she took the call. And besides, I know just as much about her antics.”

  “I can only imagine.” Garret grinned but then nodded slowly. “So, do you think I should do this?”

  “Of course. It’s an amazing opportunity. And if you’re feeling any guilt about time away from the studio, know that the publicity would be invaluable for us too. I know that Maria will feel the same way about your involvement in Sully’s South. If you choose to do this we’ll work around your schedule somehow. That being said, the only thing you should consider is what is right for you on a personal level. And of course Russ didn’t discuss money with me. Your agent will take care of that, I’m sure.”

  “Yeah . . . ,” Garret said, and then closed his eyes and swallowed hard. Mattie. London. He looked at his father.

  “What, Garret? Talk to me.”

  “I’ve been seeing Mattie Mayfield.”

  “Ah, and you’re wondering how she will take it if you accept the offer?”

  Garret nodded and then needed to make his father understand. “This isn’t like my relationships in the past. I love her, Dad.” It felt so good to say those words out loud. “I really do love her.”