Mia didn’t react, so maybe Lily was seeing things and Wesley hadn’t turned away. It must have been wishful thinking.
Instead, Mia wrapped her arms around Wesley and pulled him into a hug. Lily’s chest tightened. Wesley’s hugs were the best. From the time they were little and she’d lost her mom, he’d been there and with one hug, he could make the pain go away. But those hugs were now meant for another.
Why couldn’t Lily pull her attention away from them? She’d practically pushed her friends together not once, but twice. They should be showing affection for each other, and that acknowledgment shouldn’t fill Lily with dread. Why wouldn’t this sinking feeling dissipate? Did she have deeper feelings for Wesley? That was absurd.
Lily sighed and sat back in her seat as Wesley made his way toward the truck. His hands sank deep in his pockets and he stared at the ground. The door behind her opened, letting in some warm muggy air. It shut and the seat squeaked as Wesley got situated. She could feel his eyes staring through her chair. She shifted. Her fingers dug into the upholstery at her sides.
“Let’s go,” Wesley muttered.
“Come on, Wes. You could do better than that.” Christian’s teasing tone did nothing to lighten the situation. He turned around in his seat. “Reunited with your high school sweetheart, and the best you could do was a hug?”
“Mind your own cotton-pickin’ business, Christian.”
Christian chuckled and put the truck into gear. Lily flinched. Why was Wesley so upset? Had Mia said something? Did having his big brother watch him drop off his date bother him that much? She pressed her lips together. Whatever it was, it would be best to leave it alone.
Lily stared at the large barn that was now being used to host Wesley’s party. Light and music spilled from the structure as multiple guests brushed past her to go inside. Beyond being Wesley’s childhood friend, she didn’t really think she should be there. They’d grown apart, right? He was with Mia.
And yet…
Something wouldn’t let her just stay home. She’d dreamed of him last night. His teasing smile, his laugh, and his gentle touch. They weren’t meant for her. Lily groaned. Leave it to one rogue dream to ruin any control she’d had over her thoughts. Spending time with him would only get harder. There was no doubt she still harbored something for him. Her sisters were already inside, but Lily’s feet remained planted firmly in the Texas dirt. If she went inside, she would surely be overcome with the doubt from the night before. Her head continued to insist Wesley wasn’t meant for her. But her heart couldn’t stop asking the big question. Why not?
He’d asked her on a date before she pushed him away. Moping about the choice she’d made wouldn’t do her any good. It was time to move on, just like she had years ago.
Lily took one tentative step forward. But did it have to be tonight?
“Yeah, I think it’s a bit much too.”
Lily yipped and whirled around. Wesley stared at the barn with his hands in his pockets. He wore his white Stetson and a smile that could make the coldest woman melt. His gaze dipped down to her. As was typical, his white, button-up shirt had its sleeves rolled to his elbows. His jeans were worn, but still nice. And he’d found his cowboy boots.
“I’m glad you came. I thought after last night, I might not see you again.”
A warm fluttery feeling started in her stomach as she offered him a smile and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Why? Because you almost bit Christian’s head off?” He looked so good. Even better than yesterday. Even better than the day he’d surprised her and showed up at her ranch. He smelled good too. Dang it, she had to control her wandering thoughts.
Wesley lifted a shoulder. “Not one of my best moments.”
Lily chuckled. “Yeah, why is that?” She looked away. If she could focus on anything but him, she might be able to squash the idea of touching him. Boy, if she gave in to that desire, she might not be able to hold it together. As it was, she was hanging by a thread. They wouldn’t work. Why not? That blasted question again.
His eyes grew serious. “It wasn’t how I wanted to spend my evening.”
Lily continued to focus on a small clod of dirt near her feet. She nibbled on her lower lip and glanced at him. “You didn’t have to agree to go golfing, you know.”
He sighed. “That’s not what I meant and I think you know that, Lily.”
Did she? Lily quickly ran through their conversation a few days ago in her head. He said he wanted to ask her out. But they’d agreed it wasn’t a good idea and she wasn’t sure why he’d said something like that. Lily shook her head slowly. “I don’t think I do.”
Wesley looked over her head to the building. Then he turned around and surveyed the immediate area. His attention returned to her, the intense look on his face bordering on frightening. He wrapped his fingers around her upper arm and led her away from the music, light, and people. She stumbled after him, his brisk pace hard to keep up with.
“Wes, where are we going?”
He didn’t respond. They made their way around another large storage building where no one would be able to see them. Wesley came to a stop, his chest rising with each breath. The brim of his hat cast his whole face in shadow despite the light of the moon. If he’d been dressed in all black, he’d have looked like one of the bandits from old western movies.
Lily attempted to pull her arm from his grasp, but his grip remained firm. She’d never seen him this agitated before.
“Lily, I have to talk to you about something. It’s important and if I don’t I’ll regret it for the rest of my life.”
Her breathing sped up along with her pulse. She tugged against him again. He released her and she stumbled back a step. Quickly, he steadied her, but his touch didn’t last long. The spot where he’d held her arm tingled, longing for more. Lily rubbed her arms. His eyes glinted as he lifted his chin and took a step closer.
“Whatever it is, you could have told me where we were. I’m going back.”
His hand reached out once more and enclosed her wrist. “No. Please, Lily.”
Hesitantly she met his gaze.
“There’s more to all of this than you might realize.”
Her heart leaped into her throat. If he was about to admit what she thought he was planning to, she couldn’t let him do it. It would hurt Mia. No matter how much her heart longed to be with Wesley, it just wouldn’t be right. “Wes, if this has anything to do with—”
“I need you, Lily.”
She snapped her mouth closed. So there was no beating around the bush, then. “Wes, I told you—”
“I know you said no dating. But that doesn’t change the fact I need you in my life. The last few years have been utterly miserable.”
She blinked. Okay, this wasn’t where she thought he was going with it.
“My life has been nothing more than moving to the next bigger and brighter thing. I never thought I’d get burned out by it all.” He took off his hat and ran a hand through his hair. “Everyone expects so much out of me back at the restaurant. I expect it of myself… I have to be on my A-game all the time. There’s no one to help carry that burden.” Wesley paced. “I tried everything to find even the smallest amount of joy. I dated but nothing worked out. I tried expanding, but that made everything worse.” Wesley stopped in front of her. “Then one day you came into my mind and wouldn’t let go. I regretted the way our friendship turned out. You’d been there for me for so long and somehow we’d drifted so far apart I didn’t feel like I could even call you.”
Lily took a step back and leaned against the wall. Wesley had given up on her romantically. He wanted her support and friendship. The fluttery feeling dropped like a heavy cinderblock, weighing her down. This information shouldn’t be a disappointment. She’d been ready to brush him off again. Slowly, she raised her eyes to meet his as he continued.
“I need to find that happiness again before I go back. And the only place I remember having it was when we were together. I may ha
ve overstepped when I mentioned going on a date. I’m sorry. But don’t let that mistake in judgment cost me the thing I know would fix this.” He let out a measured breath. “Mia will be gone this week and I was hoping you’d be okay with me hanging out with you. I’m sure you could use the extra help.”
He wanted to spend the week with her—as friends. A sickening feeling replaced the heavy weight in her stomach. So, this was it. He wanted friendship after all. And all that worrying about the attraction building between the two of them had been for nothing.
Lily heaved a sigh and pushed against the building behind her. She took a step toward him and gave him a sorry excuse for a smile. “Of course, Wes. I’ll always be here for you.” She made to step around him, but he caught her in a hug. His strong arms wrapped around her shoulders and almost cut off her breathing. Why did he have to smell so good?
Her knees went weak and she relaxed slightly as the rogue part of her mind played pretend that this hug meant more than it did. She rubbed her nose against his shoulder and wrapped her arms around him too. Then as quickly as it had begun, it ended.
The warm cozy feeling dissipated as Wesley stepped back. “I’m going to find Mia. See you inside?”
Lily nodded, willing her betraying heart to slow. He wasn’t hers, and he never would be.
Chapter Ten
Wesley darted around the side of the building, his hands clenched at his sides and his heart racing. It had taken nearly every ounce of control to not give in and tell her the real reason he wanted to spend time with her. Mia was fine with him seeing whomever he wanted. And that included Lily. The problem was Lily’s unwillingness to give him a chance.
At least his plan B didn’t fail. She was open to revisiting the friendship they’d had. And if in the process she found she had feelings for him, maybe things could progress.
He took in a few deep breaths as he strode the distance to the barn. It was beyond him why his mother would plan something so big. The whole town had practically shown up for food, dancing, and socializing. She’d thrown the equivalent of an 1800s ball.
As he stepped through the doorway, light, music, and chattering accosted him. It was so much nicer behind the storage shed with Lily. He could have sat there all night and talked with her, but he had to make an appearance.
His gaze swept the dance floor, then over to the refreshments. He caught his mother laughing with Dorothy West, Mia’s mother. Planning his wedding, no doubt. He wouldn’t put it past his mother to meddle. She’d complained often he should just move back home and open a restaurant in town. The variety in Hennesy left much to be desired. He doubted the sort of restaurant he’d want to open would go over here. His hometown lacked the sophistication he was used to in his place just across the river from New York City.
She glanced in his direction and waved him over. He fought the urge to roll his eyes. One of the big reasons he liked working across the country was that his mother’s reach didn’t extend that far.
He slipped through the crowd, dodging a handful of couples as the DJ started a slow song. Marjorie Hall pushed a plate of fried chicken and corn on the cob at him. “You look positively famished, Wesley. Eat up.”
Dorothy grinned at him. “Do we have you to thank for this wonderful spread?” She gestured to the food on the table.
Wesley smiled despite himself. “Actually, my mother wouldn’t let me lift a finger. But don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll get to sample my cooking soon enough.”
Dorothy chuckled. “From what I hear, you might be extending your stay.” Her eyes darted to Marjorie and back.
Wesley gave his mother a flat look. “I don’t know what you’ve heard, but I still plan on returning to New Jersey by the end of the month.”
Dorothy’s lips drooped down into a frown. “Oh? Mia made it sound like you’d be around longer than that.”
Mia? Hadn’t he told her he’d planned on staying for two weeks? Three at the most? Sure, he didn’t have a set date in mind, but part of him knew he had to get back. The end of the month would be good timing. He opened his mouth just as he felt a hand on his shoulder.
“There’s the guest of honor. I was wondering when you’d show up.”
Wesley turned and Mia placed a kiss on his cheek. She slipped her hand into the crook of his arm and smiled at the older women. “Did he tell you he’s planning on making a visit to the city while I’m there this week?”
The women beamed.
His jaw tightened. He’d forgotten about that. What about spending time with Lily this week? He’d practically begged to spend time with her. The only thing he hadn’t done was get on his knees. He’d have to speak with Mia about that later. Driving to the city might not be a possibility—not if he prioritized what was important.
Wesley glanced at Mia. His attempt to let her down easy had also failed miserably. How would she take this new change of plans? What was more, how would she feel once she found out he stayed behind so he could spend more time with Lily?
Mia took the plate from his hand and put it on the table. “Dance with me?”
He glanced to his mother, hoping she’d make him stay and finish his meal. To his dismay, she shooed him off. Mia grabbed his hand and led him to the dance floor just in time for another slow song to begin. She rested her hands on his shoulders and tilted her head to the side.
“Wesley? Can I ask you something?”
“Sure.” He glanced around the room. Lily hadn’t come in yet. Christian wasn’t present either. Were they together? His pulse quickened and his mouth went dry. If they were together and alone, anything could happen. He wouldn’t get his shot to make Lily fall for him.
“Why did you come back?”
His eyes shot to meet hers. “I told you, I needed a break from the pressure.”
She giggled. “I know that. But why here? Most guys like you would just take a vacation. You could go anywhere. Why here? There must be a reason.”
He swallowed hard. She wouldn’t understand. True, they’d dated, and out of anyone, Mia should know him best. But if her heart was still beating for him… he shook his head. “The happiest moments of my life were in Hennesy so why wouldn’t I come back here?”
“Aww. That’s so sweet.”
His eyes narrowed, then widened. No, he didn’t mean it was because of her. Yes, he’d been content when they’d dated, but when he moved he didn’t have the desire to look back—well, except to Lily. Wesley cleared his throat. “Mia, I feel like you think this thing between us is—more than it is. I don’t want to mislead you. I need you to know that while I care about you, I don’t feel the same way I used to.”
Her face scrunched up. “Is this about last night? I told you, we don’t have to be serious. You can see whoever you want to. I’ll date other people. There’s absolutely no pressure. It’ll just be fun to spend some time together.”
But she was showing him all this extra attention but she said she was okay to see other people too. Things didn’t add up.
Mia laughed. “I’m not so naive to believe you came back for me. In fact, I always thought if you came back, it would be for—” She bit down on her lips. “You know… it doesn’t matter. What matters is that we’re friends. If you’re in town because you need to let loose and have some fun, I’m your gal. If you feel like I’m suffocating you, then just say the word and I’ll back off.”
His head hurt. The words she said didn’t match her actions. Even now, her fingers trailed along his shoulders with such a light touch, anyone watching would assume they were together. Lily would assume they were together. Wesley took a step back and her hands dropped to her sides. “Okay, that’s a bit too much.” He held both her hands in his. “I don’t want to hurt you, but I just don’t see anything happening here. Let’s don’t waste our time.”
Her bright blue eyes bored into his. The smile on her face was unexpected. He’d just told her he didn’t have any interest in her. What was her game?
“Sweetheart, I know. Truth
is, I have feelings for someone else.” She looked away and a blush crept across her cheeks. “He hasn’t given me the slightest inclination he’s interested in me, and I thought with you back in town, maybe something would spark and he’d realize what he’s missing.”
Wesley’s brows rose. “You’re trying to make someone jealous.”
She let out an embarrassed laugh. “You think I’m terrible, don’t you?”
He let out a sigh of relief and placed his palm against her cheek. “No. But I do think that whoever he is, he must be a fool not to notice you.”
Mia leaned against his hand, her lashes fluttering. “Thanks, Wesley,” she whispered.
Wesley rubbed his hands together and looked around the room. “So, is he here? Who is it?”
Her blush deepened and she shook her head. “I can’t tell you.”
His eyes found hers, and the edges of his lips turned up. “Why not?”
She covered her face with her hands and groaned. “You’d laugh, or worse, you’d judge me.” Mia peeked at him through her fingertips.
“Now you have to tell me. No way you can leave me in the dark with that shroud of mystery.” Wesley folded his arms. “I’m not going anywhere until you let the cat out of the bag.” Motion at the entrance of the barn caught his attention. Lily had come in, and she wasn’t alone. Christian’s arm draped around her shoulders, pulling her into him.
All the light and happiness drained from Wesley’s body. He knew it. Christian and Lily had been together doing who-knows-what. Mia must have noticed Wesley’s pensive stare and turned around. Her head whipped back and she spoke in a quiet voice as she placed her hands on Wesley’s shoulders.
“Wesley, I need to tell you something.”
He stepped side to side, shuffling with the music as he watched Christian lead Lily to the dance floor. Grunting, he didn’t let his focus leave the girl he was realizing he wanted more than anything.
“I know,” Mia whispered.
This caught his attention. He stared at her, his movements frozen and forgotten. “What do you know?”
The Chef Chases his Cowboy Dream (Silverstone Ranch Book 3) Page 5