by SJ McCoy
Ben looked between the two of them. “Someone want to explain this to me?”
“Mia has been trying to get her claws into Jack here for the last few years. The consultants down in Miami? The tall dark one? With the legs? She doesn't like to take no for an answer.
“Pete, seriously.” Jack looked horrified. “You have to promise me we won't use them for Four Mile. That woman is a menace and you know what Em's like. That really would freak her out!”
Ben was laughing with Pete now. “I remember those legs. Perhaps I could work on distracting her for you,” he said.
“You're more than welcome to,” Jack shot back. “Just not up here. I don't want that woman within a hundred miles of Summer Lake!”
“Calm down, Bro,” laughed Pete. “As I was explaining to Ben before you came dangerously close to heart attack territory, the plan for the plaza has nothing to do with Mia and Jade. It was actually Holly's idea.”
“Holly?” Ben looked surprised.
“Perfect!” exclaimed Jack. “Having Holly up here could not be more perfect! Em will be thrilled, the Mia disaster will be avoided and,” he raised an eyebrow at Pete, “I don't suppose you'd have a problem with it either?”
Pete sat back in his chair again, refolding his arms across his chest. He hadn't even considered having Holly come up here to oversee the project. For all the reasons Jack had just given, it did seem perfect. He really did want to give her some kind of consulting fee, but that had been about her debts. If she took the project, he could legitimately pay her. On the other hand, it would be a long term project. It would mean he'd get to keep seeing her, except they'd already set their time limit. She'd given him no indication that she wanted to change their arrangement. And even if he wanted to, he couldn't. As Jack had said, he had to stay faithful to Phoenix. But, hell, if she was going to be up here working, what would that mean? He didn't know what it would mean, and he wasn't going to be able to work it out with Jack and Ben grinning at him like that.
He looked at them. “I don't know that she'd agree to it, but it's not something we need to finalize today, is it?”
“I guess not,” said Ben.
“Whoa, hang on a minute, Bro. There's one thing we have to finalize right here and now,” said Jack. “Whether Holly agrees or not, we do not have Mia and Jade on this one, agreed?”
Pete smiled and nodded. “Agreed.” He had dated Jade on and off for the last few years. It had been a convenient arrangement whenever they were working together. Since he'd met Holly though, he'd turned Jade down three times. He no longer had any interest in her whatsoever. Even if Holly didn't take the project, he didn't want Jade around any more than Jack wanted Mia.
**********
“Nearly home, ladies,” Smoke's voice filled the cabin. “Time to buckle in if you will.”
Missy wrinkled her nose. “Even his voice is Smokey. I may have to fight Laura for him.”
Holly was surprised. “I thought you liked Dan.”
“I do, but he has a girlfriend, remember?”
Emma frowned. “He can't be that into her considering all the time he spends up here. He certainly seems to like you, Miss.”
Missy shrugged. “He comes to spend time with Scotty, not me. You know my luck with men, Em. I only ever want the one's I can't have. Anyway,” she pointed out of the window as the plane touched down, “There are your two men, ready for a night out by the looks of them. I'm going to cry off tonight, though. All that shopping has worn me out.”
When the plane came to a halt, Smoke came through the cabin and let the steps down. They thanked him as they left. Then Pete and Jack were greeting them.
“What do we want to do this evening, ladies?” asked Jack.
“I was just making my excuses,” said Missy. “I'm off home to put my feet up.”
Holly looked to Emma, not wanting to admit that she herself was tired and achy.
Em looked back at her. “I'm pretty whacked myself. What would you like to do?”
Pete came to her side and said, “How about I nab Holly to do some Best Man/Maid of Honor organizing type stuff and let you go home with Jack?”
Emma smiled. “You wouldn't mind, Holly? I'm not exactly used to all that shopping and my feet are killing me.”
“Of course not,” Holly was thrilled to get an unexpected evening alone with Pete.
“Settled,” said Jack. “Miss, we can drop you off in town if you like?'
“Thanks.”
After the others had left, Pete took Holly's hand as they walked to his truck.
She smiled up at him. “What have you got in mind, Bigshot?”
She was surprised when he wrapped her in bear hug and dropped a kiss on the top of her head. For a moment, she relaxed against him, breathing in the scent of him and enjoying his comforting warmth. She really was quite tired, but she was up for whatever 'organizing' he had in mind.
“Well,” he smiled and held her at arm’s length, “Seeing Missy and Em were both so exhausted, I thought you might be feeling the same way. So I figure we could, if you like, grab a takeout and a bottle of wine and go sit in the hot tub at the cabin. It's going to be a full moon tonight and if we time it right we'll get to watch the moon rise. Unless you'd rather go into town for dinner?”
Holly stared at him speechless. Then she pinched him.
“Hey!” he laughed. “What was that for?”
“Just making you sure you are real. Sometimes I think you really are too good to be true. I was thinking on the plane how much I would love to spend the evening in a long hot bath and here you are offering me a hot tub, with dinner, wine, a full moon, and you thrown in!”
The corner of his lips lifted before they brushed briefly against her own. “Come on then, what kind of takeout do you want?”
Holy couldn't believe how big the moon looked as it rose above the mountains and reflected off the lake. They'd eaten Chinese food, and she'd entertained Pete with tales of their day shopping. He'd wanted to know about their dresses, hers in particular. She'd even told him about Team Slinky.
Now they were sitting in the hot tub as the moon rose and the stars came out. Holly leaned back and let the jets pummel her tired back. Pete took her foot and began to massage it, it felt so good. For a moment she closed her eyes and enjoyed the sensations. She pulled herself up, placed both her hands on his cheeks and kissed him, then sat back down and put her foot back in his lap.
“Thanks Pete.”
“Hey, I'll rub your feet anytime.” He ran a hand up her calf and began working that too.
“That feels so good.”
He stroked a hand up her thigh and smiled when her eyes flew open. “Close them again, Sweetheart. I'm going to work all your aching muscles. Once I've got you good and relaxed, then we can get to something that will make you feel even better.”
She closed her eyes, her body tingling with anticipation. When he'd finished with her calves, he drew her to him and sat her between his legs. She leaned back against his chest as he worked her neck and shoulders.
“Damn,” she murmured. “You really are magic.”
He dropped a kiss on the back of her neck sending shivers all through her. “I've told you before, flattery will get you everywhere with me.” As he spoke, one hand strayed down to her stomach and he pulled her closer against him. He held her there, his thumb slowly tracing circles just below her navel.
She leaned back, hoping his hand would circle its way southward. Her head snapped up as she heard a car approach the cabin. A door slammed shut and the car drove away. She looked at Pete. They were both naked out here! Pete moved to stand.
“Yo, Bro. You here?” It was Jack's voice.
Pete sat down with a thud, “What the...?”
Jack stumbled round the corner and looked at them eyes wide, “Oops, sorry guys,” he grinned. “Didn't mean to intrude.” He sat down heavily on the picnic bench. Holly scooted lower in the hot tub, not wanting to expose her naked breasts. Jack was apparently
a little the worse for wear.
“What's wrong, Jack?” Pete's voice was gentle, he could have been a father talking to a fractious toddler.
Jack put his elbows on his knees and, on the second attempt, managed to rest his chin on his hands. “You got to help me, Bro.” He swung big sad eyes toward Holly. “YOU! You have to help me!!”
She looked at Pete, not sure what to say or do.
Pete shook his head at her. “It's Okay.”
“No, Pete! It's not okay! And it won't be okay if you don't help me. She's freaking! She's freaking the fuck out about Mia. She's gone. Said she had to go see her Gramps, but I know she's bolted for the mouse hole! YOU,” he swung his head back to Holly, “You have to do it, please?”
“Do what?” Holly didn't get what he wanted from her.
“The plaza! It's the only way. If you do it, Mia won't come here. Em freaked out just at the thought of it. If that woman comes here, I'll lose Em, I know it. Pete you gotta help me, Bro!”
“Don't worry partner, we'll sort it.”
Holly was again surprised by his gentle tone. Pete stood and grabbed his towel, motioning for Holly to stay put. She hadn't been intending to stand up, naked as she was.
Pete smiled over his shoulder as he led a staggering Jack inside the cabin. “I'll be back.”
She sat in the bubbles watching the moon. From what Laura had said today, it was fairly easy to piece together what had happened. What she couldn't understand was what she was supposed to do about it.
Pete came back with two glasses of wine and handed one to her. He dropped his towel and climbed back in. Even in the circumstances she couldn't help but admire his powerful body. For once though, he didn't seem to notice her appreciative glance as he sighed and sat down.
“Sorry about that. He's sleeping like a baby now.”
She smiled. “What happened?”
Pete blew out his cheeks in an exasperated sigh, “Well, you gathered that Emma's done one of her little freak outs?”
Holly nodded, she had talked Emma down herself enough times recently.
“Okay so, first you need to know about Mia...”
“I do,” she interrupted. “Laura told us about her today.”
“Ah.”
“And Jade,” she couldn't help but add.
Pete met her eyes for a second then looked away. Hmm, that didn't bode well.
“What did she say?”
“She told us that Mia had a thing for Jack, but that Jack wasn't interested. She also mentioned that you used Mia and Jade as consultants on your retail developments and that they may be coming up here.” She decided against adding anything about Pete's relationship with Jade. Whatever it might be. She didn't think she wanted to go there and it really wasn't any of her business.
“Then you're up to speed. What you don't know is that tonight, as soon as they dropped Missy off, Emma started asking about the plaza and who would be working on it. When Jack said he didn't know yet, she freaked on him. She thinks he's got Mia waiting in the wings to come up here. You know how Rob didn't let being married to her stop him from sleeping with other women? Well Em's got it into her crazy little head that Jack's planning on doing the same.”
“Oh, for God's sake. Where is she? Do you think I should go talk to her?”
“No, she's at her Gramps'. He'll talk her down. She made Jack drop her there on the way home. Said she was fine, just needed to calm down. When Jack called to see if she was ready to come home, she said she's staying the night. So, Jack had a whiskey or three and worked himself into a state trying to figure out how to fix it. He doesn't normally drink much. I think the stress is getting to him.”
“Poor guy. She's my best friend and even I could shake her sometimes,” smiled Holly. “Still, I don't get what he expects me to do about it?”
“I'd mentioned your ideas for the plaza today. He's decided that you should come up here and run the project, which would solve his problem and make Em very happy.”
“I see.” Holly's mind spun. She was concerned about Emma, felt sorry for Jack, and was confused about the suggestion of her running the project. What would that even mean? She was acutely aware that Pete hadn't mentioned how he himself felt about the possibility.
He tangled his fingers in her hair and smiled. “Some crazy friends we've got, hey Sweetheart?”
“Totally batshit!” she agreed.
That had him laughing. “I haven't heard that expression in years.”
“Yeah, I don't even know what it's supposed to mean. It just seemed the appropriate phrase.”
“So what do you think?”
“About what?”
“Would you be willing to manage the plaza project?”
“I don't know, Pete. I don't even know what that means, what it would involve. I don't see how I could do it with the store and everything. If I could do it, even. I mean, I've never done anything like that.”
“We'd have to work out the details, but I don't doubt you could do it. It would pay you very well, but it would mean spending a lot of time up here for quite a while.”
His face wasn't giving her any clues as to what he thought. He certainly didn't seem thrilled about it. She was no good at guessing and she was feeling very uncomfortable. She had to ask.
“That would mean I'd still be around after the wedding?”
“”Yes, for a long time after.”
“But I thought we agreed that the wedding would be the end for us?”
Pete's brows came down. “I didn't say you'd have to be around me.”
“Of course,” she replied a little too quickly, desperate to hide the fact that she'd been hoping that this might mean they could extend their agreement further.
“Just think about it, hey? It would help Jack out and you know Emma would love having you around. Not to mention how good it could be for your career.”
Pete could feel his fist pressing into his thigh under the water. What had he expected? He'd hoped she might love the idea. Of course she'd only reminded him of what they'd agreed to. It had to end. So why drag it on? She was right. He drank his wine and stared out at the moonlight dancing on the lake.
**********
A bleary eyed Jack came out onto the porch were Holly and Pete were drinking coffee.
“What time is it?”
“Yeah, good morning to you, too,” grinned Pete. “It's only seven. Want some coffee?”
“Thanks I'll grab a cup while I call a cab. I'm going back up to North Cove to sort this out. Holly, will you do it?”
She opened her mouth to speak, but Pete beat her to it. “We'll work something out.”
Holly closed her mouth again. It seemed he really didn't want her to. Fair enough. She smiled at Jack. “Tell Em to call me?”
“Will do. I'll be in touch later. Thanks guys and, umm, sorry about last night.”
Pete laughed. “Don't sweat it, partner. That's what your Best Man's for.”
Jack smiled, running his hand through his hair as he went back inside.
**********
“What do you think they're going to say?” asked Missy.
“I have no friggin' idea,” replied Ben.
“I think I might,” said Pete.
“You don't think they're going to call it off?” Ben looked concerned.
“No, not that,” said Pete. Jack had called him and asked him to round everyone up for lunch at the Boathouse. He and Em were coming down and had something they wanted to tell them all. Pete had a sneaking suspicion that they were going to name the day, and that it was going to be soon. Since Holly had made it clear last night that they were done after the wedding, he was hoping it wouldn't be too soon. He looked across at her. He wasn't ready to say goodbye. They hadn't had nearly long enough together. Even last night had been a loss with Jack showing up like that, then snoring away on the sofa all night. He'd just have to make the most of whatever time they did have left.
He watched Jack and Emma walk across the parking
lot, arms around each other, smiling. They definitely weren't calling it off. Apparently Em had calmed down and all was well between them. He steeled himself for what was to come, convinced he was about to hear how much longer he'd have with Holly.
“That's in two weeks!” exclaimed Missy.
“Yup,” grinned Jack. “The weekend after next.” We talked to my mom this morning and she can get here, so it's all systems go.”
“Geez, it's gonna be tight,” said Ben. He had offered to cater it and lend them the band.
Emma smiled at him. “Yes, but you can do it, can't you?”
“You know I can, and I will.”
“How about you, big guy?” Jack was looking at him, but Pete was stunned. Two weeks? That was all? He was stunned by his own reaction as much as anything else. He felt like he'd been sucker punched and all the air had left him.
“Yeah,” was all he could manage.
“And I know I've got Team Slinky to help me get everything done,” said Emma.
Missy laughed. “Hell yeah, we're up to it, aren't we, Holly?”
Pete watched Holly smile and nod. Did she really look as stunned as he felt or was that just wishful thinking?
Once Smoke told them they could take their seat belts off, Pete unbuckled and came to sit beside Holly. She didn't meet his eyes.
“So, two weeks to make it the most of it, Sweetheart. What do you think of that?”
She smiled, but her eyes didn't shine. “I think we'd better enjoy it while we can, don't you, Bigshot?”
He pulled her from her seat and into his lap. He held her close. Her arms came up around his shoulders and she smiled up at him, lifting her lips to his. Her kiss tasted so sweet, her lips soft as he brushed them with his own. They parted, willingly kissing him back as he clung to her.
She was breathing hard when he lifted his head, her eyes soft as she gazed up at him. It was going to be so hard to let this woman walk away. But he wouldn't think about that now. Didn't have to. She raised her lips to him for more.
“Stay with me tonight, Sweetheart?”
She gave a little nod before her hands met behind his head, pulling him back down into that kiss.