Romance Me (Boxed Set)

by Susan Hatler

  “Humor your old mother.”

  His mother trembled from the cold, so he removed his jacket and wrapped it around her shoulders. “You shouldn’t be out here in the night air without your coat.”

  “You’re avoiding the question,” she accused.

  “Fine. I like that she left that SOB that got rough with her. That she isn’t weak and needy. That she’s beautiful, intelligent, caring. Did you know she asked me why the kids weren’t at the Hoe Down tonight?”

  She shook her head. “She’s observant and caring, that’s for sure. If you like all these things about her, why are you hesitating?”

  Eric shifted between his feet. Struggling with questions of the heart wasn’t something comfortable to face. Books, laws, and facts were easy, people and emotions not so much. “There’s a connection, as if we have stuff in common, but I don’t even know what they are. Heck, I don’t really know anything about her other than her name.”

  His mother’s face softened into the loving, empathetic expression he’d known all his life, her smile warm and understanding. “That’s what dating is for. Now, listen to your mother. Go for it.”

  “What about the shop? I haven’t seen you so motivated in years. You’ve been lonely since dad died. If things don’t work out…I don’t want to mess this up for you.”

  “We’re all adults. There’s nothing to worry about. If something happens, we’ll deal with it, but don’t miss out on love because you want to avoid the possibility that something might go wrong.”

  Eric huffed. “Love is a strong word. We just met.”

  “Yes, it is, but you’re two grown adults that have obviously both struggled in your past. You’re both holding onto grief and secrets you don’t want the other to know.”

  “So, I was right. There’s more to the story about what happened in New York, but I don’t want to get involved in something messy like that again. I screwed up last time. I don’t have the strength to go through all that again. I don’t want to have to save someone and take care of them. I’m not good at it.”

  Judy stroked his shoulder. “No, hon, you’re too good at it.”

  Eric leaned against the banister that bordered the front porch, thinking.

  “Listen,” Judy continued, “you both need to get to know each other before all the dirty laundry is aired. See if this is all real enough to fight for. Go on a date. Hold hands. Kiss her, before all the mess is shared.”

  Kiss her? He’d almost leaned in right there in the middle of the dance floor, in front of the entire town, to steal one taste of her luscious, pink lips. Dating? It couldn’t be that complicated. Of course, the only girl he’d ever really dated was Mary Lynn.

  Chapter Ten

  Lisa hit the cash button on the register and the drawer popped open once more. It had only been a little over a week since she’d arrived in Sweetwater and already she’d found a home. A place where warm hugs and smiles greeted her, along with polite conversation and more interest in her personal life than she was used to, but it was magical. A place anyone would be happy raising a child.

  Judy ushered a woman with short, white-blonde hair to a credenza. “You’ll want to see this, Wanda.”

  “I recognize those candlesticks,” Wanda said. “They’re from the Mitchells. Her relative stole them in a divorce from my family. I’ll take them both.”

  Judy’s mischievous grin told Lisa she’d planned on that sale from the start. Her partner was shrewd in business, for sure.

  Eric squeezed between Lisa and the back wall. “Things are going great. Maybe now the town will stop calling you two the crazy ladies.” He winked, his playful grin spread across his face. One she’d grown accustomed to him popping by each day at lunch and after work to check on their progress. But today was different, he’d been in a great mood, helping to police people at the door, politely instructing them to stamp the mud from their shoes. He even cleaned up spills from the refreshments they’d served. He was a hard worker and surprisingly domestic. Of course, half the sales came from the cougars in town wanting to paw at him. He took it all in good stride, though.

  When the buzz died down, Lisa finally had an opportunity to approach him. “Eric, do you have a second?”

  He turned and touched her elbow. “Sure, anything for the girl who got my mother out of the house and back to life.”

  Had I done that? Picturing Judy anything but lively, fun, and somewhat mischievous didn’t seem possible. Her constant nudging to give Eric a chance complicated things, though. Lisa found herself drawn to spending time with Eric, seeking him out each time he’d enter the store to help, but always remaining far enough away that she wouldn’t be tempted by his charm. It wasn’t working. “Listen, about last week. If I was rude when I left the dance…”

  “Don’t worry about it.” He smiled, but not the kind that lit up the room. “Let’s finish up so we can celebrate. Mom said you’d be joining us.”

  “Yes, I said I would.” She straightened the merchandise on the counter, attempting to avoid his gaze.

  He brushed passed once more, his cologne engulfing her in a sensory overload. Placing a hand on each of her shoulders, he leaned in and whispered, “Not like you had a choice, darling,” he said, mimicking his mother.

  For a second, his touch chased away the loneliness. “No, I guess I didn’t.”

  “Time to close shop,” Judy called.

  Eric let go and backed away, offering his arm. “Shall we?”

  “You two go ahead. I’m going to lock up,” Judy offered.

  “Are you sure?” Lisa asked, while grabbing her purse from under the front counter.

  “Of course.” Judy gave her dismissive wave, sending them on their way.

  White lights strung from building to building illuminated the front walk and sparkled off the fresh snow covering the trees and grass, but the roads and walkways had already been cleared.

  “I hadn’t even realized it snowed.” Lisa chuckled. “I guess it was a busy day.”

  “Yes, and a lucrative one. You ladies aren’t so crazy after all.” Eric tapped the end of her nose with his finger. As he led her down the walkway, she admired the quaint little town, a romantic backdrop reminiscent of a Hollywood movie set. A gust of wind blew between two buildings, sending a chill through her. Eric wrapped his arm around her shoulder and snuggled her against him. “Cold?”

  Her body instantly heated. “Just chilled from the wind. I’m fine now.”

  “Good.” He kept her close to his side while they made their way to the other end of the block.

  “This place looks like a dream. New York is beautiful at Christmas time, but this town must be beyond amazing during the holidays.”

  He squeezed her shoulder. “Small towns definitely have charm. And you’re right. At Christmas, there is no other place on earth like Sweetwater.” He paused for a moment then said, “Did Mom tell you why I left New York?”

  “No.” She looked up, watching the white lights glint off his eyes.

  He smiled. Their feet stopped moving and they stood beneath a tree, its arched branches twinkling overhead. He rubbed her arms from shoulder to elbow. “Yeah, I discovered it wasn’t for me. I prefer it here, near Mom and the quiet of the country.”

  “I like the quiet here, too,” she mumbled. Her eyes dropped to his lips before she averted her gaze and stepped back. “What did you do while you were there?”

  “I was a partner in a law firm.” His voice trailed off for a moment then he shook his head and shot a sideways glance her way. “Do you miss New York? Are you planning on returning?”

  “I don’t know.” Images of her former life flickered through her mind, sending a mist of gloom into her soul. “I guess it depends on how it goes here.”

  “Then we’ll have to make sure things go well. The shop, I mean.” He shuffled forward, closing the distance between them, and tucked a stray hair under her hat.

  Could she really stay? Memories of her life in New York flooded her mind
. Did she want to go back to that? To the long days at a museum, looking at art that didn’t inspire her, long nights waiting for Mark to return home after his business meetings. And worst of all, the look of horror in his eyes when she told him she was pregnant.

  She turned on her heels but he caught her wrist, causing her to flinch.

  “Sorry.” He released her arm and stepped around to face her. “You never have to fear me.” He placed his knuckle under her chin and nudged her face higher. “The thought of anyone marring such a beautiful face is a crime. One I’d definitely want to prosecute.”

  Her pulse quickened, his musky aroma teasing her to return his touch, but the thought of his inevitable rejection when he learned of the baby drove her to retreat. “Yes, well. It’s over now and I’m tough.” The chill in the air stung her ears, so she tugged her cap down. “What about you? Think you’ll ever go back?”

  Eric slipped his fingers into hers and tugged her toward a side street. “No. New York was just a place to hide. It’s a long story, but let’s just say I failed someone,” he rasped. “Mom’s been trying to make me let go of things for a while, but it’s been tough. I think that’s part of the reason she started the business with you. For weeks she spoke about your emails and phone calls. I knew she was up to something before you even arrived.”

  “I’m sorry. I had no idea.” Lisa lowered her head to hide the flame on her face, and the fact that she was lying. Judy had been more than obvious.

  “Don’t be. At least Mom has good taste.” His hand squeezed hers twice before they reached the car. “She says I need to take a chance. Live life to the fullest and all that.”

  Her heart quickened at his words. “Sounds like good advice.”

  He swung her around and cupped the back of her neck. She leaned back, sandwiched between the car and a strong, intelligent, sweet, caring, and giving man. His lips brushed hers and heat radiated down the back of her neck all the way to her toes. “I’ve wanted to do this since I first saw you in the shop, but wouldn’t admit it to myself,” he mumbled against her lips. “Apparently Mother knows best. But don’t tell her I said that.” His minty breath warmed her mouth. Stroking her cheek with his thumb, he tipped her head back and pressed his lips to hers. A jolt of electricity shot through her arms and legs, lighting a dark place in her soul. Her body awakened, as if it had been sleeping for centuries.

  “Wait—” Before she had a chance to protest further, he parted the seam of her lips, dipping his tongue into her mouth. She melted into him. Strong, yet gently, he caressed her back, setting her skin ablaze with need and want. Her hands clung to him and she surrendered. Hugging tight against him, her tongue, and hands, explored him with enthusiasm. They were pressed against the car, with no care of what town gossip watched. In their own little world, anything seemed possible.

  Both his hands cradled her face and he moaned before breaking the kiss. “Wow.”

  Breathless, she just nodded, not knowing what to say. The world slowed into a wintery blur around them, as if they’d been lost in a tunnel of passion.

  “I’m looking forward to a lot more of that.” He kissed her forehead and opened the door. Once she caught her breath, her head spun with the knowledge that she had to stop this. She had to confess the truth.

  He slid into the car and hit the start button, revving the cold engine to life. “I’m glad you came to Sweetwater. It’s been awhile since I’ve met anyone that caught my interest, and well, you certainly do that.”

  Tell him the truth before this goes too far. This was wrong. She needed to be honest with him, that she was only in town to find a couple to take her baby. He’d hate her for it, she knew. What mother gave up her child?

  Opening her mouth, she turned to him, but he captured her hand and kissed each of her knuckles, melting her resolve to goo. The attention was intoxicating. If things were different, she could fall hard for this man, a man with a family, friends, and loved ones in a small town where everyone knew their neighbors. But things weren’t different. She was carrying another man’s baby and it wasn’t fair to him. He’d certainly leave the minute she told him. What man would ever want a woman pregnant with another man’s baby? Geesh, it sounded like a bad episode of Jerry Springer. Okay, they’re all bad, she mused.

  “What are you thinking about?” Eric asked, leaning closer. “If you’re worried about this,” he gestured between them, “because you work with Mom, don’t be. Even if we find that we don’t want to pursue anything, it’s okay. Besides, Mom practically shoved us together. She won’t have a problem with it. You see, she had my head spinning about this amazing, tough, cultured, sexy woman, but she didn’t get it right, not completely. We’re the same, both wounded and tentative, but I think we should give it a try.” He glanced her way and she knew he could read every emotion on her face. He saw the wounds, but probably thought it was because she had been slapped around by some guy.

  If she was going to make a clear break, this was her chance, stop it before it went any further. For now, she could use the shop as an excuse. Then, when she was ready she’d share the truth with Judy first, then Eric.

  His thumb rotated over her hand, rubbing in small circles. Oh, dear God. His touch alone jumbled her mind. Mark detested any public displays of affections and refused to hold her hand, ever. The sensory overload was clouding her judgment.

  Before Lisa had a chance to say a word, the car rolled to a stop in front of Judy’s house. He shut off the car and turned sideways. Slipping his hand behind her head, he captured her lips once more. His soft, strong lips, lingering warm tongue, and the inexplicable draw she felt filled her heart with joy. A feeling she hadn’t experienced in years, if ever.

  His embrace tightened, sealing any space between them, but then he released her and got out of the car. He appeared at her door and opened it for her.

  Resting her hand on her fluttering stomach, she realized it wasn’t about her anymore. She wasn’t her selfish mother. She’d be the kind of woman to sacrifice all for her child. Hadn’t she come so far already? Perhaps she would keep the baby and never return to New York. This place would be great for starting a family and she wouldn’t ruin it because of hormones and loneliness.

  The door opened and she stepped out. With all the will she could muster, she stood on shaking legs, but didn’t take his arm. “You’re right. I do work with your mother.” She couldn’t meet his eyes. “So, we should stop this before it goes too far. You’re attractive and amazing, but I can’t jeopardize my relationship with my partner by dating her son. That’s just a bad combination.”

  His eyes morphed from a twinkling happiness to a dull far-off stare. Rejecting him tore through her heart. The battered pieces begged her to stay with him regardless of the consequences, but this was the right thing to do.

  “I see.” He stepped back, eyeing her for a moment then ushered her forward. She shuffled up the walkway, but halfway up, he blocked her path. “I don’t buy it. I felt the passion in our kiss.”

  The front door swung open and there was Judy, standing in the center of the light shining through the opening.

  “This isn’t over,” he muttered. “You’re going to tell me the truth, or I’ll find out what it is on my own. I won’t stand back and let something go wrong again.”

  Chapter Eleven

  The earthy tones, smells of home-baked goods, and the roaring fire in the living room invited them into Judy’s home.

  “If you’ll excuse me for a moment.” Lisa followed the hall to the powder room, her heart still aching at the look on Eric’s face. What had she done?

  The day had taken its toll and now the emotions weighted down her exhaustion even more. Taking a hand towel, she moistened it with cool water under the faucet and pressed it to the back of her neck. She leaned against the counter in an attempt to relieve the dull ache in her low back that had started earlier in the day. Too much standing. Mental note: wear flats to work from now on.

  Eric’s raised voice drew Li
sa’s attention and she placed the towel on the rack then inched the door open.

  “I know you’re trying to help. Heck, you had me convinced she was the girl of any man’s dreams before she’d even arrived. We all know you’re cunning, Mother.”

  A gasp that could only be Judy’s accentuated denial echoed down the hall.

  Eric laughed bitterly. “Oh, please. You can sell anything to anyone. I’ve seen you work magic to make things happen in this town. You’ve got a way about you. But I’m your son. I see right through it.”

  “Was I wrong?” Judy asked.

  “About what?” Eric’s voice dropped to a hoarse whisper.

  “Isn’t she the woman of your dreams?” Judy’s question lingered for several moments.

  Lisa nudged the door open further for a chance to hear his response.

  “Yes,” Eric mumbled.

  Lisa’s heart betrayed her and soared to the top of the town clock tower. She crept into the hall, part of her hoping he would say more. The floor squeaked and she jumped, pressing her back against the wall. That was louder than a pig in heat, she thought, remembering the expression she’d heard a few times since coming to Sweetwater County.

  “Then fight for her,” Judy whispered. “We’re in here, dear,” she called out.

  Lisa straightened her coat and sauntered to the living room, her smile light, with no hint she’d overheard a word of their conversation.

  Would he fight for her? No one had ever fought to keep her around. They’d always left, without a care for what would happen to her.

  Eric snatched his coat off the back of a dining chair. “I forgot I’ve got an early client meeting tomorrow. You ladies enjoy your celebration.” He nodded to Lisa and she returned the gesture before he leaned in to kiss Judy’s cheek. “Night, Mom.”

  “Goodnight, son. Remember what I said.” She walked him to the door while Lisa’s fingers traced where his lips had been only a few moments ago.

  That familiar loneliness nipped at her soul. It wasn’t exactly loneliness, but a mixture of guilt and embarrassment. Stroking her belly, she wondered if she had the strength to face everyone. Judy, Eric, the whole town. She’d left New York, so her friends wouldn’t see how she’d screwed up. And if they had, Mark would’ve figured out quick that she didn’t have the abortion. Would he really come after her like he’d threatened?