Just a Kiss

by Denise Hunter

  Paige felt a pinch of hurt on Miss Trudy’s behalf, but she didn’t have much time for regrets. Riley was coming out onstage, his gait perfectly even. He looked stoic and handsome in his dark suit. The crowd went wild. A jolt of pride washed over her. Paige was probably the only one who noticed the mottled pink rising into his neck.

  They’d saved him for last, knowing there’d be plenty of single women left who’d be willing to fight over this last bachelor.

  They were right. Or maybe it was just Riley’s innate appeal, because the bidding, which started at fifty, quickly rose to three hundred and was still going strong. The paddles popped up and down so fast Paige lost track of who was bidding what. Lucy had all she could do to keep pace.

  It finally slowed down at three eighty, and Lucy urged the crowd to bid higher. “Come on, ladies, he’s our last bachelor of the night—your last chance for a date—and with a handsome marine, no less!”

  A paddle went up, and Paige rose on her tiptoes to see whose it was. Roxy Franke, Riley’s high school girlfriend. The girl had carried a crush for months afterward. Maybe years, judging by the hopeful smile on her face and the two casseroles she’d brought by.

  Riley was wearing a poker face, but Paige’s stomach bottomed out at the thought of a reunion between Riley and Roxy.

  She tried to get Charlotte’s attention, for bidding help. But the woman had backed out once the bidding had taken off, and now she was busy signing someone up for an adoption appointment.

  Giving up on Charlotte, she sent Lucy a pleading look. A moment later Lucy caught her look of desperation.

  “All right, we have three ninety. But ladies . . .” She walked forward on the stage and lowered her voice dramatically. “Did I mention he’s the last single Callahan brother?”

  Another paddle went up. Sara Porter. A pretty woman in her midtwenties, Sara worked part time at the shelter and typically liked her men with hefty bank accounts. Paige could live with that. Anyone was better than Roxy.

  “All right!” Lucy said. “Four hundred’s a nice round number. Going once, going twice—”

  Roxy’s paddle went up again.

  Lucy’s eyes flickered to Paige. “Four ten! All right. Now open up your wallets a little more, ladies, because I happen to be married to one of the Callahan men, and let me tell you . . . they’re worth every penny!”

  Sara Porter shook her head at Lucy, shrugging regretfully.

  Shoot, she must be all tapped out. Paige looked toward Charlotte, but the woman was still busy with a customer at the table.

  “Anyone else?” Lucy said. “Four twenty . . . and he’s yours for the taking.”

  Riley shifted on the stage, clasped his hands in front of him, standing soldier straight.

  “I’ll bet he has a romantic evening all planned out for you. Four twenty . . . just four hundred and twenty dollars . . . and did I mention this is for an excellent cause?”

  The crowd had quieted. If Lucy drew it out any more, this was going to get awkward.

  “That’s a hefty bid for our local hero,” Lucy said. “Anyone else? Okay, we have four ten . . . go-ing once . . . go-ing twice . . .” She scanned the audience for a full three seconds. “And . . . Riley . . . is . . . sold! To Roxy Franke for four hundred and ten dollars!”

  Chapter 27

  Riley’s stomach growled as he entered the Callahan house. He took a big whiff of the savory smells wafting from the kitchen. After greeting his brothers, he followed them into the dining room, where Eden and Lucy were setting the last of the side dishes on the table. Paige, he assumed, was still in the kitchen.

  Micah, Eden’s seven-year-old son, pulled him aside to show him a magic trick with a deck of cards. “Hey, that’s pretty good,” Riley said when Micah chose the right card. He tousled the kid’s hair.

  A knock sounded at the door as Aunt Trudy came from the kitchen with a huge pot of venison stew. Zac took it from her and set it on the table.

  “I’ll get it,” Riley said.

  He pulled the door open, and a fist tightened in his gut. Dylan Moore stood on the porch in a button-down shirt and pair of skinny khakis.

  Riley tried for a smile. “Hey, how you doing?”

  “Not bad, not bad. Uh . . . I was invited for dinner.”

  “Oh. Sure. Come on in.” Riley opened the door wider, stepping aside. Seeing Paige bid so enthusiastically for him last night had been bad enough. Now he had to sit across his dinner table from the guy?

  Great. Just great.

  “Dylan!” Lucy said as they entered the dining room, where the family was seating themselves. “Glad you could make it.”

  “Hi, Dylan,” Paige said, trading some indecipherable look with Lucy.

  Riley didn’t miss the way her cheeks flushed as Dylan crossed the room and seated himself beside her.

  The hollow spot in his middle widened. She must like the guy a lot to have bid so much on him the night before. Probably couldn’t bear the thought of him going out with someone else. He knew the feeling.

  His stomach twisted as they settled around the table. Someone said grace, but he heard none of the prayer. When it was over, dishes were passed, and he heaped food onto his plate, though his appetite had gone the way of the Roman Empire.

  “Last night was such a blast,” Eden said. “Lucy, you did a terrific job up there.”

  Zac squeezed Lucy’s hand. “Told you so.”

  “It surely was fun. I hope the proceeds are enough to get the shelter through.”

  Paige wiped her mouth. “More than I anticipated. I ran some numbers last night, and I think the shelter’s going to be all right even if one of the grants doesn’t come through. I owe you guys so much. Seriously, I couldn’t have done it without all of you.”

  “That’s what family’s for,” Beau said.

  A pretty smile settled over Paige’s features. She needed to hear that, and often. Riley was grateful for the way his family included her.

  They relived some of their favorite moments from the auction, laughing often, and careful to avoid any mention of the sheriff’s part in the escapades.

  “That was a generous bid you made, Paige.” Lucy’s eyes toggled between Paige and Dylan. “Though I suspect you can have him for free anytime you want.”

  “Oh, it was a total rescue,” Dylan said, chuckling. “She’s my Princess Charming.”

  Paige’s eyes flickered off Riley’s. “I just wanted to do my part.”

  “So when’s the big date?” Lucy asked.

  Paige and Dylan shared a look, then Dylan said, “Next Saturday. We haven’t decided on a place yet, though. I think I might surprise her.”

  Riley could hardly wait. He and Roxy had decided on the same night. At least he’d be gone when Dylan showed up to collect Paige. He’d make sure of it. If he managed to stay out late enough, he’d miss the good night kiss too.

  Paige cleared her throat. “The whole community has really opened their wallets for the shelter. I’m grateful.”

  “Speaking of opening their wallets . . .” Lucy teased Riley with her eyes. “What about you, Mr. Callahan? Highest bid of the night. You were awfully popular with the ladies.”

  Warmth seeped into his neck. “Must be a lot of desperate women sitting around town is all I can say.”

  “Oh, please,” Eden said. “You’re quite the catch and you know it.”

  Beau rolled his eyes. “He’s got a big enough head after last night. Don’t add to it.”

  Riley smirked at him. “Jealous, big brother?”

  “Please. I would’ve fetched twice the price you did.” At Eden’s pointed look he added, “Not that I would’ve cared. I’ve got all the woman I need right here.”

  He kissed a mollified Eden on the cheek.

  Riley stabbed a chunk of venison. Sometimes it really blew being around so many happy couples. At least Aunt Trudy was still single.

  He chided himself for the thought. For all her bluster, he knew she still harbored feelings for the she
riff. And Colton was soon going out with the attractive Margaret LeFebvre. It had to be eating her alive. Probably why she was so quiet today.

  “Charlotte set fourteen appointments for this week,” Paige said. “With any luck, we’ll place a lot of our little cuties.” She caught Riley’s eye. “By the time this week’s over, you’re going to be chomping at the bit to get out of town.”

  Riley froze, his spoonful of broth halfway to his mouth. His look must’ve clued Paige in, because he saw the flash of confusion in her eyes, followed quickly by a cloud of regret. She bit her lip.

  “Where you going?” Zac asked around a mouthful of stew.

  Beau was a little quicker on the uptake, his eyes darting between Riley and Paige. “What’s going on? There something we don’t know?”

  Paige winced, mouthing, Sorry.

  Riley wiped his mouth, trying to come up with the right words. His family wasn’t going to like this no matter how carefully he worded it.

  “I was offered a job by a buddy of mine. His family runs a home improvement company, and his dad’s wanting to retire. They could use my help in the office.”

  “You’re not a secretary,” Beau said. “You’re a lobsterman.”

  Riley nailed him with a look. “Was a lobsterman.”

  “He’s always been good with spreadsheets,” Paige offered. “And he’s done great at the shelter.”

  He wondered if she was suddenly in favor of his move. The thought was like a kick to the solar plexus.

  Aunt Trudy finally joined the fray. “Where’s this business even at?”

  He traded looks with Paige. “Copper Creek, Georgia.”

  “Georgia!” Zac lowered his spoon.

  Beau’s jaw grew rigid. He sat back in his chair, and Riley could see his mind spinning from the other end of the table. He looked his fill, until Riley wanted to invite him to take a picture.

  “And what about the farm, Riley?” Beau finally said. “The season’s right around the corner.”

  Riley loved working the season at the Christmas tree farm almost as much as he enjoyed lobstering. The smell of fresh pine, the crunch of snow under his boots. Customers buzzing around the place, looking for the perfect tree, breath fogging in the air, hot chocolate braced in their mittened hands.

  He pushed the images down beside all his other hopes and dreams. The ones that had been cut off right along with his leg.

  He’d be slow and cumbersome in the fields now. Balance was tricky even on level ground. Add snow and ice, and he was probably the last person who should be wielding a saw.

  “I’m sure you can find better help than me.”

  “This is a terrible time for you to leave,” Beau said.

  “What is it with you?” Riley tossed his napkin down. “You didn’t approve of me joining up, and now—”

  “And look what happened to you!”

  “Beau.” Eden set her hand on his arm.

  Riley’s mouth snapped shut. He glared at his brother. How dare he. Riley would give anything to go back and make a different decision. But it wasn’t enough that Beau had been right. He had to rub Riley’s nose in it too. Never mind that he wouldn’t have left at all had Beau kept his paws off Paige. Hot blood raced through his veins, the warmth pooling into his limbs, into his face.

  The room had gone mortuary quiet. Every utensil still. The only movement the overhead fan, spinning in a lazy circle.

  “Nice.” Riley pushed out his chair.

  “Don’t leave, Riley.” Zac cast a scowl Beau’s way. “Let’s talk about this.”

  But Riley used the chair’s arms to push to his feet. “No thanks. I’ve lost my appetite.”

  “He didn’t mean it,” Paige said as they pulled into the drive a few minutes later.

  “Don’t defend him.” Riley shut off the engine and got out of the car.

  “I’m not defending him. It was a stupid thing to say. You know he loves you.”

  Riley said nothing as she followed him to the door. Her heart ached for the both of them, but she couldn’t help but be annoyed with Beau. What had he been thinking? It wasn’t like him to spout off like that. To say something so hurtful.

  “He’s just reeling over the thought of you leaving.” Guilt pinched her hard. “Speaking of which . . . I’m so sorry. It just slipped out.”

  “I guess they had to find out sooner or later.”

  “Yeah, but . . . not like that.” Not that her introduction to the news had been any better.

  Riley headed toward his room, his gait uneven.

  “Where are you going?”

  “I need a nap.”

  “Can’t we talk about this?”

  “Go back to the house, Paige. You shouldn’t have left Dylan there to begin with.” His door slammed in her face, the whoosh of air washing over her like a harsh breath.

  Great. Now Riley wasn’t talking to her. Dylan probably wasn’t either, after she’d left him sitting in the Callahan house without her. She tried to feel bad about that, but she hadn’t invited him to begin with. She was going to take that up with Lucy later.

  Chapter 28

  Paige approached the gleaming entryway of Hotel Tourmaline. She’d only seen the place from a distance, but up close it was even more impressive. The gray stone walls and mullioned windows of the hotel faced the windswept shoreline of Folly Shoals, competing in grandeur.

  Once inside the lobby Dylan set a hand at the small of her back, directing her toward the Sea Room, the hotel’s fancy restaurant. Their shoes clacked on the pink marble tiles, the sound echoing off the gilt-covered dome overhead.

  “You did not have to do this,” she said. “It’s way too expensive.”

  “After you spent over two hundred bucks rescuing me, it’s the least I could do.”

  “I’m sure Millie Parker would’ve been a delightful date.”

  He sent her a wry look. “She would’ve been sizing me up for a wedding band all night.”

  “Wedding band? Please. When Beau went out with her she was naming their babies on the first date.”

  The look on Dylan’s face was priceless.

  They’d cleared the air about Sunday when he’d called to make arrangements for tonight. She’d apologized for deserting him, and he’d been very gracious.

  “It’s not like you were the one who invited me,” he’d said. “Look, Paige, I know you and I aren’t going anywhere, romantically speaking. So let’s just go out Saturday and have a nice time.”

  His words had sent a flood of relief through her. She was afraid her bid had led him on, but clearly he’d seen through her somewhat mixed signals. Someday some woman would appreciate how kind and perceptive he was.

  While they waited a moment at the host stand, Paige’s mind drifted to Riley. Specifically to Riley and Roxy. He’d left while she was getting ready, calling good-bye up the stairs. She hadn’t even put down her mascara wand to see what he was wearing. Or asked where they were going. The less she knew the better. She could already envision much more than she wanted to.

  “Right this way,” the well-dressed host said, pulling her mind back to the present.

  They followed him into the main dining room where opulent chandeliers hung over intimate table settings. The atmosphere was romantic, candles flickering on the tables, the last of daylight filtering through the large windows. Delicious aromas wafted through the room, making her stomach growl.

  Dylan pulled out her chair, and she sat at the table for two that was situated by an old brick wall. The place settings were like works of art, the china glistening, and the silverware lined up at the sides and tops of the plates. It looked so perfect she was afraid to mess it up.

  A waiter poured ice water into their goblets as she picked up the menu and surveyed the tasty-sounding options. “How will I ever make up my mind?” she said when the server disappeared. “Everything looks so good.”

  “Well, the lobster bisque is to die for, and the seafood sampler is not to be missed. Maybe we can start
with those.”

  “I’m allergic to shellfish, remember?”

  “Oh, that’s right. We’ll try the mushroom caps or the escargot then. Save room for dessert though, because the cheesecake will make you cry.”

  “Ugh! I’ve gained five pounds just thinking about it.”

  He smiled. “I have to make sure you get your money’s worth.”

  “By the time we’re done, you might have spent more than I did.”

  “All for a good cause.”

  She couldn’t deny that. Or the fact that she’d rather be here in this luxurious restaurant than at home obsessing over Riley and Roxy.

  Riley and Roxy. Even their names sounded good together.

  Shaking the thought, she settled on her main course, and when the server came, they ordered. As soon as they finished, another waiter came by and topped off their water glasses.

  “It’s a good thing I skipped lunch,” she said. Dylan had ordered two appetizers besides their main courses.

  “It’s the Sea Room. We have to do it up right.”

  As they made small talk her eyes drifted over the opulent dining room, taking in all the details. The white linens, the red velvet chairs, the heavy draperies stretching from ceiling to floor and pulled back with tasseled ropes.

  A family of five gathered around a large center table. The boys looked cute in their suits and carefully combed hair. Other families were present, too, but most of the patrons were couples. Her eyes followed the line of tables along the opposite wall. It was fun trying to guess whether the couples were on first dates, were newlyweds, or had been married for years.

  Her eyes swept over an older pair and down the row before darting back. Her heart stuttered in her chest as she recognized Riley’s familiar face.

  Her chest tightened. Seriously? He’d brought her here, of all places?

  Across the table from him, Roxy’s bare shoulders shimmered under the chandelier, her wavy brown hair tumbling over them.