“Are you making out in Mama and Daddy’s front yard? Good lands, Emma Kate!” A shrill but amused voice echoed across the yard bringing their moment to a screeching halt. Angel Beth stood with her husband, Chris, grinning ear to ear.
Kate rubbed her lips and straightened her dress as she slipped off his lap and jumped up. “I am not making out.”
Chris chuckled. “People from Chicago have a different term? Because that was fogged windows making out, Emmy K.”
“Shut up,” she muttered and glared at Griffin. “Care to come to my rescue here?”
He smoothed his tussled hair and stood, clearing his throat. “That was making out in any state.” He laughed when she pelted his arm.
“I’m so glad Honey didn’t see. She’d have fallen out.” Angel Beth giggled. “All right you two. Up to bed. Alone.” She wiggled her eyebrows.
“Puh-lease!” Kate tossed her hair over her shoulder and marched toward the house. “I am not that kind of girl.”
Chris put an arm around his wife. “I say we go home and do that since you are that kind of girl.”
Angel Beth snorted.
Home.
Together.
To do that. To live life as a team.
Kate was almost to the back porch when he caught up with her. “Are you embarrassed?”
“No. But I might have let it get out of hand if they hadn’t caught us.”
“I wouldn’t have.” He opened the door for her. “I’m a nice guy remember?” He winked.
She stepped inside the porch and he pulled her back outside and kissed her again. This time it was slow, lingering, but chaste. “I don’t know where this is going,” he said. He knew where he’d like it to go.
“I know where it’s not.” She grinned and pointed upstairs, then sighed. “I don’t know either, Griffin.”
“Kate, you know I care about you. A lot. I want this to go somewhere.”
She caressed his cheek. “I want it to as well.” Her eyes held torment. Confusion.
“What’s wrong?”
She ignored him and headed upstairs. He followed and they checked in on Cora Lee.
At Kate’s bedroom door, she laid a hand on his chest. “If you don’t get the contract, will you reconsider giving up Cora Lee?”
His stomach lurched. “The longer I keep her, the harder it will be for her when she does have to leave, Kate. I may not get this contract but I fly all over the world. All the time.”
“But you don’t have to,” she pressed.
“My dad—”
“Is irrelevant.”
Griffin huffed. “Kate, you have this amazing family. A dad who dotes on you and tells you that you can be anything you want. So you have no idea how I feel. You don’t know how jealous I am of what you do have. My dad is a jerk. But he’s my dad. He’s all I’ve got. And I need him to love me.” He held back tears, swallowed the burning lump in his throat. “I don’t want to disappoint you. But I don’t want to disappoint him either. I have obligations. Expectations set for me. It’s all I know.”
Tears pooled in Kate’s eyes and she grabbed his hands. “I’m sorry, Griffin. And it may be no solace to you, but I believe you have a Father in heaven who loves you and is proud of you and that should be all that matters. Maybe instead of hunting for approval from Mr. Noble, you should be asking what would please Him.”
God’s approval might be all Griffin should be seeking, but that didn’t stop the pain of not having his father’s. “What about you? Have you asked God lately about business school? Opening up a groom shop? Or are you waiting on Honey to pray an opportunity open?”
“Touché, Griffin.” She closed her eyes. “But I can’t be with a man who would give up a child for a job. I’m sorry. You’ve had her for weeks and I know you love her. And that makes it even worse. If you’ll give up a baby that you love, then how can I be sure one day you won’t do to me what Travis did? Trade me in for someone or something else?”
Did his kiss not reveal how much he loved her? How much he wanted to be with her. He wasn’t careless with kisses. “I would never do what Travis did.”
“But you are,” she croaked. “To Cora Lee.” She shrugged and wiped a tear. “I can’t hurt like that again. Not ever. So I’ll tell you where this is going. Nowhere.” She closed the door, shutting him out.
Griffin trudged next door and plopped on the bed, his body aching. God, if You really are going the distance with me, if You really do love me, then help me. Doesn’t she get I’m not giving Cora Lee up because I don’t love her? I’m giving her up because I do! I can’t negotiate this with Kate. I don’t know what to do.
Chapter 9
Emma Kate curled up on her couch, Westley wedged in the crook of her arm while Cora Lee napped in the Pack ‘n Play in her bedroom.
Not much had been said since their weekend in Sweet Gum. A strange wall had been built up between them. But her time was almost up anyway. She was thankful Griffin had okayed her bringing Cora Lee to the apartment. Emma Kate had laundry to do and Westley had been neglected.
Emma Kate had thought a lot about the conversation outside her bedroom door last Saturday. It boiled down to the fact that Griff was willing to give up Cora Lee to gain his father’s love. She’d lost sleep over that—for Cora Lee and for herself.
But it was on the plane ride home she realized she’d done the same thing.
When Travis wouldn’t give her his love, she abandoned her baby—her dream of going to business school and opening up her own doggy groom shop back in Sweet Gum.
Neither was right.
At least Griffin had encouraged Emma Kate to move forward and make her dream come true. She’d called him selfish, but she was the selfish one.
In her quest to convince him to keep Cora Lee, she’d kept back something Griffin needed most.
The wow-factor.
The one she’d had all along.
This morning he’d been in knots and unsure. And Emma Kate had let him walk right out the door while she was sitting on his win. All with the hopes he’d fail and decide to keep Cora Lee. But he’d made it clear in Sweet Gum, with or without that pitch, Cora Lee was going up for adoption. His family empire came first.
He was letting her go.
And ultimately Emma Kate too.
She’d meant what she said. She would not be with a man who could give up a baby. Even if Emma Kate was irrevocably in love with him. Briley had warned her to be careful, but she’d fallen overboard and was drowning in love with Griffin Noble.
And that kiss. Oh…that. Kiss.
Griffin might be inexperienced with babies and he might be terrified of dogs. But when it came to kissing he was zero fear and all skill. Effortless yet deliberate.
She’d never been kissed like that.
Not once.
Not ever.
And doubtfully ever again.
Sweet Lord, what do I do? She read the passage on love in her Bible.
Love is not self-seeking.
She shoveled another bite of garlic-cheddar mashed potatoes into her mouth. When it was really bad, she added garlic and sharp cheddar. The key was heavy cream and real butter and not following the directions on the back of the box.
The door unlocked and Westley barked. Briley dropped her bags. “What are you…Oh no.” She kicked off her shoes and hopped on the couch, frowning.
“What?” Emma Kate asked.
“You’re eating instant potatoes. And I see the cheddar.” Briley dipped her finger in the bowl and popped it in her mouth. “Any more on the stove?”
“As if I’d only make one helping.”
Briley jumped off the couch and went to work spooning a bowl of creamed potatoes. “So tell me what is causing this couch of comfort. I thought things were good. Angel Beth called me. I know about the hot and heavy in the front yard. You torn between him and Travis? She also said she saw you and him talking.”
“I am not torn. I don’t love Travis.”
Briley
sighed and licked her spoon. “So why the creamed potatoes?”
“I think I’ve done something terrible.” She was sure of it.
“You mean you’ve fallen for Mr. Fancy Pants and his baby.” Briley joined Emma Kate on the couch. “Seems to me he’s in to you, too, based on Angel Beth’s depiction of the night.”
“You think I’m crazy? I mean I’ve only personally known him less than a month. Is that ridiculous and unheard of? Am I a Stage Five clingy freak?”
Briley giggled. “Maybe you should call Honey and have her recite how she and the General met and married.”
They were going on fifty years this February. Met at a USO dance during the Korean War and danced all night. Spent the next two days together, then married before he left again. After knowing one another a whole whopping week. Honey and the General had committed to love until death did them part.
Briley finished her potatoes and let Westley lick the bowl. “So who’s to say? Ride it out.”
“I can’t.”
“Why?”
“He’s not keeping Cora Lee.” She shared the conversation from last weekend.
“Oh. That is bad.” She hugged her. “God’s got you, Emma Kate. Even if the worst case scenario happens, He’s got you.” She rubbed Westley’s head. “I’m going to shower. I have a meeting with Jake McGrath and his fiancée.”
“The Jake McGrath. The guy from Eligible?”
“Yeah. From the bachelor finds a wife show. I planned the producer’s wedding, remember? Well, he wants me to do this one too. And it’ll be televised. Do you realize the potential I have here? I’m freaking out. I need another bowl of potatoes.”
Emma Kate giggled. “That’s incredible. You’ll be wonderful. Now go shower.”
Looked like Briley’s life and career was about to soar. She was forging ahead. Emma Kate needed to do that as well.
She opened her laptop and scrolled through the business program at Mississippi State. Go bulldogs.
Griffin pulled up in front of Kate’s apartment, staring up at the second floor. He’d disappointed Kate. Disappointed himself. How could a decent man give up a baby?
It was the best thing for her.
Kate had already made her feelings clear. Non-negotiable.
Surf N Turf had called yesterday evening and moved his meeting up to today. His nerves were shot. The tea parties for little girls might not be enough. Dad had already called and given him the speech about getting the job done.
So what was he doing? Working on his pitch? No. He was here. To see Kate. He’d lost her. But he needed to see her. To hear her voice. To hope for some encouragement though he didn’t deserve a drop.
He clambered out of his car and made his way to her apartment.
She opened the door. “Griffin? What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I’m on my way to the meeting. I wanted…I don’t know.” How was he supposed to say that seeing her calmed his anxious nerves? “Can I come in a few minutes? What’s Cora Lee doing?”
“Napping.”
He spotted her Teddy Bear dog. “Will he nip me?”
“No.” She scooped him up and offered Griffin a seat on the couch. Small apartment. Feminine. Light and airy. “You want to pet him?”
“No, but I will.” He carefully rubbed his head. “I hate the way we left things this past weekend and I hate the tension between us.”
She nodded. “Me too.”
“I have to go to this. I have to pitch. And I have to win.” But winning meant losing. Losing meant losing too. Still, Kate ought to at least know that he loved her. Then she might understand his position better. Trust that he wouldn’t ever give her up. She could travel with him. Help him with the doll shop and tea room if he won. No children in the picture to hurt and neglect. She’d see he was protecting Cora Lee.
“Kate…” Her laptop caught his attention. “You’re planning on going back to business school? In Mississippi?”
“It’s time I move forward. Like you said. I’ve been stuck.”
So much for telling her how he felt. If she knew, and if she loved him back, she might put her dreams on hold again—like she had for Travis. He couldn’t risk that. Wouldn’t be selfish. “I’m proud of you. I’ll miss you of course. I mean who else is going to drive me crazy and cook me foods high in trans fat.” It hurt. Everywhere.
Something flashed in her eyes. She opened her mouth, but nothing came out.
“Kate? What is it?”
“Nothing. I’ll miss you too. And Cora Lee.” Tears filled her eyes. “You better go.”
He caressed her face. “I know I let you down. But in the end, she’ll be better off. I want us to…part well. Friends.” He choked back the burning lump in his throat.
“I guess we agree to disagree on who Cora Lee would be better off with, but I am your friend.” Her voice faltered. “Always. And win or lose today, Griff, it’s going to be okay. You did your best and that’s all anyone can ask for.”
He leaned over and kissed her cheek, lingering. “Thank you.”
“For what?” she whispered.
“Being you.”
With heavy legs, he stumbled to his car and drove to the meeting. Arriving early Griffin sat in his car for thirty minutes going over the pitch in his head. He had thirty more minutes before his appointment. His phone rang. Dad. He answered.
“Are you ready?”
Not really. “I’m ready as I’m going to be.”
“Win this for us. Call me when it’s over.” He hung up. No encouragement. Truth settled over Griffin’s heart. It didn’t matter how many pitches or accounts Griffin won. Dad wasn’t ever going to say the words he wanted to hear. Griffin was chasing the wind.
He entered the board room, shook hands with the Surf N Turf board, and set up his power point. “Gentlemen, thank you for seeing me. I think you’ll be pleased with what Noble Construction has created for the St. Thomas location.” He clicked the power point.
The door burst open and Kate strolled in wearing a little black dress, her hair down and a smile on her face.
What was going on?
Chapter 10
Emma Kate couldn’t let Griffin lose due to her selfish behavior. And he would. The doll shop and tea parties, the sports club for boys wasn’t enough. She’d never forgive herself if she didn’t come and do this one last thing for him. Griffin believed it would garner his father’s love. Emma Kate knew that wasn’t true. Parents should love their children regardless of their achievements.
But she loved Griffin and he deserved this moment.
Not for his dad. For him.
“I’m sorry I’m late. I’m the creative of the team so time slips me.” She gave Griffin a shut-your-mouth-look.
The man at the head of the table—the big fish—frowned while the other team members seemed as confused as Griffin.
“Can you give me and my colleague a moment? I’m sorry.” He gave Kate the head nod toward the door and she followed him out.
Griffin spun on her. “What do you think you’re doing? And where is Cora Lee?”
“She’s with Briley and I’m here to bail you out. What you have is good but it’s not going to secure the contract. You need an edge. I’m here to bring it.”
“With what?”
“A doggie resort.”
An eyebrow rose north. “Go home, Kate.”
“You say that I’m smart. That I should go back to business school. Do you mean that? Or do you think I’m only intelligent enough to open a small-town groom shop for dogs?”
Griffin’s eyes softened. “I think you can do anything you want, Kate.”
“Then let me win this for you.”
He raked a hand through his hair. “Why? Why would you do this?”
She licked her lips and let out a shaky breath. “I love you.”
His eyes widened.
“I love you, Griff, even if I don’t like what you’re going to do. And I can’t leave knowing I’ve been selfish. Love isn’t s
elf-seeking. It’s patient. And kind. I haven’t been kind. I’ve been sitting on your win hoping you’d lose and keep Cora Lee, but you’re not going to.”
The conference room door opened. “Are we going to do this or what?” A man in a suit and impatient frown stared at Griffin.
“I’ll be right in,” Griffin offered. When the door closed he turned to Kate.
“I don’t know what the future holds for Cora Lee, but I have to trust God will take care of her. He’ll do a better job than you or I can. You and I…we’ve been on leashes. Held by fear. I have to let go. Unhook. Move forward. I’m tired of being stuck. So after this pitch, I’ve scheduled a flight home. You and Cora Lee will be fine the rest of the week without me, and I’d say you could shave my money down but after I win this for you, I think I’ll keep it. In fact I think you should pay me another twenty.”
A smirk cropped up on his ridiculously beautiful face. “You’ve learned to negotiate.”
“Taught by the master.” She could care less about the money, though.
“Indeed,” he murmured. “A dog resort?”
“Yes.”
He expelled a heavy breath. “I trust you, Kate.”
But did he love her? She’d admitted her feelings to him, but he’d yet to reciprocate.
A beat passed.
Two.
“Okay. Go pitch,” he said.
She nodded and strode back inside. “Gentlemen, we have every amenity for families. Child care. Kid activities but we’re leaving out one major component of families. Pets. Fur babies. So I’m pitching Hound Harbor. A dog-friendly resort.”
Murmurs surfaced around the table and Griffin nodded, urging her on.
“Kenneling dogs is tough for the dogs and people. And what about couples who only own fur babies? This gives your resort an edge and a wider market to reach. Think small canine cabanas with barcaloungers. Get it. B-a-r-k-aloungers. Doggie cocktails. Grooming services. On-site vet clinic. Walks. Dog pools and games. Dogs can sleep inside their owners’ rooms or be kenneled. And if you build it on the east side, away from the ocean, then you can keep guests who don’t want pets or are allergic free from all of that. Plus, you can charge more for these amenities and people will pay it to have their dogs with them. They’re already going to pay several hundred dollars to kennel them.”
Love at First Laugh: Eight Romantic Novellas Filled with Love, Laughter, and Happily Ever After Page 48