“Deal.”
Adam grabbed her around the waist and twirled until the cake and coffee sloshed around in her stomach and she begged him to stop. “Don’t. I’m going to be sick if you continue.”
Adam kissed her on the nose. “You, my darling girl, are the best friend a guy could have.”
Friend? She’d see about that. The guy was in so deep he couldn’t even see it, but she could. The warmth that came into his smile when she touched him, the way his face lit up when he saw her and his shoulders lost the tension that he carried with him. She knew she’d have to let him come to the realization himself and didn’t want to push him. But biding her time was going to be hard when all Dakota wanted to do was throw herself into his arms. Patience wasn’t her strong point. How on earth was she going to carry on as if there was nothing more than friendship between them until he came to his senses?
*
“I can work with that if you can, Coach. Ryan said the next two weeks are cool for him but after that, he’s going to be busy with family Christmas commitments. Leon said the same thing and the kids will be out of school for the holidays anyway.”
Coach checked his calendar and came up with a game plan that Adam thought would work, named a day that seemed possible for everyone involved. “Right, Adam, I’ll leave it in your hands then to let them know for sure. You know there’s going to be a heap of interest from the locals seeing these guys here, don’t you?”
Adam grinned, leaned his elbow on his desk, the phone cradled in his ear. “Hell, even I’m thrilled to have them here.”
“How about we make the most of it? Charge the parents a small fee to watch the training. Maybe get someone to make hotdogs as well. I know we can get the food donated if I ask nicely. Be a good lead up to the Grange gala ball, get the local paper to do a spread. We can donate the money to the cause. Pretty sure the boys would like to do that. What do you think?”
Trust Coach to come up with ideas to benefit everyone. He was good at thinking outside the box. “Brilliant idea. My father would be very grateful for the extra money toward the repair fund and it would also make the kids feel as though they’ve had a hand in the restoration work. Make it a real town project where everyone is involved.”
Coach chuckled. “Right, I’ll get onto the food side of things and you let me know as soon as you nail down a date. Then I can send out a newsletter to parents and tell them what’s happening.” He hung up and Adam breathed a sigh of relief. At last he was making things right. He doubted he could live with seeing the disappointment in the kids’ eyes knowing it was his fault it was there.
The door opened and a couple walked in, holding hands. Adam stood up.
“Hello, welcome to Cherry Lake. I’m Adam Clement. What can I do to help you today?”
Later that night he ran into the grocery store, annoyed with himself for being late on the first night he was cooking dinner for Dakota. He gathered his supplies and then drove over to her house. He had a bottle of her favorite wine already and a small thank you gift because when he saw it, it reminded him of her.
The light shone from her workroom out onto the lawn as he pulled up in front of the house. Head bent over the table, she didn’t even move when he slammed his car door. Adam walked up the path and knocked on the door.
“Come in!”
He opened the door, stepped in and was immediately assaulted by a ball of black fluff. She danced around his legs as he made his way to the kitchen. “Just me.” He put down his supplies and picked up Tiny, headed to the workroom.
“I know.”
He ducked his head in the door and watched her for a moment.
“I can’t stop this. Rather delicate I’m afraid and if I try to come back to it later, the solder marks will show up more because the metal gets a chance to cool off. Then if I heat it up again, it leaves a bluer tinge that I try to avoid at all costs.”
Adam leaned on the doorframe. “I understand. I’m blown away by your skill, Dakota. I wish I had half as much talent as you do.”
“Ha! Says he who can bend a ball better than anyone else on US soil.”
A warm glow rippled over his skin. She must have checked up on him to know that. When they’d met, she didn’t even know who he was. For a reason he couldn’t fathom, it made him feel special. Normally he took that kind of praise in stride. After all, he’d earned it with the hours and hours of training he’d put in to get that good.
“I gather you would have also spent considerable time honing your craft. I’m sure you didn’t just wake up one day and know you could do it. Technique is a hard won accomplishment, no matter what the application.”
“Just listen to us. Talk about mutual admiration. Anyone would think we were the needy type.” She poked her tongue between her lips, held the soldering iron in what looked like an impossible angle and kept it there for a second before taking it away. “There. Done. You little stunner.” Dakota placed the iron on a heat mat and flicked off the switch. The angel in her hand was complete. She placed it back down on the table and sat back, stretching her arms over her head. “That one took a considerable amount of time. I really didn’t expect it to so I’m not exactly sure why it did.”
Adam stepped closer, crouched down and inspected the ornament. “If I was an expert, which I’m not, I’d say it has something to do with those gorgeous intricate wings she’s sporting. Very cool, Dakota. Seriously very cool indeed.”
“Thanks.” She slid down off her stool and bent over, touched her toes and stood up, a bubbly grin on her face. “I want wine and food please, then I have to go back to work to make icicles for someone.” She nudged him in the ribs. “What have you got planned for dinner, Adam?”
“Steak with whiskey sauce, baby potatoes and greens. And a bottle of your favorite wine. Sound okay?” He placed his hand on her back and walked out to the kitchen pushing her ahead of him.
“Ooh yes. I’ll light the fire while you pour me a glass. If I fall asleep, nudge me awake, okay?”
Was this her way of making him feel bad for dragging her into his problems? He hoped not but he could see the dark shadows under her eyes and he had to take some responsibility for adding to them. “I’m sorry I roped you into this when you have so much on your plate.”
She waved a hand at him. “Oh please, don’t be silly. I was joking. I’d do the same for any friend in need.” Was that a note of sarcasm in her voice? She knelt down in front of the fire and started to build a nest of paper and kindling while he opened the wine.
“Here you go.” Adam handed her a glass and she sat on her heels, took a sip and sighed in pleasure.
“This is so good. I needed a break, thanks for looking after me.”
“As you said, it’s what friends do.” He went back to the kitchen to prep his dinner.
When he returned to the lounge room fifteen minutes later, Dakota had snuggled down on the couch and lay with her eyes closed, soft snores coming from her parted lips. How was he going to wake her when she looked so peaceful? He couldn’t leave her there. If the fire burned out in the night, she would wake up cold. And if he tried to carry her to her bed, she would probably only wake up and he didn’t want her to get the wrong impression. Plus, she said she had to go back to work tonight.
He stood watching her while he drank his wine, arguing with himself about what to do and more importantly, what his true feelings were toward her. Frustrated when he couldn’t come up with an answer he liked, he left her peaceful and returned to the kitchen to cook the steak. When it was resting and almost ready to plate up, he woke her up.
“Hey, sleepy head. Dinner’s ready. Are you sure you don’t want to go to bed?”
Chapter Thirteen
“Are you sure you don’t want to go to bed?”
Did she just hear that right? “I thought we were only friends.” Her tongue was thick in her mouth.
“Dakota, wake up.” A hand grabbed her shoulder, shook her.
Dakota roused herself from sleep an
d opened her eyes, pulled a strand of hair from her cheek that had stuck with dribble. Adam peered down at her.
“Are you sure you don’t want to go to bed? I can put your dinner in the refrigerator before I go and when you feel like it, you can heat it up.”
She wiped at her mouth, shuddered at the line of drool that ran down her chin. How incredibly sexy she must look. Dakota struggled to sit up. Put her dinner in the refrigerator before he goes home? Then he didn’t mean what she thought she heard.
She looked around the room, still disorientated. “What’s happening?”
A smile twitched at Adam’s lips. “You fell asleep.”
“Yay me.” She swung her legs down to the ground and rubbed her hands over her face. “Sorry. I don’t mean to be such rotten company.”
He laughed. “You’re not. And I have to cop that one because I’m partly to blame. Dinner is almost ready. Did you want to eat now or would you rather go to bed?”
The sparkle in his eyes made her more embarrassed than ever. Had she said something or reached for him? She already knew the answer to that question. Oh well, can’t be helped now. “I talk in my sleep, don’t I?”
Adam grinned and nodded his head.
How freaking sad she felt right now. “As much as I’d like to crawl into bed and forget the world today, it’s not going to happen, so your call. You can stay and eat with me since you went to so much trouble to make what smells like a lovely meal or you can scurry away and do your own thing but either way, I have to eat and get back to work.”
“If you’re sure you don’t mind the company, I’d rather stay.”
“Great. At least let me freshen up.” Dakota hurried to the bathroom, peered at herself in the mirror. Why did she have to have one of those faces, the ones that told everyone what you were thinking? She’d never been able to get away with anything growing up and it seemed like she couldn’t now either. Just her luck. Way to embarrass yourself, Dakota.
She splashed cold water on her face and held a cold wet cloth to her tired eyes, willing them to give her at least another couple of hours. When she walked out to the kitchen, Adam had set the small round table by the kitchen window for two.
“This looks and smells amazing.” She tucked a curl behind her and took a deep sniff. Her stomach rumbled. That would teach her for not eating properly.
“Glad you think so. It’s my mother’s special sauce. One of my favorites too. Have a seat and dig in.” He held out her chair.
“Thanks.” Her stomach rumbled again and she pressed a hand to it willing it to settle down.
“Didn’t you eat anything today?” Adam picked up his knife and fork, watched her salivate over her meal.
“I had an apple and some crackers, I think. When I work I tend to lose myself and forget time and food.” The steak melted as she ran her knife through it. Dakota wiped the piece of meat through the golden sauce and popped it in her mouth. The flavor burst on her tongue, the hint of wood smoke in the whiskey balanced carefully against the richness of the cream. A moan escaped before she could hold it back. She chewed and savored the taste before swallowing.
“Oh my gosh. That is incredible. Tell your mother I said she is the perfect cook.”
“Hey, I did the cooking tonight.” Adam looked at her with a fake wounded glare on his face.
“Ah yes, and you did an amazing job but it’s her recipe. You said so yourself.” She smiled. He was so easy to be around. Such a shame circumstances weren’t different but she could always hope things would improve in the future. “My sister would love this recipe. Do you think your mother would share it?”
“Probably. She never said it was a secret. But I’ll check in case okay?”
“Sure. Bella’s a cook. A very good one actually. She won Masterchef last year, put out a couple of cookbooks and now has a reality show.”
“Bella Moore? I never would have put two and two together.” He lay his knife down on the edge of the plate and picked up his glass. “You really are a talented family, aren’t you?”
“I guess we are. Mom says we’re all overachievers and I think she’s right. We hate anything to beat us.”
“I bought my mother her latest cookbook for Christmas last year. She loves it and I think she’d be delighted to hand over the recipe, especially to someone as talented as your sister.” He took a sip of wine, watched her over the rim of the glass. “Why the sudden frown?”
“I need to call her, make sure she’s okay. I haven’t spoken to her or April since I moved here. That’s bad for us so now I’m a little concerned. It’s probably nothing. Her schedule is crazier than mine and there’s always someone wanting a piece of her.”
Adam nodded his head. “I know what that feels like. Being in the public eye and expected to do well can be more pressure than most people imagine. I mean, a lot of people wish they could be in my shoes but it takes its toll and not everyone can cope.”
Dakota picked up her wine, leaned back in her chair and stared at him. “Did it ever effect you like that? You don’t seem the type to be frazzled easily.”
“I’m not. I can deal with the pressure. I focus on my game and not what’s happening around me. Not everyone can do that. There’s always someone out there waiting for you to fail so they can feel better about their own inadequacies. It’s called tall poppy syndrome.”
“That’s rough.” Dakota put down her glass and stabbed at a green bean, lifted it up and inspected it. “It’s funny how you find out who the important people are in your life too when something like that happens.” And she had first-hand experience with that too.
“It sure is. Now eat that steak before it gets cold. I have some very tasty fudge to go with your coffee. Sugar in it should keep you going for another couple of hours at least. And, I picked you up a small gift.”
Chapter Fourteen
Adam handed out a flyer about the soccer workshop. “There’ll be food for sale and the guys from the Seattle team will be signing posters too. We’d love to see you there if you can make it.” He walked down the street handing out flyers to everyone he passed. At Rachel’s shop, he paused to look at her Christmas display before he went in. Red candles flickered letting the scent of pine and Christmas spice pull him into the mood of the upcoming season. Carols played softly in the background. Christmas cookies sat in a bowl on the counter, dusted in confectionary sugar. He picked one up and took a bite while she dealt with another customer. The girl had some serious talent for decorating. He wouldn’t be surprised if she took out the tree decorating contest. Her shop always looked amazing.
“Hi, Adam. How’s your dad?” She finished serving the customer and turned to him, tidying the wrapping ribbon on her counter.
“Almost climbing the walls but doing well. Mom is making sure he doesn’t overdo things and I think she might be going a little bit overboard.” He glanced around the inside of the shop, spying a couple of Dakota’s pieces hanging amongst the branches of the tiny trees dotted around the store. “Selling well, are they?” He snaffled another cookie. “These are good.”
Rachel leaned on the counter, sighing as though disappointed. “Yes they are. I wish I had more stock because we’re nearly out of them and Dakota is far too busy to give me another delivery. Such a shame because I haven’t sold anything as fast as I’ve sold those ornaments.”
“She’s very talented, that’s for sure.” He turned back to Rachel. “I have some flyers here about the upcoming soccer workshop I’m doing with a couple of teammates this weekend. If you could put a few on your counter and maybe one in the window, I’d appreciate it.” He handed her one to look at.
“Seriously? You don’t have to ask, Adam. Heck, I’ll be there as soon as I close the shop. I wouldn’t miss seeing you guys in soccer shorts for anything.”
He laughed, imagining how cold he was going to be. A good excuse to keep moving and run the kids through their paces. “Wasn’t the best time for it but in season we’re far too busy and I owe Cory.”
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“That’s very sweet of you.” She blushed and put down the flyer. “Talking of sweet. Tell me to mind my own business if you want but is there something between you and Dakota?”
“Ah, no. Why do you ask?” He picked up a Father Christmas pen from the display and spun it in his fingers, avoiding her gaze.
“Because you seem to click, you know? And I think she’s a lovely person and I’d like to see her happy.”
“You’ve only just met her, Rach. You and I go way back, grade three if memory serves me correct. Don’t you want to see me happy too?” Didn’t he want to feel that for himself?
“Of course I do but you’re more interested in the sleek city type. I was thinking of introducing her to my brother’s friend. Remember that geeky kid with the thick glasses in our class, Reggie Hollows? Well, it just so happens that he’s living not too far from here in Polson and is quite the brain these days. Even has his own computer business. Doing very well for himself from what I’ve heard.”
“And?”
“Well, he doesn’t have a girlfriend, he’s a bit shy still. Dakota seems like a kind person and maybe they’ll hit it off. I was going to ask if he wanted tickets to the gala. He might even like to ask her to be his date.”
“Oh, right. Well, I guess that’s her decision then.” Why did his heart plummet at the thought of her dancing with another man? He didn’t have rights on her time as much as he liked to think so.
“Great, I’ll give him a call then.” She held out her hand. “Give me some more of those and I’ll make sure they all get handed out for you. I know plenty of ladies who’d love to go and watch you and your hunky teammates kick a ball around the field.”
“Thanks, Rach.” He gave her half of what he had left and quickly left the shop, his heart pounding. Adam headed straight back to the office, picked up his phone and dialed Dakota before he could change his mind.
The Moore Sisters of Montana: The Complete Series Box Set: Books 1-4 Page 10