Trouble in Loveland (The Loveland Series Book 1)

by Jennifer Peel

  Ryan’s eyes traveled from me back to my dad. “Looks like a perfect day for it.” He turned back to me. “Charlee?”

  “Yep, I’m still Charlee.”

  He ran his hand through his hair. “Sorry, it’s just. Uh . . . you look . . . grown up.”

  “Thank you …” That sounded stupid. Why did I thank him for telling me I looked grown up?

  He must have thought so, too. He turned his attention back to my dad and patted the truck. “Well, have a great time. I better get back to mowing my lawn.”

  “Don’t work too hard,” my dad called out to his retreating figure.

  His backside looked as good as the front. Dang, he did his khaki shorts justice.

  “You know Ryan’s a partner now, right?” My dad headed out of our subdivision.

  “I remember reading that in one of your newsletters.” I may have glanced back trying to catch another glimpse of Ryan.

  “He’s been a great asset. Best hire I ever made. That is until you.” My dad winked.

  “I think that’s called nepotism.” I faced forward.

  “Guilty.” My dad laughed.

  “Did you know Ryan and Victoria divorced?”

  “Yeah, mom told me. That’s too bad.”

  My dad shrugged his shoulders. “Maybe. I think it might be for the best. Victoria wasn’t the easiest person to be married to. I don’t think their marriage was filled with a lot of love. At least not on her part.”

  That didn’t surprise me. I still remembered his wedding day. She sure didn’t act like a woman in love.

  “He has a son, right?”

  “Oh yeah, cutest little guy ever. His name is Josh.”

  “Does he live with his mom?”

  “They share custody.”

  “So does she live nearby?”

  “Yes.”

  I sat back and thought about Ryan Carter. I hadn’t thought about him in years, just like I shouldn’t have, but I figured since he was divorced now, my mind could have free reign. His hair was a tad darker, but his eyes still shined. It looked like he hadn’t shaved yet this morning, and it totally worked for him. He had an angular and perfectly proportioned face. I wasn’t expecting this reaction to him. I thought he was a stupid crush, and I guess he still was, but geez looking at him again made me realize that I had every right to have crushed on and fantasized about him. Now that I was mature, I was admiring him.

  My dad’s deep voice brought me out of my thoughts about my new coworker. Hey, maybe working for my dad wouldn’t be so bad after all.

  “CJ?”

  “Yeah, Dad? Sorry. What did you say?”

  He looked over my way and smiled, like he knew something. “I was just asking how your mom is.”

  “Oh . . .” What should I say? “She’s . . . happy.”

  “I’m glad.” He didn’t sound all that glad. “Do you like Mark?” He didn’t seem like he really wanted to know.

  “Yeah.”

  “You’re not convincing me.”

  “Mark’s great for Mom. It’s just . . .” How did I put it into words? Especially to my dad. I wanted to say, “I don’t like having another man in our lives. A man who has a big family that takes time away from me, and in some ways I think Mom likes them better because they have babies and their acts together and they don’t remind her of the past. And mostly I hate it because it’s not you, Dad,” but I didn’t say any of those things.

  My dad glanced my way. “I’m sorry, CJ.”

  I wiped at my eyes.

  He reached over and held my hand, and I let him. I missed his big strong hands. “You want to change the subject?”

  “Please.”

  He squeezed my hand tight and let go. “Well, I have all the necessary information for you to apply for your CPA license. You’ll just need to sit for the exam. I can help you study if you want.”

  “Yeah, sure.” I still wasn’t sure why I was becoming a CPA, but since I had nothing else going for me, I went with it.

  I was grateful we didn’t talk about anything else accounting related for the rest of the day. I was already dreading Monday. Well, maybe not so much now that I knew I had something fine to look at from time to time, but not even Ryan Carter could make me happy about being an accountant.

  The sun and water were just what the doctor ordered. I forgot how much I loved being out on the lake, especially with my dad. It was a little awkward. We had lots of lags in the conversation, but I think you’re supposed to be quiet when you fish and soak in the sun. I wasn’t really one for fishing, but my dad convinced me to give it a try again. I think he was hoping age would have changed my mind on the sport; he was going to be disappointed.

  In the spirit of trying to build a relationship with him again, I decided to at least pretend, but I refused to bait the hook. No matter how old I was, I wasn’t gouging a worm.

  My dad laughed at me and sacrificed the slimy earthworm. I reluctantly sat up and grabbed the pole.

  I was happy to sunbathe all day on our old Sea Ray. There were so many good memories associated with the old boat. I could picture my mom reading and my dad fishing while Krissy and I laid out and talked incessantly about boys and maybe a couple of men with the last name of Carter. We had code words for them; I would have died if my parents knew I was checking out my much older neighbors. Ryan was Zeus, for obvious reasons, and Evan was Hercules. I think we were studying Greek Mythology at the time. I know it was dumb, but I plead teenage girl.

  I couldn’t help but think about my dad sweetly kissing my mom in front of us and her pretending to be embarrassed by it all those years ago. You could tell she loved it, though. It had been apparent they loved each other. How did it all go so wrong? I think my mom was happy now, but I’d never seen her look at Mark the way she looked at my dad. Why did my dad have to ruin everything?

  I tried not to let my emotions and hate get the better of me. I had to remind myself I needed to move on and forgive, but it was difficult.

  “Are you okay?” My dad brought me out of my thoughts.

  I shook my head. “No . . . I mean yes.”

  He looked concerned.

  I turned my attention back to the pole in my hand that now had a squirming worm on the end. It almost seemed cruel. Okay, it was cruel.

  “Do you need a refresher course on how to cast your line?”

  “You’re not the only guy that has taken me fishing.”

  He arched his eyebrow. “Someone I should know about?”

  I wish. Why couldn’t I be in love with Jay? I shook my head. “No, just a friend that liked to fish and thought I should, too.”

  “Sounds like a good friend.”

  “He’s the best.”

  We both pulled back and sent our lines sailing across the water as if we were in sync. We also reeled in the same amount at the same time. We looked at each other and smiled. My heart ached for how much I had missed him. I noticed the extra creases and lines as he smiled, but he’d really aged well. Very distinguished.

  “So, no other men I need to know about?” My dad reeled in his line and threw it back out there.

  “Nope.”

  He looked at me like he couldn’t believe it.

  “Seriously, Dad. I’m not seeing anyone.”

  “Then there are a lot of fools out there.”

  I lazily reeled in my line. “I was seeing someone, but I broke it off.”

  “What was wrong with him?”

  “Nothing, he was about as perfect as they come.”

  “Then what was the problem?”

  I shrugged my shoulders. “He wanted to marry me and …”

  My dad dropped his pole.

  I laughed.

  He quickly picked it up. “I wasn’t expecting that.”

  “Obviously.”

  “So was there someone else?”

  “No. I would never do that to anyone.” I realized too late that was probably not the nicest thing to say to my dad.

  My dad’s head drop
ped. “You don’t know how sorry I am.”

  I shook my head. “I didn’t mean to—”

  “I know, CJ.”

  I casually tossed my line out again. “I couldn’t say yes to Jay because I didn’t love him. At least not how a wife or even a girlfriend should love someone she wants to spend the rest of her life with. I care deeply about him, but there was something missing. Does that make sense?”

  My dad nodded his head.

  “I wonder if there’s something wrong with me. I mean, Jay is the whole package, and I know he loves me and he would do whatever he could to secure my happiness, but it’s just not there.”

  My dad reeled in his line and set his pole down. His eyes were warm and thoughtful. “Baby girl, there’s nothing wrong with you. You did the right thing. When the right person comes along, you’ll know.”

  “I hope so. It’s not like I’m looking to get married right now, but I’m worried I let my one chance walk out the door.”

  “Unfortunately for your dad, I don’t think you’ll have to worry about that. I’ve already noticed several men staring at my daughter today. I may have to get out to the shooting range some more and do some target practice.”

  I rolled my eyes at him. “I think you’re obligated to say that.”

  “Obligated or not, you have grown into a beautiful woman.”

  “Thanks, Dad.”

  My dad turned back to the water and his pole. “This is what happens when you take women fishing. Too much talking and not enough fishing.” He turned to me and winked.

  My dad caught several nice-sized rainbow trout throughout the rest of the afternoon. I caught some nice branches and an old can of Budweiser, which was fine with me. Most importantly, I caught some rays—my skin had a nice healthy glow going for it at the end of the afternoon.

  On our drive back home, I could tell my dad was a happy guy. He was singing along to the classic rock station and intermittently smiling at me. I had to admit it felt good to be with him; it was helping me to remember that he wasn’t the monster that I’d made him out to be in my head. I knew our fishing trip wasn’t the cure to our relationship, but I think it was a start.

  Chapter Three

  “Hey, do you mind if I invite our neighbors over tomorrow night for a fish fry?” Dad grabbed his tackle box from the back of the truck.

  “The Lawtons?” The Lawtons were Krissy’s parents.

  Dad grinned. “No, our other neighbors.”

  I shrugged my shoulders, but my insides were dancing. “I don’t mind.” I tried to act casual about it.

  “Great. I’ll see if Ryan and Josh can make it.”

  I smiled and ran into the house to get ready to meet Krissy. I hadn’t seen her in two months, and I couldn’t wait to see her. We talked and texted every day, but I needed some massive real-time Krissy. I showered and dolled up a little. Krissy was the hot best friend. Tiny, big boobs, small waist, perfect flowing golden blonde hair. If we weren’t best friends, I would probably hate her.

  I went with a navy-striped white dress, paired with a yellow belt and a cute jean jacket that hit me at my waist. I wore sandals with no heel, so I didn’t feel like an Amazon woman next to Krissy. She was a cute five-feet-three. I grabbed my yellow bag to match and was ready to hit the town, or at least Chili’s. It was our favorite hangout. We were addicted to their chips and salsa and strawberry lemonade.

  I hurried up the stairs and found my dad with the Rockies game on, chips and soda in hand. Not much had changed.

  “See you later, Dad.”

  He looked up from the game. “Wowza! Are you too old for me to tell you not to leave the house looking like that?”

  “Looking like what?”

  “Gorgeous.”

  I rolled my eyes, but I was flattered. I missed my dad’s bias. “Thanks, Dad. I’ll see you later.”

  My dad’s smile faltered. “Are you too old to kiss your old man goodbye?”

  I smiled, walked over to him, and bent down and kissed his cheek. “Bye, Dad.”

  He reached up and touched my cheek. “I love you, kiddo.”

  “I know.” Why couldn’t I say it back? I knew he wanted me to, and part of me wanted to say it, but I couldn’t make myself.

  He looked dejected, but understanding. “Do you need some money?”

  “No, I’m good. I think I’ve taken enough of your money.”

  He reached into his pocket, grabbed his wallet, and handed me two twenties. “Take this.”

  I hesitated.

  He pushed it forward some more. “Please, it will make me feel better.”

  I snatched the money. “Thanks, Dad.”

  He winked at me and went back to watching the game.

  I took that as my cue and headed up to the main level and out to the garage.

  “Hey, you still have your pepper spray?” my dad yelled out as I was walking out the door.

  I shook my head to myself. “Yes, Daddy.” Okay, so I missed this. It was nice to have someone worry about me for a change and not the other way around. I could understand why my mom behaved like she had, but understanding and approval are two entirely different things.

  As I opened the garage door and walked out to my car, our neighbors were passing by in front of our house. Ryan stopped when he saw me walk out. He held the hand of the most adorable kid I had ever seen. I waved to them both.

  I was surprised when Ryan approached me. “Charlee?”

  I wasn’t sure why he kept saying my name like it was a question. “Last time I checked, yes.” I smiled.

  He smiled back, albeit some embarrassment was mixed in.

  I noticed he still had the perfect smile and gleaming white teeth. His dentist must love him.

  “Dad . . . dee!” his son squealed.

  Ryan picked him right up. “Hold on buddy, we’ll go to the park in a minute,”

  Ryan was becoming more and more attractive by the second.

  “Charlee, this is my son, Josh.”

  I reached out and touched Josh’s soft, chubby little hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Josh. How old are you?”

  He tried to hold up three fingers. It was cute to watch him. Ryan helped him keep his pinky finger down.

  “I’s three.” His little voice was completely adorable.

  “Well, you are the cutest three-year-old ever.”

  He smiled at me like he knew.

  “Josh, this is Charlee.” Ryan smiled at his son. “Can you say Charlee?”

  “Cherry,” Josh said, proud of himself.

  “No, Charlee,” Ryan corrected.

  “I think I like Cherry.” It had a ring to it.

  “Cherry,” Josh repeated while trying to wiggle out of his dad’s arms.

  “I think someone wants to get to the park.”

  Ryan concurred. “Well, it was nice to see you again, Charlee.”

  “Don’t you mean Cherry?” I teased.

  Ryan flashed those pearly whites at me and my stomach went whoa, baby. I reached down, held it, and subconsciously told it to settle down.

  “See you later.”

  “Yeah, I guess we’ll see you for dinner tomorrow night.”

  Ryan looked confused.

  “Oh, I guess my dad hasn’t talked to you yet. Well darn, I guess I ruined the surprise.”

  His eyes questioned me again.

  “He just wanted to invite you over for dinner.”

  Ryan shook his head at me like he wasn’t sure what to make of me. “Oh . . . that sounds good.”

  “Okay, but when he asks you, make sure you act surprised.”

  He stared at me again like he was trying to figure me out, but after a few seconds he smiled. “I’ll do my best.”

  “Thank you. I would hate to disappoint my dad.”

  He shook his head at me again. “See you tomorrow.”

  Tomorrow can’t get here soon enough, I thought. “Bye, Josh.” I waved at him.

  Josh was now down and trying to drag his daddy to the
park, but his daddy kept looking at me. “Bye-bye, Cherry. Come on, Daddy.”

  “Have fun at the park.” I kept waving.

  “Bye, Charlee.” Ryan still said my name like a question.

  “Bye, Ryan.”

  I couldn’t help but watch him walk away. The butterflies in my stomach applauded, like a standing ovation. He was beautiful.

  I got into my car and blasted the air, I needed to cool off.

  On the drive up to Fort Collins, my mind kept being drawn to my “neighbor.” I wasn’t sure how he ended up in his parent’s old home, but gosh was I glad. I needed to remind myself to act like the mature twenty-five-year-old I was, at least I was most of the time. I mean, sure I knew it was never happening between us, but I was going to be enjoying the scenery.

  I made it to Chili’s in no time and there waited the best friend ever in her cute little white convertible that fit her personality to a tee.

  Krissy hopped out of her car as soon as she saw me. Yep, she was perfection. She was wearing a cute pink sundress, and her cascading golden locks would fit into a Pantene commercial.

  We ran to each other, jumped and hugged, like we were five, but a very mature five. The only awkward part now was that Krissy’s head hit my boob line, but what the heck, we were best friends.

  “Oh. My. Gosh. You look gorgeous!” Krissy gushed.

  That was what made Krissy the best friend ever— she thought I was the most gorgeous creature. She really needed to look in a mirror.

  “Right back at ya, babe.”

  “Let me get something out of my car before we go in.” She headed back toward her car and I accompanied her.

  She sneakily reached in and grabbed a black garment bag.

  “What’s this?”

  “Your maid of honor dress.”

  “It’s in already?”

  “Yes …?” There was on odd tone to her voice.

  “What was that?”

  “I don’t know what you mean.”

  I narrowed my eyes. “Liar.”

  She smiled and giggled.

  “Seriously, what’s up?”

  “It’s a surprise. I’ll show you once we get in.”

  “Just show me now. You don’t want to take my dress into the restaurant.”

  “Of course I do. I want you to try it on.”