Trouble in Loveland (The Loveland Series Book 1)

by Jennifer Peel

  “Well I better get going. Feel free to help yourself to anything.”

  The only thing I wanted to help myself to was leaving, but I didn’t mention that. I only nodded and smiled.

  Ryan kissed Josh on the cheek while he was still in my arms. We briefly locked eyes. Ryan seemed to gaze into my eyes, confusion clouded his. “Charlee?”

  “Yes?”

  “ . . . I’ll see you later.”

  “I’ll be here.”

  He smiled and touched his son’s hair gently. “Be good for Charlee.”

  “I will, Daddy.”

  “Love you, buddy.” Ryan walked out the door.

  I almost sighed. Dads that love their kids are a total turn on, especially when they look and act like Ryan.

  “All right, it’s just you and me kid. What do you want to do?”

  “B-ball,” he shouted.

  A kid after my own heart. We walked back over to my house, and my dad was happy to have the company, and play basketball. I think he loved the idea of training the next generation, and he seemed to really like spending his time with me. I was remembering how much I liked to spend my time with him. My dad and I had a great time trying to teach Josh how to dribble with his fingertips and not his palms. We also tried to get him to take his focus away from the ball when he dribbled, but he was three so that wasn’t happening.

  My dad hoisted Josh up several times and tried to help him make a shot. When he finally got one to go in, I don’t know who was more excited, my dad or Josh. I really think my dad was looking forward to the time when I had kids. From the looks of it, he would be a terrific grandpa. Once we were done with hoops, we hit the trampoline. Josh was so worn out by the night’s activities, we didn’t even have ice cream. I got him in his jammies and helped him brush his teeth, and by the time I was done reading him a book about fire trucks, he was sound asleep. I kissed his little forehead, pulled a light blanket over him, and swiped his beautiful hair.

  I walked out into the great room and wasn’t sure what to do with myself. It seemed weird to be there. I remember when I was younger, Mrs. Carter sometimes invited me over. She said she needed girl time or she just missed her own kids. I remember helping her make cookies and banana bread. I liked her. The house now looked like a man lived there. It was nice, but more masculine. Very straight lines, minimal artwork, leather and metal, and, a TV that was way too big, but it was clean and even inviting with the warm lighting.

  I settled on Ryan’s black leather couch and turned on the TV for company. I was delighted to find The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants was on. Krissy and I loved that movie when we were growing up. I curled up on the couch and enjoyed a piece of my wonderful childhood. I really was so lucky; I guess it was just too good to last. It made me wonder if good things did last.

  When the movie ended, I heard Josh call out for his daddy. He sounded scared. I jumped up, ran to his room, and found him sitting up and crying. I went to him and held him to me. All he kept saying was, “mean doggie.” It was clear he’d had a bad dream. I tried to get him to calm down and go back to sleep, but he didn’t want me to leave him. I decided to pick him up and take him back to the couch with me. His toddler bed was too small for the both of us.

  I wiped his wet cheeks and held his little body close to me and sang to him a song my dad used to sing to me when I was little. It was an old song by James Taylor called, “You Can Close Your Eyes.” I loved that old song. I sang it repeatedly until he fell back asleep in my arms. There was something wonderful about having a little one sleep in your arms. They looked so angelic. Well, at least I had someone to cuddle up next to on a Friday night.

  I watched one more movie, and close to midnight I heard the garage door open. Ryan walked in a minute later. He looked happy. I took it his date went well. He looked my way and walked toward Josh and me. His dress shoes tapped on the wood floor as he approached.

  “Is everything okay?” He looked down at his sleeping son.

  “I think he had a nightmare, and he had a hard time falling back asleep.”

  Ryan knelt next to us on the couch and stroked his son’s hair. “He’s been having those lately.”

  “I think it’s pretty normal for kids his age to have nightmares.”

  Ryan looked up at me and smiled. “And you know this how?”

  I was offended. “Uh, child development classes, thank you very much.”

  He smirked at my annoyance. “Other than that, was he okay?”

  “Better than okay. We had great time.”

  “Thanks, Charlee. He doesn’t usually take to people so well.”

  “You’re welcome. So . . . how was your date?”

  Ryan stood up and sat on the couch next to us. “It was nice. It’s weird to watch a movie where you have to read the subtitles though.”

  “Sounds dreadful.”

  He looked at me, surprised. “Don’t women typically love foreign romantic films?”

  “Not this woman. I typically don’t like movies at all for dates.”

  “Really?”

  “Yep. If a guy asks me on a first date and that’s his plan, I say no.”

  “Why would you do that?”

  “Because how can you get to know someone if you’re watching a movie? And seriously, if that’s all you can think of to do, then I’d just as soon pass.”

  “Well, I guess I’m glad Jacquelyn doesn’t feel the same way.”

  “You mean this was your first date with her?”

  “Yes. We met at the park a couple of months ago and our kids played together, but like I said earlier, it has never worked out until tonight.”

  “Oh.”

  “So …” he said. “What do you consider first date worthy?”

  “Lots of things.”

  “Care to elaborate?”

  “Why, do you need some tips?”

  He arched his eyebrow at me, and I laughed.

  “Well, here, the possibilities for non-lame first time dates are endless. There’s boating, hiking, biking, picnicking, and, of course, you have Estes Park nearby which is the most romantic place ever. Even just walking down the river walk there would be perfect.”

  “So, you’re saying I’m lame once again.”

  I shrugged my shoulders. “I didn’t say anything.”

  “Well, for your information, I must not be too lame; she agreed to go out with me again.”

  That was lame, but I didn’t say anything. “Well, I should get home.”

  “Here, let me pay you.”

  I shook my head in disgust. “I’m not twelve. I don’t take babysitting jobs.”

  He put his wallet back into his pocket and looked at me. “No, you’re definitely not twelve. Thank you. I owe you one.”

  “You don’t owe me anything. I love being with Josh.”

  He smiled and took Josh out of my arms. He came too close for my own good. Our faces were mere inches apart as he bent over to get Josh. For a brief second, I had a thought of pure insanity—my unbridled side said, Reach up and kiss him. You know you want to. And did I ever, but my rational side, thankfully, overruled the dumb thought.

  Ryan paused for a moment. I could see the flecks of blue in his green eyes. Oddly, he stared into my own eyes and bent his head. “You have very unusual eyes.” His breath was warm, and it smelled of honey when he spoke.

  “I’m not sure how I should take that.”

  He stood up with his son, but he smiled down at me. “I’ve never seen so many colors in one iris.”

  “Well, I’ve always been an overachiever.”

  He laughed quietly as to not wake up Josh. “I never know what you’re going to say.”

  I stood up, too. “Goodnight, Ryan.”

  “Goodnight. Thanks, again.”

  I walked toward his front door and proceeded to exit, but he called out my name. I turned back toward him.

  “Are you planning on running tomorrow?”

  “Yes, but don’t worry, I don’t need you to b
e neighborly and watch over me.”

  “I just wanted to see if you could go later, like eight. I don’t want to get Josh up too early. I’ll have to bring him in his jogger.”

  “Oh . . . sure. See you tomorrow.”

  “I look forward to it.”

  I looked forward to our morning runs, too. He made getting in shape for the wedding fun, even if he didn’t see me how I wanted him to.

  The next morning our run was like the many others before, except better because Josh was part of the package. It’s amazing what little kids notice and how excited they get about the smallest things that we as adults take for granted, like birds and even colorful rocks. To see the world through Josh’s eyes made me appreciate my surroundings even more.

  My appreciation for Ryan grew, too, as I watched him take care of his son and respond with enthusiasm to all his questions. Besides “again”, “why” was Josh’s favorite word of choice. Ryan took the time to answer each of his questions and encouraged more. No wonder Josh was so smart for his age.

  It was all well and good, actually more than good. Then I had a rude awakening as we neared our houses. I was laughing at Ryan after he had informed me that he had an ‘N Sync album on his iTunes playlist. Not that I didn’t like that band. I mean who didn’t love Justin Timberlake, but I was embarrassed for Ryan.

  He nudged me with his shoulder and at the same time I felt this horrible stinging pain in my other arm. “Ahhh,” I cried out. I stopped dead in my tracks, not sure what had happened.

  “Charlee, I didn’t mean to hurt you. Are you okay?”

  “It wasn’t you, it’s my other arm.”

  Ryan gently turned me toward him and we both looked down at my arm. It was red and swollen, but I was confused as to why.

  Ryan delicately touched the affected area.

  “Ow.”

  He smiled at me and suddenly I felt better. “I think I found the culprit. You’ve been stung.”

  “By what? I didn’t see any bees.”

  “My guess is a yellow jacket, they’ll sting without being provoked.”

  “It packs a punch.”

  “Let me take you back to my place. I’ll get the stinger out for you and make a paste.”

  “Make a paste?” I smiled.

  “With meat tenderizer, it will help with the pain.”

  “Did you say meat tenderizer?”

  “Trust me.”

  “Okay, Davy Crockett.”

  He shook his head at me.

  We jogged the short distance to his house and I tried not to be a baby, but seriously, my arm hurt. I had never been stung before and let me say, I was okay missing out on that before now.

  “Have a seat at the table.” Ryan waved to his table when we walked into his kitchen from the backyard.

  Josh tore through the house and said something about getting his owie kit.

  I looked to Ryan for clarification.

  “He has a doctor kit.”

  I smiled. That made sense.

  “So, are you like a Boy Scout or something?”

  Ryan looked up from the concoction he was mixing and grinned. “I earned my Eagle Scout when I was sixteen.”

  “Really?”

  “Are you surprised?”

  “Honestly, no.” He seemed like the do-gooder type. I bet he helped senior citizens cross the street and everything.

  It didn’t take too long for him to join me. First, he used a credit card and removed the stinger, then he carefully cleansed the area. Every touch from him made me hold my breath. I’m pretty sure I was biting my lip, too, as he worked his magic. He kept looking up and flashing those pearly whites at me. He sent me over the edge when he blew on my arm. I’m pretty sure I shivered like an idiot.

  My saving grace came in the form of Josh, who had his pretend thermometer out and insisted I put it in my mouth. He didn’t have to convince me. Did I mention chubby cheeks and dimples?

  Ryan administered his meat tenderizer paste and I instantly felt relief from the pain of the sting.

  “Thank you,” I mumbled with the plastic toy in mouth.

  “My pleasure.”

  Josh took out the thermometer. “You all better now.”

  I looked between him and his father and I felt plenty good.

  Ryan peered into my eyes. “Charlee?”

  “Yes?”

  He acted like he wanted to say something, but he stopped and shook his head. “Just make sure to keep an eye on the site to check for infection or an allergic reaction.”

  “Thank you, Dr. Carter.”

  He smiled at me, but he stood up and acted as if he wasn’t sure what he should do. It was odd, but I didn’t call attention to it. I just said my goodbyes, went home, reminded myself he liked redheads with snobbish names, and tried to get him out of my head. It didn’t work.

  Chapter Seven

  I had the pleasure, or displeasure, as it were, to meet Jacquelyn the following week. She came and met Ryan for lunch at the office. Yep, she was his type, a redheaded raving beauty. Her curly red hair framed her perfect head, and she was tall and thin. She fit his type to a tee. She even seemed aloof.

  I was standing in my dad’s office doorway when she and Ryan walked by.

  “Hey, Charlee, I would like you to meet Jacquelyn.”

  I gave them both a charming smile and held out my hand. “Nice to meet you,” I lied.

  She eyed my hand before she reluctantly held out her own. She squeezed mine awfully tight.

  “Jacquelyn, this is Charlee.”

  She kind of gave me sneering sort of look. “Yes, you’ve mentioned her.”

  Okay, Miss Snotty Pants. I didn’t know what her problem was. I turned from her and looked at my dad. He, too, looked a little confused. Ryan introduced her to my dad as well, and then they headed off to lunch.

  When they left, Felicity commented, “Well, wasn’t she a little ray of sunshine.”

  My dad and I both laughed.

  I went back to my office and pondered why Ryan always picked women that seemed awful. I knew I wasn’t being fair, because I was completely jealous of her. I was even more jealous when Krissy told me he returned his response card and named Jacquelyn as his plus-one.

  I really needed some ice cream, but I couldn’t have any because I was going to be half-naked in ten days. I had to give myself props, my butt and legs were looking pretty good. I was even getting good at walking in hooker heels. My dad kept making fun of me for walking around the house in them, and once Ryan came to the door and I made the mistake of answering it while still wearing them. I looked real classy in cut-offs, a tank top, and sky-high heels. Ryan smirked at me, looked me over from head to toe, and then chuckled.

  I really needed to quit thinking about him, but it was hard not to. I mean, we worked together, ran together practically every day, and frequently he and Josh came over to hang out or eat with us. He was everywhere. Heck, I even babysat for the guy. I decided, after all this wedding nonsense, I was going to start going out more. I needed to find people my age that were single to hang out with.

  I also started looking at psychology programs. I was toying with the idea of going back to school. I got so giddy every time I would see that there was a new edition of Psychology Today or In Mind available. I knew that’s where my heart truly lay, but I was torn. I had spent a whole lot of time and my dad’s money on the education I already had. Sure, I had scholarships, but they nowhere near covered everything, and my dad was beyond happy that I was following in his footsteps. I only fed the monster by doing my job well.

  I decided to push off any decisions about school until after the wedding. The closer it got, the more hectic my life was becoming. Besides the wedding, there was the bridal shower, bachelorette party, and rehearsal dinner. I was in charge of the first two, at least mostly. Ann and Maviny were helping quite a bit with the shower, and they were hosting it at their home. I was more than grateful for their help, because I wasn’t the best party planner or decorato
r in the world. And, to be honest, I really kind of disliked showers with the silly games and endless lingerie, but this wasn’t about me. I hoped when I got married, I married someone who didn’t mind me wearing t-shirts to bed; lingerie looked awfully uncomfortable, and from the looks of it, you might as well be naked.

  Krissy’s wedding colors were red and aqua, so we decked the Lawtons’ house out in her two signature colors the Saturday before her wedding. We even made the food to match. At least I could bake. I made strawberry cheesecake, chocolate covered strawberries, and a beautiful berry trifle. Did you notice a theme there? Ann even made a red punch. When it all came together, it looked perfect, and it was what Krissy wanted. I had even worked with Chance on one of the games. I taped him answering a bunch of questions. At the shower we were going to ask Krissy how she thought Chance would respond to each question and then we would play his answer and see if she was right. They were silly questions like, “How many kids do you want to have?” and “Should the toilet paper hang over or under?” By the way, they disagreed on both. Chance wanted two kids and Krissy said four. She was also an under-the-toilet-paper-roll kind of girl and he was over. I guess they would have a lifetime of working out their kinks.

  The following week we were in serious wedding mode. I had a nice boss, and he let me take Thursday and Friday off. It was a good thing, too. Krissy called me early on Thursday crying and in crisis mode. First, her period had started early and she was bloated. That was going to make for a fun honeymoon, but secondly, and most importantly to her, she decided she hated the shoes she bought originally. And apparently if she didn’t have the perfect shoes, the wedding was going to be a disaster. I didn’t even try and reason with her. I got ready and headed to her apartment with dark chocolate and a willingness to go to every shoe store on the eastern slope of Colorado, if necessary.

  Krissy opened her apartment door with red swollen eyes. “You’re the best.” She clung to me for dear life.

  I patted her back. “I know.”

  She laughed. “I’m so glad you’re home.”

  “Me, too. Now go clean up. We have some serious shopping to do.”

  She sniffled a little and then went off to finish getting ready. I looked around her packed apartment, and for a moment I was sad. I knew we would always be the best of friends, but I knew things were going to change this weekend. She would be married, and I would be single. She and Chance would find married couples to hang out with, and I would be that weird loner friend.