The news hadn’t been unexpected. Grant had made Patricia more a part of the family in the years India had been away. Elaina and Byron had been given time to get used to the idea of their father marrying his longtime lover. For India the hurt of Grant’s indiscretions would still feel new and tender.
“Byron mentioned it the other day. Your dad talked to him about it. He doesn’t want it to affect the campaign or take—”
“Attention away from Byron. I know, he told me.” She rolled her eyes. “It’s just...I can’t believe he chose her.”
Her arms crossed over her midsection. The anger in her eyes gave way to a deep sorrow that made Travis wish he could stand up, wrap his arms around her and hold her until the pain subsided, even though pain like that never truly went away. It could be painted over like a stain on a wall, but beneath the new layers of shine, the stain would always be there.
“Your father has wanted her for a long time,” Travis said slowly. He kept his voice neutral, not taking sides in this family fight. How could he? Grant was marrying the woman he’d wanted for years. Something Travis would never experience. A small knot of envy twisted his stomach. “I don’t condone what went on with him and Patricia when your mom was still alive, but I do know she makes him happy.”
India snorted. “I didn’t realize we valued happiness in this family anymore. I thought happiness came second place to the family, our legacy and the business.”
“Maybe it did once, but I think your dad’s coming around. If you really wanted something that made you happy, he’d understand.”
Soft amber eyes met his. “Not if I told him what I really want.” A wistful smile lifted the corner of her mouth.
His heart shot into second gear. The need to do something, touch her, hold her, tell her how he felt tempted him. He shifted in the seat and broke eye contact. India sucked in a breath. Had she seen his thoughts? Was his longing written all over his face?
He cleared his throat and gripped the back of the chair he straddled instead of giving in to the urge to reach for her. Not in Grant’s house. Not with the cloud of his conversation with Elaina still in the air. “Things all set for the fish fry next week?” he asked.
India’s brows drew together before she turned away and fingered the sheets of music on the stand. “Yes, Frank is going to have most of his people there frying the fish. You got the DJ, right?”
She’d chosen Frank’s Fish and Chicken to handle cooking the food. A perfect choice. Frank’s was a Jackson Falls staple almost as much as the Robidoux family. The small place that started as a fish market serving quick lunches of two pieces of fish, a slice of bread and hushpuppies during lunch hour had quickly become a community hangout on the side of town where Travis had grown up. Choosing Frank’s was a textbook way to use a local business that was loved and trusted by the community for the event.
“I’ve got two lined up,” Travis answered her question. “I don’t want us to be stuck with no music because my DJ didn’t show up.”
“Good. I think everything will go well.” She glanced around before standing and walking over to one of the wooden tables where she knocked three times. “I hope so.”
He smiled at the superstitious gesture. “Still knocking on wood for good luck?”
“Always. I’m not tempting fate.” This time her sweet smile reached her eyes. “We threw this together via email and phone calls. I’m worried sick everything will go crazy.”
“Well, I won’t tempt fate either.” He knocked on his head. India laughed, like he’d hoped she would, and his chest expanded. “I need to get through this so I can finally relax and take a quick vacation.”
“How can you vacation in the middle of a case?”
Not easily, but he needed the time away to clear his head. He stood and crossed over to her. “I’m going out of town for a very quick weekend. I’m hoping it will help me recharge and get ready for the trial.”
“You and Camille?” she asked casually. Too casually.
“No. I don’t think things will work out with Camille.” She was part of the reason he needed to clear his head. He couldn’t force things with her anymore. He’d tried to force a happy marriage for years. He’d be damned if he’d do that while dating.
Interest brightened India’s eyes. She eased closer. “Why not?”
Travis didn’t back up. His heartbeat hadn’t recovered from earlier and despite himself he didn’t want to put distance between them. “She’s not the woman I want.” One small confession, that’s all he’d allow himself.
India chewed the corner of her lip. Her chin lifted and yearning flickered in her gaze. “Who do you want?”
The hesitant question cracked his resolve. Her fingertips still rested on the wooden table. Travis slid his hand across the smooth surface until his fingers lightly brushed hers. Awareness scattered across his senses.
India’s eyes widened slightly. Then her gaze became bolder. Desire expanded like a hot air balloon inside him. Bigger. Wider. Adding pressure to the cracks in his resolve. Years of denial whispered, Do it in the deep recesses of his mind.
“Travis, I knew I’d find you in here,” Byron’s eager voice interrupted just in time. He walked in all smiles and easy swagger.
India slid her hand away from his and turned toward her brother. Disappointment and relief plowed over Travis after Byron’s interruption. He’d seen his own feelings mirrored in India’s eyes. If Grant can have who he wants, why can’t I? Things were about to get out of hand, and right now Travis wasn’t sure if he trusted himself to regret what almost happened.
Travis stepped back from India and greeted his friend. “Just listening to India practice. You ready? I’ve waited on you longer than I should have.” He needed to go and think. There were too many things that could go wrong if he went with the emotions churning in his gut. He couldn’t be ruled by those emotions without considering all of the consequences.
“I know, my bad,” Byron said. “Let’s get out of here.” He gave India a quick hug and kiss. “See you later, India.”
India smiled at him. “Don’t have too much fun.”
Byron winked. “Just hanging with my boy. I’ll tell you the same thing. Aren’t you going out with Russell later?”
Travis felt like he’d been punched in the chest. Jealousy crept deep in his bones. He didn’t look at India as she answered.
“Not tonight. I’m staying in.”
He glanced at her, a wave of relief sweeping away the jealousy that sprouted so quickly. Her bright eyes darted to him quickly, as if checking to see if he cared? He cared. Cared a lot more than he wanted to admit.
“Well, I’m coming over for dinner tomorrow,” Byron said. “We can talk about the final details for the community fish fry next weekend.” He glanced at Travis. “You should come to dinner, too.”
And sit across the table from India and Elaina for a few hours? Hell no. “I’ve got plans. Come on, let’s get out of here.”
They said goodbye to India. On the way out, Byron started talking about his long day and how he was looking forward to getting a drink.
Travis looked over his shoulder as they left the room. Caught India’s eye.
She lifted a hand in a slow wave. A spark of disappointment crossed her face before he turned the corner and couldn’t see her anymore. He’d been so close to saying everything. Ruining everything. Yes, he was on a roller coaster and he needed to get off. If he couldn’t suppress how he felt for India, and couldn’t express his feelings, then he needed to decide if he was ready to handle the fallout of going for what he wanted.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
ASHIYA GRABBED INDIA as she dashed from one end of the park to the other. India had been running around since arriving at six in morning. The actual fish fry started an hour ago, at eleven, and to their pleasant surprise, most of the community had shown up. Whether they were there to learn more a
bout Byron’s plans if he became the next senator or for the free fish, it didn’t matter. At least not now. Byron worked the crowd and planned to talk to as many of the people who came as he could. If the fish didn’t win them over, her brother’s personality would.
“What’s up?” India asked after Ashiya stopped her. She’d been on her way to make sure the audio system on the stage was connected and ready for Byron’s speech.
“I just want to make sure you’re breathing,” Ashiya said with a grin. “You haven’t stopped since I got here.”
“Byron’s speech is in a few minutes. I need to make sure everything is ready.”
“You do realize the world won’t come to an end if you take a few seconds to enjoy yourself? Besides, you have tons of family here. We can help. Look at Elaina, she’s itching to do something.” Ashiya pointed across the park to where Elaina hovered near the owners of the seafood restaurant India had hired to cater the event.
Elaina had raised one slim, critical brow when India informed her Frank’s Fish and Chicken was the place she’d chosen for the fish fry. Elaina had suggested Blue Fin, a higher end seafood restaurant instead, but India knew the smaller, more casual place was a staple in the community. If the goal of today’s event was to make the residents feel comfortable around Byron without the steep price tag of an expensive fund-raiser, then Frank’s was the perfect caterer.
“She’s not itching for something to do,” India said. “She’s looking for something to go wrong.”
“That’s only because she didn’t choose the caterer. Still, you could have her check the audio system and you can get a moment to breathe. Russell got here a few minutes ago. He was looking for you.”
India glanced around the crowded park. She didn’t want to see Russell. She’d avoided his calls and made excuses via text message ever since learning he was Patricia’s nephew. Russell couldn’t help who he was related to. He had nothing to do with his aunt’s relationship with Grant, yet India couldn’t get the idea out of her mind that continuing to hang out with Russell was like giving her stamp of approval to her dad and Patricia. Any kernels of guilt that tried to annoy her whenever she gave him another excuse were quickly flicked aside when she remembered her dad insisting she had to get used to Patricia.
“Did you know he’s Patricia’s nephew?”
Ashiya tugged on her right ear and glanced away. “I may have heard that somewhere.”
Meaning she’d known all along who he was related to. “Seriously? You didn’t think to tell me?”
“I didn’t think it would matter,” Ashiya defended.
“Of course it matters.” India turned and stomped toward the stage where a guy was hopefully correctly setting up the audio system.
“Why does it matter?” Ashiya asked, running to catch up with India. “He’s got nothing to do with your dad and Patricia. It shouldn’t matter.”
“Well, it does.” Anyone else. Her dad could marry anyone else and she’d be happy for him. Instead he’d chosen the one woman India could never forgive.
Neither Byron nor Elaina had decided to tell her their dad’s relationship with Patricia had gotten serious enough for marriage. Russell had known and hadn’t said anything to her either. Which meant he’d known she would be uncomfortable, especially since she’d already voiced concerns about why her dad wanted her to get to know him. Grant probably assumed Russell would be able to change India’s mind about his wonderful aunt. No one cared to tell her the truth, so right now, India didn’t particularly care about hiding her feelings when it came to her future stepmother.
“You know,” Ashiya said, “from the beginning you’ve been making excuses for why you can’t be with Russell. I’m starting to think there’s more going on.”
India caught sight of Travis walking toward the stage with long and purposeful strides. The lightweight white shirt and camel-colored slacks he wore effortlessly enhanced the width of his shoulders, flat stomach, strong arms and long legs. He had a matching fedora on his head, the front tilted low to the right casting a shadow over his eyes. Every time he looked at her from beneath the brim of that hat, her pulse decided to skip.
There is more going on. More reasons why she couldn’t focus on the good guy in front of her. Temptation was always sweeter.
India broke her gaze away from Travis. She stopped and faced Ashiya. “There’s no big plot. You know how much I don’t like feeling as if I’m being controlled by my dad. Russell feels like a type of control.”
Ashiya sighed. “Your dad could be leading you to something much worse than dating one of the most eligible bachelors in Jackson Falls.”
“Or maybe he’s driving me away from something better.” She fought the urge to look over her shoulder at Travis. “Look, let me check on the sound system real quick and then I’ll find you. After Byron’s speech, it’s pretty much just hanging around while he talks to people. I’ll have plenty of time to chill.”
Ashiya didn’t look convinced. “If you don’t find me, I’ll come look for you.”
“Please do. Russell aside, I could use some fun later. Find me.”
Ashiya nodded and India continued toward the stage. Travis was there, talking to the guy setting up the microphone. He nodded and his teeth flashed as he smiled and patted the guy on the shoulder. India bit her lip. Her steps quickened. She wasn’t in a hurry because Travis looked as if he were about to walk away from the stage. She just really needed to make sure he’d verified that everything was okay.
Travis caught sight of her coming. He stopped and waited for her. He didn’t smile, but what looked like anticipation brightened his eyes.
Projecting much? One brush of the fingers and an admission that he wanted someone other than Camille, and India’s what-if dreams had started again.
He hurt you once. Don’t be foolish and let him hurt you again.
“Hey,” she said a bit too brightly when she reached him. “I was just coming over to check on the system, but you beat me to it.”
He glanced back at the stage. “Yeah, everything is set. I’m going to try to pry Byron away from the folks he’s talking to and get him over here to make his speech.”
He stared into her eyes from beneath the brim of his hat. Humor danced in the dark centers. Her pulse played hopscotch against her veins. Heat rose in her cheeks.
“Good luck with that,” she said. “Prying Byron away while he’s campaigning is next to impossible.”
“Tell me about it. I can’t go anywhere with him anymore. We ran into a gas station yesterday just to pick up soda and chips. He started talking to the man behind the counter and guess how long he kept me there waiting?”
India tapped the corner of her mouth with a finger. “Thirty minutes?”
Travis shook his head. “Try an hour.”
India laughed out loud. Travis’s answering smile pulled her closer. She lightly hit his arm. “Oh no. You’re joking?”
“I wish I were. I ate the chips and drank the soda while he talked to the owner and customers that came in. I can tell you every single item in the Lil Cricket on Jackson Street.”
“And I thought I had it bad when he kept me in the produce section for twenty-five minutes last week.” India covered her mouth and chuckled.
“Well, you’re at an advantage.” His laughter slowly died, leaving behind a sexy smile that made her focus a beat too long on his kissable lower lip. “One pleading look from your beautiful brown eyes and we both know Byron will do what you ask.” His husky voice slid over her senses.
Her laughter slowly faded. Morphed into a pleasant warmth that spread from the crown of her head to the very soles of her feet. She felt the smile on her face soften along with the rest of her body. They stared at each other, both grinning. The charge of electricity between them buzzed like a hive of bees, pulsing with life and energy.
She needed to look away. No, sh
e needed to turn and walk away. Yes, Travis was funny, interesting and good-looking. Sure, there was a connection between them, one that had been there for years. One that had made them friends long before they’d realized they would have worked as lovers. Yes, they liked the same things, and he made her giddy with just a glance. But she couldn’t forget that he was Elaina’s ex-husband. More than that, he’d hurt her. The night they’d been together, he’d promised her something more than lust. When he’d pushed her away, she’d asked what was wrong. Why he’d taken things so far just to reject her.
This isn’t a rejection. India, I care about you more than you’ll ever know. You’re special to me. I need time to think.
Do you promise me this isn’t a game?
He’d taken her hands in his, pulled her back into his arms and kissed her softly. I promise you I’d never play you like that.
Two weeks later, he’d been back with Elaina. A few months later, he’d married Elaina. India didn’t want to feel that pain a second time if he moved on once again.
India broke eye contact first. “Well, since I have an advantage, I’ll go get Byron.”
Travis cleared his throat and took a step back. She hadn’t realized they’d gotten closer to each other while they talked. “I won’t argue with that.”
There was something in his face as he stared at her. His brows drew together. He studied her as if searching for the answer to an important question. Whether the question was for her or himself, she didn’t know. If he asked what she desired, what was in her heart when he looked at her as if he wanted to be the man she dreamed of, she wasn’t sure what answer she’d give.
Everyone in her family did what was expected of them. Elaina worked for Robidoux Tobacco. Byron was running for Senate to further extend their legacy. India had postponed moving to California to be the dutiful sister. Dad, on the other hand, was marrying his mistress and had told her to deal with it.
Maybe the reason she couldn’t shake what she felt was that she and Travis hadn’t finished what they’d started. What would happen if she did this one thing she wanted? Why couldn’t she have Travis, then let him go?
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