No Time for Romance

by Raine English

  Kinsley shook her head while planting her hands on her hips. “This is what I have to look forward to for the rest of my life—a husband covered in muck and wild animals roaming around my back yard.”

  Emilia and Chase laughed at Kinsley’s pretend annoyance. There was no hiding the sensuous light that passed between her and Dylan. They would have a joyous, exciting, love-filled life together. Emilia was sure of it. A twinge of disappointment weighed upon her, knowing that wasn’t in her cards, though.

  “Should we still eat outside, or would you rather have lunch in the dining room?” Kinsley asked, taking the tray back from Emilia.

  She looked over at Chase, and they both said at the same time, “Outside.”

  Kinsley grinned. “Great minds think alike. That was my choice too. I think it’s safe to say there won’t be any more unwanted visitors, at least for today.”

  They followed her onto the porch. When Chase sat down beside their hostess, Emilia sat on Kinsley’s other side, glad to have a distance between her and Chase, as her skin still tingled where he’d touched her. If this was how she was going to react to him, it was best to stay as far away as possible this weekend, or she could wind up in big trouble. Their attraction was still electric. It was quite evident that it hadn’t faded with time, and it could only lead to heartache if she let it take control. Common sense needed to rule, and she was bound and determined to make sure that it did.

  6

  Chase tried hard to concentrate on what Kinsley was saying. It was important that he find out what her vision was for the wedding. Did she want an open bar and plenty of hors d’oeuvres, along with a sit-down dinner, or would an extravagant buffet suffice? All of these things would play a role in determining whether he’d cater the reception. Yet, all he could think about was how good Emmy had felt in his arms. Her velvety soft skin and the sweet scent of her perfume had sent his senses reeling. No matter how many times he told himself, she wasn’t interested in him, her reaction to his touch said otherwise.

  Sure, sheer black fright had kept her from rejecting his embrace. He could feel the rapid beating of her heart against his chest after pulling her off the porch and away from the bear. But once she was safe, she didn’t move away. She seemed to melt against him even more as if she didn’t want him to let go. Logic told him not to read more into it than he should. However, that was easier said than done. The mere touch of her sent a warming shiver throughout his body. No other woman had ever done that to him, including Vera. She could tell, as any female could, especially one’s wife, when a man wasn’t yearning for her. It’s not that he didn’t want to, or try, but Emmy had a hold on his heart that wouldn’t let go.

  He’d known early on in his short three-year marriage that Vera deserved more, much more than he could give. She was a kind and loving woman—those traits were what had drawn her to him in the first place—making him believe they could have a good life together, that he would come to love her, and he did. But he wasn’t in love with her. Not the crazy head-over-heels, couldn’t-stop-thinking-of-her kind of love. Maybe if he’d never had it with Emmy, it wouldn’t have mattered. But he had. He did. It wouldn’t go away, and Vera sensed that it wasn’t there for her, and it put a strain on their marriage that couldn’t be fixed. Divorce hadn’t been an easy decision, but it was one that had been done for both their interests. Vera could find a man who’d love her the way she should be loved, and he could concentrate on other aspects of his life, like work, knowing that he’d had great love once, and that was more than many people could say.

  As he finished his salad, he forced his thoughts away from the past and onto the pressing issue at hand. Was he going to cater Kinsley and Dylan’s wedding?

  “The original caterer was going to provide a sit-down dinner,” the bride-to-be said. “However, I’m not opposed to a buffet, if that would make things easier for you, Chase.”

  He set his fork down on the plate. “That would be easier to prepare, and there are other advantages too. Especially with a large party like yours. It takes less time for guests to get their food and offers many more choices. Also, there’s no waiting for plates to be delivered and cleared between courses.”

  Kinsley leaned back in her chair. “Enough said. I’m sold. A buffet it is. I’ll even let you decide on the dishes. As long as there’s a nice variety that includes fish, meat, and vegetarian, I’ll be a happy bride.”

  “And you don’t have to worry about a wedding cake. Pascal’s Bakery is providing that,” Emmy added.

  He glanced over at her, noticing how her gorgeous eyes had a sheen of purpose as if urging him to accept the job.

  “But a few trays of cookies would be nice. However, don’t let that be a deal-breaker. I can live without them,” Kinsley said.

  He thought for a moment, his gaze shifting from woman to woman. Kinsley’s face was smiling, while Emmy’s held an almost imperceptible note of pleading. How could he say no? Chase lifted his glass. “Let’s toast to a lavishly delicious buffet and enough cookies for your guests to bring some home.”

  Emmy let out an audible sigh of relief.

  “You’re a godsend, Chase Christianson!” Kinsley exclaimed.

  For the next hour or so, they discussed price and went over the details, culminating the conversation with a signed contract that was agreeable to all.

  “I have a million things left to do this afternoon,” Kinsley said, pushing her chair back. “But since you’ve only met Hewey, I’m sure Emilia would be happy to show you around the sanctuary. You can’t spend the weekend at Forever Wild without seeing the animals.”

  “I’d love that,” Chase replied before Emmy could answer.

  “And this evening, Dylan and I are going to Camille’s May Festival. It’s like a county fair. There’ll be lots of food booths, rides, and entertainment. The sanctuary has a booth there too that our interns man. It gives them a chance to interact with the public and show off what they’ve learned. We’d love to have you two come with us.”

  Emmy pursed her lips, and before she could come up with an excuse not to go, he once again answered first. “Sounds wonderful. What time are you leaving?”

  “Will seven work?”

  “Perfect. We’ll meet you out front.” Chase paid no attention to the scowl Emmy sent him. After agreeing to cater Kinsley’s wedding, going out with him tonight was the least she could do.

  “I need to change before touring the sanctuary.” She glanced down at her open-toe shoes. “You might want to put on a pair of jeans.”

  She had a point. Chase would prefer not having to take his dress pants to the cleaners if he could help it. “It’ll only take me about ten minutes. How about you?”

  “The same.” Her tone was flat as if she’d been forced into doing something awful. Would it really be that bad spending a few hours with him? Obviously, Emmy thought so.

  As he followed her up the mahogany staircase, he couldn’t help but notice how her dress accentuated her tiny waist. He guessed she must still wear a size four. Although petite, she had curves in all the right places, unlike his ex-wife, whose boyish figure had been the complete opposite. The more he thought about it, the more he realized he’d subconsciously married someone as different as possible from Emmy. However, that had little effect on helping him forget her.

  Inside his room, he quickly changed into a pair of well-worn jeans and a comfortable t-shirt that he didn’t mind getting dirty, then he brushed his teeth, ran his fingers through his hair, and was ready with a few minutes to spare.

  As he waited out in the hall, he wondered if Emmy would still be annoyed that he’d told Kinsley they would join her and Dylan at the festival tonight. He didn’t have to wait long to find out, though. A few minutes later, she appeared in stone-washed jeans, a body-hugging tank top, and sneakers. Her hair was pulled back in a high ponytail, and she looked casual, comfortable, and totally at ease, giving him hope that they might actually have some fun this afternoon.

  “Seeing as
you’re the tour guide, where are we headed?” Chase asked.

  “Downstairs is a start,” she said cheekily as she walked by him.

  This was the Emmy he knew and loved, spunky and sarcastic, and he hoped to see more of her.

  Outside, they crossed the front lawn and then strolled along what looked to be a newly laid sidewalk. They reached the bear enclosure first, where Hewey was sprawled out in the grass. He looked up as they approached but didn’t bother to come over. Guess if food wasn’t involved, he wasn’t interested. Chase remembered how quickly the bear had chowed down on the carrots.

  The next enclosure held two brown-spotted bobcats lounging in their den. They were about twice the size of a domestic cat with a ruff of fur around the sides of their face and black tufts at the tops of their ears.

  “The smaller one is Sugar,” Emmy informed him. “She was seized from someone who’d been keeping her as a pet. Not at all advised with a wild animal.”

  He frowned. “Why can’t people be satisfied with a regular cat or a dog?”

  “Good question. I’ve got my hands full with a ten-month-old puppy. I couldn’t imagine owning something exotic.”

  “What type of dog?” Chase asked.

  “Newton or Newt, as I love to call him, is a boxer mix. He’s forty-five pounds of non-stop energy.”

  Chase chuckled. “Sounds like he’s going to be a big boy.”

  “Yeah, I’m afraid he’s got a lot more growing to do. He’s a sweetheart, though. One day, not long after I got him, I was taking him for a walk when a neighbor’s dog ran up to him. I was terrified at first, thinking there might be a fight, but Newt just wagged his tail and wanted to play. He loves everyone and everything.”

  “I’ve been thinking about getting a dog.”

  “Well, be sure to get a rescue. They’re the best.”

  “Wouldn’t get one anywhere else.”

  “Is your wife an animal lover?”

  Emmy’s question was innocent enough, but he hated it when she brought up Vera. He was going to have to tell her he was divorced, only now wasn’t the right time. He didn’t know when that might be, but he was certain he’d know it when it arrived.

  “I wouldn’t say she’s a lover. More like she tolerates them,” Chase said in answer to her question. “But she loves kids.”

  Emmy’s expression changed. Her face grew taut and pale. “Do you have any?”

  “No. Too much on my plate.” As soon as he said that, the color came back in her cheeks.

  “Someday?”

  “I guess that depends.”

  “On?”

  “Who’s that?” he asked, pointing to the porcupine in the next enclosure to change the subject.

  Luckily, Emmy picked up the hint that he didn’t want to talk about kids or his marriage because she simply answered, “That’s Prickle.”

  “Appropriate name,” he said with a chuckle.

  “Very. You sure don’t want to get poked with one of those needle-like quills.”

  They spent the rest of the tour talking about animals and away from personal stuff. Chase saw species he never thought he’d get to see up close, like a variety of owls such as the endangered short-eared, barred owl, great horned, and the barn owl. They also viewed birds of prey like the peregrine falcon and the bald eagle.

  “That’s Dylan’s house,” Emmy pointed out as they passed a brick-red ranch on their way to see the wolves. “After the wedding, he’s going to move into Kinsley’s Victorian and lease his place to Martha Miller, the sanctuary’s animal care coordinator, and wildlife vet. It’ll be much easier having her living on site. Especially, as emergencies can happen at any hour.”

  “How many employees are there?”

  “Besides Dylan and Martha, there are two additional full-timers: an education director, and an animal care and education assistant. But there are four to six interns working here at any given time—college grads looking for experience in the field.”

  “I’m amazed at how well run the place is.”

  Emmy smiled. “Dylan has been doing this for years. He’s one of the best there is.”

  When they approached a huge enclosure, a pack of gray wolves with fabulous golden eyes watched them warily. One came up to the fence, seemingly unafraid.

  “That’s Nadia,” Emmy said. “Kinsley’s aunt raised her from a pup. She was very depressed after Cora died, so Dylan spent a lot of time with her. She has pups now. Want to see them?”

  “Are you kidding? I’d love to.” He followed Emmy into a barn where six adorable wolf pups were running around a bale of hay.

  She scooped one up and held it in front of him. “Go ahead and pet him.”

  Chase gazed into the animal’s clear blue eyes as he carefully ran his fingers over its fur. “Softer than I thought,” he proclaimed with astonishment.

  “They’re only about six weeks old. As they grow, it’ll become coarser. Their eyes will change color, too, but that won’t happen for a while.”

  “For a wedding planner, you know an awful lot about animals.”

  The beginning of a smile tipped the corners of her mouth. “I find them fascinating and amazing. Coming here has given me a chance to learn so much more than I could ever imagine.”

  A new and unexpected warmth surged through him. This was a side of Emmy that he’d never seen before. The Emmy he knew in high school was all about music and theater. He had no idea she was so interested in animals. There probably were a lot of things he didn’t know about her, but he sure wanted to find out.

  They stayed in the barn for about another twenty minutes before heading over to see Ella, the cougar. After that, Emmy showed him some forest areas where scientists and students conducted research.

  “This tour was fantastic,” he said as they walked back to the house.

  Satisfaction shone in her eyes. “I’ll never forget my first time here. It was magical. I got to hold a fox kit, and I thought my heart would melt right there on the spot.”

  “Thank you for sharing a little of this world.” His hand touched hers, and a dizzying current raced through him.

  “You’re welcome. I had a good time too.”

  He was surprised to hear those words coming from her lips. Maybe he had made a little progress, and she didn’t hate him as much now as she had before.

  7

  As Emilia got ready for the festival, her thoughts were focused on Chase, and not just because he agreed to cater Kinsley’s wedding but because he was beginning to unlock her heart and soul. It terrified her that he could have such an effect on her, and in such a short period of time. She would have to be extra cautious tonight, or she could be in deep trouble. She was way too vulnerable where Chase was concerned. A lingering look, or touch, and she’d become putty. Not a good thing for someone who’d sworn off men. Especially, the one who’d broken her heart. Not to mention that he was married now.

  The smartest thing she could do would be to make sure she wasn’t alone with him tonight. If they stayed glued to Kinsley and Dylan, she might have a fighting chance of saving herself from despair.

  Emilia put on a pretty cotton dress, ran a brush through her hair, slipped on her favorite denim jacket, and was ready to go.

  At seven o’clock, she was outside on the front porch, waiting for the others to arrive. Kinsley and Dylan appeared a few moments later, but Chase was nowhere in sight. What if he’d changed his mind about the festival? Would he just not show? Memories of that night in the park, waiting and wondering, resurfaced, causing her heart to race and tiny beads of perspiration to line her brow. As the minutes ticked by, her anxiety worsened.

  “Are you feeling okay?” Kinsley asked. “You’re looking awfully pale.”

  “I’m exhausted, that’s all. It’s been a long day.”

  “You don’t have to go tonight. I can tell Chase—”

  “Tell me what?” he asked, cutting off Kinsley as he stepped onto the porch.

  Emilia looked over at her friend and
winked. “Nothing. I was just mentioning that I was tired.”

  “Don’t worry. The fresh air will perk you up,” Chase said cheerily.

  “I hope you’re right.”

  “By the way, sorry I’m a few minutes late. I had to take a call from my assistant chef. She’s handling a dinner party for me tonight, and I need to make sure it was nothing urgent.”

  “Was it?” Emilia asked, relieved that he hadn’t stood her up.

  “Just a little short on one ingredient. Had to tell her what she could use in its place.”

  “Glad that’s all it was,” Kinsley said. “I know what it’s like to leave your business in someone else’s hands. I’ve had to do that with my real estate firm, and it’s taken me some time to relax and let go of the reins.”

  “Now that we’re all here, how about we get going?” Dylan asked, draping his arm over Kinsley’s shoulders. “Serenity Wright is performing at the festival tonight, and I’m sure you all won’t want to miss that.”

  “I just love her,” Kinsley cooed. “She’s always got a record at the top of the Country Music charts.”

  “It wasn’t always like that,” Chase chimed in. “From what I’ve read about her, it took many years for her to find success. She’d all but given up hope.”

  His gaze lingered on Emilia, and she knew with clarity that his words were meant for her. He’d been her biggest fan at a time when her dreams of becoming a Broadway star were at their peak. She’d been willing to give them up, though, to move to Minnesota with him, but when that didn’t happen, those dreams of stardom had been a lifeline. Until that desire wasn’t realized, either. Real-life and all its disappointments hit her hard. Thankfully, she had a wonderful sister to help get her back on her feet. Happily Ever After was her life now, and there was no way that she would open the door to a world that wasn’t meant for her.

  On the way to the fairgrounds, she took in the lush, green scenery, such a huge contrast to the dull grays and browns of the city. When they reached the festival, cars were parked along the side of the road, and even in fields and on lawns. Apparently, this event was a popular one. Of course, having Serenity there had to be a huge contributor. Emilia wondered what it must be like traveling from city to city, performing at a different venue each night. She imagined along with the exhilaration, it had to be exhausting as well.