“That’s why you have me. To make them for you, at least the little ones, like what handbag to take to dinner, what shoes to wear… Important stuff like that. The bigger things I’m not so good at. Maybe you need a boyfriend.”
“Talk about problems. That’s the last thing I need. Then there’d never be time for my business.”
“How’s that manager at the sanctuary?”
“Oh, don’t even go there. I am not getting involved with anyone. No matter how much you bug me.” Despite her protests, Kinsley’s mind drifted to Dylan, as it had been doing a lot. “I think I’m going to take a walk. Get some fresh air. I’ll be back soon.”
“I’ll be here.”
When she stepped outside, she was surprised to find the sun had come out. It had been cloudy and drizzling earlier. She took a pair of Gucci sunglasses from her purse and slipped them on before heading down the street. She glanced in the window of various shops as she walked, stopping a few times when something pretty caught her eye. Normally, she would’ve tried on numerous outfits by now and purchased one or two. It could’ve been the conversation she’d had with Sue that made or feel a little off, or maybe it was that she was still worried about the Baylor property. Barry had been adamant that it sell fast. What she should be doing is going through files, trying to set up showings, not window shopping. However, the thought didn’t make her turn back. When she’d said she’d needed some fresh air, she really did.
Kinsley must’ve walked at least three miles and was about to head back to the office when she saw a pair of heels that would go great with the dress she’d bought recently. She went inside to try them on. However, the price tag made her put them back. Any other day, she wouldn’t have given it a thought. If she liked them, she would’ve bought them. Today, though, that wasn’t the case. It seemed frivolous and foolish to spend that much money for a pair of shoes. She thought of her Aunt Cora’s closet. There were no designer clothes in there. Kinsley handed the shoes to the salesperson.
Back at the office, there was a pile of messages on her desk. As she returned the calls, it was one problem after another. Sue had been right. She had to make some decisions and soon.
* * *
Come Monday, most of the issues that Kinsley had been dealing with over the past few days had been resolved. If it weren’t for the fact that she had three showings lined up in the afternoon at the Baylor property, she would’ve gone to Camille and been at the house when the kitchen appliances were delivered. Oh, well. She was sure Dylan had everything under control. It was funny how when Sue had mentioned she needed a boyfriend, he’d come to mind. Crazy. She knew that. City and country didn’t mix. They were complete opposites. Yet she couldn’t stop thinking about him. Best to get back to work.
She wound up staying at the office until about seven. When she got to the loft, she was exhausted and just wanted to go to bed, but she hadn’t even had dinner, so she scrambled up a couple of eggs. While she ate, she texted Dylan that she’d be back in Camille around three tomorrow. There were a few things she had to do in the morning.
That night she had a series of bad dreams, all having to do with failed transactions. They were so bad that a couple of times she woke up in a sweat. Maybe this was an omen that she needed to concentrate on one thing and one thing only. If that was the case, that meant selling the sanctuary, but how did she go about breaking the news to Dylan?
Chapter 14
“Where do these go,” Paul asked, holding up a package of paper napkins.
“Over there on the buffet table,” Dylan replied. He must’ve checked his list a dozen times to make sure he’d hadn’t forgotten anything. He even bought a book on how to throw a fabulous party. Its pages were dog-eared from use. He wanted everything to be perfect.
The staff from Delicious Delites was busily getting the food stations set up. He wanted this to be fun not stuffy, so he went with lots of different finger foods. There were lighted ice cubes for the drinks, as well as two hundred glow sticks that would be given out at dusk. He’d invited the entire town, and everyone was coming.
People were running around everywhere, making sure all their tasks were complete. Kinsley should be here in about an hour, giving him just about enough time to finish up the things he’d been working on, and then run upstairs to get dressed. The house looked amazing, so he wasn’t worried about that at all. The kitchen appliances had been delivered yesterday, and he was sure Kinsley was going to love them.
Everything had gone according to plan, so when he saw the Jag come down the driveway, he was about as ready as could be. The guests were out back waiting for her to come in, at which time Dylan would take her out to the porch where everyone would yell surprise.
When she got out of the car, his pulse thrummed. It seemed like she’d been gone a lot longer than a few days. He went out to meet her.
“Hey, don’t you look nice,” she said, looking at his khaki pants and crisp white cotton shirt. “Going somewhere?”
“No. I just thought I’d wear something other than jeans for a change.”
She smiled. “I like the look.”
“Thanks. I’ll have to wear it more often.”
“You’re done with work early, aren’t you?” she asked, studying his face.
“I went in at the crack of dawn, so I could be done when you arrived.”
She eyed him suspiciously. “I feel like something’s up. What have you got going on?”
“Why do you think that? Just because I’m not sweaty and covered in dirt, something has to be up.”
She laughed, and he was glad that her distrust seemed to be fading. “I guess when you put it like that I did sound a little silly.” Her expression softened. “I’m glad that you took off work early. That was nice of you.”
He walked up the front porch steps with her and then into the house. “Come have a look at the appliances,” he said, heading into the kitchen.
When she saw them, she covered her face with her hands. For a second he was worried, but then she said, “I love them. They’re gorgeous, and they fit in here perfectly. That’s what I was really worried about, but I should’ve had more faith in Paul and known that he’d measure correctly.”
“I don’t blame you for being anxious. This is the first job he’s done for you.”
“Yeah, but I should’ve known better. You recommended him.” Her mouth curved with tenderness, and it made his heart skip a beat.
He opened the refrigerator and took out a bottle of wine, then he took two glasses down from the cabinet. “What to do say we go drink this out on the back porch?”
“That sounds wonderful. You have no idea how tired I am. The office was in total chaos, and that client of mine who was threatening to drop his listing has been driving me crazy. He finally did agree to let me keep it, but I have to sell it fast, or I’ll be right back where I was with him.”
“Tough business.”
“You have no idea. You develop a thick skin real quick working in that world.”
“Makes you appreciate coming back here, doesn’t it?”
Her faint smile had a touch of sadness, and he wondered what was wrong.
“Did I say something to upset you?” When she didn’t answer, a sick feeling spread over him.
She looped her arm through his. “Let’s go sit on the porch and have that wine.”
Something was wrong. He could feel it in the pit of his stomach. But now wasn’t the time to find out what it was, not with hundreds of people waiting for them outside.
He opened the door, and a sea of people screamed, “Surprise.”
Kinsley nearly fell over. If her arm hadn’t been hooked with his, she surely would have. “What’s going on?” All color had drained from her face, and her eyes were huge and fixed directly on him.
“What do you think? A surprise party.” This was hardly the reaction he’d hoped for. Clearly, something was wrong, and he had the distinct feeling he wasn’t going to like what it was.
People had beg
un to come onto the porch, wanting to talk to them, so he pushed his fears aside, at least for now, to have a good time. He’d worked too long and too hard to let anything ruin it.
Kinsley went with the flow too, pasting a smile on her face as she spoke to each guest. The party was in full swing. There were waiters and waitresses with silver trays lined with white doilies full of delicious looking hor 'd oeuvres. The buffet tables contained so much food there wasn’t room for anything else.
A portable stage and dance floor had been set up in the yard, and as soon as the band began to play, people were dancing.
If you didn’t know Kinsley, you would think she was having a fabulous time. Dylan knew that wasn’t the case. A warning voice whispered in his head that later he would find out something he didn’t want to know.
He watched as she sat on one of the picnic tables the caterers had provided talking to some of the interns. He took a chug of his beer, hoping it would ease his frayed nerves, but it didn’t work. Nothing would until he found out what was wrong with Kinsley.
Martha came over to him with a plate full of food. “This is delicious,” she said, taking a bite of a chicken wing.
He hadn’t eaten anything yet but knew he should. The only thing he’d had all day was the cup of soup Paul had brought him from the deli. That had served as his lunch and breakfast. There’d been no time for anything else. The most important thing had been to have the party set up in time. His stomach could wait. And now just the thought of food made him feel nauseous. He’d force himself to grab something later, though, once the food line was shorter.
“Looks like Kinsley is getting to meet the whole town today,” she said.
“That was kind of the idea, along with some others. I wanted her to feel welcome here. Living in the city can be lonely. Even if you grew up there.”
“Yeah, I know what you mean. A million people and you’re lucky if you know a handful. I wouldn’t trade living in Camille for anywhere else.”
He looked back over at Kinsley. “I agree. This is it for me. I’m not going anywhere else.”
“You didn’t like Minnesota?” she asked, before taking a sip of her drink. It was one of the signature cocktails made especially for the party.
“You think we get a lot of snow try living there.”
“Ah, gotcha.”
Some church members joined them on the porch, and for a brief time as they chatted, he forgot about his worries and enjoyed the party.
Later, he noticed Kinsley standing alone by a tree, and he went over to her. “Having fun?” he asked trying to sound upbeat.
“I am, actually.” But he noticed a tone to her voice that he hadn’t heard before.
“Dance with me.” He was glad she let him lead her over to the floor without objection, and just like the other time they danced, she rested her head against his chest. He loved the feel of her against his body, and he pulled her closer. Her steps matched his perfectly as they moved around the floor. He breathed in the aroma of her perfume, thinking it was the sweetest, most delectable scent he’d ever smelled. Everything about it sent his sense reeling. He’d never had that happen with another woman. Not ever. Not even with Tori. There was something so special about Kinsley that he was willing to try anything to keep her in his life.
Time melted away. He hadn’t even noticed it had gotten dark until the lights on the dance floor began to shimmer under their feet. Right after that the backyard was lit up by glow sticks. People waved them in time to the music.
Kinsley lifted her head off his chest and asked, “I can’t believe you did this for me.”
“We have a special connection. That doesn’t come along very often. I know you feel it too.”
She didn’t answer, but that was okay. He really hadn’t expected her to. Instead, she asked, “But why did you do it?”
“I have my reasons.”
“Name a few.”
He laughed. “Okay. One is because I really wanted you to see how special Camille is. You wouldn’t be able to do that unless you met a lot of the people. What better way to do that than to have a party.”
“And another?”
“Well, this is the most important. I wanted to you to know how much you mean to me. You could’ve come here to see your inheritance and decided right off the bat that you were going to sell the sanctuary, but you didn’t do that. You still haven’t decided. I admire that. You’re taking your time to make sure you make the right decision. I don’t think most people would do that. But you’re not most people. That’s for sure. I also appreciate that you’ve been honest with me. That’s rare too.” He hadn’t anticipated making a speech, but it sure had turned into one.
“Thank you. I think you’re pretty special too.”
Just hearing her say that made all his earlier worries disappear. They spent the rest of the night dancing, eating, drinking wine, and enjoying the company of the townspeople. Dylan couldn’t remember ever having such a good time.
Most people left a little before midnight. However, there were a few stragglers who stuck around later. It wound up being after two before the last ones went home. There were purple shadows under Kinsley’s eyes, and she was yawning more as each minute passed.
“I should go too.” He started to get up off the wicker chair, but when she put her hand over his, he sat back down. The back porch was fairly dark now. The dance floor lights were off, and the glow sticks were gone so he couldn’t get a good look at her face.
“Don’t go yet. We need to talk.”
All night long he’d been waiting for this. Dreading it actually. Yet he was able to push it to the dark recesses of his mind to enjoy the party.
“Are you sure you want to talk now. Wouldn’t it be better to wait until later? Until after we’ve both gotten some sleep. I know I’m so exhausted I’m in a fog.” Not that that wasn’t true, but he was willing to try any excuse to stall what he was sure would be a devastating conversation. At least for him. His tactic didn’t work, though.
“We need to talk now, regardless of how tired we are. Otherwise, I might chicken out. But I can’t this is too important to us both. It has to be said. I know you know that. I also know you have a good idea what it’s about. I could see it on your face all night. You were waiting. Well, the wait’s over.”
Dylan got up and dragged the porch chair closer to hers so that his arm touched hers. He needed to feel her soft, silky skin. He didn’t know why, he just did. “You want to talk about the sanctuary, don’t you,” he said sadly.
“Yes.” She paused to take a deep breath before beginning. “You know how much thought I’ve given this and I’ve gone over every possibility at least a million times. And I’ve gone back and forth with my decision that many times too.”
“And?”
“I have to sell it. I’m so sorry. I know that’s not what you wanted to hear.”
His emotions were jagged, like the sharp edge of a knife. He wanted to lash out at her, and he did. He said things he never would’ve said otherwise. “How do you know what I want to hear? Do you even care? All you’ve been thinking about is what will work for you? Well, what about me? And the other employees? And the interns? And the animals?” His voice rose. “Have you ever thought about that? I doubt it. You’re too wrapped up in yourself. In your fancy clothes and five-inch heels.” He was grasping at anything he could think of as long as he thought it would hurt her. She was destroying his life and all those around him.
Her face had a grayish tinge to it as she clasped her fingers tightly in her lap. “You don’t mean all that.”
His eyes were narrowed as he stared at her. “So now I get to ask you the same question. How do you know that?”
“I don’t. I guess I don’t.” Her voice was so low. He could barely hear her.
“Why?”
“I told you why.”
Was that pity he saw on her face? “I did all this for you, and this is what you do for me. You destroy my life. And on the very night o
f the party. Do you have any idea how much work went into it? Any idea how many people helped put it together? I’m sure you don’t. How could you? None of that matter to you. Just that you unload this place so you can go back to the city. I’m sure you’ll get a buyer. Although, who knows what he’ll put in here after he destroys the sanctuary. I suppose it doesn’t matter once I’m gone, and the animals are gone.”
Kinsley put her hand on his arm, but he brushed it off. Right now he couldn’t stand to feel her touch.
“Please, Dylan. I’m doing my best. Try to understand. I didn’t ask for this. What was I supposed to do?”
“I have no idea.” He got up and walked to the edge of the patio. No matter what happened, he’d still have his property. A lot of good it would do him if it was surrounded by condos. “You’ll get a pretty penny for this place I’m sure.”
“It’s not about the money.” Her voice cracked a little.
“It’s about your career and living in the city.” He said it more to himself than to her. “I should go. There’s nothing more to say anyway.”
When he stepped off the porch and started to walk away, she didn’t try to stop him. But then he didn’t think she would. She simply let him walk off into the dark.
By the time he got home most of his anger had subsided. The walk had done him good. Now it was replaced with a dull ache, like when you have a toothache. Only there wasn’t a remedy for this pain. This was going to stay with him for a very long time. Maybe forever.
Chapter 15
Kinsley tossed and turned all night. She got up in the morning with a splitting headache. It could’ve been from the wine she’d had at the party. Most likely, though, it was due to stress. She felt horrible about how she’d left things with Dylan. Once again she did an awful job of explaining her feelings. And after he went to all the trouble of throwing her a party too. He deserved a better explanation.
She’d never forget the look on his face when she told him she’d decided to put the sanctuary on the market. His blue eyes showed the tortured dullness of disbelief, and his mouth, that same mouth that had once kissed her so passionately had been pressed together in anger. A cold, congested expression settled on his face, and she was silenced by it, afraid to hurt him any further. But that was yesterday. Today she had to summon the courage to see him, once she got rid of her headache.
No Time for Love: No Brides Club, Book 1 Page 9