Without You: A Friends-to-Lovers Small Town Romance

by Jennifer Van Wyk

  He barks out a laugh. “Want me to take you out of your misery?”

  “I have no idea what you’re talking about,” I lie.

  “Oh, you don’t, huh?”

  Guiding me out of his bedroom, unfortunately, I resist the urge to look back at his bed longingly. Man, it’s been a while since I’ve been with a man. Maybe that’s why I’m so ready for Brody. I haven’t felt the weight of a man on top of me in two years. Two. Years.

  “No clue,” I mutter.

  “Uh huh. What do you think of my kitchen, Katie?”

  “Huh? Oh, your kitchen? It’s great.”

  Chuckling, he replies, “Liar.”

  I huff. “Fine! It’s awful. How is the rest of your house so well done but your kitchen looks like the sixties threw up all over it?”

  “It’s next on the list, I promise you.”

  “The list?”

  We walk into the eyesore of a kitchen and he pulls out a kitchen chair for me to take a seat. I do as he pulls out a bottle of water and a Coke from the fridge, offering both to me. I point to the Coke and he grins, handing it over. I pop the top and he grabs one for himself before closing the puke green fridge door and coming to sit next to me. “I’ve renovated the entire house. It was built in 1962 and I bought it from the original owners. They moved to a retirement home here in town. You should have seen the place when I bought it.”

  “How long ago was that?” I ask, taking a drink.

  “Three years.”

  My eyes widen and I choke on the carbonated soda that I just tried to swallow.

  “You’ve lived with this kitchen for three years?”

  He nods. “That I have.”

  “Why?”

  “Like I said, you should have seen the rest of it. The guy was a hoarder. One of the bedrooms was in such bad shape, it was almost to the point of condemning the rest of the house.”

  “Oh my gosh.”

  “Yeah. It was disgusting. It took me six months to clean it up.”

  “So you gutted it?”

  Another nod. “Completely.”

  “How’d you even find this place?”

  “Friend of a friend of a friend. You know how it goes. I mentioned that I was looking for something cheap because I was sick of paying rent.”

  “And I take it this place was cheap?”

  “It definitely was. But the bones of the house are good. Solid. It just wasn’t well-loved over the years. The lady, she was not in great shape mentally. Dementia, if I understand correctly. The guy was afraid if he got rid of anything that it would set her back.”

  Well, darn it, now my heart is kind of breaking for them. “Aww. That’s rough.”

  “Yup. I agree. So I can’t really blame them. The kids tried to step in a few times but they couldn’t convince him otherwise.”

  “But they must have eventually?”

  He shrugs. “I guess. I mean, they’re living in the Friendship House where she’s got round-the-clock care and he can live without feeling like he has to constantly monitor her. I’m not sure how the kids got in there and made him realize it was time to move her somewhere safe and that the way they were living wasn’t healthy, but they did.”

  “And you’ve done the work yourself?”

  “For the most part, yes. I pulled up all the flooring, and in the one bedroom had to even lay new subfloor. All the windows and doors have been replaced as well as the heater, air conditioner, and water heater. I repainted the walls and the outside, replaced the roof, and added on the trim around the windows. I also built the breezeway between the garage and the house.”

  “Holy shit. That’s a lot!”

  “Yeah. It probably would have been easier to just build a house.” He laughs.

  “Uh, sounds like it.”

  “It’s been fun, though. I like seeing the progress and knowing I’m the one who did the work.”

  “How’d you know how to do it?”

  “Dad. He’s been helping a lot. So has Chad. He’s a contractor so he helps when he’s not busy.”

  Brody stands up, grabs the steaks, and motions with his head for me to follow him outside. I pick up our drinks and we step through the door. I can smell the grill heating off to the side of the small patio where he has a table and four chairs. He lifts the lid and places two steaks on the grill with a satisfying sizzle. Once they’re in place, he closes the lid.

  “Want to sit out here while we wait?”

  Nodding, I take a seat on one of the patio chairs. The table is square, made of tile and metal and has a built-in fire pit in the center. The chairs are oversized with thick cushions on the seat.

  “So what are your plans for the kitchen?”

  He pulls his phone out of his pocket and goes to his photos, showing me not only a plan but several pictures. “This is what I’m using for inspiration. But my dad is the one who drew up the actual plans. He loves messing with this stuff.”

  After working in an architecture firm for several years, looking at the plans brings me a sense of nostalgia, even if the plans aren’t at the same level as what architects create.

  “Wow. I love it. When are you starting it?”

  “Well, it was going to be in a couple weeks but now I’m so busy with work so I hired Chad to get it going for me. He’ll work on it after he’s done building my new shop.”

  “So… how many rings do you have thrown in the fire right now?”

  He chuckles and stands up, opens the lid to the grill, and my mouth instantly waters at the delicious aroma. “Quite a few,” he says honestly. “That’s why I decided I needed to hire the kitchen done. I’m too busy and Chad and his crew can get it done in a quarter of the time that Dad and I could. Plus, Chad said that my dad could help them mainly because he enjoys the work and Chad likes being around him.”

  “Oh, that’s good.”

  “Yup. I’m ready,” he says, leaning back in his chair now and crossing his leg, his ankle resting on his knee. “The look on your face when we walked in was priceless, though. As much as I want that room finished, I’m so glad I got to see your reaction.”

  “I was so shocked,” I admit.

  The corner of his mouth curves up and he says, “Oh, trust me. Your emotions are like an open book. You don’t hide anything well. At all.”

  I blush because I really hope that’s not true. If he has any idea of what I’m thinking, I’ll die of embarrassment. Right here in this incredibly comfortable patio chair in front of the man who should be on the cover of People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive issue, I’m going to die.

  “Don’t worry, I expected it,” he says and again, it sounds like he’s teasing me and I don’t know what to make of it. Is he talking about the kitchen only or is there more that he picked up on? Gah.

  To cover up my own embarrassment, I roll my eyes and scoff. “Okay. As long as I didn’t offend you.”

  “Never. I think the steaks are done. You want to eat inside or out here? The potatoes should be ready by now, too.”

  “Let’s eat out here.”

  “My kitchen that offensive?”

  Laughing, I shake my head, but still say, “Only a little bit.”

  While Brody gets the steaks off the grill, I go inside and take the potatoes out of the oven. He’s already set out condiments along with plates, steak knives, and forks. He comes inside carrying the platter with our steaks and we get to work getting our plates ready. I help myself to a bottle of water in his fridge and he looks over his shoulder and murmurs, “Get me one, too, will ya?”

  “Sure.”

  Once we’re set up with our meals, we go back outside and dig in.

  The first bite of steak melts in my mouth and a moan slips out.

  “To think I once thought you were a vegetarian. You really know how to eat a steak.”

  “You know, if this wasn’t so freakin’ delicious, I’d be a little embarrassed but seriously, I can’t even get myself to be ashamed. This is so good, Brody.”

  �
��Thank you. I’m glad you like it.”

  “Love it,” I correct him.

  He grins and we make idle small talk while eating. It’s not hard to think of things to talk about. We both have a lot going on right now, but we also have memories from our high school to reminisce over.

  He lit a citronella candle while I was inside getting the potatoes out of the oven, which is helping to keep the bugs away, but with the sun starting to set, I wish I would have thought ahead and grabbed a sweatshirt or jacket. The short sleeve t-shirt I threw on this morning isn’t keeping me warm enough, but that’s not something I’m going to admit to him. I’m enjoying not just the meal, but also his company far too much to ruin it by complaining that I’m chilly.

  Stuffed from the steak, potato, and Caesar salad, I push my now empty plate away and sit back in my seat.

  “Oh my gosh, I don’t think I’ve ever been this full.”

  “I’m impressed that you were able to eat all that.”

  “You trying to tell me that I’m a pig?”

  He chortles, “No.” He points at me. “And don’t even go there. You know you’re not and I’m not even close to being the guy that would care. You’re just tiny and I can’t begin to imagine where you were able to put all that food.”

  “I’m talented,” I explain, rubbing my stomach. I really am almost uncomfortably full, though. Even the potatoes were outstanding. He did some sort of salt rub on the outside and the sour cream was mixed with something oniony — or maybe it was chives — but it also had a ranch flavor to it. I’m pretty sure the Caesar dressing was homemade, too. Who knew Brody Redding was a home chef?

  “Seems so. I would offer you dessert but all I have is chocolate ice cream and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.”

  “Sounds delicious,” I say, even though I know I’ll regret it if I eat anymore. “But maybe we should do dessert another night. I don’t think I can eat another bite.”

  “Another time, huh?” he asks.

  I shrug a shoulder. “Well, I mean…”

  “Stop right there. I’m taking you up on it. Counting on it, actually, so no backing out.”

  Yeah. I’m counting on it, too.

  Chapter Eight

  Brody

  Johnny, Chad, and I are helping Katie move into the apartment above my garage today. Three nights ago, we sat on my patio and shared a meal and I resisted the urge to offer her a sweatshirt or ask her to stay a while longer and have a bonfire. She was cold. I could see the goose bumps and her shivering. But she said she needed to go home and I didn’t want to push my luck. We’d had a great night together and I know, deep down in my soul I know, it won’t be the last. That’s why I didn’t push for more that night.

  “You really think it’ll work to have her live so close?” Chad asks as we walk up to Katie’s parents’ house.

  “Yup.”

  “Really? What if she brings home a date?”

  “That won’t happen,” I say confidently. I mean, I don’t think it’ll happen. She surely knows how I feel about her and I’m about ninety-five percent positive she feels the same way.

  “Oh, yeah? You don’t think she’s gonna date?”

  “Nope.”

  “Or is it that you don’t think she’s gonna date anyone but you?”

  “Shit, Chad. Drop it, will ya?”

  “Nope,” he says with a grin. “I won’t. What’s your plan here? Because I’m about to tell you something. If she starts dating someone else, you’re not going to handle it well.”

  “My plan? My plan is to not let that happen,” I say, just as confidently.

  “Oh, really?”

  Johnny laughs then slaps me on the back. “Good luck, man. If it all goes to hell, don’t come cryin’ to us.”

  “Y’all are so supportive.”

  “I know,” Chad says.

  Katie walks out of the house carrying an arm full of clothes that are on hangers and stumbles right in front of me. I grab her, clothes smashed between us, and keep her steady. “You good?”

  “Yeah. It’s that lip in the sidewalk. Daddy keeps saying he’s going to get it fixed.”

  “But he’s been busy being naked,” I add.

  “Come again?” Johnny asks, laughing. “Your dad likes to be naked? My kind of man!” He charges past us and walks right into the house without knocking. “Yo! Katie’s dad! You free balling?” he hollers and Katie’s eyes grow wide, Chad laughs, and I have no words.

  “Oh my gosh. He did not just say that to my father!”

  “Oh yeah, he did.”

  She steps away and looks up at me. “This is your fault, you know? Because you said that in front of him. You know Johnny. No way would he be able to let something like that go.”

  I shrug. “Sorry. Something tells me your dad won’t give a shit, though.”

  She rolls her eyes and sighs heavily. “That’s actually very true. He won’t care at all. He’ll probably invite Johnny to join him. Damn hippy.”

  Chuckling, I give her a friendly hug. “Come on, let’s get this load into your car then we’ll help get the rest.”

  “Sounds good.”

  It takes us just one trip because we could fit all her clothes and other belongings into our vehicles. Since her furniture is in a storage shed, there’s not a lot for us to move and it goes quickly. Johnny and Chad stopped giving me grief about Katie living in my apartment and we worked together to help Katie get everything put away where she wanted it.

  “Thank you for your help. I can’t tell you what it means to me.”

  Johnny drapes his arm over her shoulder. “No big deal. Anything for Brody’s girl.”

  He throws a cheeky smile in my direction and I shoot him a subliminal message that lets him know he can expect a punch to the nuts later. Meanwhile, Katie’s face flames bright red and her eyes go as big as saucers. Chad chuckles behind me, muttering something about Johnny needing to wear a nut cup to work for a while.

  “Something wrong, B?” Johnny asks, not giving a shit.

  I don’t even reply, I just roll my eyes.

  “Anyway! Thanks again. I mean it. I’d love to order pizza or Chinese or something. You guys free for that?”

  “Johnny and I have plans,” Chad says, grabbing him by the forearm and tugging him away from Katie. “But thanks, anyway. We were happy to help. Have a good night!”

  He ushers Johnny out the door before we have a chance to even say good bye.

  “I’m sorry about Johnny. He’s…”

  “Johnny?”

  “Yeah,” I sigh. “I love him. He’s one of the best guys out there.”

  “But, he’s his own brand.”

  “Exactly,” I say with a wink. “Anyway, are you all set? Need anything?” I’d love to stay and have dinner with her again but I don’t want to overstay my welcome. She’d invited the three of us to stay for dinner, not only me.

  “Oh. No, I’m good.” She’s disappointed. I can see it and I did that. I won’t allow it, though.

  “Then you’re good to grab some dinner?”

  She bites her bottom lip. “I was thinking of just ordering in?”

  “Works for me. You said pizza or Chinese?”

  “They were just options.”

  “Uh, Benton doesn’t really have anymore options than that. If you want delivery we’re going to have to do pizza. If you want to take a short drive, we can pick up some orange chicken.”

  “Well, I have been craving some orange chicken and beef and broccoli. Some egg rolls and crab rangoon.”

  “Anything else?”

  “Garlic chicken? Noodles? Fried rice? Maybe something with mushrooms?”

  “I love your appetite,” I tell her honestly.

  “I know. I’m ridiculous. I love food!” she cries out. “I can’t help it. My parents used to say I had a bottomless pit in my stomach, and I think they were right. My sister ate like a bird and then came me.”

  “Hey, I said I love it. I’m serious, too. I’ll order a b
unch of entrees, sides, and appetizers. Then I’ll take you for a drive because I want to show you the new shop. Then we’ll grab some food. We’ll come back here. Light a fire outside. Eat like gluttonous monsters. Make a night out of it.”

  “Sounds perfect.”

  “Yeah?”

  “Yeah.”

  “All right then. It’s a date.”

  “A date, huh?” she asks, a big smile on her face.

  “A date. I have a feeling that since you start your final month of school in two days, it’s going to be the last time I have a chance to have your full attention and I’m kind of selfish that way.”

  “Who says I’m going to give you my full attention?”

  I raise an eyebrow and step right into her space. My chest is almost pressed against hers. “You think I’m going to give you space to not?”

  She takes a deep breath, her breasts grazing against my chest. I take a deep breath in return. “I certainly hope not,” she whispers.

  “Good answer,” I whisper back.

  “This is incredible, Brody. Truly.”

  “Thanks, Katie.”

  She turns around in the middle of my new garage. The one that’s about to be filled with vehicles that will soon be in country music videos for power house’s like Luke, Eric, Jason, Chase, and Bryant. And that’s just a few of them.

  “No. You don’t realize… I’m in awe right now. Look at this place!”

  I’m in awe, too. Of everything. The turn my career took, the very fact that I needed a shop this big and nice, the entire reason behind it. The knowledge that I’ll be meeting with some of the biggest names in country music. But mostly, I’m in awe of her. She’s looking around and isn’t excited for me because of the status or money.

  “I’m happy with how it turned out,” I say quietly.

  “Brody! You should be! I’m just… holy smokes, dude. This is so awesome! How are you not freaking out right now?”

  “Gotten used to it, I guess,” I say. “Trust me, I had plenty of moments where I was freaking out. Still do, it’s just that right now I’m trying to take it all in and be grateful this is even happening.”

  She nods but isn’t looking at me. She’s walking around and inspecting the lifts that we had installed, the air compressors, and welding machines. The toolboxes and work benches.