Bottle It Up: (A Between the Pines Novel)

by Lisa Shelby

  Chapter 9

  The steam from my shower isn’t enough to quell the smell of hickory-smoked bacon lingering through the house. The scent is almost as good as the actual bacon tasted smothered in the warm maple syrup that had seeped off the stack of fluffy pancakes. Pancakes that had been waiting for me when I woke up this morning.

  Wiping the condensation off the bathroom mirror, I’m met with a face I can barely believe is my own. It’s not just the new hair; it’s the flush of my skin, the light in my eyes, the apples of my cheeks more prominent than ever. I pinch myself to make sure I’m not still in bed under my covers dreaming.

  When I shuffled to the kitchen this morning, excited for the coffee I could smell from my bedroom, I was stunned to find the kitchen in utter disarray. The counters were covered in flour and egg shells and there were utensils everywhere, but who cares when Max is standing in the middle of it all in a T-shirt, gym shorts, and bare feet.

  Bare feet.

  I don’t care how strong the cup of joe, seeing him dressed down like that stirred me awake more than any coffee ever could.

  Good morning, was all he said with a glass of orange juice held out to me. As he pulled my chair out he added a steaming cup of caffeine elixir to my table setting. I didn’t think I would be able to eat a bite. My stomach was too mixed up with the flurry of butterflies frantically crashing into one another in their excitement.

  His demeanor was cool and calm as if he cooked breakfast for me in bare feet every day. He asked me how many pancakes I wanted when he set down a plate of bacon and a gravy boat of warmed maple syrup.

  He warmed the syrup!

  And Lord have mercy, when he sucked some of the sticky goodness off his thumb, my heartbeat went into overdrive. After everything was in front of me, he told me to leave my dishes on the table, and he would take care of them after I was done. Then he left the room, not eating with me. He just left the room, and a few minutes later, I heard the shower turn on.

  He knew what I needed this morning, and he gave it to me. He was sweet, quiet, casual, and because he knows I am often too distracted to eat breakfast—he’s heard Greta lecture me about this many times—he made sure I didn’t forget.

  I’m a nervous wreck knowing I’ll have to speak publicly today, especially since it’s apparently a big enough deal that Sibby, Josh’s PR rep, is flying in for the event and then flying right back out. I’m not exactly sure what kind of damage I’ll do to Josh’s reputation by speaking in front of a few people in my hometown in front of our tiny little bookstore, but if she wants to take two commercial flights to get to our little hometown then so be it.

  Max was there when I got the news that Sibby would be attending today, and unfortunately for him, he was the person I vented to after I hung up. He didn’t reply, just listened—because it’s not his job to do otherwise.

  Now, the day is here, and it’s not the nerves about the store opening consuming me; it's the intense feelings about the man I hear doing dishes down the hall while I get ready.

  I wonder if his feet are still bare?

  The shaking of my hand is making the application of mascara a daunting task. If I’m not careful, I may take an eye out and spend the opening at St. Anthony’s. That idea doesn’t sound too bad. It would get me out of this whole speaking thing. As nervous as I am, I’m thrilled to be opening this store in my hometown. I really do think it’s just what our sweet little town needs.

  Finally, my hair and makeup are done. I’m dressed in black high-waisted wide-leg slacks, emerald green blouse, black blazer, and matching emerald heels. I know I look a little fancy for Eastlyn, but I want to portray a professional image as a new business owner. I add a couple of small accessories, grab my purse, inhale a deep breath, and leave the comfort of my room.

  I need to take a lot more deep cleansing breaths these days. I blame it on my personal protection associate down the hall.

  Rounding the corner into the kitchen, I expect to see Max still cleaning, but if it wasn’t for the scent in the air, you wouldn’t even know he had been here. Everything is sparkling clean.

  The man responsible is standing outside in the brisk morning air staring into the distance, and unfortunately, he’s fully dressed. It’s only in the upper forties today, yet he’s sans coat and just in his dark jeans and a gray button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up, exposing the muscles of his forearms. His hands are shoved in his front pockets, and his face aimed toward the sky, almost as if he were praying. When his torso lifts and falls from a deep breath, I can’t help but wonder what strength from above he may be searching for?

  Not wanting to interrupt his quiet time or get caught watching him out the kitchen window, I start to sneak away when I hear his phone ring. He answers, and I head to the hall closet to get my coat, grateful he didn’t catch me spying.

  I reach for my heavy winter coat, but with the whoosh of the sliding back door opening and closing, I instantly heat, knowing Max is back in the house. Just like that, I’m too warm and opt for a lighter option. I let out a scream when I push the door shut to find Max standing a few feet away.

  “Sorry if I scared you, Miss Ford.”

  “No, it’s fine. I’m just a little bit lost in my thoughts right now. But seriously, how does a big guy like you walk around without making a sound? It just doesn’t seem possible.”

  His eyes are shining—lit with amusement—and this makes me happy. Even if just for a moment.

  “Just got the call that the store is clear, and we can head over whenever you’re ready.”

  “What do you mean the store is clear?”

  “Well, the other guys have been there all morning, making sure that things are safe for your arrival.”

  “I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, I think you guys are going just a smidge overboard, don’t ya think?”

  “Whenever you’re ready.”

  Ugh. He is so frustrating.

  “I’m ready.”

  He opens the door for me, and as he stops to lock up, I make sure I don’t step on any cracks on my way to the car. Today is not the day to tempt fate by ignoring a crazy superstition.

  He’s caught up to me by the time I reach the blacked-out SUV. It still looks odd sitting in my driveway.

  As he leans in front of me to get my door, his free hand lands gently on my low back like it did last night. Is this barely-there touch part of the job?

  Is it a protective move or is it more?

  Maybe it’s just good manners?

  Or maybe I’m crazy?

  I settle into my seat and begin to reach for my seat belt when I notice he’s still holding my door open.

  “You look great, Miss Ford. You have nothing to worry about. It’s going to go well.”

  “Thank you,” I manage to get out through the shock of his unexpected compliment.

  When he gets in the car, he doesn’t dish out any more compliments keeping both hands on the wheel. No repeat of the handholding from last night. But he does open the center console to show me where my mints are stored.

  “Just in case.”

  “Thanks.”

  His kind gestures know no limit today and as much as I try to tell myself it doesn’t mean anything, I can’t help that with each one of his gestures I tiny piece of me hopes it might mean more than it does.

  Too soon, he’s pulling up in front of the shop where Sibby is talking to two men I don’t recognize.

  “I need a second if you don’t mind?”

  He puts the car in park, not saying a word. He does turn in his seat to look at me. I, on the other hand, continue to look straight ahead at Main Street. He’s waiting for me to tell him why I’m nervous. Knowing I’ll speak when I’m ready, he doesn’t push. He just waits.

  He really does know me better than a lot of people who have known me most of my life.

  “I’m nervous.”

  “Why?”

  “I don’t know. I mean, the real attention will be on Mason. She’
s the famous author who moved to a small town for love and decided to open a bookstore. People are looking forward to hearing her speak, not me, and I know this. I wish I could blame the fact that Sibby is here, making this a much bigger deal than it needs to be, but I think having her here is really a giant reminder that I’m standing in front of my hometown pretending to be Josh’s fiancée. Lying to everyone.” I finally look at him. “Max, I’m a liar.”

  “Miss Ford, Sibby is here as a precaution. In case you’re asked about your engagement. She is just trying to stay ahead of things. But I’m sure she’ll realize there was no reason for her to be here because there will be nothing for her to spin. Also, I think you’ll find you are mistaken. People are here for you just as much as they are for Miss O’Brien. You’re their hometown girl done good. Don’t sell yourself short. You’re kind of awesome.”

  I look in the back seat and over my shoulder to see who he might be talking to because he couldn’t have just told me I was awesome.

  “Yes, I’m talking to you. You’re a kick-ass woman, and today is gonna be great. The thing is you have to get out of the car to see for yourself and prove me right.”

  My tongue sticks out at him in a sassy reply.

  He chuckles. “C’mon, let’s go.”

  With that, he’s out of the car. I watch him dumbstruck as he walks around the front of the vehicle. Sometimes when I watch him round the car, I wonder if he’s real. So big, broad, and beautiful in his own unique brooding way. But right now, I’m pretty sure he’s a figment of my imagination.

  Before both of my feet are out of the car, Sibby is meeting me on the sidewalk with a whirling dervish of information. I know she likes to keep moving, so I do just that, and she follows me.

  “Morning, Emmett. Everything is set. People magazine sent a photographer, and there are a couple of other paps here. Should be pretty low key, but the right people are here covering things.”

  The ring of the bell chimes as we cross the threshold, causing the other two bodyguards to walk out from the back office.

  “What do you mean a couple of other paps, and why is People magazine here?”

  “Did you think I was going to fly out here and not make it worth it? This is great publicity for Josh. He may not be opening the store, but his fiancée is, and you’re an extension of him. You doing something good for the community you two grew up in, is almost as good as Josh doing it himself. Having Eve Villanelle as your business partner is an added bonus.”

  “Why didn’t I know about this?” I say to Sibby but glare at Max.

  “No offense, Emmett, but Josh is my client, not you. He’s aware, and I assumed he would have filled you in.”

  “From now on, I’d like to be kept in the loop. My team needs to be aware of all aspects of events like this. We need to clear any media you bring along,” Max growls, storming to the back of the store and huddling up in conversation with the other two bodyguards. I mean, personal protection associates.

  I’m relieved he didn’t keep this from me. He’s just as pissed as I am.

  “Geez, he sure is uptight.” She disparages him, but her eyes give him a full inspection, and I want to pull her bleach blond chignon right off her head. “Besides, the other two security guys already cleared the paps. I wouldn’t bring anyone I didn’t know, or who I didn’t think would serve you well.”

  “Well, in the future, I’d like to know what’s going on, if you don’t mind.”

  Thankfully, I spot Miles and Mason across the street with Mason’s three besties from New York. I take the opportunity to walk back outside, happily leaving Sibby inside to meet them on the sidewalk.

  Mason’s friends seem great, but I’m so distracted by thoughts of bare feet, pancakes, compliments, and words of encouragement that I’m not giving them my full attention. I do hear Mason say we should get inside to finish setting up, and I’m just about to follow them all inside the store when I’m stopped by my parents.

  “Emmet Ford, get over here and give your dad a hug.”

  When I turn on my heels, my dad is waiting with open arms while my mother beams, clutching her pearls. Literally, clutching her pearls.

  “Oh, I’m so glad you’re here. Sorry I haven’t been by yet.”

  “We know you’ve been busy, even if you did make time for Grammy.”

  He releases me, and I bend down to hug my petite mom who stands at least six inches shorter than me. I’m the spitting image of my mother except for the fact that I tower over her. I get my height from my dad. He’s a strapping six foot four, just like another certain someone in my life.

  “Ignore your father; we know you’ve been busy.”

  “So, what do you think?” I say, turning the three of us toward the front window display at the same moment Max walks out of the store, leaving us all staring right at him as he finds a spot on the sidewalk to discreetly stand watch.

  “Who’s the scary man?” Mom whispers.

  Getting his attention isn’t hard when I wave Max over.

  “Mom. Dad. This is Max; he works for Josh and travels with me. He keeps me safe.”

  “You have a bodyguard, and you didn’t tell us? Why do you need a bodyguard?”

  My dad’s tone says he’s not happy with this situation, and he wants an explanation, but Max steps forward, extending his hand.

  “Sir, it’s nice to meet you. I’m just here as a precaution. You can never be too careful.”

  “Will you be here with Emmett for the holiday?”

  “Yes, ma’am. I’ll be staying in Eastlyn the entire time she’s home.”

  “Well, I’ll be sure to set an extra plate at the table for Thanksgiving.”

  “Ma’am, that won’t be…”

  “It’s settled.”

  I wrap my arm around my mom. I love her giving heart so much.

  “Thank you, ma’am but...”

  “Max, I know we don’t know each other, but it’s settled.”

  He looks at me with pleading eyes.

  “Don’t fight it, Max. Once she’s set her mind to something, nothing can be done.”

  I expect him to smile, but instead, his brow furrows even deeper, and somehow, he grows more serious than usual.

  “Thank you for the invitation, Mrs. Ford. I look forward to it.”

  “Make sure you bring your appetite.” Turning her attention to me, she’s beaming again. “Now, show me your store.”

  “You’re gonna love it, Mom.”

  I’ve just finished giving my parents the grand tour when Amelia, Parker, and Audrey arrive and help us put up the grand opening signs outside and inside the store. Before I know it, the shop is packed with family and friends, and it’s time to push everyone outside to cut the ribbon and give our speeches.

  Surprisingly, the crowd outside floods into Main Street, and it seems we’ve closed down the main artery in Eastlyn.

  It’s time, and I’m set to go first. Luckily, Lou, Miles’s dog, came dressed up in a little bow tie and is adorned in one of our Just One More Chapter T-shirts. All the attention is on him while the local kids take selfies with him.

  Max is standing discreetly behind me, and while everyone is distracted by Lou, I turn to him. “I changed my mind. Why don’t we bail while the dog has everyone's attention?”

  “I think it’s a little too late for that.” He chuckles, giving me a wink that, as per usual, stops my heart, distracting me from my trepidation. “Now, go open your store, Miss Ford.”

  Chapter 10

  “Emmett, I think you’re a natural,” Sibby says, sitting next to me in the back seat. Of course, without looking up from her phone.

  After acting all tough when we first got home and insisting I sit in the front seat while we were here, I caved, and now I’m in the back because it felt like the proper thing to do with Sibby riding with us.

  Yep, I’m really tough.

  “I wouldn’t go that far, but thanks. It helps that I knew everyone there, except for your friends with the cameras
. Was that really necessary?”

  Her fingers finally stop moving, and she looks up from her device.

  “Trust me; you’re gonna love the spread in People. Even if it’s just a page or two, it’s gonna be great. Just be sure when you’re out with your friends tonight, you don’t let too loose. The team from the magazine may still be lingering around to get shots of Josh West’s hometown. Not to mention the new hometown of Eve, I mean Mason. They’re gonna want to see what could get her to give up her penthouse Manhattan apartment for small-town Eastern Oregon.”

  “I’ll do my very best not to tarnish Josh’s good name. And just so you know, Mason doesn’t need to give up anything. It’s not like that with the two of them. She may have moved to Eastlyn, but she’s keeping her apartment. It’s not like she’s moving here, and they’ll never go back to New York. Besides, it’s not so bad here.”

  “Great.” She dismisses me. “Now, after you’re home from Thanksgiving, I have some outings scheduled for you. We need to make sure we keep you out there while Josh is away.”

  “What sort of outings?”

  “We just need to make sure you make your mark on the charity scene. And before you say it, yes, people will want you there even if it’s not on Josh’s arm. And a few more yoga dates with Nicolette Gwen would be nice.”

  “I’m sorry, but my friendship with Nikki isn’t about getting publicity. Are you the one who tipped off the paparazzi last time?”

  “No, but I thank whoever did.”

  “Sibby, if that’s gonna happen every time I meet with Nikki, then I’ll just stop going. I don’t want my picture in the paper if I didn’t pose for it. It’s one thing to be a part of a photo op with Josh, but to have those leeches waiting for me every time I leave the house may mean I turn into a recluse.”

  “Emmett, today was a big day. We’ll talk once you’re back in LA, for now, let’s just enjoy the moment.”

  “Whatever.”

  I barrel out of the car, ignoring Sibby and her condescending comments about how adorable my little house is as she follows me. I have one thing on my mind. Getting changed into something more comfortable and meeting The Crew for drinks before I head to my parents’ for dinner.