Crush the Crescent Lake Winery Series Book 2

by Lucinda Race

  Before the word comedy was out of her mouth, he asked, “What time does it start?”

  She laughed. “Since we’re outside, the movie won’t start until dark. We could meet at the entrance at seven. I’ll bring chairs and a blanket if you want to bring snacks, and don’t forget popcorn with extra butter.”

  He chuckled. “You got it. See you tonight, sweetheart.”

  She liked when he called her that. “I’m counting the minutes.”

  24

  The next night, Anna and Colin strolled across her parents’ front lawn. Before they reached the steps, he slipped his arm around her waist and pulled her close. She smiled softly and kissed him full on the mouth.

  Anna asked, “Did you have fun last night?”

  “Being with you is always great, but the movie in the park was a first for me. I had no idea those types of events still happened.”

  She placed her hand over his heart. “I haven’t been in years.” She pecked his lips. “It was fun having your family at the winery the other night, and I’m glad we were able to relax so I could get to know them better. I like your sister; she’s got a great sense of humor and style.”

  “She does, and I meant to say thanks for being so nice. My parents can be pretty hard on her at times.”

  “They just want the best for you both.”

  “I know. All our parents want is for Marie to be happy.” He kissed her again. “But I don’t want to talk about our families.” He ran a finger down the side of her face and tilted her chin up, then searched her eyes.

  Her heart quickened and her breath caught. She didn’t speak.

  “Anna.” His voice was soft while his finger grazed her lips. “I’ve fallen completely in love with you.”

  His smile helped her begin to breathe again. “Colin”—she kissed him hard—“I love you.”

  He caressed her cheek.

  “Anna, are you two coming inside?” Mom called out, breaking the spell that had held them in a cocoon.

  “Be right there, Mom.” She laughed softly. “We got caught by a parent, just like teenagers.”

  “Let’s go inside and later, when I take you home, we’ll pick up where we left off.”

  She tipped her head. “Promise?”

  “Most definitely.”

  * * *

  Over drinks and appetizers, Dad cleared his throat. “We wanted to tell you the news.”

  Anna turned to look at him. “What news?”

  “I’ve been cleared to take a fall cruise, so Mom is booking it tomorrow. It’ll be our first vacation in years. There’s a cruise to nowhere that departs from the Boston Harbor, and it lasts five days. Just enough to get our sea legs and if we like it, we’ll book a winter cruise south.”

  “You’ll have so much fun.” She turned to Colin. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “Your father is my patient and there are confidential rules I have to follow even though we’re in a relationship. You seemed to understand that before.”

  She crossed her arms over her chest. “If Dad were having a health crisis, you couldn’t tell me?”

  “If he asked me not to, no.” His tone was unyielding. “It’s the law.”

  She bristled. “He’s my father and you’re my boyfriend. You shouldn’t plan on keeping secrets from me.”

  He shifted in his seat and leaned forward. “I’m asking you to respect my job.” He softened his tone. “Ultimately, I can only tell you what he wants you to know.”

  She looked at her parents, hoping they’d back her up.

  “Anna,” Dad began, “Colin did the right thing, and I’m glad to know that he upholds his oath as a medical professional.”

  She looked at Mom, who said, “Honey, I have to agree with Dad and Colin.”

  She wasn’t going to win this one, so she picked up her glass of wine and took a sip. She had to let this go. She knew he was right and had said something to this effect to Don months ago, but now was not the time to admit it.

  “Why don’t you tell us more about this cruise that basically drifts around the Atlantic for a few days? What will you do on board?”

  Mom clasped Dad’s hand. “Since we’ve never been on a ship, we checked to see what there is to do. It has everything the regular cruise has—amazing dining options, shows, there’s even a casino—and, by going after school is back in session, it’s less expensive.”

  “And if it’s all we hope, I promised Mom we’ll take a tropical cruise somewhere this winter.”

  Colin asked Anna, “Have you ever cruised before?”

  “No. I’m not sure it would be fun to be stuck on a ship, waiting to get someplace. I like to fly, get off the plane, and start having fun.”

  “So you just like to get to your destination. But on a cruise, there would be fun things for us to do along the way: shows, the casino, lounging by the pool, and romantic walks under the moonlight before bed. Maybe we should try the same kind of cruise.”

  Anna quickly warmed to that idea. After all, it was a floating hotel, and she liked he was making longer range plans for them.

  “We should definitely check into it next week.” Now, that put a time frame to it. She wondered if he’d balk at that.

  Anna got up to clear the glasses. Her dad’s face was starting to droop with exhaustion and Colin followed her eyes.

  “Sam, how are you feeling?”

  “I’m fine. Just tired. The days I go to rehab seem to wipe me out early.” He stood up very slowly and seemed to sway before sitting back down.

  Colin came around the side of the table and dropped to one knee. He took her dad’s wrist in his hand to check his pulse. Mom’s face paled.

  “Sherry, I want you to breathe.”

  She nodded.

  Anna set the dishes down. “Should I call nine-one-one?”

  “Sam, we have to go to the hospital to get you checked out. Your heart rate is a little slow and I’d feel better if we did an EKG.”

  Colin gave a half nod. “Anna, can you get my car out front? No need to rush or panic. The situation’s under control, so let’s breathe and go one step at a time.” He tossed her the keys and pulled his phone out of his pocket.

  Anna hurried out the back door. She pulled the car in front, left it idling, and ran back inside.

  “Mom, get your handbag. We have to go.”

  Moving in slow motion, Mom looked around. “I’m not sure where I put it.”

  “It’s okay. I’ll get it for you.” Anna rushed down the hall to her parents’ bedroom and grabbed the bag. When she got back to the dining room, Colin was walking her dad to the front door. Mom was holding it open. Anna slung the bag over her shoulder.

  Once Dad was settled into the passenger seat, Colin got in behind him and Mom sat beside him. “Anna, you should drive.”

  In record time, Anna got to the emergency room. Her heart thundered in her chest. Dad had remained quiet with his eyes closed since getting in the car. She was terrified he was going to die, but Colin was with them. If Dad had needed an ambulance, he would have called for one.

  “Sam, I’m going to get a wheelchair.”

  Anna looked in the rearview mirror at Mom. Some color had returned to her face, but she still looked too pale.

  Colin was back with a wheelchair and someone pushing it. He opened the door. “If you feel light-headed, let me know.”

  Dad eased out of the car and gingerly sat down in the wheelchair. He pulled Colin down so he could speak to him. Colin nodded and looked at Anna. “We’ll see you inside.”

  Mom hadn’t gotten out of the car but began to cry softly while Anna parked. She stashed the keys in her pocket and pulled open her mom’s door.

  “Come on, Mom. He’s going to be fine. Colin will make sure of it.” She took her mom’s hand and pulled her from the car.

  “I can’t go through this again.” Mom’s voice quivered. “Not knowing if he’ll make it through another surgery.”

  “He’s in good hands. Walk with me.”<
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  They crossed the well-lit parking lot and through the automatic doors. The waiting room was on the right. They walked inside and approached the desk.

  “Excuse me. Colin Grant just came in with my father, Sam Price.”

  “They’re in an examination room and Colin asked that you take a seat. He’ll be out when he can.”

  Anna thanked the desk clerk and helped Mom to a chair. She seemed to have aged before Anna’s eyes. “I’m going to call Don and let him know what’s going on. He can call everyone else.”

  Mom nodded and then placed a hand on her arm. “Tell them not to come, that you’ll call when we know something.”

  “I’ll be right back.” She walked into the hall and called Don, her explanation of the situation coming out in a controlled sob.

  “We’ll be there as soon as we can.”

  Relief washed over her. She could use the support. “Thanks.”

  She took a few deep breaths. She needed to be strong for Mom. She returned to the waiting room to find Mom staring out the blackened window. Anna took the chair next to her and they waited, but as they did, Anna’s impatience grew.

  Colin came into the waiting room. He wore his poker face.

  She rushed over to him, her mouth dry. “Is Dad—” She couldn’t ask the question on her lips.

  “He’s resting.” He walked over to Sherry. “He told me he’s been having these episodes since he was discharged. He’s lost weight and is exercising, so he needed an adjustment to his blood pressure medication. But to be safe, I’m admitting him overnight.”

  He patted her clasped hands. “I have to ask. Did Sam tell you he was having dizzy spells?”

  She vehemently shook her head. “No.”

  Don and Jack burst through the door. Before Colin could continue, Don said, “I couldn’t get ahold of the rest of the family and Kate’s home with Ben. We can fill in everyone later.”

  Under her breath, Anna said, “Thank heavens part of the cavalry’s here.”

  Mom shook her head. “You shouldn’t have come. Colin was just filling me in, and your father’s going to be fine.”

  Anna stood next to Colin. “Apparently, Dad’s been having some issues and hasn’t said anything. Once his meds are adjusted, he should be fine, and he’s staying the night for observation.” She looked at Colin. “Did I miss anything?”

  He slipped his arm around her. “That sums it up.”

  She held up her hand. “Bottom line: We’re all going home. And Mom, that includes you too.”

  She began to protest but Colin said, “Sherry, you should go home tonight and rest. Sam will be fine.”

  She looked at her sons and Anna and relented. “After I see him, I’ll leave.”

  Anna kissed Colin’s cheek and whispered, “We make a pretty good team.”

  “Darling, I’ve always got your back.”

  25

  The rest of the week had been uneventful and Dad was home from the hospital. Anna checked her watch after shutting down her email and was pleased to see she had enough time to get changed before Colin picked her up. They were going to play nine holes of golf, her first on an actual course. He had told her all about where they were going, to a small, easy course with gentle hills. He explained it was a good beginner course, with the exception of the ninth. That one was a doozy. She had borrowed Marie’s pull cart, but after using Marie’s clubs and having fun, she bought a beginner set of clubs, her latest purchase for her more active life. Anna hadn’t felt right just taking Marie’s old set and she wouldn’t take any money for them either so this way it was simpler.

  She was dressed but searching for a water bottle to fit securely in her bag when she heard a tap on the door. She called out, “Come in.”

  “Anna?”

  “In the kitchen.”

  Colin stepped into the sunny space. She waved two aluminum bottles in the air. “Do you need a water bottle?”

  “Is that the kind of greeting I get today?” he teased. “I haven’t seen you in two days.”

  She struck a casual pose, leaning against the granite counter, and crossed her arms over her midsection. Her brow shot up. “Are you saying I should leap into your arms the moment you walk into a room?” She held back the laughter that threatened to blow her fun.

  In three long strides, he crossed the room and swept her close to his chest and covered her face and throat with kisses until she burst out in laughter.

  “Stop! That tickles.”

  He rubbed his beard over her cheeks while she laughed.

  In a nanosecond, things turned more heated. He let his lips soothe the light whisker burn he had inflicted. Her body melded to his and she inhaled his spicy cologne and savored each kiss. Lost in sensations, she slipped her arms around his neck. She could swear their hearts beat in sync.

  Breathless, she pulled her lips from his. “I thought we had a tee time.”

  “We do.” He nuzzled her neck. “I could cancel.”

  She faked a pout. “You promised.” Looking up through her lashes for good measure, she batted them. She loved flirting with Colin because he always responded in the most interesting ways.

  “I’m not going to forget where we stopped, and we’ll pick up here later.”

  She liked how that sounded. “We can eat here later.”

  “Woman, I do love how that amazing brain of yours works.” He kissed her again and then gave her a playful tap on the butt. “Put a wiggle on it.”

  She flipped him a saucy look over her shoulder as she turned to the water bubbler. “Be careful what you ask for; you might just get totally distracted.”

  “I’m counting on it. Later.” He took the filled bottles from her and gave her one last, lingering kiss.

  Standing on the first tee, Colin put the ball in the center of the tee box. When Anna started to get out her driver, Colin said, “Hold on. We’ll walk to the ladies’ tee when I’m done.”

  “I get an advantage?”

  Her eyes were twinkling and the smile that graced her face made his knees weak. How on earth she had turned his world upside down in just a few months was beyond him.

  He addressed the ball, swung with ease, and watched as it landed in the middle of the fairway.

  She grabbed the handle on her cart. “Let’s go, sparky.”

  “Sparky?”

  She gave him a sidelong look and that killer smile. “When you hit the ball, I could imagine sparks shot out of it, like you’re on fire.”

  “Hardly, but thank you for the compliment.” They walked about twenty yards down the slope. “Now remember what I said. Keep your head down and your eye on the ball. I’ll watch where it goes for you.”

  She held up a bright-yellow ball in a victorious salute. “I bought these to make sure you didn’t mistake my ball for yours.”

  He silently chuckled as she set the yellow ball on the tee. She then wiped her hands on her shorts and adjusted the brim of her hat. Then she stepped away from the ball and looked at him.

  With her hand propped on her hip, she asked, “What if I miss?”

  “Then you swing again.”

  She looked behind them. He followed her gaze.

  “If someone gets too close, we’ll let them play through. We’re in no hurry.”

  Her lush lips were kissable, but she had her game face on. She was all business as she addressed the ball. Putting the club head down, she took a deep breath and exhaled, never lifting her head or eyes. With slow, deliberate purpose, she swung the club up. It arched over her back, and then she brought it down with speed. The face of the club connected with the ball and it sailed forward. But Anna wasn’t watching the ball. She had her eyes closed as the club flew from her hands over her left shoulder.

  “Oh no!” she cried.

  Colin rushed forward and kissed her hard on the lips. “You did it! Your ball went about seventy yards.”

  “Really, it did?” She peered down the fairway. “I can’t find it.”

  Colin pointed to
a tiny yellow blip and she trained her eyes in that direction.

  “That’s me?”

  “It is, and you did great.” He retrieved her club. “Except for this.” He tucked her club into the bag and they walked to her ball.

  “Come on. I want to do it again. This is fun.”

  As they worked their way down the fairway, he helped her select each club as they drew closer to the green until it was time to putt.

  “Now remember, this is a different feel. You’re not going to drill this shot; this is about accuracy and finesse. It’s like playing miniature golf.”

  She laughed. “I’m a shark at the Pirates Putt. Da-duh, da-duh.” She whispered the first strains to the Jaws movie theme.

  He pointed to the ball. “Ms. Shark, please putt this out.”

  She took out her putter and bent low.

  “Hold on. Let’s adjust your grip so you’ll have more control.” Who was he kidding? He wanted to be close to her, and this was a good reason to do it. He reached in from behind her, wrapping his arms around hers. He positioned her hands.

  “Don’t forget to interlock your fingers on the back side of the club.” He could smell her shampoo. Coconut. “Now, in a pendulum motion, swing the club. Don’t go for the big connect, but after you can see the line to the hole, tap it in.”

  She looked over her right shoulder into his eyes. Her dark-brown eyes held a smile. “You can step back now.”

  “Do I have to?”

  “If you want to finish this hole so we can do it again, yes.”

  He gave her a peck on the cheek. “You win.” He stepped away, missing the closeness of her against him. He wanted to be close, really close. He wasn’t going to pressure her; when they became intimate was all in her control. But he was more than ready to take that step.

  She bent low over the ball. He noticed she bit her lower lip. That was her tell as to when she had total concentration. Gently, she eased the putter back and with a soft smack, the ball rolled to the cup, perched on the edge, and after teetering, it dropped inside.

  In a rush, she lifted her club into the air and jumped up. “Yes!” She threw her arms around him. “Did you see? It went in!”