“Can we, Dad?” Cody begged.
Xavier glanced at Emily, hoping she’d come up with a reason not to go—that school was starting soon would work. Or that she was allergic to horses. Anything.
Her face lit up. “I’d love that. I haven’t been on a horse for years.” She reached for the pitcher of orange juice. Tyson got to it first and handed it to her. “Thanks.” She graced him with one of her genuine smiles, which made Xavier want to kick them out of the house. He took deep breaths. If he’d just told Emily he loved her and she’d said it back, then he’d feel better—more secure in his marriage. He just didn’t know if she was looking at Tyson and thinking, I could have had this guy?
“You’re welcome. What can I do to help?” Tyson went to stand.
Xavier couldn’t take much more of this. “Why don’t we go into the studio and I can show you guys what I’ve been working on?”
Mark gave him a look of relief. “That sounds great.” The poor guy probably thought they’d been stalling because Xavier didn’t have anything ready. He was in for a big surprise.
“Are you sure you don’t want help with the dishes?” Tyson asked Emily.
Xavier scowled. The guy was making him look bad.
Emily shooed them out of the room. “I have all the help I need. Cody is excellent at loading the dishwasher.”
Cody let out a groan.
“Come on, pumpkin. You’ve been faking sick for too long,” she teased him.
Cody gasped. “Faking?”
Emily’s laugh followed them down that hallway. Xavier wished he could stay with them, that he could bottle the sense of family Emily created so easily. He also wanted to bottle Emily up and keep her all to himself. He’d never felt like that with Nora. Being married to her was like being tied to the wind. A sudden understanding of that situation hit him like a falling piano. He’d never felt safe with Nora—never felt like she loved him as much as he loved her.
The feelings he had with Emily were so different. Being married to her was easy—almost effortless. Probably because there weren’t romantic expectations. Yet there was romance in their marriage—and attraction. The way she’d looked at him in his room that afternoon had left his head spinning. He could have kissed her right then, was about to, but she’d shut the door before he had a chance to act on his desires.
If only the shower had washed away the need to kiss her, to finally let her know that he liked her as more than the mother of his child. That he liked her as a woman.
As gifted as he was at writing lyrics, he still couldn’t wrap his head around the words that would express the boom-boom in his chest when he saw her for the first time each morning.
Mark clapped his hands together and rubbed his palms, startling Xavier out of his own head. “I can’t wait to hear what you’ve got.”
Tyson glanced around the room. “Do you have a guitar for me?”
Xavier looked at the space through his eyes. The open notebooks—one per song—were scattered on every surface. Guitar picks littered the carpet behind the desk like glitter. The piano was covered in sheet music. He suddenly understood Emily’s frustration with him earlier. The only way to get over the embarrassment was to act like he wasn’t embarrassed. The old adage “fake it till you make it” came to mind.
“Of course.” Xavier went to the closet and pulled out a beat-up black case. Back in the day, when he and Tyson were young and idealistic, they’d jam together. The creative synergy that happened was incredible. He’d forgotten that feeling and was suddenly excited to find it again. He handed Tyson the acoustic guitar.
Tyson grinned. “You still have Bessie?”
“You don’t ever throw out a classic.” Xavier returned the smile. His fingers tingled, ready to play. He felt like himself again—like he could tap into the source of inspiration as easily as slipping into his favorite pair of cowboy boots. It made him feel alive. Almost as alive as kissing Emily had. He’d like to do that again, like to hold her close and breathe in her delicious scent, drink in her lips.
Tyson strummed and then tightened the A string. “Let’s hear what you’ve got.”
Pushing away thoughts of making out with his wife, Xavier picked up his Gibson and thumbed the strings before finding a pick. “This one is upbeat and kind of—” He paused to think of the moment when Emily had inspired the lyrics and tone. “—sassy.” He ripped into the melody and sang, “You cock your hip at me and I know trouble’s comin’ my way.”
Mark bobbed his head and bounced his knee. Tyson picked up the tune on the second verse and played along, adding a riff. He’d eventually bring his twang and deeper voice to the melody, making women all over the world swoon. As long as Emily wasn’t one of them, he and Tyson could stay friends.
They played for another three hours, working through about half the songs Xavier had written since marrying Emily. He’d saved a couple that were too close to his heart to share with the world, but he put his best stuff out there for this meeting. He wanted the comeback even more than before. He wanted to prove to Emily that he was a guy she could be proud of—that he could bring home the bacon.
Mark pushed to his feet. “Guys, I know you can play all night, but we’ve got to catch a plane in the morning.” He wasn’t as worn out as he claimed, but he wanted to end on a high note. Xavier had seen him do this before.
Tyson set Bessie back in the red velvet lining and carefully shut the lid. “It’s been a long time, but you’ve still got it, man.” He shook Xavier’s hand. “I’m going to sit down with my manager to talk about the new album this week.”
Xavier set his guitar in the stand. He wasn’t sure what to make of Tyson’s statement. Even though there was a compliment in there, it wasn’t an outright offer for any of the songs they’d gone over. “I look forward to hearing from you.”
“You bet.” Tyson led the way out. “Tell Emily thank you for dinner.”
“Will do,” Xavier promised. Though he’d downplay it and make sure she knew that he was more grateful than the hot rod singer.
Mark gave him a silent thumbs-up and a wink before following. That was a good sign. Xavier let out a breath.
As soon as the door shut, Emily was there. She’d changed into a pair of plaid pajamas and an oversized T-shirt. Her hair was piled on top of her head in a messy bun. And she’d never looked more beautiful. “How’d it go?” Her blue eyes held a note of vulnerability that he realized was for him. She wanted him to sell a song. Not because she wanted to buy a new couch or take them on a European vacation. No. She wanted this because he wanted this. Her hope and support undid his fortitude.
He crossed the room in four long strides and swept her into his arms. “Good.”
She gasped in surprise, the sound only adding to his need for her. He kissed her. She held still for a moment and then softened in his hold, molded her body to his. He deepened the kiss, and something otherworldly happened: a crescendo of emotions and pent-up need with violins climbing higher and faster and cellos thrumming along and—at the end of the kiss—a smashing of cymbals.
“Don’t apologize,” she whispered, putting her finger over his lips.
He could kick himself for backing away last time. He wasn’t dumb enough to make that mistake again. “I wasn’t going to.”
“Good.” She kissed him softly. “Good night.”
“Night.”
She slipped out of his arms and out of the room. Xavier watched her go, wondering how his life had gotten so amazing in such a short amount of time. One ad in the paper was all it took. Well, one ad and a huge leap of faith.
He held still, the beginnings of a song off in the distance but getting closer. Closing his eyes, he concentrated on the feel of Emily’s lips against his, and the melody appeared. At the desk once again, he wrote the song of their kiss.
22
Emily
“I’m in love and I don’t care who knows it.” Emily threw her arms out to the sides and spun in a circle. She threw her head
back and took in the bright blue sky and one white fluffy cloud. “It’s such a beautiful day.”
Lexi licked her ice cream. “I may not be in love, but with chocolate, I can agree that it’s a beautiful day.” She lifted the cone in salute.
Emily had made breakfast for her guys, like usual. Cody was wiped out from staying up late the night before with Tyson and Mark, and he was grouchy, so she felt kind of bad leaving him to meet up with her sister. But she and Lexi had had lunch, ice cream, and girl talk planned for over a week, so she couldn’t cancel.
They sat on a bench to work on their individual ice cream creations. The street vendor had limited options, vanilla or chocolate, but he mixed in all sorts of wonderful things. Emily had peanut butter cups, hot fudge, caramel, and walnuts. Lexi had gone with her usual, chocolate with Butterfinger chunks.
“How’d he tell you he’s in love with you?” asked Lexi.
Emily made slow swirls in her ice cream with the spoon. “He hasn’t.”
“But you just said you guys kissed and the earth moved beneath your feet.”
“We, umm, haven’t exactly said those words.”
Lexi pointed at her and narrowed her eyes. “You’re telling me. You two are married. You’re raising a kid together. And you’re kissing. And you don’t say I love you?”
“Not to each other.”
“That’s whack.”
Emily giggled. “I know. It’s not normal. Who’s to say what normal family looks like these days?” The sun filtered through the leaves above them. Children laughed on the playground far enough away that the screams were muted. Emily let out a contented sigh. “I finally have the family I always wanted. I’m not going to lie, it’s an amazing feeling.”
“I hate to rain on your parade, but you still haven’t told Mom and Dad.” Lexi took a huge bite of ice cream and grimaced. “Cold,” she managed to get out as she rubbed her temples.
“I’m calling them right now.” She dialed her parents and grinned when her dad picked up. They said hello, and she jumped right in, feeling invincible wrapped in a cape of love. “So, I got married.”
Her proclamation was met with silence. Dad finally said, “You’re joking, right?”
“I’m not. Dad, it’s a long story. Can you get Mom so I only have to tell it once?” She grinned at Lexi, who was taking another huge bite. The girl had a weakness for sweets that was going to freeze her brain. Right on cue, she rubbed her temples again.
“Hey, sweetheart.” Mom’s melodic voice filled the line. “Your dad is pulling my leg. He said you got married.”
“I did.” She wasn’t at all repentant, although she should be. She’d made a huge decision and not included her parents. That wasn’t like her. She needed to make it up to them. “I’m calling to invite you to meet my husband and …” She sucked in a breath. “My son.”
“Honey? What have you been up to?”
She rolled her eyes at herself. Lexi lifted one brow in question. “They think I got pregnant,” she whispered.
Lexi snorted and covered her mouth with a napkin.
“It’s nothing like that. Cody is six. He’s smart and sweet and seriously funny. You’re going to love him.”
Lexi leaned over so she was closer to the phone. “I already do.”
“Is Lexi there?” demanded Dad.
“Right here,” Emily confirmed.
“Put her on.”
She rolled her eyes again. “They want to talk to you.”
Lexi took the phone.
“You let her get married?” Dad shouted through the line.
Emily pulled her lips back into a grimace. His bellow could be heard all the way over at the playground.
Lexi mimicked her face. “Dad, it’s cool. Xavier is a great guy. The best. And Cody really is a gem. Don’t be mad until you meet them.”
“I’m not mad!” he yelled. “I’m shocked you girls would hide something like this from us. You’re the big sister; you’re supposed to watch out for her.”
She coughed. “You get that she’s an adult right?”
“Lexi,” he warned.
She shook her head, making her hair flip. “I’m not going to get yelled at for something she did. If you want to yell at me, do it for maxing out my credit card on new skis.”
She handed the phone back to Emily and stood up. “Thank you.” She air-kissed Emily’s cheek. “I was looking for an opportunity to tell him about that, and compared to your elopement, I look pretty good right now. Toodles.” She wiggled her fingers. “I have to get back to work.”
Emily smirked at her and waved her fingers too. “Toodles.” She put the phone back up to her ear. “Dad?”
“Dad’s sitting in front of the freezer,” Mom answered.
Emily blanched. Dad would open the freezer and stick his face in to cool off when he was upset. She could count on two fingers the number of times he’d done that because of her. Lexi had probably made him take a freezer time-out a dozen times growing up. Mom had been more level-headed, especially when it came to matters of the heart.
Mom sighed. “Why don’t you start over? I’d like to hear this story.”
“It’s not your normal romance,” Emily warned.
“I’m all ears.”
Emily explained about the ad, about the feeling she had that she was meant to be this man’s wife. She opened up about her reservations and wrapped up with how great things were. “I want you guys to meet him.”
“Well, that’s a no-brainer. We’ll shop flights and let you know what’s available.”
“And I hope we can come out for Thanksgiving or Christmas. We need to talk about the holidays. It would be great if you could meet his parents.” She stopped short of saying they were nice people. They weren’t bad, but they hadn’t welcomed her with open arms. She knew they were resigned to having her in the family, but sharing holidays was questionable. Maybe meeting her parents would soften them even more. Permanency seemed to be the way into their good graces. She had no desire to go anywhere. Everything she’d ever wanted waited for her back home.
She smiled to herself. “Mom, I should go.” She suddenly couldn’t wait to get home to be with her family. Mom said goodbye and they hung up the phone.
The drive home took for-ev-er. All she could think about was being with her guys again. Hearing Cody laugh or sound out a word. His reading had taken off, and she couldn’t wait for him to get back in school and wow his teacher.
Then there was Xavier. Wonderful, sexy, talented Xavier who made her weak in the knees. Once she was through the door, she paused only long enough to listen for Xavier and Cody. She found them in the kitchen, putting the finishing touches on a cracker and cheese tray. Xavier’s eyes lit up and warmed at the sight of her.
She went to his side, sliding her arm around him and leaning on his chest. Last night’s kiss had thrown open the door, and she was going to sashay right on through and into his arms. The space had been made for her. “What have we got here?”
“A snack,” replied Cody. He slid off the barstool and ran around, slamming into their legs. She grunted on impact and then laughed.
Xavier kissed her cheek. “We missed you.”
She turned to him. His eyes were full of meaning and caring and so much more. “I can see that,” she said, breathless.
He kissed her lightly on the lips, making her knees give out. She sagged into him, wanting so much more than just that small kiss.
Cody sprang back. “Come on.” He reached for the heavy wooden tray, almost toppling it in the process.
“Where are we going?” she asked as she steadied it.
“We’re going to eat by the pool.” His voice was so animated he should have been a cartoon.
“Want to join us?” Xavier traced her cheek.
There were a half dozen to-dos she could have tackled. None of them sounded as good as spending some time with her guys. “I’d love to.”
Xavier held her close for a brief moment and then took t
he tray from Cody. “Will you open the door?”
Cody scampered off to pull on the sliding glass door.
Xavier put his free hand on the small of Emily’s back. She didn’t think she would ever get enough of his gentle and sweet touches. He knew exactly how to treat her like a lady and make her feel like a woman.
To think that only a couple weeks ago she’d been yearning for this kind of a relationship, and now she had it. Prayers were answered. Romance was real. Love triumphed.
We don’t say I love you. Her words came back to her, taunting.
She shoved them away. What were three little words anyway? She didn’t have to hear I love you to know things were good between them. Her marriage was wonderful. Words were just words.
She stepped through the door and was hit with a blast of chilly wind. “What in the world?” She rubbed at the goose bumps on her arms.
Xavier lifted his chin and sniffed the air. “It smells like a summer storm. They can get dicey.”
She nodded but continued to rub her arms. The sudden temperature drop felt like an omen, and her optimism from moments before faltered. They were okay, right? She had a ring on her finger; there was no stronger confirmation that she and Xavier were meant to be together. They were happy. She was happy. She’d contented herself with a loveless marriage and being a mother before; now she had the physical connection she craved.
She should be satisfied; instead, her world was wobbly—like the cheese tray. If she didn’t hold it tight, the substance of her marriage would tumble to the ground.
23
Xavier
Xavier glanced around the deli. Emily had mentioned this place a time or two, and he’d wanted to try it out. So when Mark called that morning to see if he could do lunch, he gave him the address.
The room was full of business professionals on their lunch break. He tried to picture Emily in here with the suits and blouses, and he just couldn’t. Her clothing would stand out—she would stand out. If he’d come in here one afternoon, not knowing who she was, would he have looked twice? He hoped so. If not, he would have missed out on a beautiful person.
The Cowboy Songwriter's Fake Marriage Page 13
