One Step Away (Hazel Green Book 2)

by Cindy Kirk

  “Why the secrecy?”

  It was a good question and one Leo couldn’t fully answer.

  “Dixon and I have been estranged for many years,” Nell explained. “While I love him dearly, when he showed up in Hazel Green, I wasn’t sure we’d be able to forge a new relationship.”

  Wells’s gaze narrowed. Nell smiled slightly.

  “Now I’m almost certain we will. But,” she continued, likely in answer to the question she saw hovering on Wells’s lips, “I’m not yet ready to make our relationship public.”

  “Who else knows?” Wells asked.

  “Only Leo.”

  Wells’s accusing gaze settled on his brother. “You never said a word.”

  “It wasn’t my story to tell,” Leo said simply, glancing at Nell. “It’s hers. And Dixon’s.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  The Fourth of July week festivities continued on Tuesday when Leo strode into the Great Skate at the edge of town. He wished his father would have let him host a cocktail party at his home instead. But Tim agreed with Wells that another family-friendly event was needed.

  Ever since the news of the money in Steve’s freezer and the raid on Tim’s Senate office, the media had been in a feeding frenzy. Although his father said it went with the territory, Leo could see the toll the critical coverage was taking on both his parents.

  Since the local roller-skating rink was normally closed on Tuesdays, Tim had been able to book it at the last minute. Promoted as a family event, the late afternoon party boasted free hot dogs and sodas and a low entry charge for an entire family.

  Conceived as a way for Tim to reconnect with his constituents, the creative, think-outside-the-box event appeared to have hit a responsive chord with the public.

  His father, dressed casually in jeans and a polo shirt, greeted people at the door. Leo’s mother stood at his side, her smile warm and welcoming.

  Leo wondered what kind of politician’s wife Nell would be. As Hazel Green, she’d certainly had a great deal of experience in the public limelight. He put thoughts of her aside as he reached his parents.

  “Nice turnout.” Leo shook his father’s hand.

  “I can’t wait to see your father on skates.” His mother spoke loudly, then lowered her voice as if conscious of the family behind Leo. “Is Nell coming?”

  “She had court this afternoon. But she’ll be here.”

  When Leo stepped inside the recently renovated rink, he was struck first by the noise, then by the number of children.

  “It’s a good turnout.”

  Leo stiffened and turned toward Wells. He hadn’t spoken to his brother since last night. While his temper had cooled, he was still irritated.

  “I’m thinking that having a Green Machine event here would be a good idea.” Leo’s gaze scanned the large room with the multicolored lights and mirror ball over the highly polished oval rink. “Though we’d have to charge.”

  “This is more of Dad connecting with his constituents and building his image rather than a fundraiser.” Wells paused and narrowed his gaze as Matt strode up. “Where’s Sophie?”

  “Chill out, Wells.” Matt rolled his eyes. “Rachel is giving Soph some tips. She’s much better at this whole skating thing than I am.”

  “Whatever she told Sophie seems to be sticking,” Leo remarked, his gaze following the two as they skated around the rink.

  “When I asked you to watch her, I expected you to be with her, not pawn her off on someone else.”

  A muscle in Matt’s jaw jumped. “She’s safe. She’s happy.” His voice was as flat as his eyes. “You’re welcome.”

  Without another word, Matt turned and headed toward the concession stand, leaving Leo and Wells alone.

  “You seem to be pissing off everyone lately.” Leo rocked back on his heels. “Matt gave you good advice. Chill out.”

  Before Wells could respond, Jackie strode up with Dixon at her side.

  “I don’t know about you guys, but I haven’t skated in years.” Jackie flashed both Leo and his brother a bright smile. “Dixon assures me he won’t let me fall. I’m not sure I can trust him.”

  “The not-knowing is part of the fun.” Dixon shot Jackie a wink, his smile easy when it shifted to Leo. “No date this evening?”

  “Nell had court, but she’ll be here.” Though at a quick glance, the two didn’t look anything alike, now that he knew Nell and Dixon were related, Leo saw the similarities. It was subtle, but the shapes of their eyes and mouths were the same. “I’m glad you could make it tonight.”

  The warmth in his voice had Dixon’s eyes narrowing ever so slightly. Though the man’s expression gave nothing away, Dixon obviously sensed something had changed.

  The ability to quickly and accurately assess a situation was a skill he and his sister shared.

  “C’mon, Dixon.” Jackie tugged on his arm. “Let’s get our skates.”

  Leo sensed Wells studying him curiously, but like Dixon had only seconds earlier, he kept his expression impassive. This was not the place to discuss anything private.

  The Pomeroy brothers, as much as their father, were under scrutiny this afternoon. After all, he, Wells and Matt lived in this community. Their father might represent Hazel Green in Congress, but it had been a long time since this town had been his home.

  Iris Endicott and Rachel stopped to say hello on their way to pick out shoes. Leo wondered why Marc wasn’t with Rachel, but didn’t ask.

  “A skating event was a fabulous idea.” Iris gestured with one hand to the crowd. “Most of my students came with their families.”

  Beau strolled up. “A terrific way for your father to shore up that family-friendly image and combat some of the recent negative press.”

  “My father’s image is who he is deep down,” Wells responded stiffly. “This event is simply a way for him to reconnect with his supporters.”

  “Still a brilliant plan.” Beau offered Leo and Wells a mock salute.

  Iris gave Beau a cool look, but Rachel greeted the trial consultant with a hug.

  It was obvious, at least to Leo, that Iris didn’t like Beau. Why? Before the question had a chance to settle, the women went one way and Beau headed in the direction of Liz and her son.

  “Arctic chill,” Wells remarked.

  Leo nodded, his gaze drawn to the door. He resisted the urge to glance at his watch.

  “All is good between you and Nell?”

  Leo glanced back at his brother. “Very good. We’re solid.”

  For the first time since he and Nell started seeing each other, Leo wasn’t concerned about them staying together.

  Wells nodded. “I’m happy for you.”

  Leo saw her then, standing just inside the entrance, her gaze searching the room.

  Searching for me, Leo thought with satisfaction.

  His irritation with his brother forgotten, Leo wove his way through the people milling around. Trying, he guessed, to decide whether to eat or skate first.

  When he reached her, Leo resisted—barely—the urge to kiss her. “You made it.”

  “I told you I’d be here.” She studied Wells, now speaking with a couple Leo recognized as former neighbors. “How are things?”

  “Good enough.” Leo guessed that was true. “Dixon is here. He’s with Jackie.”

  Surprise skittered across her face. “A skating rink doesn’t seem his style.” Then she laughed. “Actually, until this moment, I didn’t think it was mine. But you know what’s crazy?”

  He shook his head, enjoying the happy gleam in her eyes.

  “I can’t wait to put on skates. But first things first.” She stepped closer.

  His heart gave a solid thump against his chest. Could it be that she wanted to kiss him as much as he wanted to kiss her?

  Her lips brushed his ear, and she whispered her desire. “I’m in desperate need of cotton candy.”

  “It’s a Love Thing” by the Whispers might not be the most romantic song Nell had ever heard,
but it fit the needs of the crowd.

  Kids loved the catchy rhythm and the multicolored laser-light show that pulsated to the beat. Even the mirror ball got in on the action, turning a variety of colors and filling the room with light.

  Nell held Leo’s hand as they negotiated the crowded oval. Partly because she needed the support. More because she found it hard to be this close and not touch him.

  She gazed into his eyes and smiled. He gave her hand a squeeze. Would it be possible for this to continue? For them to be happy together long term?

  “Ms. Ambrose.”

  Nell turned, and there was Toby, holding hands with a girl as tall and skinny as he was.

  “How’s it going?” Because she didn’t want to give any indication he was a client, she kept the question deliberately vague.

  “Good.” The relief in his voice matched the look on his face. “For now anyway.”

  “Glad to hear it.”

  “Well, see you later.” Taking his girlfriend’s hand, the boy skated off.

  “Avery?” was all Leo said.

  She gave a nod, knowing he wouldn’t press for more.

  “Sounds as if things are going well.”

  “For now.” Nell smiled, but she didn’t hold out much hope that the good times would continue.

  She’d learned the hard way that, when dealing with someone volatile, you never knew what might set them off. A couple of days, even a few weeks of relative normalcy, and a boy—or girl—could be tempted to let down their guard. To start to believe that this time of peace might endure. That the monster had changed. That everything might be okay, after all.

  Nell had been down that road too many times to believe the good times would last. Still, as she glanced up at Leo and he smiled down at her, as the music and words of love washed over her, she found herself wishing that this time could be different.

  “My parents are having a party for just close friends and family tomorrow night after the fireworks.” Leo spoke quickly, as if wanting to get out the question before she came up with some objection. “Very casual. A way to chill out after the big day.”

  The skating party had ended nearly thirty minutes ago, and Tim and Marty were at the exit saying their final thanks and goodbyes to those leaving.

  “Thank you for the offer.” Nell smiled up at him as they made their last circuit round the oval. “But I’m not family or part of their inner circle.”

  “You’re wrong.”

  “I’m rarely wrong.”

  “You’re my close friend.” He grabbed her hand and brought it to his lips for a kiss before she could stop him.

  She laughed. “You’re something else.”

  “Say you’ll come.”

  Nell had been about to utter some flippant remark, but the pleading look in his eyes told her that attending was important to him. “Sure. If you want me there, I’ll come.”

  He gave her hand a squeeze. “Will you come over to Wells’s house now? We’re going to do a political wrap-up.”

  “On that, I’ll take a pass.”

  “I know you and Wells haven’t gotten off on a good—”

  “It’s not that, Leo. Honestly. Wells doesn’t have a thing to do with my refusal.” Nell dipped the toe of one skate to slow her forward motion as they exited the rink. “Between the volunteer work at the cottage and my pro bono work, I’m behind on case prep. I planned to get in a few hours once I got home tonight.”

  Leo understood obligations. While his position as mayor wasn’t as onerous or demanding as being the leader of a large city, he was a hard worker. If a project needed his attention, he gave it the time it deserved.

  “Okay. I wish you could come, but I do understand.” He waited for her to take a seat on a nearby bench, then sat beside her.

  “This was fun.” Nell unlaced her skates and slipped them off. “I actually wasn’t sure how it would go.”

  “I know.” He chuckled. “I’m surprised, too. You know what it means?”

  She smiled up at him.

  He tapped her on the nose. “You and I, Ms. Ambrose, need to make a concerted effort to step outside our comfort zone more often.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  Other than for a few brief moments earlier this evening, Nell hadn’t spoken with her brother since the Illumination Stroll. The skating rink hadn’t seemed like the time or the place to let him know she’d blown his cover. Which was why, once she’d gotten home, she’d texted and asked him to come over.

  She hadn’t received a reply, but when an unannounced knock sounded on her door, Nell knew exactly who was paying her a visit. Dixon was the only person who could show up at her door without being cleared through security.

  She glanced through the peephole, but it was only for form. Pulling open the door, she stepped aside to let Dixon enter.

  He swaggered into the room. “I was surprised to get the text.”

  “Did you have fun skating with Jackie?”

  “She’s nice enough.” He glanced around. “Do you have any of that imported beer I like?”

  Nell nodded. “I’ll join you.”

  Moments later, they sat on opposite sides of the sofa, bottles of brown ale in hand and the lights of Hazel Green stretched out before them.

  Dixon gestured with his hand holding the bottle. “Quite a view you’ve got here.”

  “I wanted to tell you something.”

  He slanted a glance in her direction. “You look guilty. What did you do?”

  “Who said I did anything?”

  “You forget who you’re talking to.” His eyes softened. “Did you cheat on lover boy? Rob a bank? Tell the cops where I am?”

  She chuckled. “None of the above.”

  “Then whatever you did, you’re forgiven.” He brought the bottle to his lips.

  “I told Dixon and Wells that you’re my brother.” The words came out in a rush.

  Dixon slowly lowered the beer and studied her. “Thanks for letting me know.”

  “That’s all you’re going to say? Thanks for letting me know?” Her voice rose.

  “I was never into keeping the fact that we’re brother and sister a secret.” He shrugged. “How did they take it?”

  “Fine. They were fine with it.”

  “Cool.”

  Would she ever understand this man?

  “Is that why I’m here? To confess you let a couple of guys know that we’re related?”

  Nell shifted under his penetrating gaze.

  “I can see that there’s something else.” He opened his arms. “Okay, lay it on me.”

  “Why did you dress like Elvis the night of the Illumination Stroll?” Nell frowned. “You brought unnecessary attention to yourself. That isn’t like you.”

  “That’s why you wanted to see me tonight.” The teasing light disappeared from his eyes. Taking another pull from the bottle, Dixon set it down, then moved to the window. He braced his hands on the sill and stared out into the darkness.

  “Sometimes, all those lessons she taught us spin around and around in my head—all the dos and don’ts—until I can’t take it anymore.” He turned abruptly, his face a mask of controlled fury. “The night of the Illumination Stroll, I simply didn’t care. I mean, I wore the glasses, but sometimes Gloria gets in my head and I want to do the opposite of what I was taught, just to spite her.”

  He paused for a long moment. “Which is crazy behavior that makes absolutely no sense.”

  Nell’s phone buzzed. She glanced down. It was a text from Leo. She’d get back to him later.

  Dixon spread his hands, and she saw the little boy behind the confident mask he wore. “I don’t want to be like her, Suze, but sometimes I fear I am.”

  “You’re nothing like her.” Nell wrapped her arms around him. “Neither am I.”

  Nell couldn’t recall the last time she and her brother had hugged. Closing her eyes, she hoped with all her heart that the words she’d just uttered were true, for both of their sakes.

&n
bsp; Leo resisted the urge—barely—to text Nell again. It wasn’t like her to ignore his texts. For a second, he worried something might have happened to her and considered driving over to make sure she was okay.

  Then he recalled why she’d decided not to come with him to his brother’s house.

  Case prep.

  Nell was likely deeply engrossed in what she was doing and not even paying attention to her phone. She might have even shut it off.

  Leo refocused on the story his niece was telling him about her adventures at the skating rink. How had he missed that she’d won the limbo contest for her age group? “That’s great, Sophie. It isn’t easy going under that stick while on skates.”

  At least, he assumed it wasn’t easy. Leo had never tried and had no plans to do so in the near future. Then he thought about what he’d told Nell about stepping outside of their comfort zone and trying new things.

  Who knew? Perhaps a limbo contest was in his future.

  “Dad says it’s okay, but he doesn’t like me skating.” Sophie wrinkled her nose and lowered her voice, even though they were the only ones in the room. “He’s afraid I’ll fall and hurt myself.”

  “Your dad loves you very much.” Maybe his eldest brother was a bit overprotective. If Leo had lost a beloved wife in a freak helicopter crash, he’d likely be overprotective, too.

  He thought of Nell and what it would be like to have her in his life one day, then gone the next. A cold chill traveled up his spine, and he shoved the disturbing thought aside.

  “Where did you say your grandma was?”

  “Her stomach was upset. It was making these loud sounds.” Sophie pursed her lips and made a noise that was between a gurgle and a growl. “She ran upstairs to the bathroom. That was a long time ago. Should I go tell her you’re here?”

  The girl hopped up, but Leo put a restraining hand on her arm. “She’ll come down when she’s ready.” He offered a reassuring smile. “How about your dad and your grandpa?”

  Sophie had launched into her skating adventures the second he’d walked through the door, so he had yet to see anyone.