by Natalie Ann
It was nice her family knew her so well, but sometimes it was a tad frustrating, too. “And because I’m whistling, you think I got lucky.”
He cringed. Well, he brought it up. “You know how I know.”
She chose to ignore the comment for the moment. He normally denied any of those twin moments they shared when they weren’t together. They always knew how the other was feeling at times.
“Fine. I’ll admit it. I had sex with Caleb. Wonderful, mind-blowing sex. I feel loose and liberated. You should try it sometime with someone.”
“Geez, Celeste, I’m your brother. Don’t talk to me about that stuff.”
“You started it. Remember, we shared a space together for nine months…in our birthday suits, no less. There aren’t too many secrets left between us now, are there?”
“Stop it right now,” he said narrowing his eyes. “You get some perverse pleasure out of making me squirm, don’t you?”
“Of course I do, but I repeat, you started it.”
“Tell me more about him.”
“No,” she said. “I don’t ask you details about all the women you sleep with.”
“Yes, you do,” he said back, crossing his arms, staring right back at her just as hard.
The timer went off, so she turned and opened her oven, then pulled out the first batch of lemon drop cookies. She slapped his hand when he went to grab one. “Wait until they cool at least.”
“I want one now.”
“Not if you’re going to give me the third degree.”
“Too bad, because I’m still going to give you the third degree, but I’m going to get cookies, too. So tell me about him. You’ve slept with him, so you know more. I want something. Where is he from?”
“You know his company was in California,” she said sweetly.
“Five years ago. He’s been here a year, where was he before that?”
“I don’t know,” she said and turned her back on him. She didn’t want to see his scowl, and she didn’t want him to see her reaction either. She was still a little miffed she didn’t know as much about Caleb as she hoped.
“You’ve slept with him and you don’t know where he lived up until a year ago?”
“No. Is that a problem?” she asked patiently. It should be, but she wasn’t going to let it be one. “I’ve got his number now if that makes you feel better.”
He snorted. “I would hope you would at least have that.”
She walked forward and patted his cheek. “You’re adorable when you get protective, but lighten up a bit, will you?”
“I can’t and you know it.”
She put her hands on her hips. “Why is that, Cole?”
“Nothing,” he said grumbling and reaching for the cookie, then snatching it before she could slap his hand.
“I want you to say it. You came here to question me and I want to know why. Don’t be embarrassed.” She knew that would rile him up.
“There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. I’m just watching out for you,” he said before he popped the cookie whole in his mouth.
“Again, why are you so obsessed with Caleb? I’ve dated other people before. I’ve slept with guests before.” He cringed and she laughed. “Sorry, we’re both adults here. So why are you so concerned about things now?”
“My gut is telling me something,” he mumbled.
“Ah, your gut. That sixth sense you have. The one you call mumbo jumbo when I say things.”
“Stop it,” he ordered her.
“Nope, can’t do it. My kitchen, my rules, and my cookies. And guess what, Caleb likes my cookies too,” she said smirking at him. He was just too easy at times, and well, if she was going to get an inquisition, she was going to get some enjoyment out of it.
“That’s it. I’m leaving. I can’t take it. I don’t know why I came here trying to have a rational conversation with you.”
She laughed. “This is far from a rational conversation and you know it.”
“Give me something, Celeste. Please. Tell me you know something personal about him. That he’s shared some part of his life.”
“Why, Cole?”
“Because I know you, and you know me. And my gut is telling me you’re far more invested with him than you want anyone to know. There, are you happy now?” he said, scowling. She knew it was hard for him to admit that much to her.
She walked over and leaned up on her tiptoes, then kissed his cheek. She really did love him.
“Yes, I am. He works for Nick Buchanan. You remember Nick, right? Trixie Miller’s grandson. He and his sister Rene and their parents used to spend summers here when they were kids.”
“Yeah, he’s some big software mogul or something. Did I hear he was living here now?”
“He is, to both. Owns a big software company based out of Virginia where his family is from, and he is living here now. He’s engaged to be married and Mallory lives here. Does that make you feel better that Caleb is doing some work with someone you’ve known since you were a kid?”
“I guess. If that is the best I can get. I still want to meet him. When can I?”
“Really, Cole? You think I’m going to put you two together right now? You’ll go all detective mode on him, which I might point out you aren’t. He’ll just get his hackles up because he doesn’t want to be questioned. I like the guy, and that is a surefire way to make him run.”
He smirked at her and she wished she had bitten her tongue. “Good to know.” He reached out and grabbed another cookie and bit into it, then grabbed a third. “One for the road. I got what I wanted.”
She narrowed her eyes at him. Sneaky little devil. Now she realized that was his intention all along. To make her admit she had deeper feelings for Caleb and confess the last thing she wanted was for him to interfere and push Caleb away.
She all but handed him a golden ticket without realizing it.
Favor
“Stay in the truck,” Caleb told Sparky. “I won’t be long.”
He got out and walked up the front porch stairs, then knocked on Celeste’s screen door. He heard noises coming from the kitchen, like pots and pans and running water. Rather than knock again, he let himself in and walked to the back of the house.
“Celeste,” he said, not wanting to startle her, but he ended up doing that anyway when she jumped. He couldn’t help it though, her back was to him and she was looking out the window toward the lake.
“Caleb,” she said, her eyes lighting up. She reached for a dishtowel and dried her hands, then walked toward him. “What a pleasant surprise.” Leaning up, she gave him a kiss on the cheek and a quick little hug and snuggle, and as much as he didn’t want to admit it, he needed that. Who would have thought a hello kiss could mean as much as it did to him in that moment.
She stepped back quickly and looked at his face. “Where’s Sparky? You never come to visit unless it’s an inmate retrieval.”
It was said lightheartedly, but he still felt guilty once he realized she was one hundred percent correct. He never stopped to just see her.
To make matters worse, he wasn’t here to visit now. “He’s in the truck. I’m sorry to just drop in like this, but I need a favor.”
Her eyes searched his and he felt as though his soul was exposed. He hated how she had the ability to look at him and see deeper than he wanted. “What’s wrong? What do you need?”
“Can you watch Sparky for me for a few days? I know he can’t be in the B&B, but I was hoping that maybe he could stay outside and just sleep in your cabin at night. I mean if you can’t, I understand—”
She put her fingers to his lips. “Yes, I can watch him. Take a deep breath. What’s going on? You’re scaring me right now. I’ve never seen you this unnerved before.”
He didn’t know how much to say, so used to saying nothing at all, but he owed her some explanation. “My mother just called. It’s my sister. I need to get home.”
“Is she okay? Did she have an accident?” Celeste asked, her
voice showing concern and a tad bit of anxiety.
“Corrine’s in the hospital. I think she’s fine. I’m not sure though. I’ve got a flight to catch in two hours in Burlington.”
“Wow, how did you get a flight that fast if your mother just called?”
“A favor from a friend,” he said.
No need to say he pulled some strings. He still had a lot of contacts from before, and was glad he kept those numbers. Private jets weren’t easy to come by unless you knew who to call. He’d just have to get over the fact he was indebted to someone for now. Family always came first.
“Okay. Well, get Sparky because it’s going to take you all of those two hours to get to Burlington, so you might miss your flight.”
“I hope the pilot waits for me, but there’s no guarantee. I’ve got all of Sparky’s stuff in the truck. I’ll go get it now.”
He left to run out to the truck, then opened the door for Sparky and brought him around to the back of the house in the shade. “Stay, boy. Celeste is inside. Just stay.”
Luckily, Sparky lay down by the tree and Caleb walked through the back door to see Celeste on the phone.
She laid her phone on the counter and picked up a piece of paper, then wrote something down. “Go to this address. We’ll get you to the airport in half that time so you won’t miss your flight.”
“How’s that possible?” he asked.
“Trust me. Call it a favor if you must.” She leaned up and kissed him one more time. “If you don’t mind, let me know when you land safely wherever you’re going. And I hope your sister is okay.”
He debated for a minute and finally said. “I’m going to Ohio. I’m from a small town in Ohio you’ve probably never heard of. Yeah, I’ll be in touch.”
Walking out her back door, he was glad that Sparky didn’t follow him. He climbed in his truck and wondered where he was about to go, but he trusted Celeste, so he punched the address into his phone and followed the directions a few miles away.
He ended up heading down a long driveway where he saw a helicopter parked off to the side of a house. He didn’t have an opportunity to wonder who was flying it before he saw the tall man standing in front of it with his arms crossed and a gun on his hip.
Shit, he wasn’t in the mood for this, but he had no other choice. He would have to suck it up if it meant getting home to his sister. It wasn’t like it would be the first time he’d gotten the third degree from a protective brother before.
Caleb parked his truck, grabbed his bag, and made his way toward the intimidating man that was easily four inches taller than him. Cole McGuire was a few years younger than him and not as heavily built, but he looked to be twenty times meaner.
“Cole?” Caleb said.
He nodded. “Caleb. I’ve been wanting to meet you.”
Caleb sighed. “Not surprised. Can we have this conversation in the air? I’m kind of pressed for time.”
“Ever been in a chopper before?”
He could lie, but he figured Cole would know and it didn’t really matter. “No.”
Cole smirked. “Good to know. Climb in, put the headset on, and I’ll get this baby up in the air. I’ve been dying to try her out.”
“Excuse me? You’ve never flown it before?”
“Of course I have. But I just bought it and had it delivered two days ago. I’ve been working and haven’t had a chance to spread my wings with her. Guess you’re going to be my virgin flight as the owner.”
Great, just what he wanted. “You bought this? How old is it?” It didn’t look new, but not old and abused, either. Nothing to make Caleb worry it wouldn’t make the trip.
“Age doesn’t mean a thing. It’s in tip-top shape. Just a few years old. You don’t need to be a millionaire to own a chopper. Not a small one like this at any rate.”
Caleb ignored the dig and buckled in, throwing his bag in the back. “You need to wear a gun to fly it?”
That smirk again, but this time the mischievous glint that Celeste often had in her eyes was flashing out of Cole’s. “Never know when I might need to shoot someone.”
Conversation was halted while Cole started to flip some switches and the blades rotated, throwing dust and leaves around. Before Caleb knew it, they were lifting in the air and taking off straight ahead.
“Where are you heading?” Cole asked.
So much for not talking. “Burlington.”
Cole snorted. “Obviously. Where from Burlington?”
“Ohio. I need to get to my sister. She’s in the hospital. I would have assumed Celeste relayed that to you.”
“She did.”
“Then why ask what you already know?” Caleb asked.
“Just wanted to see if you would tell me something different.”
Caleb turned and looked at Cole. “Listen. I get you love your sister. I get you’re worried about her and protective. I know the feeling. I just want to get home to mine. When I get back in town you can rip me a new one for sleeping with Celeste, if you want.”
When the chopper dipped to the right sharply and Caleb felt his stomach drop in his throat, he wished he hadn’t so blatantly thrown that statement out. But damn it all, now wasn’t the time for this.
“Are you trying to rile me up?”
“Is it working?” Caleb asked.
“Considering I’m the one in control of our trip, you’d be wise to watch yourself,” Cole warned.
“What’s your deal?” Caleb asked. “Is it me personally, or anyone that is with your sister?”
Cole turned his head and just stared, then said, “Anyone. But I don’t like all the secrets you’ve got either.”
“Fine. That’s fair enough. You want the truth? Here it is. I like to be alone. I’m not going to tell you why, as it’s none of your business. If I want to tell anyone, your sister will be the first to know. I don’t owe you a thing.”
“No, you don’t. But she’s still my sister. Since you’re running home to be by your sister’s side, then I’m sure you can guess where I’m coming from. There are parts of Celeste’s past that I’m sure you know nothing about. When or if she wants to tell you, she will and then you’ll understand.”
He didn’t like knowing there was more to Celeste. She seemed like such an open book. Hell, half the town talked about her, but part of him wasn’t surprised there was something hidden.
“Most likely,” Caleb said and turned his head to look out the other side, hoping to ignore Cole the rest of the trip.
When the chopper touched down, Caleb unbuckled and turned to get his bag. “Thanks for the lift.”
Cole nodded, and when Caleb was stepping out, Cole shouted, “Let Celeste know when you’re due back. I’ll give you a lift home.”
“I’ll take my chances with a rental,” Caleb shouted back, frowning.
Cole laughed, and in that moment he saw a piece of Celeste there, smiling back at him, teasing him, then since Caleb couldn’t hear, he thought he read the words, “You’ll do,” on Cole’s lips.
Caleb shook his head and walked away. He was too drained to question whether he just got the approval that he wasn’t even sure he wanted from Celeste’s family.
Staying away from family was something he’d learned to master. No worries, no commitments, and no stress.
Harder Than He Thought
“What are you doing here, Caleb?” his sister Corrine asked when she turned her head and saw him walking through the open doorway.
He’d arrived a few minutes before visiting hours were over and thought he was going to have to fast-talk his way in to see his sister. Not that he’d ever been good at it, but if he said who he was and that there was wing in the hospital named after his family, well then, he figured they’d let him in.
Thankfully it never came to that.
“Good to see you too.”
“I can’t believe Mom told you,” Corrine said, still smiling at him. He didn’t want to admit he missed his sister.
“I can’t belie
ve you didn’t.”
Corrine had never kept secrets from him before, but then again, he hadn’t been very forthcoming with information in the last few years himself.
“I didn’t want you to worry,” she said.
“I’m always going to worry. That’s what brothers do best.”
The minute those words were out of his mouth he thought of his flight here with Cole.
“Like rushing here from…” She trailed off, waiting for him to answer, her head tilted, a smirk in place on her lips.
“Does it matter?” he asked.
“Do you want me to stress? It’s not good for the baby,” she said. His head swung toward the monitor, then back to her. “Made you look.” Now she was laughing at him.
He narrowed his eyes. “Lake Placid. You happy now?”
“I heard it’s nice there in the summer and fall,” she said, lifting an eyebrow.
“It is, but since you’re in the hospital for high blood pressure and most likely will be bedridden for a bit, I guess you won’t be able to find out.” His mother had filled him in on why Corrine was in the hospital, but he hadn’t said he was flying home.
She shook her head, grinning, just like he knew she would. “I’ll be out of here in a day or so and then relaxing for a few weeks. I bet I’ll be teaching come fall, no worries there.”
“Is that wise?”
“If the doctor clears me, then I’m doing it. I can’t sit home for the next several months, you know that. I’ll go crazy. Not everyone can be as antisocial as you.”
Corrine and he were as different as night and day—just like Celeste and him—yet for some reason, Corrine and he always got along great. He wondered if it was possible to make things work with Celeste. He’d never believed in the whole “opposites attract” thing, but then again, he didn’t believe in much at all.
He pushed that thought aside, needing to focus on Corrine right now.
“Do you need anything?”
“Why is that always the first thing you ask us?” Corrine said. “Of course we don’t, you know that.”
