Southern Comforts

by Nan Dixon

  But instead of backing up, he stepped closer. “I can’t stay away.”

  “Gray...” She started to protest, but stopped. Inhaling, she took the final step and closed the gap between them.

  “God, Abby.” He cradled her face and brushed his lips against hers.

  Abby would have plenty of time to regret her actions. Right now she wanted this kiss.

  His hands stroked down her neck, down her spine and settled on her lower back, tugging her closer.

  Her breath quickened, and his pine-and-sandalwood cologne swamped her senses. Gray surrounded her, overwhelmed her.

  She slid her hands up his chest. Her thumbs brushed his nipples through his shirt.

  “Abby,” he groaned. They broke apart. “Come up to my room.”

  To his room. This was too fast, too...everything. Moments ago, he’d said he didn’t want this attraction.

  She shook her head. “I don’t think that’s wise.”

  He kissed the corner of her mouth. “But so much fun.”

  She moved away but left her hand in his. “I have to make sure whatever is going on here doesn’t change your business relationship with the B and B.” She pulled in a deep breath. “We need the money.”

  He stared at her so long, her hands started to shake. “Naturally.”

  Gray squeezed her hand and led her to the garden gate. “Let’s eat.”

  * * *

  GRAY STARED AT the menu without really seeing the words. What was he doing here?

  Abby didn’t want their personal relationship to affect their business relationship. Logically, he understood this. But as a man, he wanted to be more than cash flow to her.

  The setting was perfect. Their booth in the back of the dimly lit room made it easy to touch her. Her skin glowed in the candlelight.

  He pulled back and put a little more space between them. She was crack, and he was an addict begging for hit after hit.

  His body didn’t care about Abby’s motives.

  Money had soured too many friendships. Hadn’t he learned that lesson in college? People had been attracted to his name and the connections they thought he could make for them. Hell, money was why he was working in Savannah. A frat brother had needed to liquidate and the first person he’d thought of had been Gray. Sometimes he wondered if people only saw his deep pockets and never him.

  How would money affect what was going on between him and Abby?

  “Why are you scowling?” Abby asked.

  He forced his face to relax. “Nothing.” He picked up the menu again. “What do you recommend?”

  She smiled. “What if we each order something and then share?”

  “Checking out your competition?” he asked.

  “Of course.” She tilted her head, and the gold in her hair caught the light.

  What was it about her? Whenever he was with her, something drilled into his core. Even now, he couldn’t quite trust her attention. She seemed to like being with him, but he paid her to house and feed him. Paid her to care.

  They split a Caprese salad, shared her wild mushroom fettuccine and his veal scaloppini. They made easy conversation about St. Patrick’s Day and how busy Fitzgerald House would be and the timeline of his warehouse restoration.

  “Dessert?” he asked, pouring the last of a very nice Chianti into her glass.

  “I don’t think I should. I was a vegetable today. I don’t want it to all go to my hips.”

  If she wanted to draw his attention to her body, he would oblige. His gaze lingered on her breasts before he brought it back to her eyes. “I’m looking at an incredible body and a beautiful woman.”

  The light was dim, but he could swear she was blushing. Could people fake that?

  “You’re too kind.” She folded her napkin and set it on the table. “Thank you for my busman’s holiday. It was wonderful having someone else cook for a change.”

  He signaled for the check. What should he do now?

  He could walk her back to the B and B and say good-night. Or he could kiss her again.

  She gathered her shawl around her shoulders and they walked down the quiet street. He took her hand, linking them together.

  “What’s happening here?” she whispered, leaning her head against his arm.

  “Hell if I know, but there’s something that keeps dragging us together.”

  “Chemistry?”

  “Yeah.” They stopped next to a fountain. “I need you to understand, I’m only here through the end of July.”

  Her green eyes looked huge. “July.” She choked out a small laugh and looked away. “It sounds like it’s just around the corner.”

  He tipped her head up, forcing her to meet his eyes again. “It’s only March.”

  She paced to the fountain. Leaning on the edge of the basin, she stared back at him. “I want more joy in my life. I deserve a little joy.”

  “Joy.” He’d never thought he could be capable of bringing joy to someone’s life. It sounded like a burden.

  Her heels clicked on the pavement as she moved back to him. She touched his face. “Until the end of July.”

  He cupped her face. “July.”

  The moonlight sparkled on her porcelain skin. He brushed kisses on her eyes and slid down her cheekbones until their lips joined.

  “Thank you for a wonderful evening,” she whispered as the kiss ended.

  When they began walking again, Abby tucked her hand into the crook of his arm. She shivered in the chilly air.

  He wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “Cold?”

  She smiled up at him. “Not with your arm around me.”

  She fit. Perfectly. He could rest his cheek on her hair and inhale that unique blend of spice and sweetness that was Abby.

  At the garden gate, he hugged her. “If I asked you up to my room now, would you come with me?”

  She traced his lips with a gentle touch. He couldn’t hold back his groan.

  “No.” She stood on her toes and kissed him. “I had a wonderful night. It was magical, but this Cinderella needs to get to bed.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that.” Had he read her wrong? Maybe she wasn’t as interested as he’d thought. “Good night.”

  Abby climbed the steps to the carriage house’s second floor. “Thank you,” she called.

  Inside the main house, he grabbed a shot of whiskey. It would be a long night.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Rule #29—We’re a founding family of Savannah. We will maintain our place in the city by cherishing our heritage.

  Grandpapa Fitzgerald

  ABBY PIPED WELCOME BABY GRACE on to the side of the cake. Rolling her shoulders, she eased away from her three-tiered masterpiece. If she didn’t touch pink frosting for a month, it would be too soon.

  The kitchen door creaked open behind her. “That’s gorgeous,” a familiar voice said.

  “Mamma!”

  Abby dropped the pastry bag on the counter and rushed to give her mother a hug. The familiar scent of her mother’s perfume cut through the smell of buttercream.

  “It’s so good to be home,” her mother said, giving her a final squeeze.

  “Why didn’t you let us know you were coming?” Abby asked.

  Mamie Fitzgerald’s golden-red hair hadn’t changed since she’d found disgusting white and gray hairs intertwined with her original hair color. Abby could only hope that she and her sisters would age as gracefully.

  “I called Dolley this morning to make sure there was an empty room,” Mamma explained. “Aunt Cecelia is taking a couple of days at a spa. She suggested I visit my beautiful daughters.”

  “I’m so glad.” Abby checked the time. “Let me get this in the fridge.”

  “It’s a beautif
ul cake, but very pink. What’s it for?”

  “Baby shower this afternoon.” In two hours.

  “Here?” Mamma filled the kettle, pulled out the teapot and looked through the teas.

  The tension in Abby’s shoulders eased. Mamma was home, and everything felt more under control. “In the ballroom. It’s a little large, but the mother-to-be had her engagement party and her wedding reception here, so she wanted to come back for this.”

  “Repeat customers. That’s wonderful.”

  Abby pulled out the bookings calendar. “We’re getting more and more catering business.”

  Mamma took the calendar and flipped through the pages. She looked up, her green eyes shining. “You make me so proud.”

  That was what Abby wanted, what she needed. “I’m just continuing what you started. You showed me how to work hard. To set a goal and see it through.”

  “I would never have thought about restoring the ballroom and catering.” Mamma tapped a finger on Abby’s nose, just as she had when Abby had been a child. “That was all you and your white thumb.”

  She held up her thumb. “It’s pink today.”

  The kettle boiled. Mamma warmed the pot and added tea leaves. “Don’t forget to have fun every once in a while.”

  Abby thought about Gray. “I’m trying.”

  They sat in the sitting area, sipping their tea.

  “How is Aunt CeCe?” Abby and her mother spoke on the phone fairly often, but it wasn’t the same as catching up in person.

  “About the same.” Mamma rubbed her hands. “She’s in so much pain. I wish I could do more.”

  Of course Mamma did. Aunt CeCe had come down and stayed with Mamma after Daddy had died. She’d helped with all the meetings with the attorneys and the banks. She’d even lent Mamma money. “It’s nice she can have a bit of a vacation.”

  “The spa specializes in treating rheumatoid arthritis patients. They have nursing staff to do the things I’ve been doing for her, which is why I was able to come see you girls.”

  Her mother’s eyes sparkled as they talked. Abby wished she could be just as capable as her mother, able to handle everything.

  “I’m glad you’re home.” Abby squeezed her mother’s hand. “I should finish the sandwiches.”

  “Show me what needs doing and I’ll help.”

  That would be perfect. Then Abby could check on the ballroom preparations. The women throwing the shower should have arrived by now. “Do you want to host the tea?”

  “Absolutely.”

  “You should also check on the room we just opened on the second floor.” Abby tried to remember if it was booked for the weekend.

  “The Barbara Bush room?”

  Abby nodded.

  “That’s where I’m sleeping tonight.”

  “That’s the best way to check it out.” She got her mother set up with the sandwich makings and then headed upstairs.

  Josh sat on the floor near the staircase, putting together a log structure. Wow, she hadn’t seen Lincoln Logs in forever.

  “That’s neat.” Abby knelt next to him.

  “Gray saw them and thought of me.” Josh’s brown eyes gleamed.

  Abby saw Gray and Josh talking together every few days. Sometimes Cheryl was talking to them, although she always looked ready to run.

  “What are you building?” she asked.

  He pulled out a picture that Gray had clearly drawn for him. “A house. ’Cuz we had to leave ours.”

  “I’m sure it will be wonderful.” She ruffled his hair, wishing she could hug him. “Is your mom up here?”

  He grimaced. “She’s helping with baby stuff.”

  Laughter echoed in the hallway as Abby approached the ballroom. What a lovely sound.

  “Abby!” Maddy, a friend of the mother-to-be, spun in a circle. “What do you think?”

  The tablecloths, balloons and streamers were all different shades of pink. Small pink tutus were wrapped around pink flowerpots. At least there was green in the herb pots—Bess’s work, of course. “Very pink.”

  “That’s what we were going for.” Maddy grinned. “I sure hope the ultrasound is correct.”

  Cheryl smoothed out a hot pink tablecloth. “Is this where you want the gift table?”

  A second hostess came over. “Maybe we should move it to the wall.”

  Abby helped Cheryl shift the table. Cheryl had fit into the B and B rhythm perfectly. It seemed as if she’d been here for years instead of just over a month. “Thanks for helping them set up.”

  Cheryl looked around, her eyes a little wide. “It’s fun. Pink, but fun.”

  “You should see the cake. It’s a pink explosion.”

  Since there wasn’t anything else to do but bring up their food, she, Cheryl and Josh headed back downstairs.

  Marion and Mamma were loading up the tea trolley. Abby and Cheryl did the same with the shower food.

  After being introduced to Cheryl and Josh, Mamma said, “I think I need a man’s opinion on the sandwiches.”

  “I can help.” Josh bounced up and down. He sampled each one, turning his face up at the cucumber sandwiches.

  “I like this one best,” he announced, helping himself to another ham sandwich.

  “I can take the shower food up, Abby,” Cheryl volunteered.

  “Thanks.”

  “Josh, stay right here,” Cheryl instructed as she pushed the cart out.

  Marion tapped her finger on her forehead. “Oh, Gray was looking for you,” she said to Abby. “He’s in the business center.”

  Heat rushed to Abby’s cheeks. No one knew that she and Gray were...seeing each other. “I’ll go check what he needs.”

  She hurried down the hall.

  Gray was bent over the printer. His hair was mussed, while his jeans cupped him in luscious places.

  “Hey,” she said, hearing her own breathlessness.

  “Hey back at you.” He straightened and she saw ink on his fingers.

  “Is the darn thing acting up again?” She frowned.

  “Paper jam.” He wiped his hands on a crumpled piece of paper. “I fixed it.”

  “Thanks.”

  He grinned and walked toward her, shutting the door. “Hey,” he said again.

  He was going to kiss her. The way he’d been doing for the past week. One of these days she was going to combust.

  His dimple flashed, making her weak in the knees. She’d kissed his dimple just last night.

  And her mother was just down the hall. Who’d told her she should have some fun.

  He leaned over and pressed a kiss to her lips.

  She wrapped her arms around him.

  He kissed her again, teasing his tongue slowly against hers. Everything inside her lit up like an arcade game. She gripped his shoulders so she wouldn’t shove him to the floor.

  She wasn’t ready for more intimacy, but the way he kissed...

  He pulled away. His eyes were dark and dangerous. “You need a new printer.”

  “Hmm?”

  “This thing is on its last legs. I’ve had trouble printing all week.”

  “Oh.” After fogging her brain with lust, he was discussing the printer. “I’ll...talk to Dolley.”

  He gave her one more kiss. “Good.”

  Her brain kicked into gear. “Gray?”

  He stroked a finger down her cheek. “Mmm-hmm.”

  “My mother’s here for a couple of days.”

  He grinned. “Can’t wait to meet her.”

  Abby blew out a breath that made his hair dance. “I haven’t told anyone about us.”

  His blue eyes seemed to chill at her words. “Okay.”

  “It’s just...so soon.”

&
nbsp; “I see.” He stepped away from her.

  She didn’t know what to do with her hands. “If we could...”

  “It will be our secret.” He grabbed the door handle. “See you later.”

  Abby felt as if she’d kicked a puppy. No, make that a panther. Not smart.

  * * *

  CHERYL LIT THE flame under the chafing dish for the chicken wings. Everything smelled great. But then Miss Abby was so talented. Wouldn’t it be something to be able to cook like she did?

  Cheryl needed to talk to her. She’d been trying to get up the nerve for the past two days.

  She checked the lemonade and the ice bucket full of champagne bottles. The organizers had already gone through two bottles and the party hadn’t even started yet.

  “That’s everything,” Cheryl said to the shower hostesses.

  “It looks wonderful,” Maddy said.

  It did. Cheryl touched her stomach, remembering the shower her friends had thrown before Josh was born. She and Brad had planned to have at least one more child, maybe two. She’d hoped for a girl.

  But then Brad had died. She forced a smile on her face as she finished the final touches. What would Brad think of the life she and Josh were living now? Would he be disappointed in her?

  “I’ll check in periodically, but if you need anything, dial the kitchen.” Cheryl showed them how to use the house phone. “I’ll send the guests up the elevator as they arrive.”

  “Thank you!” Maddy called out as Cheryl left the ballroom.

  Heading downstairs to the kitchen, she hoped to catch Abby alone. And she was in luck.

  Abby was loading the dishwasher. Josh was asleep on the love seat.

  “They loved everything,” Cheryl said. “But I think they might need more champagne. They’ve already finished two bottles.”

  “Wow.” Abby wiped her hair off her forehead with the back of her hand. She had such pretty hair, all red and gold.

  Nothing like Cheryl’s pale blond.