“Maybe one of these days you’ll let me introduce you to a nice young woman who can help you stay on track.” She raised her brows.
“Thanks, but we have a pretty full life.” He lifted Phillip into his arms, thinking about how their lives, or at least their house, were about to become even fuller if Tempest rented the room. Last night he’d spent hours going over their interactions. He didn’t think he’d come on to her, but it had been so long since he’d hit on a woman, he honestly couldn’t be sure if he’d stared too long or given away his attraction in some other way. She’d scurried off so quickly he also worried he’d shared too much of himself, and he could kick himself for that. But she was right to ask about his family. If he expected answers about hers, she deserved the same from him.
Mrs. P wrote out a receipt and handed it to him. He mentally calculated the commission that would land in his bank in three days. His father had taught him a lot about budgeting and finance during their two years at sea. It had been his way of avoiding dealing with the devastation of their lives after losing PJ. If Nash’s nose was in a book, there was no need for words. Nash was a fast learner. He’d not only learned to repress his emotions, but he’d learned to budget and save. From the moment he’d struck out on his own, he’d had a plan for his finances, and he’d stuck to it. When Alaina had gotten pregnant, he’d modified the plan to include a savings account for Phillip’s future. Half of each check went toward living expenses and spending money, a quarter went into savings for machinery maintenance, vet bills, and unexpected repairs, and the last quarter went into savings for Phillip’s future. There was a time when those savings accounts had grown at a rapid pace, but that was before Alaina had taken off. It had been shortsighted of him to think his ability to keep up with orders, and his plentiful commissions, would last forever.
Mrs. P placed a hand on her rounded hip. “The two of you boys probably do have a full life, but the right woman can make it even better.”
His thoughts returned to Tempest. Beyond dissecting their interactions, he’d spent a good part of last night thinking about her in other ways. Like how beautiful she was and how she didn’t walk like most people did, intent on reaching their destination. She strolled gracefully, taking in everything around her and showing her enjoyment with a lifting of her lips, a widening of her eyes, or that sweet sigh he wasn’t even sure she was aware of making. And her legs? He’d had so many fantasies about them wrapped around his waist, around his shoulders, pressed beneath his thighs that he’d had to take matters into his own hands just to find relief. He was pretty certain he shouldn’t even be thinking about letting her rent the room for that reason alone. But every time he told himself that, the man inside him rebelled.
Needing to change the subject—and get his mind off Tempest before he ended up sporting wood he couldn’t chisel away—he said, “I’m running a few days behind on the other piece you ordered, but I should have it done inside of a week.”
Her eyes sparked with mischief again. “As I said, the right—”
“Mrs. P,” he interrupted. “I’ll have it done by Monday if you stop pushing women on me.”
“Fine.” She ran her hand over the carving of an eagle flying near a range of pine trees on the back of the chair. “Take until Friday if you need it. Your work keeps getting better and better. I just wish we could get more of it.”
And therein lay the crux of his trouble. Before Phillip was born, he was able to work as many hours as he needed to keep up with orders and keep a few stock items on hand. But the last three years he’d had to adapt to being a single parent, which meant catching a few hours here and there to work, and completely giving up working with the forge. His business had suffered, but there was no way he would skimp where his son was concerned. Most of the time he was grateful for the extra time with Phillip, but his truck had a hundred thousand miles on it, his tools needed replenishing, and if he had any hope of giving Phillip life experiences beyond caring for a few farm animals, something had to give. Renting out the room was a start.
“I’d like to pick up my production schedule eventually. I’m working toward it, and I appreciate you keeping the orders coming in.”
They made two more deliveries, and then Nash drove to the diner. Phillip practically leaped from the truck into his arms, knocking his forehead against the bill of Nash’s cap.
“Whoa, buddy. You okay?”
Phillip rubbed his forehead.
Nash moved his little hand and kissed his boo-boo. His phone vibrated in his pocket, and he set Phillip down, holding his hand as he pulled out his phone, hoping it was Tempest. Disappointment came with the sight of Larry’s name on the screen. He needed to be firm with Larry once and for all, but for now he let the call go to voicemail, adding it to the long list of things he didn’t want to think about.
“ONE MORE TIME, Mary. You’re doing such a good job. I’m really proud of you.” Tempest strummed “You Are My Sunshine,” singing the tune slow enough for Mary to sing along as she underwent a chemotherapy treatment. At Pleasant Hill Hospital they used music therapy for patients of all ages, and while Tempest enjoyed working with adults, she preferred working with the children. This was her third time visiting Mary during her treatment, and the music not only served as a great distraction, but Mary’s parents, Walter and Caroline, said they’d seen marked improvement in her outlook. She no longer cried before her treatments, and she looked forward to singing with Tempest.
The nurse came in to take out her IV, and Mary continued singing throughout the process, nervously running her fingers over the new purple scarf Jillian had made. Tempest tried to bring a little something special when she worked with children undergoing particularly scary or painful procedures. She knew all the gifts in the world couldn’t take away the fear or the pain these children faced, but every bit helped.
After the nurse finished, Mary scooted forward and wrapped her arms around Tempest’s neck.
“Will you be here next time, Tempe?” Mary asked.
“You bet I will. Any special requests?”
Mary looked to her mother for help. She’d lost her hair from the treatments, and she wore a pretty white knit cap with red stars on it. Mary’s prognosis was good, but Tempest knew that could change at any time.
Caroline brushed her hand over Mary’s arm. “How about that One Direction song you love?”
“Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah!” Mary said. “‘What Makes You Beautiful’! Do you know that song?”
“I happen to know that song very well. My younger sister, Shannon, is a big One Direction fan.”
“I didn’t know you had a younger sister,” Mary said. “I have a younger sister, but she doesn’t come to the hospital with us.”
“I bet she misses you.”
“I miss her, too, but she’s two and she’s a pain sometimes.”
Tempest set her guitar in the case. “My sister is in her twenties, and she’s a pain sometimes, too. But you know what? I bet she thinks I’m also a pain sometimes.”
Mary laughed.
Walter pressed a kiss to the top of Mary’s head, and like the last two times Tempest had visited, his glassy eyes gave away the emotions he struggled to keep contained. “Thank you, Tempe. We’ll see you next week.”
“I look forward to it.”
As she was leaving the hospital, Dr. Tolson, the head of the Physical Medical and Rehabilitation department caught up to her. Ever the professional, her blond hair was secured in a clip at the base of her neck, the perfect accompaniment for her black pencil skirt and white blouse. “Tempe, I’m glad I ran into you.” She pushed the exit door open and held it for Tempest. “We had a staff meeting today, and your name came up quite a few times.”
“Should I worry?” She knew she was good at her job, and the doctors and physical therapists seemed to really like her, but there was always that kernel of doubt with a new place of employment.
“Not at all. You’re doing such good work with the kids, and the parents rav
e about you. We’re thinking about expanding the music therapy budget. Would you ever be interested in taking on more hours? Maybe doing more work with the adults, too?”
The opportunity would allow her income to grow, but she knew how quickly her days and weekends would fill up with clients at the hospital. “I really appreciate you asking, but I’m still trying to grow my children’s music group. Can I think about it?”
Dr. Tolson dug her keys out of her purse. “Of course. How’s it coming along?”
“Slow, but good. I spoke to Hattie Rivers, the owner of the Downtown Art Boutique, today. She’s holding a grand opening of the new children’s section of her boutique in a couple of weeks and I’m going to be playing at it. I think it’s a good way to get to know families. Hopefully that will lead to more referrals.”
“That’s wonderful. You can probably spread the word through the pediatric unit as well. Talk to some of the docs and see if they can pass your name along.”
“That wouldn’t be considered rude, trying to grow a business elsewhere?”
Dr. Tolson smiled. “We’re all interested in making sure the kids are happy and healthy. You’re not taking patients away from the hospital; you’re doing good for the community.” She glanced at her watch. “I’ve got to go, but think about it. We’re hoping to meet with the board next week, and we’d love to see you helping more of the patients.”
On the way to her car, Tempest mulled over the opportunity. But she couldn’t ignore the voice in the back of her head reminding her why she had come to Pleasant Hill in the first place. Doing the same things she’d done in Peaceful Harbor was hardly a fresh start. She climbed into her car, wishing she could sit beneath the stars and chill, but she had a commitment to keep. She pulled out her phone and texted Jillian, I’ll be there soon. Just leaving the hospital.
After another sleepless night, this one not caused by her vivacious cousin, but by thoughts of a big, brooding single father, she’d woken up with no clearer answers about her living arrangements than she’d had the night before. She’d been too busy today to spend much time dwelling on Nash, but he’d been there, lingering in the recesses of her mind like forbidden fruit. Maybe her cousins could help her come to a decision.
Twenty minutes later she walked into the crowded tavern, immediately assaulted by loud music and air too oppressive to breathe. Bars had never been her thing. She preferred quiet cafés, or outdoor venues, where she could actually hear her friends speak.
She moved through the crowd and spotted Jillian dancing with a guy who towered over her by at least a foot. His longish dark hair and tattoos gave him a dangerous vibe, one Tempest would not be comfortable with, but Jillian loved edgy bikers. Of course, if Nick and Jax were there, then this guy was probably one of Nick’s friends, because there was no way he’d allow Jillian to dance with a guy like that unless he knew him.
A heavy hand on her waist startled her. She turned and found her burly cousin Nick smiling down at her. Tempest had always thought of Nick as being caught somewhere between a country boy and a biker, since he drove a custom-made Silver-Stone motorcycle and trained show horses. He took after the Braden side of the family—tall, dark, and built for a fight—while Jillian took after her mother, petite and feisty.
“Hey, beautiful.” Nick leaned down and kissed her cheek, keeping a protective arm around her waist.
“I was just thinking about you. Who’s Jilly getting sweaty with?”
“My buddy Jace Stone.” He guided her over to a table where Jax was ordering a drink from a pretty blond waitress.
Jax rose and hugged Tempest. “How’s my favorite cousin?” He was almost as tall as Nick, but fairer haired and leaner.
“Sleep deprived and in need of advice.” Jax was a great sounding board. Of all her cousins, he was the most like her. He was cautious, with an underlying sense of calm that translated into everything he did. She guessed he had to be. As a high-end wedding gown designer, he spent his days trying to please bridezillas.
“I ordered you a glass of wine.” He pulled out a chair for her and said, “Sit down and tell me all your problems.”
Nick sat across from them. “Need me to kick someone’s ass?”
“Maybe my own? I’m not sure yet.” She reached across the table and took a sip of Nick’s beer. She wasn’t a big drinker, but tonight she needed something to calm her thoughts.
“Uh-oh.” Jax eyed Nick’s beer. “What is going on with you?”
“You know how Jilly likes to stay up all night?”
“You knew this when you were six,” Nick said. “Remember the sleepovers?”
“Yes. I always ended up sleeping on the floor in one of your bedrooms.” They had three other brothers, Zev, Graham, and Beau, and she’d spent more nights on their floors than she had in Jillian’s room. “But I thought she’d outgrown it. I mean, look at her.”
Jace and Jillian were dancing like they owned the dance floor, bumping and grinding so sexily they put the Dirty Dancing crew to shame. Tempest was a little jealous of her cousin’s ability to let loose like that. “She’s got more energy than ten women. I’m exhausted just watching her.”
“Everyone’s exhausted watching her,” Jax said. “Jilly said you were looking for another place to live. You know you can stay with me if you’d like.”
“I’m sure she’d appreciate finding a different woman wandering around nude every other week.” Nick winked at Tempest. “I’ve got your back. You don’t want to live with one of the Braden boys.”
Boy, wasn’t that the truth. “Thanks, you guys, but I think I found a place to live. I just…There’s this thing standing in my way.”
“Yay! You made it!” Jillian said as she and Jace returned to the table. She sat beside Nick. “Whew. That was fun.”
Jace gave Tempest a hungry once-over as he sank down to the chair at the end of the table.
Nick put a hand at the base of Jace’s neck, laying a death stare on him. “Buddy, this is my cousin, Tempest.”
Why did she think explaining to her two male cousins that she was trying to figure out if she was too attracted to a guy to rent a room in his house was a good idea? They’d try to forbid her from ever stepping foot in that house again. They were Bradens, after all.
Jace swore under his breath. “Dude, you’re related to every gorgeous woman in this town.” He flashed a killer smile at Tempest. “Jace Stone. Nice to meet you.”
“It’s nice to meet you, too. You’re a really good dancer.”
The waitress brought Tempest’s wine, and Tempest took a long sip.
“Yeah, he is,” Jillian said, earning a harsh glare from Nick. “Back off, big brother. I said he was a good dancer. I didn’t invite him into my bedroom.”
“Did I hear ‘bedroom’?” Jace waggled his brows.
They all laughed, except Nick, who scowled.
“I swear it’s like being out with my family before my brothers had their hearts stolen.” Tempe thought about that as she sipped her wine, remembering the lightning-fast rush of excitement that Nash had stirred. What if he was her heart stealer?
“Speaking of having hearts stolen, you came in awfully late last night,” Jillian pointed out. “Did you meet someone special?”
Maybe? “I went to see a room for rent. It’s on the outskirts of town. A farmette with a pond and a garden.”
“Sounds like it’s right up your alley,” Jax said. “What’s the issue?”
She took another gulp of liquid courage. “I don’t know if there is an issue, but the guy renting it out is a single father. He’s got an adorable little boy, and…” He’s smoking hot and an artist, and—
“A man with a child is a total aphrodisiac,” Jace said. “At least that’s what my sisters tell me.”
Jillian leaned across the table with a glimmer of mischief in her eyes. “It’s more than that, isn’t it? There was chemistry between you two. He made your belly tumble. I see it in your eyes.”
She looked away. “Pff
t. Hardly.”
“Oh yeah. I nailed it. Look at those cheeks. She’s blushing.” Jillian reached across the table and squeezed Tempest’s hand. “Face it, Tempe. You’re hot for this guy.”
“Who is he?” Nick demanded.
“His name is Nash Morgan, and I’m not hot for him.” She looked away again, knowing they’d see right through her.
“You’ve always been a sucky liar,” Jax said for her ears only.
Tell me something I don’t know.
“Let me guess,” Jace said. “You’re worried you’ll end up hooking up if you rent the room.”
“Dude,” Nick snapped.
“Ohmygod,” Tempest said under her breath.
“If you’re hot for him, and he’s hot for you, then where you live will make no difference,” Jillian pointed out. “You’ll hook up anyway at some point.”
“Enough, Jilly,” Nick said sharply. “I want to meet this guy. His name is familiar, but I can’t place him. Your brothers would kill me if I let you move into some guy’s house without one of us checking him out.”
Tempest rolled her eyes. “I don’t need your permission or theirs.”
“No, you don’t,” Jax said. “But there’s no harm in our meeting him, letting him know you’ve got us watching your back.”
“Do I have a choice in this matter?” she mumbled.
“No,” Nick, Jax, and Jace said in unison.
“You don’t even know me,” she said to Jace.
“I do now.” Jace flashed a cocky grin. “Besides, you’re related to Nick. That makes me your honorary big brother.”
“Like I need any more of those.” She pushed from the table and grabbed her bag. “I think I need some air. I’ll be right back.”
“I’m coming with you.” Jillian caught up with her and wrapped her hand around Tempest’s arm. “They’re just watching out for you.”
“I know. It’s just that I’m confused enough as it is.” She pushed through the doors and walked outside, taking a deep cleansing breath of the cool evening air.
Whisper of Love (The Bradens at Peaceful Harbor, Book Five) Page 4
