by Lauren Dane
“I won’t keep you much longer because I know you’re busy. Birthday trip to the mountains with another couple sounds like you and Tuesday are doing well.”
“Yeah.”
Vaughan heard the smile in his brother’s tone.
“I like her. Kelly likes her, too. She talks to your girlfriend regularly. I dig that.”
“I was thinking yesterday that Tuesday really likes Kelly and pretty much that’s all it takes for Natalie to like Kelly. Mom sees that.”
Vaughan ran a hand through his hair. He had to deal with his mother. It needed to be face-to-face and the past two times he’d been at the ranch he hadn’t been able to catch up with her.
Time to stop farting around and just call her and arrange to have lunch or something.
He groaned. “I hope so. Regardless, I’m not going to be coming back to the ranch full-time. Not for the foreseeable future. I want to talk to Mom and get that past stuff about Kelly squared away before I let anyone know. So keep that one to yourself.”
“You don’t even need to ask that, asshole.”
Vaughan snorted a laugh. “I didn’t think you were going to take out an ad in the paper or anything. But you have a girlfriend now and she’s friends with my...uh...with Kelly.”
“Yeah, yeah, cone of silence about all this stuff with Kelly and Tuesday. I’ll call you when I get back from this trip. All right?”
“Cool. Have a good time and stop worrying about the ranch while you’re gone.”
“So everyone keeps telling me. Talk to you later.”
A long ride sounded really good. A way to maybe get some of his thoughts in order. Now that the weather was improving, he’d have a new bike to ride when their group did weekend trips in the summer and fall. He and his brothers had taken a few the year before with Adrian Brown and his brother Brody.
Maybe he’d get Kelly a bike, too, and they could ride together, just the two of them.
He called the car service he used sometimes for appearances and within the hour he was pulling his new bike up out front of Chameleon, Kelly’s boutique.
Kelly had to laugh at the way everyone froze, wide-eyed at the sight of Vaughan Hurley coming into the store.
He had a helmet tucked under his arm and as he gave Kelly a smile that set everything south of her belly button to riot, he pulled off his sunglasses and stalked her way.
“We need to go camping,” he said and then he kissed her.
Luckily it wasn’t one of his long, sexy kisses, but even that brush of his mouth against hers had made her tingly.
“Right now?”
He smiled at her, tapping one of her earrings, setting it swinging. “This summer. You, me and the girls.”
“You came all the way over here on a motorcycle I’ve never seen to tell me that?”
“I knew you saw me pull up.”
She pointed. “You, sit over there. I’m helping someone.”
He obeyed, but still wore that grin.
“Oh my God, is that yours?” her customer asked.
Kelly looked back over her shoulder. “Something like that, yeah.”
“That’s Vaughan Hurley, isn’t it?”
“It is.”
The woman shoved three dresses and a blouse at Kelly. “Damn. You get it.”
That made Kelly laugh as she rang everything up. “I do. It’s not overrated.”
“I hope some of that rubs off on me.”
Once she’d gotten the woman finished up and on her way, Kelly turned back to Vaughan. “You’re a menace. She bought nearly eight hundred dollars’ worth of clothes without blinking.”
“I should hang out in your window all day, then, huh?”
“I’d never get anything done. Did you buy a motorcycle? Or is that an old one I never saw before?”
“I ordered it before we left on tour. I picked it up about fifteen minutes ago. You need one, too. Custom so it’s comfortable for long rides. Or you could ride with me on the back. Yeah, that sounds even better.”
“And this was before or after the camping idea?”
“Well, see, first I thought of you and I going on long rides together, maybe weekend trips here and there. And then I thought how awesome it would be to head out to Kalaloch and camp out at the beach with the girls.”
“All right. I’d like that. I know they would, too.” She cocked her head, looking at him. “Did you come here just to make my customers spend too much money and make me forget all about whatever I need to do later?”
“I like that compliment.” He kissed her again. “I wasn’t too far away and yeah, when I thought about going camping as a family it made me so happy I wanted to see your face.”
It was the perfect thing for him to have said. She’d needed to hear it more than she’d realized.
“That makes me really happy,” she said quietly, like she was telling a secret.
His expression was even better. Surprise, pride and then love. So much love that she found herself swallowing against a swell of emotion.
“And that makes me really happy.”
He hugged her. “Are you here by yourself or can you have an early lunch with me?”
“I recently promoted one of my employees to manager. She starts at noon and handles closing.” Kelly would be at the boutique less, which freed her time for Vaughan and the girls, but also for some print work modeling here and there as well as the non-storefront-related aspects of having two boutiques and keeping them successful. “But we can’t go to lunch here.”
“Why?”
“Because you’re Vaughan Hurley and if we go to get pho three doors down you’ll get recognized and I won’t get to eat and you know that makes me cranky.”
Again the devastating grin. “I am. And you’re Kelly Hurley. People look at you all the time so you’re one to talk. Also, I’ve been around when someone gets between you and your lunch. I don’t want you to leave me bloody.”
Most people didn’t tease her about food. Not in a good way, in any case. Anytime someone didn’t like her opinion she’d get shut up and look pretty comments. Her mother’s attitude about food had nearly landed Kelly into a full-blown eating disorder. Heaven knew it was common enough in her world.
But she’d survived with only a few scars to her psyche—some weird obsessions she worked hard to control—and it didn’t stop her from eating chocolate so Kelly considered that a win.
“Go for a ride. Meet me at home in an hour. I’ll pick lunch up on the way.”
“Can we have sex instead?”
“You just got a brand-new toy!”
He pulled her close. “You’re my favorite toy of all time. I like to play with you every chance I get.”
She kissed him and spun his body, aiming him at the door. “Go. Have fun. I’ll see you in a while and if you eat all your veggies I might let you play with me.”
With a quick one-armed hug, he jogged over to his bike. Kelly made no attempt to hide as she watched him sit astride and key the bike on. It gave her a shiver, the sound of the engine and the way he looked, all inked and badass.
It was impossible to wipe the smile off her face for some time after that.
* * *
VAUGHAN, ONE ARM AROUND Kelly’s shoulders, one hand holding Maddie’s with Kensey holding Kelly’s, knew he was probably having one of the best days ever.
He’d taken a nice long ride on his new bike, come back, had lunch with his woman, followed by excellent—and loud as the girls were gone—sex. And now he was at a school carnival.
With his family. This was why he saw men wear the expression he surely wore right at that moment. Beautiful woman at his side. Happy children. All was right in his world, no lie about that.
“I’m a lucky man,” Vaughan said as he ki
ssed Kelly’s temple.
“You are,” she teased. “So I’ll allow you to buy me a shave ice in thanks.”
Both girls thought this was a fine idea so they headed over to stand in line. Vaughan hadn’t been to their school very many times. He’d attended a school conference and never missed a play or musical performance.
But this was different. He was a parent of students there. He belonged.
Once they’d procured their treats, they headed over to the giant bounce house thing where his children slipped through a little hole in the side and were gone to play.
“They’re happy you’re here.” Kelly’s tone said their girls weren’t alone in that.
“I’m happy to be here. What about you?”
“Are you trying to get me to say something nice about you?” Her mouth continued to captivate him as she fought a smile.
He knew it, but he wanted her to say it, too. “Yes.”
“I’m glad you’re here.”
He wanted to lay a kiss on her, but there were kids around and enough people looking that he didn’t want to make a scene. But he kept an arm around her shoulders as he and Kelly finished their shave ice and hung out watching the kids play.
He got recognized a few times. Some of the parents waved, one or two said a hello as they passed. No one invaded their space or made a scene, respectful that he was there with his family and not as Vaughan Hurley, the musician.
After he realized that was going to be the case, he really relaxed in a way he only usually was able to do at the ranch, far away from everyone else.
“Not that corn dogs aren’t a fine food option while on tour or a road trip, I’m going to suggest seeking an actual dinner after this. What do you say?” Vaughan asked her.
“A place without paper tablecloths and crayons? Doesn’t have to be fancy, but I’d like something without nugget in the title.”
Laughing, he pulled her closer. “Deal.”
She stiffened a few minutes later and when he bent to ask her what was wrong, Vaughan caught sight of a tight-lipped woman coming their way, her attention lasered on Kelly.
“Who’s the woman?” Vaughan asked.
“Ross’s ex-wife.”
Ross sure did have a type. His ex-wife was tall and blonde with blue eyes, just like Kelly. But where Kelly’s beauty shone bright, like the sun and stars, this woman’s pinched face and general attitude blunted her attractiveness.
She curled her lip at Kelly once she’d reached them. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”
“Okay, why is that?” Kelly kept an eye on the bouncy house, watching for their children, Vaughan knew.
“Haven’t you done enough? Don’t you have any shame?”
Vaughan wasn’t going to tolerate anyone talking to Kelly that way. “I don’t know what your problem is, ma’am, but you’re going to need to keep on walking. We don’t want whatever you’re selling.”
“I knew it. I told Ross you were the reason she broke the engagement.” Ross’s ex looked Vaughan up and down, her lip curled.
Kelly stepped between them and Vaughan realized it was to defend him. His heart swelled. “I’m not happy I hurt Ross. I understand why you’re in my face. But really, our relationship isn’t any of your business. So, you got in your shots. People are staring, which I know you always adore. I’m inclined to let your little snit go, as my children are currently with your children, laughing and playing. But if your attitude affects them, you and I are going to have a problem.”
“Are you threatening me?”
Kelly got very close to the other woman. “I’m telling you I won’t allow you to harm my children. And if you get in between me and them, I’ll make you understand why it was a mistake. So if you need that to be a threat, you go ahead on.”
The ex turned, looking over her shoulder toward the bounce house where the girls were. “He’s too good for you anyway. Here’s a friendly tip, don’t eat your feelings, Kelly. It’s not good for your waistline.”
“Have a nice day. Somewhere else.” Vaughan made a shooing motion and walked around her, Kelly at his side. Her back was stiff, clearly related to all the hatred this woman slung her way.
He waved to Maddie, indicating she and Kensey come out.
He spoke quietly in Kelly’s ear. “Now. We have some rings to toss and some other various and sundry carnival action to attend to. Once we’re done, I owe all my ladies dinner.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
STACEY FOUND KELLY in the tree house where she’d taken refuge.
Kelly sighed, moving her legs so her friend could come in. “Not that I’m unhappy to see you, but how is it everyone knows about my secret spot?”
Stacey rolled her eyes and settled in next to Kelly.
“I brought new chocolate back from my trip to San Francisco.” Stacey held up several sleek, beautifully colored bars.
Kelly grabbed them quickly. “Okay, you can stay.”
Stacey snickered. “Gee, thanks. Why are you hiding out here?”
Kelly examined the different bars, choosing pale blue. “If I share candy with you can we just avoid this whole conversation?”
“There’s no if when it comes to chocolate. You will be sharing, that’s a given. So go on and get your need to log this stuff handled so I can have some while you then tell me what’s up.”
“You’re mean.”
“Duh. I’m a lawyer, we’re all mean.”
Kelly tried very hard not to show any of her food or body image issues in front of her daughters. She never chided them about how many calories something had, though they learned about nutrition in school and she wanted them to be healthy.
What she didn’t want them to do was log down every bite of chocolate like it was a confession of a sin.
She pulled out the mason jar and logged the chocolate. It had been a long time since she’d made an attempt to hide this sort of thing from Stacey. That was true trust, Kelly supposed. When your friends simply accepted your weird flaws and only called out the ones they thought were truly harmful.
“Ross told her about my food stuff.”
“What? Ross told who?” Stacey asked.
Kelly handed over half the bar to Stacey before breaking off a small piece of her half, savoring it slowly.
Little flecks of toffee studded the chocolate. As it should. “Damn, this is so fucking good.”
“You’re welcome. I’m glad you chose that one because I originally bought you two, and then I ate one.”
“Best-friend tax.” Kelly shrugged. “Like when I steal fries from the girls. The price you pay.”
“Indeed. Tell me.”
“At the carnival on Friday, Ross’s ex-wife was there. She was mainly stupid, but she made a crack about my weight and eating my feelings.”
Stacey’s gaze narrowed.
“People do when they find out I used to model. Sometimes people are asshats. But this was very specific.” Kelly’s voice wobbled a little. The betrayal still stung.
“You think she’d be dancing a jig. You only got in her way. But Ross? Damn. That’s awful. I’m sorry. And I’d like to punch him in the throat.”
There was the part of Kelly who knew all the stuff Ross’s ex had said was bull. A slap meant to wound, not just with the insult, but the knowing. Ross had shared a secret part of Kelly. A part she’d revealed to him, trusting him to protect her from this sort of thing.
But he hadn’t. And it had sent her reeling. Where she’d been all weekend long.
“Did you talk to Ross?”
“No. It only happened three days ago. Anyway, what’s the point? I should be glad I have a reason other than me wanting someone else to break the engagement.”
“Oh whatever. For fuck’s sake, Kelly, you two weren’t righ
t for one another and this is just another example of why. I will gladly put poo in a bag and toss it, alight with flame, on doorsteps. I’ll even drive so you can come along.”
Kelly laughed, imagining that.
“You’re not fat. You’re not thin. You’re you. And you’re healthy. Sure, she looks similar to you. But she’s not you. Which makes her bitter. I’m sorry she was a twat and I’m sorry Ross was a jerk.”
“I’m glad you came over to bring me chocolate.”
“Me too. Did you talk this over with Vaughan? Did he notice you were upset?”
“He just thought it was the interaction overall, not anything specific. I...” He knew some of her stuff, but not all. Not the hodgepodge of weird coping behaviors and bargains she’d made with her brain to let her have a seminormal life when it came to her body and to food.
“He’s going to notice. And then what?”
“I’ll be fine. I’m just wallowing a little. He won’t need to notice.”
Stacey sighed. “Keeping a food journal doesn’t make you crazy.”
Kelly echoed her friend’s sigh. “I don’t think I’m crazy. But I don’t need to have this sort of detailed conversation about it with Vaughan. It would take more time and energy to explain and give him the backstory than the entire exchange did.”
“I just think it’s good to share this with him.”
“He knows about some of the shit with my mother. But I really don’t want to wallow.”
Stacey waved a hand. “Yeah, I can tell.”
“I didn’t call you all over and then run out there weeping. I was alone and working through it.”
“No, you’re not the type. But you don’t have to be alone to work through it. You have me. You even have Vaughan. I wasn’t sure how he’d fare with this whole winning-you-back thing. But he’s working. I can see it,” Stacey said.
“He is.” Which was why she didn’t want to drag this stuff into that. She dusted her hands and looked back to Stacey. “Why did you come over?”
