A Man of Honor

by Cynthia Thomason

  “Don’t sell yourself short. You’re doing great. I think you’re going to knock Milt’s socks off.”

  “That’s a stretch,” he said. “Do you watch pro football on TV?”

  “Not unless I’m too lazy to reach for the remote.” She gave him a coy, almost contrite grin. “Sorry.”

  “If you did, you’d notice that most sports broadcasters are ex-jocks. I suppose I’m different because I’m more interested in real news, not play-by-play announcing. But all of us ex-athletes have had to find something worthwhile to do after the field lights are turned off.”

  “Something tells me there is a lot more about you that makes you different from most ex-athletes.”

  “I hope that’s a compliment.”

  She gave him another one of those coy grins. “Well, we’ll just have to see, won’t we? So far so good.”

  His heart gave a surprising kick in his chest. Was she flirting? Or was she just stating a fact? He put his tablet in its case and started toward the door. At the last minute he turned around. She was right behind him.

  “Forget something?” she asked.

  “No, but I did have an idea.”

  “What’s that?”

  Right now the only idea he had was one that had him leaning into her, smelling the floral scent of her hair and getting another close-up look at those tempting curves. He wanted nothing more than to hold her tight and kiss her. Kiss her? Good grief, he hadn’t acted on a kissing impulse that hadn’t included Lynette in years. And suddenly, with this woman, it was all he could think about. To thank her? Sure, he could explain this phenomenon that way, but it would be a lie. He wanted to do it because she was a woman and he was a man, and his instincts were taking over. He fisted his hand at his side and held his tablet tightly against his chest.

  “Jeremy?” She cocked her head to the side and stared at him. “Is something wrong?”

  “No.” He gave his head a mental shake. “I was just thinking. We deserve a break, don’t you think?”

  “I don’t know. What did you have in mind?”

  “How about coming out to my place tomorrow?”

  “To Hidden Oaks?”

  “Yeah. It’s Saturday. The kids are going to a birthday party, and Marta, that’s my housekeeper, will stay with them while I come into town to pick you up. We can work for a while if we want to, but out on the patio if it’s nice. I have a pool, and it’s heated.”

  She smiled. “Doesn’t sound like we’ll get much done.”

  “You’d be surprised what a beautiful day and a little imagination can accomplish.” She seemed hesitant so he lightly wrapped his hand around her elbow. She allowed it to happen. “Come on, say you’ll come. Have you ever been to Hidden Oaks?”

  “No, but I’ve heard a lot about it.”

  “Stay as long as you like. When you’re ready, I’ll take you home, but we may have a couple of kids in the car for the trip back. You do like kids, right?”

  “Ah, sure. Kids are great.”

  “Then you’ll come?”

  “Why not? I’d love to.”

  “Great. See you tomorrow.” He squeezed her elbow, leaned in and pecked her on the cheek. A friendly gesture, and she didn’t take offense. Should he try for more? Maybe tomorrow.

  He walked out onto her landing, looked back at the door knocker and smiled. When he’d arrived earlier and knocked on her door, he’d had an idea that tonight could be special, a step forward for a man who felt like laughter had been forgotten lately and breathing had just become a way to stay alive.

  * * *

  WHAT HAVE YOU just agreed to? Brooke asked herself as she carried the pizza plates and wineglasses into the kitchen. “Sure I like kids.” She mimicked her own voice. “I love my nieces, but never planned on having any of my own.” Why didn’t you tell him that, Brooke? Why didn’t you tell him that most kids make you uneasy, and the responsibility of raising any absolutely freaks you out?

  Esther was like an extension of her and Camryn, and someday Gracie would be the same. But that didn’t mean that Brooke wanted to be a mother. Camryn had always been the one to bring home strays and mother them. Brooke hadn’t been able to take care of the family cat.

  But the kids would be at a birthday party tomorrow. Maybe the housekeeper would be around. Or maybe not. Maybe she’d be alone with Jeremy in the warm sun on his patio. Should she take her bathing suit? Well, of course. She couldn’t exactly not after he’d told her about the pool. Bathing suits were certainly inappropriate for business associates. But not necessarily for friends. And she and Jeremy were friends, right? At least until Milt’s strategy failed and Jeremy discovered she’d let him down.

  Only one thing to do. Brooke called Camryn.

  “How’s everything?” Camryn asked. “Are you home again on a Friday night?”

  Camryn had known about Brooke’s dating slump. The funny thing was, she felt worse about it than Brooke did. Although tonight Brooke had to admit that it felt good to leave her novel on the nightstand and spend some time with an interesting, not-bad-on-the-eyes fella.

  “Yes, I’m home,” she said. “But I haven’t been alone exactly.”

  “What is that supposed to mean? You were alone or you weren’t?”

  “I wasn’t.”

  “So you had company?”

  “I guess you could say that. Remember that guy I told you I had to make into a well-rounded news anchor within six weeks to save my job and the station?”

  “I remember. As I recall, you called him a charming but probably no-talent ex-football player.”

  Brooke cringed. “That wasn’t very nice.”

  “No, but I forgave you because this guy sort of had your future in the palm of his hand.”

  Hmm...an image of Jeremy’s strong hands massaging her foot came to mind and made her feel special for a walk-challenged klutz.

  “Anything I might have said about him being a dumb jock, I regret. He’s really pretty smart.”

  “So are you interested in this guy beyond making him a news-broadcast celebrity? Could he be the one?”

  “I guess it’s a possibility,” she said, resisting the urge to shout “Yes, yes, he could be.” She sighed. “But nothing will come of it. He has two kids, and I’m not ready for that.”

  Camryn laughed. “Two kids is nothing. I’ve suddenly got four. And I should remind you that kids are not little demons who run around the house leaving toys on the stairs on purpose.”

  “I know that. And Esther is fun. Gracie will be, too, when she’s able to go shopping. But you know I don’t want kids in my life. I want to someday be producing the news for CNN or ABC.”

  “So where does this leave you with Mr. Legs, as you used to call him?”

  “He invited me to his house in Hidden Oaks tomorrow.”

  “Whoa, Hidden Oaks? Fancy. What did you say?”

  “I said yes. We’re going to work on his training.”

  “That sounds interesting,” Camryn said. “What kind of training exactly?”

  “You know what training. I’m determined to turn him into the best newscaster in the South. I can’t lose sight of the fact that my job depends on how well Jeremy does as an anchor on WJQC. I can’t let him derail my goals. I wasn’t lucky enough to have the love of my life simply move in right next door like you.”

  Camryn hooted. “It wasn’t all smooth sailing. What romance novel have you been reading now? And he’s a vet who works hard and comes home plenty dirty. We wouldn’t even get by if I didn’t have my egg business and my graphic-design gig with the school system.”

  “Okay. Sorry, but I want to be at the very top of my field and have everything that goes with it. Being fired by Milt Cramer is not a step in that direction. Hard to believe that after all the years at the station, my job could rest on the shoulders of this one man.”
r />   “Very nice shoulders though, I bet,” Camryn said.

  Brooke smiled. “Indeed they are.”

  “If Jeremy lives in Hidden Oaks, he must have a big house. Probably a swimming pool and a great yard. And one of those gorgeous gourmet kitchens.”

  “I don’t know, maybe.”

  “Then just have fun, Brooke. You can do that, can’t you? Forget lost people and unfair ultimatums and have fun with the person you’re with...and his kids.”

  “I’ll try. Actually, I’ll do more than that. I believe I will. Well, maybe not the kids part.” Camryn started to say something and Brooke cut her off. “Love you, sis. Though I can’t imagine why.”

  “Love you, too. And I can think of a thousand reasons why.”

  Brooke disconnected. Camryn’s advice, as usual, was easier said than done. Still, she had the rest of the night to think about which bathing suit she’d take, and all that warm sun, and those big, strong, capable hands and very nice shoulders.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  “MARTA WANTS TO go visit her sister today,” Jeremy said to his two children at breakfast the next morning. “So please behave and don’t give her any trouble while I run an errand. I want her to leave for her sister’s without feeling like she’s been let out of a cage at the zoo.”

  Cody laughed. “I get to be the tiger.”

  “You get to be who you are,” Jeremy said, “only better.”

  “Aren’t you going to be here?” Alicia asked. “It’s Saturday. You’re always with us on Saturday.”

  “I’ll be here most of the day,” he said. “But I have someplace to go this morning before Marta leaves. And I’ll be here after you guys get back from the birthday party.” One thing Jeremy had learned quickly about Hidden Oaks was that parties were on the docket almost every weekend. If it wasn’t some kid’s birthday, then parents were celebrating kindergarten graduation or the adoption of a new pet. “I’ll drop you off at the party when I get back.”

  “Where are you going?” Alicia asked.

  “I’m picking up a friend. She’s helping me get used to my new job at the television station. Since I need all the help I can get, I figured we’d have a working lunch out by the pool.”

  Alicia narrowed her eyes. “Is it the lady you talked about the other day? The one named Brooke.”

  Jeremy had mentioned a lady at the station who’d hurt her ankle. No big deal, he’d thought. Besides, Alicia couldn’t remember to carry her backpack up to her room, so why did she all of a sudden remember Brooke’s name?

  “Yes, it is,” Jeremy said.

  “But it’s not a date?”

  “No, Alicia. Remember when we talked the other day? I don’t date. I haven’t dated in years.” He frowned at the truth of that statement. “I wouldn’t even know how to date anymore.”

  Alicia maintained the same serious expression. “Okay. Go get her. What should we do while you’re gone?”

  Jeremy shook his head. Both kids had a roomful of toys and projects collecting dust in the garage. Surely they could find something to do. But both pairs of eyes stared at him, waiting for an answer.

  “You can wrap the presents for Luke. They’re on my dresser. The remote dinosaur is from Cody. The swim mask is from you, Alicia. Wrapping paper is in the linen closet, and only use safety scissors to cut the paper.”

  Those were words he didn’t think he’d ever use. But parents had to think of stuff like that and not just assume. He grabbed his wallet off the counter and his keys from the hook by the back door. “Marta, I’m leaving.”

  “Okay, Mr. C,” she called from the laundry room. “See you later.”

  He got in his huge SUV, the one he’d purchased to give his children breathing room and himself every option available to an auto buyer. Once he left his driveway, he switched on Sirius radio, but didn’t tune in to news for this trip. Instead he picked an oldies channel and hummed along to the Beach Boys. He instantly relaxed. A day at the pool, a pretty woman and the Beach Boys. It might very well be a great day.

  Brooke was ready when he got to her condo at ten thirty. She had on white shorts and a checkered top that ended at her waist, where she’d tied the material into a knot. She looked comfortable and laid-back, so different from the serious woman who ran the newsroom at WJQC. He liked this Brooke, who seemed ready for a walk in the park or a picnic.

  And then, after greeting him, she picked up a folder and said, “I typed up some examples of breaking news from the last few years. You should know what kinds of stories will interrupt the regular broadcast.”

  He tried to inject enthusiasm into his voice. “Good idea.”

  “It’s interesting to learn what is considered important enough to disturb our pattern,” she said. “Of course there’s always an important death, or an unexpected act of nature. But—”

  “Can we discuss all this later?” he said. “I’ve got to get back before my housekeeper leaves for the afternoon.”

  “Your kids still have a party to go to, right?” she asked. “I don’t think your children will be too interested in breaking news.”

  “Yep. Believe me, the kids won’t want to hang around with us.”

  Jeremy loved the drive to Hidden Oaks. Once he left the city, the four-lane roads curved in a southwesterly direction into some of the most beautiful country he’d ever seen. Bridges crossed expanses of gently rippling rivers and streams. The Lowcountry of South Carolina was home to a multitude of fish, wildlife, crustaceans, insects and sweet Carolina breezes. As far as the eye could see, canals ran through lush, tall green grass, which lived in perfect harmony with the estuaries that sustained the life protected under their glistening surfaces.

  Brooke had been quiet during most of the ride, but she had been carefully observing the passing landscape, as well. “It’s really naturally beautiful out here,” she said when they were nearing his home.

  “I remember you said you’ve never been to this part of the Charleston area before. This housing development is almost four years old.”

  “I suppose it’s odd that I haven’t been here, but as a news producer, my job was to keep everything running smoothly in the production room. I rarely went out on location, and when I did, I was usually still in the city.” She smiled at him. “I’ve been to many places—London, Paris—but I’m starting to think I’ve missed a lot right here close to Charleston.” He could picture her in some of the most romantic cities in the world. He could picture her almost anywhere.

  “You must have traveled the coast, gone to vacation spots such as the Grand Strand,” he said.

  “Sure. I’ve been up and down the coast. I guess I just never thought there was anything worth seeing in newly developed residential areas.” She smiled at him. “I was wrong. You’ve picked a nice place to live.”

  He slowed as he approached the tall, wrought-iron gate. He aimed his resident key at a panel next to the sign that read Hidden Oaks. The gate slid to the side with a soft hiss. “Just a few turns and we’re there,” he said.

  “Before we arrive,” Brooke said, “did you tell your children that I was coming today?”

  “Yes, I told them about you.” At least I told them about your ankle. “They’re looking forward to meeting you.” He recalled his kids’ blank stares when he mentioned Brooke.

  “I hope so.”

  So did he.

  As he neared the road that would take him to his three-acre property, Jeremy took a minute to observe Brooke’s profile. He wondered why she’d never been married. Surely she’d had serious relationships with men. Maybe someday he would ask her about her past, when things settled down at the station and they got to know each other on an even more personal level. All at once, it was vital to Jeremy that he know more about Brooke, and just as important that she would feel comfortable in his home.

  The moment Jeremy had initially seen th
e property he ended up purchasing, he’d believed he’d come home. And he believed he’d chosen the perfect spot for his two children. The scenic reminders of the Lowcountry were just at the end of his lot. When he first walked into his backyard, he’d heard animals rustling in the grass, birds chirping and squirrels complaining at his interruption into their lives. He wanted Brooke to see the beauty of Hidden Oaks. He wanted her to like it here. He didn’t know if she would ever come back, but if he had anything to say about it, she would.

  She turned toward him and he immediately readjusted his gaze to the road. He turned right into his driveway and drove under a canopy of magnolias and live oaks. Just ahead, his three-thousand-square-foot white Colonial home welcomed him. It wasn’t the size of the house that had impressed him. Others in the neighborhood were larger. It was the grace of it. The shiny black shutters and ornate pillars supporting the upper balcony off the bedrooms brought to mind tranquility and a gentle spirit. He smiled at Brooke.

  “We’re here,” he said.

  She nodded. “Goodness, how far do you have to go for a loaf of bread?”

  Her comment was not what he’d expected, nor what he’d hoped for. But she was a city girl.

  * * *

  BROOKE LOVED BEING in the hustle and bustle of Charleston. She appreciated being able to walk a couple of blocks to the nearest neighborhood market, museum or theater. She looked forward to strolling on a cool evening down to the Battery and studying the tourists. Or hopping the city tram to the closest trendy restaurant, where, until her quest for Edward had taken over her life, she’d meet friends for drinks and local dishes. Here, in the Lowcountry boonies, houses were so far apart that she wondered how any of the residents got to know each other. Brooke knew all of her condo neighbors, spoke to them at the mailboxes or petted their dogs.

  Jeremy gave her a piercing stare, making her wonder what she had said to cause such a sudden and confusing reaction. “We have the Fallway Quick Mart just three miles away,” he said. “Plus, there is a huge supermarket in the town of Fallway, a five-mile trip, and Marta goes once a week for supplies. I can always stop on my way home if we need anything special.”