Remember today.
Julia placed her knee in the hole and pushed with her foot while holding the rope with her dainty hands. I came up behind and wrapped my arms around her. Even though I knew it was inappropriate to hold her those extra seconds, I just couldn’t help myself. Then, once I was settled, I pushed her as high as my battered, pain-filled body would allow.
I smiled as her girlish giggles wafted on the air. Sunlight danced across her face from some slats in the roof that needed repair. I praised the heavens fixing them still remained on my to-do list. God, she looked beautiful on the swing bathed in the sun’s streaming rays. Stunning really.
I’d tried to get Heather in the swing with me multiple times, but she’d always turned her pert nose up in disdain and mumbled something about the dirt ruining her outfit.
“Mind if I join you?” I asked. Even if she refused, I doubt it would stop me. My arms ached to snuggle her as we swung together.
“Won’t it hurt?” she asked with genuine concern. “You’re walking like you’re still in quite a bit of pain.”
“I can take it, Julia.” I winked at her as I flexed my biceps. “I’m tough.”
At her nod, my heart sang and I hitched my leg over, but couldn’t help the wince of pain that flitted across my face as my limbs protested. So much for impressing her with my grit. Once I got comfortable across from her, I walked my legs through the hole backwards about twenty feet, until the rope grew taut.
Then, I let go.
The smile on her face was a beautiful thing as we swung back and forth, grinning like a couple of grade school kids on the playground with crushes on each other. If she’d had her hair in pigtails, I would have pulled one and then ran away to tempt her to give chase. She’d be passing notes to me during class. Our friends would laugh and point from behind their hands.
I hadn’t felt this good, this free and easy since forever. Not since before I’d torn my ACL, and ruined my life. Once the tire slowed to a wobble, I glanced up into her eyes. That lush mouth fell open on a pout, and Julia looked like a woman who wanted to be kissed. Needed to be kissed. I wanted that too, more than anything. It would have to wait because the timing wasn’t right and I didn’t want to rush things. Didn’t want to push her. I coughed and broke the spell as I looked down at my gold watch.
“I have a client meeting in a half-hour,” she said as she swung her shapely legs back onto solid ground. “I appreciate the ride in your tire. It was the most non-work fun I’ve had in a long time.”
“I think I’ll stay here if you’re okay to get back to your car?” When she nodded, I continued. “For some reason, I’m feeling better out here. Outside in this barn.”
“It’s a beautiful old barn,” she said as she looked around. “Perfect really. So much character. Kind of like the man who owns it.”
She winked at me, and my heart thumped in response. Then, I got another spectacular view of her backside as she sashayed through the open doors.
I didn’t know when I’d see her again. But one thing I did know for sure. Julia Wales would be mine, and I’d be hers.
Somehow.
Chapter 5
Julia
“Oh my God! Mark Spencer, what happened to you?” Sue Ann had Mark by the chin as she moved his bruised and swollen face from side to side. The poor man wandered into the boutique to buy a gift, and Sue Ann had been flapping around him like a mother hen ever since.
“I got into a little scuffle,” he replied as he pulled the bill of his ball cap lower over his handsome features.
I turned away from the blatant flirtation roadkill to examine a top I’d spotted the last time I’d visited Sue Ann, but couldn’t stop myself from eavesdropping. I wondered if his ‘scuffle’ had anything to do with why his brother seemed to dislike him so much.
“Did you say the wrong thing to the wrong person?” Sue asked as she pulled a silk scarf in hues of blue out of the display case. “You always did have a smart mouth.”
Sue Ann and Mark had dated back in high school. It hadn’t ended well. Mark had cheated on my bestie at the senior prom with Beth Hamilton. Caught red-handed with his pants down in the local budget hotel suite.
The resulting carnage was probably why Mark still prostrated to the temple of Sue Ann begging for forgiveness. He wasn’t a bad guy, but he certainly wasn’t as smart or charming as his talented brother. Or as hot.
“Something like that,” he mumbled as he let the delicate fabric slide through my fingers. “This is perfect, Sue. Can you wrap it for me in something really pretty?”
As he handed over his American Express, Sue Ann nodded and pulled out a gold embossed gift box and tissue. Sue prided herself on special touches and customer service. That was why her small boutique still thrived in the midst of major retailers. If you wanted the perfect gift or a unique outfit, you shopped at Sue Ann’s.
We’d just gotten back from lunch at Sue’s favorite restaurant when Mark had breezed through the door. I still had my favorite dessert stowed in my oversized handbag. First, though, time to ratchet up the dramatics with some teasing. I loved to get Sue Ann riled up.
Sue stared at Mark’s retreating back and as soon as the jingle of the shop’s door indicated he’d gone through, she turned to me with a hand on one hip.
“What do you think actually happened to him?” Sue asked.
I’d never been a huge fan of Mark Spencer’s but he was harmless. But today, there was just something about him. Something off. Like he was all of a sudden starting to hide things, like he’d turned into a douche bag who’d betray his own flesh and blood.
“I don’t have any idea,” I replied. “Probably cheated with the wrong woman.” As soon as the words left my mouth, I brought my hand up to cover it. “Oh, Sue, I’m so sorry. That was insensitive of me to say.”
“Seriously, Julia?” Sue rolled her eyes. “That’s ancient history. I’m long over it. In fact, I could do so much better and I can see it plainly now that I’m an adult. Mark Spencer’s immature. And a tool.”
My jaw tightened as a thought hit me right between the eyes.
Sue stared at me, gnawing on her lower lip. “What are you thinking, Jules? You have that same look on your face when you’re plotting a renovation. Even if the poor owner has no idea they’re going to be renovated.”
“That scarf.”
“It’s Hermes,” Sue bragged. “What about it? Mark’s fool purchase is going to pay my rent this month.”
“Yeah, expensive. Like he’s trying to impress someone. And exactly the color of Heather’s eyes.”
“No! You don’t think so?” Sue Ann gasped.
“I do think so,” I replied in earnest. After Adam’s cryptic words, I knew Heather and Mark had betrayed him in some way even if he hadn’t spilled the gory details. Two plus two always equals four. “I think Mark and Heather are having an affair and that’s why Adam got in that accident.”
“So, it’s ‘Adam’ now?” Sue questioned. “Since when are you two on a first name basis?”
“Since you set me up on the blind date from hell,” I admonished. “I just happened to be driving by the hospital when news of the accident broke. I swung by.”
“What the hell?”
Using a diversionary tactic, I reached into my bag and pulled out the piece of Oreo cheesecake in honor of Sue Ann’s quarter century birthday. I held up a fork to my friend with an expectant look. Any attempt at distraction so Sue wouldn’t bulldog the truth out of me.
I’ve wanted Adam Spencer from the moment I met him. Things haven’t changed.
“Since today is your big day, it’s worth the splurge.”
“You’re trying to divert my attention away from the fact that you stalked Adam Spencer to the hospital like a high school cheerleader chasing the quarterback.” She shook her pointer back and forth as she spoke. “I always knew you had a crush on that man. Because you’ve told that damn story about him lying down on the ice to kiss it a thousand times.”
Sue didn’t seem impressed. She just heaved in a long-suffering sigh and said, “Since it’s my birthday and my favorite day of the year, I’ll let you off the hook. For now. But expect the grating third-degree later.” Sue forked up a huge bite of the creamy dessert before she continued. “And Jules? Think long and hard about how you’re going to explain yourself. You’re long gone when it comes to Adam Spencer.”
I nodded as we shared the dessert until the last crumbs were gone. I moaned my approval while Sue wiped my face with a paper napkin and then speared me with another chastising look.
“So, how did it go with Andrew?” Sue Ann questioned as I deposited the remnants of our treat in the trash can beneath the register. “I take it not well since you left early to run to the hospital like Florence Nightingale?”
I regretted disappointing my best friend for the second time that day. Her birthday. I hung my head and thought about how best to spin it.
“I really appreciate you setting me up, Sue,” I gushed. “And the outfit. It’s by far the most gorgeous thing I own. But … Andrew and I just weren’t a fit. That’s all.”
“Well, at least you tried, which is more than I thought you would do.” Sue didn’t seem surprised or even irritated. “I trust that the smokin’ hot outfit wasn’t lost on Mr. Spencer? Did he still have the use of his eyes?”
I grinned, thinking of the way he’d devoured me with his hypnotic orbs. A shiver ran up my spine. “He was in a lot of pain, so I doubt it.” Now was not the time to admit that I’d brought him home the next day. “Back to Andrew … it started out good. But then, it went downhill once we started talking about sports.”
Sue closed her eyes and smiled. “Let me guess, he’s not a hockey fan? Sorry, Jules. I guess I should have vetted him better since I know that one’s high on your must-have list.”
I grimaced. “I’m all for some healthy rivalry and teasing, but when you crack a joke about a career-ending injury, it kind of lacks empathy. Or integrity.”
Sue nodded. “Ah, I see it all now. So, old Drew threw down the gauntlet when he found out you carry a torch for Adam. It was probably written all over your face.”
“Nah, he just wasn’t my type.”
Sue wagged her finger back and forth again. “I’m starting to despair of you even having a type, Jules. Don’t die lonely and alone. We’re not getting any younger. I thought we’d both be married with a baby by now.”
“Seriously, Sue Ann,” I retorted in my best adult voice. “We’re only in our mid-twenties. There’s plenty of time.”
Sue opened her mouth to comment, but the vibrating of my cell phone on the counter stopped me from replying.
“I need to grab this. It’s Goldie Ledbetter about her barn in Hermantown. She wants to convert it to a studio so she can focus on her arts program for autistic kids. How could I refuse?”
After making arrangements to visit Goldie’s place, I started gathering my things to head out. I’d taken a few steps toward the door when Sue’s clear voice rang out in that no-nonsense tone she’d perfected.
“Why don’t you date Adam Spencer, Jules? If Heather is in the recent past or with Mark, or whatever … he’s single. He’s hot as hell and he plays for the Cantaloupe.”
“Caribou.”
“Whatever … I just want you to be happy. Take a leap of faith.”
“I can’t get involved with a professional athlete. That’s not my life. I want to focus on my work and building my business. I don’t have time for love right now.”
“Who said anything about love?” Sue laughed and blew me a kiss from her station behind the front counter. “Bang the shit out of him until he’s out of your system. Then, you can focus on finding the father of your children.”
I rolled my eyes but didn’t turn around so Sue could see it. “Bye, Sue. Happy Birthday. I love you!”
“Girls’ night Saturday to celebrate,” she called to my retreating back.
Chapter 6
Julia
I grabbed the short, white skirt out of my closet. As I slid it over my curves and smoothed the tight fabric down, I thought about Adam and our time in the swing. Then I scolded myself. He was off-limits in spite of any lingering feelings I may be harboring toward him.
Sliding my favorite jean jacket from its hanger, I pulled a pair of calf-length navy blue cowboy boots on my feet. A long, silver link chunky necklace completed my girls’ night look.
Shooters, one of the happening local bars with a huge dance floor was hosting a western themed night tonight with a live band and line dancing lessons. As I inspected my reflection in my full-length, wrought iron mirror, I nodded. Kind of urban cowgirl.
After the quick drive to the venue, I slid into a parking spot and jumped out. A quick check of my hair and lipstick with my compact mirror, and I felt ready to get Sue’s birthday celebration underway. My bestie waved from her own vehicle and we walked together to the entrance.
The bouncer at the door resembled a human Sequoia, but he let us past the velvet ropes to walk inside the club. I paid the cover for both of us in honor of Sue’s special day. She’d buy me a Mojito later to toast.
Sue Ann had on a gorgeous fringed, suede jacket, jean skirt, and Jimmy Choo platforms. My friend was rocking it and with her blond hair swept back from her heart-shaped face, all male eyes landed on us as we made our way from the front door to the mahogany bar.
“Look,” Sue pointed, “There are two empty stools by that hot-ass bartender.”
She grabbed my hand and yanked me toward the seats before they could get snagged by interlopers. Sue settled herself on the stool, made her order with a fluttering of her thick eyelashes and then twirled to scope the room.
“Look, Jules,” she said with a flirty wave of her hand to the corner. “There’s Jeff Rawlins. He’s such a cutie. Wait … isn’t he Adam Spencer’s neighbor?”
Yeah, the same neighbor Adam was trying to visit when he almost became a human sandwich.
The handsome college-aged bartender leaned over the bar to get Sue’s attention.
“I hear it’s your birthday, sweetie,” he said to Sue, giving her a wink. “I think a birthday drink is in order on the house. What would you like?”
Sue pretended to think and placed her pinky at the corner of her ruby red lips. “Hmm … I think it’s the perfect night for a Cock Sucking Cowboy.”
He laughed and kissed Sue on the hand. “I had a feeling you wouldn’t disappoint, Red.”
“Wait, gorgeous,” Sue held on tightly to his hand so he couldn’t turn back around. “My hair is blonde.”
“But your lips … are red.”
I laughed at the electric exchange until I saw Jeff thread his way through the crowded dance floor to acknowledge Sue Ann. And trailing behind him … damn it.
No.
Not tonight.
Not in public.
Adam Spencer walked with a slight limp, but other than that, he was the picture of male perfection. His thick, brown hair never quite adhered to the spiky style he attempted, but that just made it ever sexier. Like the man. Two days of beard growth fit right in with his plaid-yoked western shirt, jeans and brown cowboy boots.
Holy shit, Julia. Hold on to your panties. And your heart.
Jeff had just opened his mouth to greet them when the DJ started spinning one of Sue’s favorite fast songs. Sue bolted out of the stool and twirled Jeff out onto the dance floor. “That’s my jam.”
“I see she hasn’t changed,” Adam laughed as he watched the two of them butt-slapping each other and making faces.
“It was her quarter century birthday this past Wednesday,” I said, chuckling at Sue’s antics. “She’s feeling no pain.”
“Didn’t you just get here?” Adam questioned.
“Yes, but I think she opened a bottle of wine while she w
as getting all beautified.”
“You don’t have a drink yet,” Adam said. “Let me get you one. What’s your pleasure?”
“Since it’s western night, let’s kick it old-school with a Leinie’s bottle,” I said because I knew this bar kept that local brew in stock.
“I like the way you think.” He ordered two bottles from the bartender and slid onto Sue Ann’s stool in her absence.
“How are you feeling?” I asked, my face knit with concern. “Should you even be out right now?”
“Doc said I could do whatever I feel up to,” he replied. “Don’t worry, Miss Julia, I’m going to cool it.” He lifted his bottle and clinked it with mine. “Now, Jeff on the other hand…”
I set my bottle down on a coaster and my eyes followed his hand to the dance floor where Sue Ann had her legs wrapped around Jeff’s hips as he twirled her in a bunch of small circles. Any faster and she’d be flashing the dance floor. Envy pumped through my veins. Fun followed Sue Ann wherever she went. I’d always been a little more conservative.
“Wow,” I said and put my hand over my eyes in a playful gesture. “That’s more dancing than I can take. I wonder what they call that move.”
Adam grinned. “Not sure. It kind of looks like an airborne version of The Sprinkler. Want to try it?”
“I’m pretty sure that would violate your medical instructions,” I shook my head. “Besides, I’m not a huge fan of making a public spectacle of myself. Unless…”
“Unless what?” he spun around and our knees touched. I felt the electrical charge down to my toes. What was wrong with me?
“Unless it involves my work.”
He paused. “I completely get it. I feel exactly the same. When I fall on my ass, it’s in front of ten thousand. Don’t even get me started about the cursing and beer throwing.”
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