1-800-CUPID_A Sweet Contemporary Romance Novella

by Josie Riviera

  She shrugged. “Nothing to say.”

  He propped his elbows on the table, the gleam in his eyes matching his shiny round face. “Up until now, Teddy’s been a confirmed bachelor like me. I’m the furthest a person can get from being a wedding expert, but he genuinely cares about you. He can’t stop looking at you whenever you’re together.”

  She stifled a denial as a giggling four-year-old boy raced to the table with Teddy close behind.

  “We’re back, Miss Candee,” Joseph announced. “And we brought your Valentine surprise cupcake.” He held up a basket, revealing a red muffin set on a red doily. Piped white icing gel on the muffin read, “Life is butter with you.”

  Her lips twitched with a grin. Impulsively, she hugged the adorable boy. “Thank you.” She turned to Rob. “Clever sentiment, Rob.”

  Rob laughed. “They’re all different. Took me weeks to come up with appropriate Valentine adages that wouldn’t offend any customers.”

  “Taste the muffin and tell me what the surprise is, Miss Candee,” Joseph said. “I’ll give you a hint. It has something do with kisses.”

  “Joseph, you’re not supposed to give any hints to Candee, remember?” Teddy hooked his hands in his front pockets. His slow, devastating smile eclipsed all the busyness of the bustling bakery. “It’s a taste test and she’s supposed to discover the surprise by herself.”

  Candee bit into the muffin and briefly closed her eyes. The combination of strawberries and butter was delicious. She washed down the muffin with coffee, then took another bite. “There’s chocolate inside. Wait …” she continued around a mouthful of cupcake. “A candy kiss is in the middle?”

  “You guessed the surprise!” Teddy jumped up and down. “Like it?”

  She laughed. “I love it.”

  “Me too.” Teddy kissed her forehead, then pulled up a wing chair and sat facing her.

  “Where’s your Valentine muffin?” she teased.

  “Gone in three bites.”

  “What was on yours?”

  “The Browning quote.” He kept his gaze on hers. “‘Grow old along with me. The best is yet to be.’”

  Positively emanating good cheer, Rob said, “And they all lived long and happily ever after. Long because it was for forty years, and happy for … two months.”

  Teddy grinned, glanced at his watch, then back at Candee. “Later today I want to take you to Joseph’s horse ranch so you can see him ride his pony.”

  “I’m looking forward to it.”

  The cell phone in her purse rang. She pulled out her phone and checked the caller ID. “Please excuse me.” She held up an index finger and answered the call.

  When she clicked off, she took several quick breaths. Her gaze flitted to the threesome staring at her before settling on Teddy. “It was one of the volunteers at the shelter. My beagle has gone into labor.”

  “Kisses?” Teddy’s eyebrows drew together. “Don’t labors take a long time?”

  “For a beagle, anywhere from six to eighteen hours.” She matched his stare with a firm one of her own. “I’m sorry. I have to leave this afternoon.”

  Teddy pressed his lips together and offered a weak smile. “I know how much this beagle means to you.” He took his phone from his pocket and began checking the internet. “There’s a direct fight to Asheville leaving at four o’clock and one seat is available.”

  “Will you book it for me? I’ll text Desiree and ask her if she can pick me up at the airport.”

  After the reservation was made, Teddy set his phone on the table. “Done. I’ll keep my return flight to Roses on Sunday night so I can spend more time with Joseph.”

  “Yes, of course.” Looking at the boy, she said, “I’m sorry I can’t see you ride your pony.”

  “That’s okay, Miss Candee,” Joseph replied. “I ride him every weekend. I love horses! I love every animal in the world!”

  She laughed. “Animals and children are very special.”

  Teddy stroked the auburn curls falling about her shoulders. “You’re not even gone yet, and I miss you.”

  “Okay you two flames, save it for later.” Rob cut his gaze to Teddy. Giving him a meaningful look, he lowered his tone. “Your lawyer called this morning. He couldn’t reach you and left a message with me. It’s about a court date to finalize your guardianship.” Rob raised his tone, apparently for Joseph’s benefit, who’d been intently watching them. “Hey Teddy, can I talk to you in the back?”

  “Sure.” Teddy quickly stood. “I wanted to behold the new commercial mixer you purchased for the kitchen, anyway.”

  “The heavy-duty one? It broke. The grinder lasted a week.”

  Teddy gave a sharp laugh. “Aren’t you glad you came to Miami to meet the special people in my life?” he asked Candee.

  She smiled. “Very glad.”

  He glided his knuckles down her cheek. “Is it all right if I leave Joseph with you for a few minutes?”

  “My absolute pleasure.”

  Teddy grabbed an activity sheet and crayons at the counter and placed them on the table for his nephew. “How about sketching me a horse, buddy?”

  “I want to draw the pony I ride at the ranch. His name is Blackjack because he’s black.”

  Candee swallowed a chuckle as the men headed to the kitchen.

  “What an excellent name for a pony,” she said to Joseph. “I’m sure Blackjack is a beauty.” She sat back in her chair, sipping her coffee and watching Joseph color. When Teddy’s phone vibrated, she automatically picked it up and scanned the displayed number.

  “You can answer it,” Joseph said. “Uncle Teddy doesn’t mind. I answer his phone all the time.”

  She debated. The phone number was identified by two initials—YE. A business call, she wondered? Assuming the call might be important, she answered. “Hello?”

  “Who’s this?” a woman asked.

  Candee frowned into the phone. “Candee Contando. And you?”

  “Yvonne Evette. Is this Teddy’s phone?”

  “Yes. May I take a message?”

  “Put Teddy on the line,” the woman said.

  “He’s not here.”

  “Tell him I’ll be in Madrid another week and to phone me as soon as he gets this message. That means immediately.” The woman hung up.

  Candee stared at his phone as she set it on the table. “Who’s Yvonne Evette?” she asked aloud, not expecting an answer.

  “You mean Miss Yvonne?” Joseph made a face. “She’s Uncle Teddy’s other girlfriend and she’s famous. We watch her on TV.”

  The shock of Teddy’s betrayal knocked the air from Candee’s lungs. She swallowed hard.

  Unfortunately, Teddy and Rob chose that moment to emerge from the kitchen. They were obviously enjoying themselves, laughing and talking. Rob veered off to speak with an employee. Teddy was still grinning when he approached Candee’s table.

  He stopped, his probing gaze fixing on her. “What’s wrong? You’ve gone pale.”

  She pushed back her chair. “Your cell phone rang and I answered it. I shouldn’t have—I thought it might be important.”

  “Who was it?”

  “A call from Spain.”

  Teddy stiffened. “Yvonne?”

  “Yes, and she said to call her immediately.”

  Unnoticed, Rob strolled to the table. “Anything wrong?”

  Heartsick from sadness and fury and defeat, Candee shivered and rubbed her arms. “Rob, where’s the restroom?”

  He pointed to a sign, and she shot past him.

  “Candee, wait.” Teddy strode purposefully after her. “I can explain.”

  She inhaled a tortured breath. She’d heard enough explanations from her ex to last a lifetime. And she’d never allow Teddy to see how much his duplicity had hurt her.

  “It’s not what it seems.” He caught her wrist, and she snapped around. “Look,” he said, “I’ve been seeing Yvonne for several months. She travels a lot and I … I don’t do long-distance relationship
s well.”

  Tears sprang to Candee’s eyes. Firmly, determinedly, she held them back. “You don’t do any relationship well.”

  “Please let me explain.”

  She deliberately stared down at his hand until he released her.

  “I’ll walk back to the penthouse and call a taxi to the airport,” she said. “Please don’t follow me. And tell Rob thank you for everything. Kiss Joseph good-bye for me and tell him I love animals too.” She pivoted and entered the restroom. Inside, she splashed cold water on her face and peered at her reflection in the mirror above the sink. Her pallid complexion emphasized her emerald-green eyes, giving her a much-too-vulnerable appearance.

  Again she was a fool, and she only had herself to blame. How could she have believed it was possible to fall in love with a man after knowing him a few short weeks?

  Love. Love happened to other people, not to her. The sooner she came to grips with reality, the simpler her life would become. No more broken hearts, she vowed. Not ever again.

  Two hours later she stood alone in the Miami airport, waiting for the boarding to begin.

  To pass the time while waiting in line, she checked the foreclosure website. She gasped, almost dropping her phone when the house came on the screen. Her bid was no longer the highest.

  She refreshed her phone. Surely, there must be a mistake.

  No. The new bid was $40,000, driving the next bid to $60,000—money she didn’t have.

  This couldn’t be happening. Her stomach felt heavy, her heartbeat raced.

  Quickly, she texted Desiree. I logged online at the airport, and the Victorian is now at 40K. Who bid on MY house?

  Online means the Internet, came Desiree’s reply. So that means anyone on the world-wide web. No use worrying. Whatever happened, we’ll sort it when u get home. Have a safe flight and see u in Asheville.

  Candee attempted to pull her mind away from one looming fear. She might lose the house.

  Another text floated across her screen, this one from Teddy. Have u boarded the plane?

  He’d texted numerous times since she’d abruptly left Rob’s bakery, and she’d ignored him.

  However, he’d made and paid for her plane reservation and she knew she should text him.

  Soon, she replied.

  Can I call you tomorrow?

  She hesitated. Her cold, clammy hands clutched the phone tighter.

  Something prompted her to ask, although surely his answer would be no.

  Did you place a bid on the Victorian house? she texted.

  Air stopped entering her lungs as she waited for his response. Time seemed to be slowing down until a single word appeared on her phone.

  Yes.

  Chapter Ten

  As usual, Desiree had arrived at the country club before Candee. Candee hung her fur capelet by the door and greeted her sister with a hug.

  Desiree looked gorgeous in a red velvet figure-hugging pant suit. She went back to arranging a plate of chocolate-covered strawberries on a silver serving tray. The club was empty, save for black-suited waiters setting glass vases of red tulips and rose peonies on every table.

  Candee appraised her own outfit—a sleeveless petal-pink lace dress. Unlined along the hem, the dress allowed a peekaboo of her long legs. She’d parted her hair on the side and let the thick curls flow down the opposite shoulder.

  Satisfied with the strawberry arrangement, Desiree turned to her. “Finally, I was able to talk you into attending the dinner dance. You can leave those puppies alone for a few hours. Valentine’s Day is one of the biggest events at the club. Thanks for coming early to help me finish decorating.”

  “You insisted you needed help, although there’s so much to admire.” Candee looked around the room. “The lace ribbons and pom-pom wreaths are glittery and sophisticated, and those smooch balloons are gorgeous.”

  “White balloons with a stamp of my red lipstick.” Desiree puckered her glistening red lips.

  Candee smiled and fingered an arrow-toting Cupid on the banquet table. “No use in me sitting in my apartment with Kisses and her six puppies, watching television and hoping that Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks will get me through the evening.”

  “Her puppies are adorable. So firm and plump.”

  “And active,” Candee replied. “Plus, they’ve doubled their weight in less than two weeks. Kisses is the best mom in the world. I supply high-quality puppy food and a vitamin mineral tablet, and she does the rest.”

  Desiree popped a chocolate-covered strawberry into her mouth and smiled. “All is well then.”

  Was it? The lump in Candee’s throat threatened to choke her, and tears burned her eyelids. She swallowed and poured herself a glass of water. She wouldn’t cry. She was strong and had made a vow to herself.

  Desiree was watching her closely. “Have you heard from Teddy?”

  “He’s texted me every day and apologized numerous times about Yvonne, although it doesn’t matter anymore.” Candee forced herself to sound calm and detached. “As far as I know, he hasn’t returned to Roses. He said something about being tied up in Miami court because of Joseph’s guardianship.”

  “Did you text him back?”

  “Only to tell him I landed safely.” She missed him intensely, especially on a night like tonight, Valentine’s Day. She squeezed her eyes shut, remembering the feel of his strong calloused hand around her waist while they’d danced, his lips capturing hers.

  “If I was that guy with the same first and last names,” he’d said. “I’d have rented a snowplow to meet you at the country club tonight.”

  How could he have become so important to her in the short time they’d known each other? Each day that passed, she felt more and more empty without him. She’d even been tempted to answer his texts with an invitation to join her for dinner at Tony’s. That night they’d gone there, he’d said that, like her, Italian food was his favorite in all the world.

  But Teddy lived in Miami with Yvonne, and Candee lived in Roses with Kisses and her puppies.

  Once she allowed them in, her tormenting memories took over. She’d loved listening to his remodeling ideas, the quiet decisiveness in his voice when they’d agreed that horse therapy suited her project perfectly. And then there’d been the comforting reassurance of knowing they were venturing into these daunting tasks side by side.

  Hah! Had he played her for a fool the entire time, planning to take her house right out from under her? The auction had just closed, and most likely demolition would begin any day. Candee promised herself she’d never drive down Thompson Lane again. Idly, she wondered if Teddy would manage the project himself, or send one of his many home-improvement crews to demolish the house.

  Desiree had advised her to set her sights elsewhere. Perhaps a five-hundred-foot Cape Cod made more sense, considering her budget. Smaller dreams were more realistic.

  She opened her eyes.

  Her sister’s gaze clouded with concern and she clasped Candee’s hands. “You know, we tried to raise the funds, but neither Scott nor I had an extra $40,000 hidden under our pillowcases.”

  “Thank you.” Not only was Desiree her sister, but she was also a true friend.

  After that, Desiree adeptly changed the subject, resulting in a half hour of setting red candles around the room. But Candee’s fragile composure began to slip. Other guests would be arriving soon, and she wasn’t sure she could make conversation with anyone. She attempted to bolster herself by remembering she’d agreed to attend the event for only two hours. She eyed an ornate grandfather clock on the opposite wall. An hour and a half left.

  Desiree jumped to her feet as two men entered the room. “Scott is here, and he brought … Allen Allen?” she shrieked. Desiree turned so pale, Candee feared the many chocolate-covered strawberries Desiree had eaten had made her ill.

  “You’re joking, right?” Candee said to her sister. “You invited him?”

  Desiree seemed rooted to the floor. “No, actually, I didn’t.”

&nbs
p; Candee threw up her hands. “I’m leaving by seven o’clock,” she reminded Desiree.

  “Dinner is served at six, leaving you plenty of time.” Desiree’s gaze narrowed on Scott. Then she grabbed Candee’s hand and started toward the two well-dressed men for introductions.

  Dusk was streaking pomegranate colors in the darkening sky when Allen seated Candee to his right for dinner. A waiter set glasses of sparkling apple and pear cider at each place setting.

  Teddy preferred coffee, she thought, reminding herself that she should be indifferent to his choice of beverage. She frowned. She didn’t feel indifferent to anything about him. She missed the bantering they’d shared, the warm strength of his strong muscled body close to hers.

  “The first course is a cheese and hazelnut green salad,” Desiree declared to the others at the table, rousing Candee from her thoughts of Teddy. “For the entrée, the club is serving chicken in champagne sauce.”

  “I’m certain the meal will be delicious,” Candee replied graciously. She took a long swallow of cider and lapsed into a reflective silence.

  Holding his nephew’s hand, Teddy strode into the Roses country club exactly at six o’clock. The flight from Miami to Asheville had been bumpy, and getting his truck from the long-term rental parking lot had taken longer than he’d planned. The Valentine’s Day festivities were well underway. A quick assessment of his worn jeans, polo shirt, and vest assured him he was underdressed for the formal occasion.

  “Uncle Teddy, where is Miss Candee?” Joseph hopped on one foot. “Look—they have candy hearts in those little glasses by the window. Can I get some?”

  Before Teddy could reply, the boy had scurried off. He gazed at him—a bundle of boundless energy and perfection, his dark eyes framed by thick black lashes. His adorable nephew, now his son to raise to the best of his ability.

  I can do this, Christian, Teddy thought. Two weeks of endless paperwork had resulted in Teddy being awarded legal guardianship of Joseph.

  It had been a difficult two weeks. After Candee had left Miami so abruptly, Teddy had tasted a painful defeat. No matter how much he plunged into his work, or cared for Joseph, or signed papers in the courtroom, he couldn’t fully concentrate.