Spicing Things Up

by Judi Lynn

  Chapter 29

  Tyne waved as Daphne drove away. What the hell had he done? How had that woman stayed so innocent, so untouched? Pathetic Patrick must not have cared whether she enjoyed sex or not. The prof had kissed, grabbed, and done the deed. Tyne wondered if she’d even had an orgasm before. He got the idea she hadn’t.

  He ran his fingers through his short hair, spiking it. He never thought to worry about having sex with her, thought she’d be more experienced. Not so much. How weird would it be the next time he saw her? Would she want to be friends with benefits? Or would she retreat back into her shell? Her parents came home tomorrow. Daphne was thirty-six, but they’d influence things. How much?

  She’d surprised him when she made the first move. Had he done the right thing, taking her up on it? But he’d been wanting to bed her since she’d climbed behind him on his motorcycle. No, not true. He’d wanted to bed her before that, but he didn’t think it was a smart idea. He still wasn’t sure about it, but he wasn’t virtuous enough to push her away when she locked lips with him.

  He sank back onto the couch and tried to concentrate on his book. Who was he kidding? Her scent still lingered in the room. He flipped on the TV and zipped through one station after another. Nothing held his interest. Finally, he indulged in what he had as a kid when he wanted distraction. He turned on his Xbox and started the latest fighting game he’d found. He kicked and pounded his virtual opponents. A way to relax or relieve frustration? He wasn’t sure, but even at the end of the night, his mind drifted back to Daphne. All he wanted to do was pull her to him and kiss her until she couldn’t remember her name. Or her parents.

  Finally, he did the one thing that usually worked. He took a cold shower, drank a beer, and went to bed.

  Chapter 30

  Daphne closed the shop and leaned against the door, trying to screw up her courage. Her parents had texted her that they were home. They expected her for supper tonight. She didn’t want to go, but she couldn’t hide from them forever.

  She walked to the mirror in the workroom and gazed at herself. Same hazel eyes. Same light-brown hair. Was there anything that had changed, that announced that she’d had sex with Tyne last night? Was there some telltale sign that only a mother could see?

  She took a deep breath and reached for her purse and jacket. Being late wouldn’t make anything better. On the short drive to their house, she noticed that Maxwell’s bread shop and the apartment above it were dark. Then she noticed Sadie, from the frozen custard shop next door, walking Chester on what looked like a new leash. Both the woman and the dog had a bounce to their steps—a good pairing. Daphne bit her bottom lip. India must still be in the hospital. Was that a good sign? If no one had moved her to a rehab center, did that mean the doctors could help her?

  She considered talking to her parents about India, but the last time she’d brought her up Mom hadn’t been one bit sympathetic. She decided to avoid that subject.

  She fretted as she passed empty window boxes, cleaned of drooping plants. Autumn’s heavy frosts had claimed them. The barrels that overflowed with flowers and vines were prepped for winter, too. November brought sullen skies and colder nights. The bright awnings over windows protected against rain now instead of sun. Once past the stores, she glanced at the big, old homes that bordered Main Street. People were outside, raking leaves, and piling them at the curbs for pick-up.

  When she pulled to the curb in front of her parents’ house, nothing had changed. The stoic Foursquare looked the same, one season to the next. When she walked in the house, her parents were already in the dining room, waiting for her. Their luggage was put away. The house had been dusted. No one would know they’d been to Carolina for fun and sun.

  Daphne’s mom waited for her to take a seat, then placed a plate of spaghetti in front of her. Next, she served Dad, and finally herself before she slid onto her straight-backed chair at the head of the table. A bowl of tossed salad waited at each setting. Daphne sat quietly. A distinct coolness had hit her when she walked into the house to greet her parents. They looked tanned, rested, but distant.

  She tried a smile. “How was your trip?”

  “Very nice.” Her mother gave her a sharp look. “But maybe we should have cut it short. I apologize for not having wine for your meal.”

  Uh-oh. Daphne’s defenses readied for artillery fire. “Neither of you drink. I never expect wine here.”

  “I guess we’re lucky you don’t expect dance music either. We heard you made quite the spectacle of yourself over the weekend.”

  Daphne blinked. “I had a wonderful time.”

  Her mother’s lips pinched into a tight line. “I’m sure you did. Beatrice said you practically glued yourself to that unkempt chef who works at the resort.”

  Daphne didn’t like Beatrice, never had. The woman loved to tattle behind people’s backs. “Tyne was nice enough to invite me to Harley’s Halloween party. We met Miriam there.”

  Dad shook his head. “I’m sure Miriam encouraged you.”

  “I’m thirty-six, Dad. I’m past people encouraging me. I’m way past the peer-pressure years.”

  Mom’s eyes narrowed. “Are you interested in the chef?”

  “He’s a great friend. I have fun when I’m with him.”

  “He looks loose to me.”

  “Loose?” Daphne reached for her water, and her hand shook.

  “His moral standards, I’m sure, are lower than ours.”

  “If you consider kindness loose, then I’d have to agree. I’ve never met anyone who helps more people.” Her voice sounded sharp, even to her own ears. She hated conflict, confrontation. Her mother knew that. Mom meant to make her uncomfortable, but for the first time Daphne resented it. Why couldn’t they respect her choices? It’s not like she was wanton and carefree. Would they consider her loose because she had sex with him? She didn’t need to answer that. She already knew. But they’d never once drilled her about the professor, who was not quite divorced. Suddenly, that struck her as hypocritical.

  Mom wouldn’t let it drop. “He’s traveled all around the world, hasn’t he? Lord knows what he’s seen or done. He’s on the wild side, isn’t he?”

  “Because he drives a motorcycle?”

  Her mom stared. Daphne took a deep breath. “I wouldn’t call him wild. He’s adventurous and unafraid, but he’s considerate of other people. Gladys likes him.”

  “Gladys is easy to sway. She comes to church every week, but flattery goes a long way with her. She works with him, and he knows how to work the ladies, doesn’t he?”

  “Betty likes him, too, and she’s not easy to sway.”

  “He reminds her of her sons, close to the same age. She has a soft spot for young men.”

  Daphne tried to think of a way to change the topic, but when her mom got on a subject, she didn’t let go. “Most people who know him like him.” It was a weak defense, but it was the best she could do.

  “Does he attend church on Sundays?”

  “For heaven’s sake!” Daphne pushed her plate away. “No, and neither do I.”

  Her father squared his shoulders. “Don’t brag about that. We don’t approve, and you know it.”

  “I don’t want to be judged. And you don’t know Tyne well enough to judge him either.”

  “You’re young.” Her mother passed a knowing glance to Dad. “Lots of children go through rebellions. You’ll return to the fold eventually.”

  Daphne curled her nails into her palms. “I’m not a child, and I enjoy spending time with Tyne.”

  “I don’t like your tone.” Her dad scowled. “We heard that he took you on a motorcycle ride.”

  Her mom nodded. “You know how dangerous those are. We’ve told you over and over again.”

  Dad reached to lay a hand over Daphne’s. “We only want what’s best for you, dear.”

  “What’s best for me is Tyne. He makes me happy, but he only thinks of me as a friend. He’s been completely honest with me about that.” />
  Her mother’s hand went to her throat. “Have you slept with him?”

  Really! She was thirty-six, and Mom was going to pry into her sex life? She had to bite her tongue to keep from saying Yes, I did, and he was ten times better than the professor. Instead, she said, “You both do realize that I’m a grown woman now, don’t you?”

  Her mother took that as an affirmative. She rose and pointed a finger. “We forbid you to see him anymore.”

  Daphne rose, too. She shook with anger this time, not indignation. “I don’t live at home, Mom. I have a house, a cat, and a life. And if I want to see Tyne, I will.”

  Her dad went to stand beside his wife. He rarely raised his voice, and he didn’t now, but his words were final. “It’s time you leave.”

  “Gladly.” Daphne grabbed her purse and jacket and stormed out of the house. As she walked to her SUV, she was sure her parents would come after her. They didn’t. She’d disobeyed them, and they wouldn’t brook that. They’d ostracize her until she came around to their way of thinking. Well, that wasn’t going to happen. They’d pushed her too far.

  Chapter 31

  Daphne paced between the living room and the kitchen when she got home. She was upset and hungry. She hadn’t eaten anything at her parents’. She couldn’t swallow with both of them drilling her. Shadow pounced on her foot the third time she passed him, and she scooped him up and held him close. When she stroked his smooth fur, purrs rumbled from his chest. She couldn’t settle and finally grabbed her cell and called Miriam.

  “I argued with my parents.”

  Miriam’s voice rose an octave. “You? Good Lord, what happened? No, don’t tell me. I’m on my way to your house. See you in fifteen minutes.”

  “If you stop for food, I’ll pay for it.”

  “Oh, this has got to be good. I’ll buy us a feast, my treat.”

  Daphne went into her bedroom to change into old jeans and a ratty sweater. In the two front rooms of her cabin, the logs had been drywalled over and painted, but the builder had left them exposed in here. They gave the room a homey feel. She glanced at the garden-club quilt she’d made for her queen-sized bed—patches of flowered material all sewn together like connecting diamonds—and she thought of Tyne. He’d seen it and complimented it. He loved her quilting. A knot lodged in her throat, and she slid her feet into her old slippers.

  She heard Miriam’s car pull into the drive and went to greet her friend.

  Miriam took a bottle of wine and a large bag, filled with takeout, to the coffee table and plopped them down. Then she turned to look at Daphne. She narrowed her eyes. “You look different. There’s something. . .” Her jaw dropped. “You did the nasty, didn’t you?”

  Daphne could feel the heat rush to her face. “It wasn’t nasty.”

  “You never looked like that after Patrick spent the night.”

  “Patrick only made it to mundane.”

  Miriam hooted. “Oh, girl! You’ve made my night. I was grading essay papers, and you saved me from dangling participles and screwed-up verb tenses. Pour us some wine, then spill the goods.”

  Daphne uncorked the bottle and poured two glasses while Miriam dug Styrofoam boxes filled with pork tenderloin sandwiches, onion rings, and French fries from the bag. “Decadent food for decadent gossip.” She wiggled her eyebrows. “Was it good?”

  “Oh my god, yes!”

  Miriam slapped her hands on her knees. “Glory be! It had to be Tyne.”

  “He’s as good at sex as he is at cooking. I never knew so much pleasure.”

  “Damn it to hell, would he do me if I paid him?”

  Daphne smiled. “I think there are limits to what he’ll do for a friend.”

  “But I’m a special friend. You’d think I should get special consideration.”

  Daphne took a bite of her sandwich. Jeez, it was good. Her mom’s spaghetti was good, too, but it couldn’t compare to crispy, fried heaven. “My parents asked me to leave their house tonight.”

  Miriam stared, her humor gone. “They found out?”

  “I confessed. They weren’t happy with me. Beatrice told them about me dancing at Chase’s and at Harley’s party. They said I was unseemly.”

  “Holy shit, they should be happy you’re finally cutting loose a little.”

  “Loose.” She cringed at the word. “That’s how they described Tyne.”

  “Do they know what a stand-up guy he is?”

  “They don’t care.” Daphne sipped her wine. “Mom came right out and asked me if I’d slept with him. I wasn’t going to lie. I mean, I’m thirty-six. If I want to sleep with one guy, I don’t think that makes me a slut.”

  Miriam got that glint in her eye that Daphne knew so well. “Did they ask you about the professor?”

  “Not once.”

  “Hypocrites.”

  Daphne shrugged. “They thought the professor was going to ask me to marry him eventually. They think I’m just a notch on Tyne’s bedpost, nothing more.”

  Miriam sighed. “God, I’d love to be a notch. At least, I’d be counted that way.”

  Daphne shook her head. “Some guy is going to fall for you, and when he does, he won’t let go. You’re special. He’ll want to marry you.”

  Miriam snorted. “Me? A wifey? Don’t think so. I’d settle for an affair if the guy isn’t married. I can’t do adultery.” Daphne winced, and Miriam shook her head. “You don’t do adultery either. You thought Patrick and the Ice Queen were kaput.”

  Okay, that was true. Both Patrick and his wife seemed ready to call their marriage a day until they looked at their finances.

  Daphne drained her wine glass. “What am I going to do, Miriam? I thought Mom or Dad would call me back when I left the house, but they didn’t. And I’m not about to apologize for sleeping with Tyne. If he wants to, I’ll do it again.”

  Miriam hesitated, choosing her words carefully. Uh-oh, her friend was going to drop a bomb. Daphne held her breath. “You’ve bent over backward trying to please your parents. It’s time you stopped. It’s time you make your own decisions and do what makes you happy. I hate to say this, but it’s time your parents start to respect you.”

  “Your parents do that with you, don’t they?”

  “Hell yes, we get together and have the most fun. They want me to be happy. Your parents have a control issue. It’s time they got over it.”

  Daphne raised her chin. “I’m not calling them first this time. They either love me as is, or I’ll love them but we won’t see each other anymore.”

  Miriam nodded. “Hang tough, girlfriend.”

  Daphne grimaced. Hanging tough wasn’t her strong point. She had trouble staying angry with anyone. “I’ll try.”

  Miriam sighed. “Don’t cave on me, not this time.”

  She couldn’t make any promises.

  Miriam shook her head. “Let’s finish this food before it goes cold. And tell me the important stuff. Is Tyne a good kisser?”

  Daphne laughed and reached for another onion ring. Miriam was letting her off the hook, purposely changing the subject. She needed a little levity right now. “He can curl your toes.”

  “The type of guy who can suck your soul right past your lips?”

  “Yeah, and you hope he comes back for seconds.”

  Shadow jumped on the arm of Daphne’s chair, and she tore off small pieces of her breaded tenderloin for him. Miriam tossed French fry bits across the wooden floor for him to chase.

  It wasn’t until Miriam left that Daphne thought about her parents again. And Tyne. If she took a hard stand with Mom and Dad, if she chose Tyne over them, what happened when Tyne cast her aside? When he found someone prettier, wittier, more adventurous, and moved on like he always did? Then where would she be? Alone. She’d only have Miriam, and even Miriam would get tired of her.

  Chapter 32

  Tyne knew he wasn’t in the best mood when he walked into the kitchen for the supper shift. He’d meant to pop into Daphne’s shop to see her for a fe
w minutes this afternoon. It was a chilly, blustery day, and tourists had chosen to stay home. The last of the leaves were blowing off tree branches, so the national forest wouldn’t draw them to town. He should be able to spend a little time with her.

  Daphne was talking on the phone when he wandered between two aisles. Damn, she was pretty with her hair pulled up in a ponytail, showing off her long, slender neck, her high cheekbones. Lust had curled inside him, and he wanted to take her into the workroom, unbutton her blouse, and fondle her perfect breasts, but when she saw him, her expression closed and she shook her head. Just that. A silent no. And then she’d turned her back to him.

  What the hell had happened? They’d had great sex Monday night. He’d worried about seeing her on Tuesday, but she’d actually stretched up on tiptoe to kiss him when he’d stopped in her shop before work. He expected the same today, but she’d given him the cold shoulder. Literally. He’d turned and walked away. She might not want to sleep with him again, but he thought they were friends. He deserved something. Maybe a “Hey, I think we moved too fast Monday night” or “I think we made a mistake.” Something.

  He’d taken off for a long walk. The wind bit his cheeks, stung his ears. Every time his thoughts turned to Daphne, he pushed them away. Damn it! He hadn’t come on to her. She’d made the first move on him. He deserved some credit, didn’t he?

  Finally, he’d had to return to his apartment to change into his chef’s gear. He hurried up the inside stairs without a glance at the shop. If Daphne wanted to be left alone, he’d be happy to oblige her. He didn’t give her a backward glance when he left the shop either. Screw her. But boy, had she ruined his day.

  * * *

  Paula took one look at him when he tied on his apron and raised her eyebrows at Cody. Cody shrugged, but when Tyne walked straight to the refrigerator to take out the veal chops he was matching with golden-raisin sauce tonight, Cody cleared his throat.