by Marla Monroe
Thinking back like this was a bad idea, Aden thought. He needed to keep that box tightly closed and locked. He had enough trouble there at home without dragging out the memories. How did he fix this mess? What were the chances that everything would work out well for all of them?
The flash of light across the sky drew his attention. For a brief second, he imagined it to be incoming fire and started to roll off the roof, and then he focused and realized it was a falling star. Like the foolish kid he’d once been, Aden made a wish, closing his eyes, and prayed it would come true.
* * * *
“Crap!” Cynthia banged her head on her desk in frustration. The damn night deposit bag was acting up again. She needed to get a new one.
The sound of someone knocking on her locked door at the front of the store had her cursing the last minute shoppers who’d made it so that she was running late. She carried the bag with her as she hurried through the front of the shop to see Roy standing outside waiting on her.
Sorry, she mouthed as she fumbled with the keys that were attached to the same key ring as the one currently stuck in the lock on the deposit bag.
As soon as she got the door unlocked, Roy stepped in and watched as she fumbled with the keys some more.
“Double damn,” she cursed.
“Here, let me see it.” She handed the mess to him and watched as he effortlessly maneuvered the key in the lock and pulled the key free.
“Show off,” she muttered with a smile.
“Nah, just really good with my hands,” he said. Then, as if realizing what he’d said, he stepped back. “Are you about ready to head out?”
“Just let me get my purse and lock the office. I need to drop this off at the bank on the way to wherever we’re going,” she said, hurrying toward the back.
“Take your time. There’s no fire.”
She grabbed her purse and locked the office up before returning to find the man browsing through her rack of corsets.
“What did you say?” she asked.
“Huh? Oh nothing. Just that we’re not in any hurry.” He gave her a quick smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.
As he watched her turn off the last light, set the alarm, and lock the outside door, Cynthia couldn’t help but notice the difference in him from the other day. What had happened that he would be so distant with her now? It was as if someone had flipped a switch. The only thing she could come up with was that he and Aden had fought about her going out with both men. Her stomach sank despite the fact that she’d known it would happen sooner or later. She’d hoped she could get this date out of the way and refuse to go out again before it did.
When they pulled up to the bank, Roy jumped down from the truck and strode around to open her door for her. He helped her down then steadied her as she wobbled a second on her heels.
“You look really nice, Cynthia. Those heels look dangerous though,” Roy said, cracking a smile.
She smiled back, relieved to see some of the man she’d become so interested in so quickly. “Normally the most I do in them is stand and walk around the shop. I’m not accustomed to climbing in and out of ridiculously tall trucks.”
He chuckled warmly. “Yeah, us old Southern boys like to jack them up nice and high.”
“Is that to make it through all that crap you guys throw around?” she asked.
This time he laughed full out. “Woman, you’ve no idea the kind of bull we shoot around the flat lands.”
Once she’d made the drop, Roy helped her back into the truck, buckling her in as if she couldn’t do it herself. It might have irritated her if someone else had done that, but the way he’d made sure it was secure but not too tight had appeared more caring than condescending. She let it slide.
“I thought we’d go somewhere more relaxed, like one of the diners around here or a bar and grill. Have any preferences?” Roy asked, sliding her a sideways glance as he pulled away from the curb.
“Um, if you really don’t have any place already in mind,” she began.
“Wouldn’t have asked if I had. Spit it out, sweet thing.”
She felt her face heat at the endearment. She knew it meant nothing, just something men did without thinking, but she liked hearing it from him.
“My friends invited us to meet up with them at Hogg’s Upstairs Tavern if you’re up to it.”
“The Hut,” Roy said, calling it what the locals called it. “That works for me. They have cold beer and wings.”
Cynthia couldn’t help but wonder what was going on. He acted so much differently than he had the other day in her office. Where was the sinfully sexy man who’d made her wet with just a word? More importantly, how did she get him back?
Once he’d located a parking spot, Roy actually picked her up off the seat and carefully set her down on the sidewalk. For a brief second as he lowered her to the ground, some of that mischievous darkness swam in his chocolate orbs before it melted away and was no more. She’d never been able to resist a mystery, and Roy was proving to be an enticing one.
As they made their way up the stairs to the bar, she felt his hand at the small of her back, guiding her and keeping her upright as she negotiated the steps in her heels. She really shouldn’t have worn them, but they were perfect with the outfit she’d chosen to wear. The flirty dress covered her but gave glimpses of skin where it dipped low in the back and large keyhole neckline suggested the hint of cleavage. Most people would have worn it indecently short, but Cynthia preferred a hint of sexy over shoving her assets in everyone’s face.
“See your friends anywhere?” Roy asked, bending down to be heard over the music.
She looked around and immediately saw Denise and the rest of the gang gathered around a couple of tables that had been shoved together. She’d just pointed them out to Roy when Denise caught sight of them and waved them over.
“There you are. I wasn’t sure if you’d come or not,” Denise said, giving her a quick hug.
Cynthia quickly made introductions all around while they grabbed chairs and joined them. Roy didn’t seem at all uneasy around a group of strangers. The few dates she’d had years before hadn’t much liked hanging out with her friends. They’d turned out to be stuck-up curmudgeons when all was said and done. She’d been better off without them.
Nick sat on the other side of her, acting his normal, flirty self. She didn’t think anything of it, but when Roy dropped an arm across the back of her stool and danced his fingers up and down her arm, Cynthia realized he didn’t take it as harmless. The fact that he seemed protective of her, or maybe even a little bit jealous, made her smile. What woman wouldn’t appreciate her man feeling possessive of her?
Her man? Wait just a minute. He wasn’t her man. This was their first, and last, she reminded herself, date. No way was he her man.
I need to keep telling myself that until it sinks in. I can’t afford to get attached to Roy any more than I allowed Aden past my defenses.
She almost moaned out loud at that thought. Aden had managed to sneak past her defenses, wheedling a place in her heart. If Roy managed that as well, she was well and truly screwed. She had to make sure he didn’t.
“So what color are you wearing tonight?” Nick asked, lifting his beer to his lips.
“Not telling,” Cynthia said with a light laugh.
It had become their game of guessing the color of her underwear and whether or not she had on panties or not. She wouldn’t admit to anything with them, but they all got a big kick out of guessing and making her blush.
“Come on, Cindy Lou. Give us a hint. Inquiring minds want to know,” one of the other guys said.
“What are they talking about?” Roy whispered in her ear.
Cynthia leaned over to tell him, but Nick chose that moment to enlighten him. She cringed at the thought of what the other man might say.
“We like to guess what color underwear she’s wearing and whether or not she’s wearing panties, a thong, or something lacy underneath.”
/> She felt Roy stiffen beside her. The hand cupping her shoulder tightened, pulling her even closer to him. It was obvious he didn’t approve of their game. It wasn’t that she liked it really, but it was just something they did when they got together. It was harmless fun. No one had gotten hurt—yet. If they kept taunting Roy, that could change.
In an effort to change the subject, Cynthia asked Denise how things were going at the store.
“Really good. The cooler weather is helping. More people out shopping than in the hot summer. I expect the holiday season to be great this year,” Denise said.
“Have you thought any more about opening an Internet store together?” Cynthia asked.
They’d been toying with the idea for several months, figuring that it would help offset the normal post-holiday slump and those months that the weather kept a lot of people at home. Since their shops sort of complemented each other, they thought it would be fun to open one together, keeping everything under one umbrella while keeping down the website costs.
“I really think we should do it,” Denise agreed. “This winter will be a perfect time to get it up and running. We’ll have extra time to work on it that way.”
“We really need to get together and talk over the logistics,” Cynthia told her.
They chatted a little more about the possibilities until Nick asked her to dance. Roy’s body fairly quivered next to her. Cynthia could almost see the waves of animosity floating above him.
“No thanks, Nick. My feet are killing me today. It’s been a long day in these heels.”
“So take them off. You don’t need them.” He leaned around Roy to talk to her.
“Thanks, but I’m just not in the mood tonight.”
“Floyd here won’t mind, will you, Floyd?” Nick asked.
“It’s Roy, and it doesn’t matter if he minds or not. I don’t want to dance, Nick.” What was wrong with him tonight? He wasn’t usually so pushy.
“Cindy girl…” Nick started out.
Roy interrupted him. “She said she wasn’t interested. Do you pester all the women like that?”
“Now just a damn minute.” Nick stood up.
“That’s enough!” Cynthia snapped, getting to her feet as well.
“Nick. What’s gotten into you, man?” one of the other guys asked.
“Nothing.” He stood up and stalked off.
“Don’t mind him, Roy. He’s just pissed because Cynthia is with you tonight. He’s thought of her as his for a long time.” Denise shrugged.
“What?” Cynthia asked. “Why would he think that? We’ve never even been out before.”
“And you haven’t really dated anyone since you’ve known him, either. When we all hang out together, he sticks with you,” Denise explained to her.
“I’ve never given him any encouragement. Why didn’t I know about this?” she asked.
Everyone around the table just shrugged. It pissed her off that they’d known the other man had liked her and she hadn’t had a clue. Not that she would have pursued him. Nick was an okay guy, but he was two years younger than her and too immature for her tastes.
“Don’t worry about it, Cynthia. It’s his problem, not yours,” Roy finally interceded. “Unless you’re interested in him, that is.”
“No! I mean, I’m not. I like him as a friend, but that’s it.”
Cynthia couldn’t believe she was having this conversation with her friends present and with another man who happened to be the best friend of the other man she’d gone out with. How had her life gone from utterly boring to reality show insane so fast?
The waitress arrived with their food, taking drink orders again before she left. Cynthia used that time to regain some of the composure that she’d lost. She didn’t have the time or the energy to deal with Nick right then. She had enough on her plate with Roy and Aden. She nearly moaned just thinking about that can of worms. How much more complicated could her life get?
“Are you all right?” Roy asked next to her ear.
She turned to look at him. There was genuine concern on his face. Maybe he actually appreciated what a precarious position he and his friend had placed her in. Cynthia wanted to believe that they understood and felt bad about it, but a lot of men thought only of themselves and couldn’t comprehend the emotional strain she was under. Maybe if she hadn’t had an instant attraction to them and already found herself liking them, it wouldn’t have been so difficult to walk away, but that was what she had to do. Right?
“Yeah. Just tired and a little uncomfortable.” She looked out over the dance floor.
“Would you rather leave?” he asked.
She jerked back around to look at him. She saw no sign of anger or impatience. He seemed to honestly want to do whatever she wanted to do. He earned a little more of her respect, and she found herself liking him that much more. That, she didn’t need. She already liked both him and Aden too much.
“No, that’s okay. How do you like Gatlinburg so far?” she asked.
“It’s a nice place. I’m not much of a touristy sort of guy, but I like the farm and enjoy hiking the trails here,” he said.
“There are some great ones around here. I go when I get the chance. The shop keeps me pretty busy though.”
“I would imagine it does. You have help though, so you should be able to take off when you want to.”
Cynthia smiled, allowing herself to relax a little more. “Technically, as the boss, I should be able to, but I only have one girl working for me right now and she is in college. Her work hours are limited.”
“You need to hire more help then,” Roy said with a frown. “Take it from me. Life is short. Anytime you can do something good for yourself, don’t pass up the opportunity. Time is something you can never get back once it’s gone.”
“You’re right. I’ve been thinking more about getting another person but just haven’t found the right one yet,” she said with a nod.
“Look harder. You’ll regret it one day if you don’t.” Roy sighed then a grin broke out over his face. “And that’s it for Roy’s daily dose of personal enlightenment. Stay tuned tomorrow for the next exciting installment.”
Cynthia laughed then covered her mouth with one hand. “I’m sorry. I’m not, well I am laughing at you, but in a good way.”
He chuckled. “Good. Like they say, laughter is the best medicine.”
“You’re right, it is.”
He slapped both hands flat on the table and started to get up. “Well, my job here is done. I’ve made sure you had your chuckle for the day.”
She laughed again and grabbed his arm, pulling him back down. “Oh no you don’t. I’m not ready to go yet. Since I came with you, you’re stuck here for now.”
He smiled down into her eyes. “Oh, it’s no hardship. I assure you. Being here with you is right where I want to be.”
For a brief moment in time, Cynthia was mesmerized by the shades of chocolate that seemed to be swirling in his eyes. Her breath caught in her throat at how intimate he made it sound. She could almost believe that he had never spoken those words to anyone else before.
“Little girl’s room time, Cynthia,” Denise called out, breaking the spell.
“Um, excuse me. We travel in packs because it’s safer,” Cynthia told him with a grin.
“Do you need me to follow and be sure no one bothers you girls?” he asked.
Another bump up the approval scale. She was in so much trouble.
“No thanks. We’ll be fine.” Cynthia stood up and eased between the tables to join Denise and their friend Jean.
As soon as they made it to the restrooms, Denise started grilling her.
“You like him, don’t you. What about Aden?” she asked.
“Who’s Aden?” Jean asked, looking from Cynthia to Denise.
“Yeah, he’s nice. I like Aden, too, but it doesn’t matter. I can’t date either one of them.”
“Who’s Aden?” Jean asked again, a little louder this time.
“He’s Roy’s friend,” Cynthia told her.
“Why not? Just decide who you like more and go out with that one.” Denise checked her make up as if she’d solved the problem.
“I can’t do that. They’re best friends. I don’t want to be a problem between them. Besides, I can’t decide who I like best. I sort of like them both equally. They each have different qualities and good points. I don’t want to have to choose between them.” She sighed and ran her fingers through her hair.
“So Roy and Aden are best friends, you’ve already been out with Aden, but you can’t decide who you like best. Does that catch me up?” Jean asked.
“That about covers it,” Cynthia said with a sigh.
“So don’t choose, Cynthia. Go out with them both. Why do you have to be exclusive with either one of them right now? Besides, maybe one of them will show his true colors and then you won’t have to choose. Or, better yet, one of them decides that the two of you just aren’t working out like he’d hoped. Then again, your choice has been made for you.” Denise grinned at Cynthia through the mirror.
“You’re not helping matters,” she said with a low growl.
Denise laughed. “I’m sorry, honey, but I don’t see why you’re so set against going out with both of them. How they handle it is between them and shouldn’t impact what you decide no matter what. If they’re too immature to handle it, then you don’t need them anyway.”
Cynthia sighed. On one hand, what Denise said made sense, but on the other hand, it didn’t stop her from worrying about what it would ultimately do to all three of them. She wasn’t selfish enough to not care if the two men came to blows over the situation. It would tear her up inside to know that she had played a part in it.
“Why do you have to choose?” Jean asked. “This is the twenty-first century and all. Rainbows are the new style, and nothing’s wrong with having a ménage relationship if that’s what turns you on. I say go for it.”
Cynthia’s mouth dropped open in disbelief. Jean had always been the more conservative of the bunch. Where had that come from?
“Jean, is that really you? A ménage? Are you serious?” she asked.
