“Amelia.” He draws my name out, his voice a little high pitched. “Does someone have a crush?”
Ugh, he sounds just like Stella.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” I stick my nose up in the air. I’m not about to tell him that Isaac and I have actually had sex. The only one who’s figured that out so far is Stella, but my time is running out. Eventually we’re all going to get together and she’s going to blab. Or force me to blab.
They’re all going to be happy for me, I just know it. Which is sweet. I love how supportive my friends are. They’ll want to see me move on to a new guy. But I’m guessing they’ll worry if he’s the right guy for me.
I never said a word when Stella started messing around with her best friend’s brother. Or when her best friend got swept up into a relationship with the man who gave her her first kiss—and also happened to be engaged when they first reunited. What about Sarah falling into a relationship with the rich, slightly kinky Jared Gaines? And then Eleanor hooking up with the football player?
I could go on and on about their relationship antics. They can’t judge me. They’ve all done some pretty wild stuff. Deep down, I know they would never judge me.
They’re my friends. We support each other, no questions asked.
“He’s over there.” Charlie waves toward the far side of the farm. “In the field where we’re growing the new trees. He likes it over there.”
“Why is that?” I ask with a slight frown.
“Because it’s a spot where he can find some peace and quiet for a few minutes. It’s a favorite place of mine too. I’m the one who told him about it,” Charlie says, watching me carefully. “Be easy on my boy, okay?”
“What, like I’m going to attack him? You know me better than that, Charlie,” I say.
“Uh huh. Just—he’s a good guy. Whatever he might’ve done, he didn’t mean it,” he continues.
I start to laugh. “Men. You’re all the same. You automatically assume he did something wrong.”
“Well, he did, right?”
“Maybe. Maybe not,” I say, purposely vague. And with that…
I offer up a quick wave and walk away, heading in the direction Charlie pointed out to me. I’m going to find out what’s up with Isaac.
And ask him why he’s been avoiding me.
I’m not one to chase after a man, but I make quick work of speeding across the farm, bypassing groups of children and the occasional family. I think about slipping into the store and checking out the pretty décor Victoria has inside, but I tell myself I can wait.
I need to talk to Isaac first.
The grove of new trees is in the farthest back corner of the farm, and that’s exactly where I find him. He’s clad in jeans and a blue-and-green checked flannel shirt, a navy cap on his head as he paces through the rows of tiny sprouting trees, his expression one of intense concentration. I come to a stop and watch him walk up and down the rows slowly. Patiently. His mouth is moving and I swear he’s talking to either himself or the trees.
My heart squeezes as I continue watching him. He’s so handsome. And patient. Rugged and strong and dependable.
Well. Maybe not so dependable right now, considering that he’s avoiding me.
Deciding I don’t want to scare him, I head closer to the grove, walking a little louder than normal to gain his attention. He glances up, his gaze snagging on me as he does a double take. His eyes are wide, but he doesn’t smile when he sees me.
I refuse to let that be a deterrent. Instead, I square my shoulders and stand tall as I stride toward him, pasting a smile on my face. “Hey,” I greet.
“Hey,” he says, his voice faint as he comes to a stop. “What are you doing here?”
“Looking for you.” Again, I’m not going to play around or come up with excuses. I’m all about being one hundred percent straightforward with Isaac.
“Really?” He settles his hands into his front pockets instead of reaching for me and giving me a hug, and I try not to let that disturb me either.
Can’t help but wonder if something is truly bothering him, though. It’s fairly obvious something must be.
“Yes, really.” I study him, my hands literally aching to reach out and touch him. It’s the first time I’ve been face to face with him since he slipped out of my bed a few nights ago, and my feelings for him haven’t changed. If anything, they’ve intensified. “Is something wrong?”
He studies me, his expression so serious. No smile on his face, no easygoing, ready to help Isaac in front of me right now. “Why would anything be wrong?”
“Oh, I don’t know.” I take another step, close enough that our bodies briefly brush against each other. This sends a fresh wave of sparks washing over me, making me hyperalert that he’s within touching distance. “Pretty sure you’ve been avoiding me.”
“Nah. Just been real busy with work,” he mumbles as he looks away.
As if he’s having a hard time looking at me.
Giving in to my urge, I rest my hands on his wide chest, sending him an imploring look. “Be real with me, Isaac. If you don’t want to see me anymore, just say it. Please don’t string me along. I don’t want to play games with you.”
He gazes down at me, his blue eyes as bright as the sky above us. “I have a question for you.”
I frown at his change of subject. “What is it?”
“Do you actually want to be with me? Like…really be with me?” His expression is thunderous, but I see the caution in his eyes. There’s a hint of worry there too.
As if he’s afraid I might reject him.
“Why else do you think I’m here right now?” I curl my hands into the fabric of his shirt, holding onto him. “I came for you and no one else, Isaac.”
He studies me for a moment, a war happening within him. I can feel the tension vibrating in his big body, and I’m so attuned with him, I can also note the moment where he gives in. A ragged exhale leaves him and he shakes his head, just as he mutters, “Fuck it.”
And pulls me into his arms.
Twenty
Isaac
I stayed away from her because I told myself I was doing the right thing. Amelia Lee isn’t for me. I was just lucky enough to have a tiny piece of her for a short time in my life. Otherwise, this is going nowhere. Dave basically said so, and damn it, I believed him. I always knew she was too good for me. Too pretty, too smart, too much. Our timing is off.
I figured I flat out didn’t deserve her.
But then she had to go and show up here looking for me just now. Looking pretty as fuck too. All breathy voiced and wide eyed, telling me she’s no game player.
She came here for me. For me and no one else.
That has to mean something, right?
I press my lips to hers in a harsh, punishing kiss, thrusting my tongue inside her mouth, taking what she so easily gives. I’m so overwhelmed by her presence, I come at her way too strong, but she’s not put off. If anything, she’s just as eager as I am as she slides her hands up my chest to curl her arms around my neck, clinging to me right there in the middle of the tree grove where anyone can see us. She’s kissing me back with the same intensity I’m delivering, though not as brutal. She softens the kiss. Softens me.
Though the kiss is definitely sweeter, it’s also got me wanting more of her taste. Her warmth. I’m groaning and she’s whimpering and my hands are somehow gripping her perfect ass, pulling her into me so she can feel my hard dick. Before we get too carried away, I yank myself out of her embrace and take a wide step away, needing the distance.
“You’ve been avoiding me, huh?” she asks, her breaths coming in accelerated pants as she wipes at the corner of her lips.
I run a hand through my hair, searching for composure. Finding none. Should I lie? I bet she’d hate that. She won’t like my honest answer either, though. “Yeah.”
The hurt on her face is unmistakable. “Why?”
I shrug. “I don’t know. I got—”
The word won’t come to me.
More like I don’t want to say it.
“What? Scared? Is that it? Did you get scared, Isaac?” She wraps her arms around herself, as if she needs to ward herself from the sudden cold. Or me. “We have one great night together and that’s it? You walk?”
“Maybe that’s all it’s supposed to be.” I shrug, feeling like a giant liar. It’s not what I want. Not by a longshot.
But how can I admit what I really want without looking like I’m moving too fast? She’ll go running if I say something right now.
“You don’t really believe that.” Her voice is flat.
I can only offer her another shrug. What else can I say?
“My friend Stella says you’re my rebound man,” she admits, her voice soft.
“So it’s true,” I tell her, sounding hostile as fuck, but I can’t help myself.
“No.” She shakes her head. “I didn’t say that—she did. I mean, I suppose that’s what it looks like, but that’s not what you are to me.”
“What am I to you then?” My chest grows tight the moment the words leave me. I’m fully prepared for rejection. Sort of.
Okay, not at all, but I can take it like a man.
“I don’t know,” she says, as honest as ever. “But I want to give us a try. I definitely want you to be more than my rebound.”
We stare at each other, a swirl of wind starting up out of nowhere, whipping all around us. The bigger trees nearby sway, their branches brushing against each other. Even the tiny saplings wave.
“You mean that?” I squint at her, the tightness in my chest easing.
Amelia nods. “I do.”
“You’re not embarrassed of me?”
“Why would I be embarrassed of you?” she asks incredulously, throwing her arms up in the air.
“I don’t know. I’m younger than you. I work here.” I glance around the tree farm. “I don’t have a lot of money.”
“I don’t care,” she says, her voice firm. “None of that stuff matters. All I want is to be happy. And you make me happy.”
Her admission shakes me to my core. I try to stand tall and act like her words have no effect on me, but damn.
Damn.
“You wanna go to dinner with me and the boss man and his wife tomorrow?” I ask.
Amelia blinks at my change of subject, seemingly confused. Hey, at least I’m keeping her on her toes. “Um, sure. Are you referring to Charlie and Candice?”
I nod and move toward her, reaching for her waist and pulling her in close. “They want to meet with me and discuss some business stuff. Said I could bring a date.”
She’s smiling. I can see the relief in her dark gaze, and the happiness there too. “I’d love to go. I hear they’re nice people.”
I smile in return at her teasing tone, and how she’s pretending she doesn’t know them. “Oh, they’re real nice. I bet you’d like them a lot.” Amelia laughs just as I sweep in and steal a kiss. Then another one. “I’m sorry I avoided you the last few days. A few things got in my head and stayed there. They started to bug me.”
“Like what?”
“Like me not being good enough for you,” I admit.
Amelia touches my cheek, forcing me to look her in the eye. “You’re the best man I know, Isaac Jones. You got that?”
I kiss her again, because I can’t resist her. “If you say so.”
“More like I know so,” she says firmly.
I’m half inclined to believe her.
The next night, I go to pick up Amelia from her family’s store before we head to dinner with Charlie and Candice. I went home first after work and took a shower and changed. Put on my nicest clothes, which is basically the same thing I wore to Candice and Charlie’s wedding, but fuck it. That’s all I got. I stared at my reflection in the mirror as I combed my hair and told myself I would be fine.
But I’m still nervous as I walk into the jewelry store. It’s pretty obvious, what’s about to happen. I’m going to talk to her parents—though I only see her mother right now—before I take Amelia on a date.
My picking her up is confirmation we’re seeing each other, and I don’t know how Amelia feels about it, but I’m anxious as hell.
“It’s the Christmas tree guy!” greets Mrs. Lee when she spots me, a warm smile on her face. She’s standing behind the counter, her hands pressed against the glass top. “Don’t you clean up nicely.”
“Thank you.” I approach her, knowing an ally when I see one. “Is Amelia around?”
“She’s getting ready for a hot date.” Her mother’s eyes twinkle with mischief. “You have any idea who this man is?”
“None whatsoever,” I say as I glance down at the sparkling jewelry on display in the case in front of me. “I hear he’s a real nice guy, though.”
“Big and strong, from what I can tell.” She reaches out and pats my upper arm. “I don’t know you very well, Isaac, but my daughter speaks very highly of you.”
That makes me feel good, knowing Amelia’s talking me up. And that her mom knows my name.
It’s the little things, I guess.
“She’s still in a vulnerable spot, after her breakup. I only ask that you treat my daughter kindly. She’s been through a lot,” Mrs. Lee continues.
I sober up instantly, offering her a solemn nod. “I promise to treat her like a queen, Mrs. Lee. I want you to know your daughter means a lot to me.”
She lifts her brows in question. “Already?”
“Yes,” I confirm. “Sometimes when you know…you know.”
She seems pleased with my response, which in turn leaves me pleased. And since when do I care how a parent feels about me?
I guess I’m a changed man.
Amelia chooses that moment to enter the store, absolutely beautiful wearing a long-sleeved, deep green dress. Her hair is down and flowing past her shoulders, her feet clad in spindly black high heels. She’s pretty and classy and looking at her makes me feel like my heart just expanded, opening up completely to this woman.
Damn, I’m glad she’s my date tonight.
“You ready to go?” she asks brightly as she approaches.
She draws closer and I can see the apprehension flaring in her eyes. I guess she was nervous about this meet up too. And where’s her father anyway?
“I am,” I tell her, my gaze sweeping down the length of her in admiration. At the last second, I realize her mom might’ve seen me do that and I glance over at her to find that yep, she’s watching me. With a knowing look on her face too.
“Great,” Amelia breathes before she turns to look at her mother. “You know Isaac, right, Mother?”
Mrs. Lee nods, her eyes sparkling as she considers me. “I do. Mr. Strong and Handsome.”
Amelia rolls her eyes. “Stop. You’re embarrassing me.”
“Only speaking the truth, darling,” she says. “Where are you two going tonight?”
“Dinner with Charlie and Candice Sullivan,” I tell Mrs. Lee. “We’re eating at Tuscany.”
“One of my favorite restaurants. And I love Candice. She’s been such a wonderful friend to Amelia. Have fun, you two,” Mrs. Lee says, beaming at both of us.
We offer our goodbyes before we exit the store, Amelia hustling me right out of there. The moment we’re outside, she sags with relief, sending me a grateful look.
“For some reason, my mother really likes you,” she says wryly. “And she usually doesn’t like anyone I date. Not that I’ve dated a lot of guys.”
“She didn’t like your ex?” I ask. I probably shouldn’t bring him up. I hate the asshole, and I don’t even know him.
“She did at first. Though I think it was more about the idea of me being with someone who she believed I would marry. And when that didn’t happen, she was disappointed,” she admits, sending me a quick look. “But she really does seem to like you. She was so nice just now.”
“Hey, I’m a nice guy. And I brought her a pretty Christmas
tree,” I remind her, trying to lighten the mood.
Amelia hooks her arm through mine, resting her head on my shoulder for the briefest moment as I escort her to my car. “You did bring her a pretty Christmas tree. She loves that thing. Want me to be honest though?”
“Always,” I say without hesitation.
“I think she’s just glad that I’m happy,” she admits, her voice soft.
I smile down at her. “You are?”
She gazes up at me. “Thanks to you.”
Unable to help myself, I kiss her right there on the sidewalk, not giving a good goddamn who sees us. “Maybe that’s all your mother has ever wanted. For you to be happy.”
“Maybe,” Amelia says thoughtfully as we keep walking. I had to park kind of far and I feel bad because of her high heels, but the streets are crowded today and it couldn’t be helped. “I always figured she wanted to marry me off to get grandchildren. She used to put such enormous pressure on me.”
“She might’ve seen the error in her ways,” I suggest. “You never know. After witnessing you in such a—bad relationship before. Now all she cares about is seeing you have a smile on your face.”
“I was pretty mopey, even in the relationship,” she agrees. “But now I’m definitely not.”
“Are you saying I have something to do with that?” I ask, kind of hating how hopeful I sound. I clear my throat. Tell myself to calm the hell down.
But I know I’ve contributed to her good mood. Her happiness. That’s all I want for Amelia. I firmly believe I can do something about that too.
As in, I make her happy. And I want to continue making her happy as well.
For as long as she’ll let me.
“My feet already hurt,” she grumbles as I snag her hand to lead her across the street.
“I’d tell you maybe you shouldn’t have worn those shoes, but I can’t make myself say it,” I tell her.
She’s frowning. “Why not?”
“Because your legs look damn sexy in those shoes.” I shoot a dirty smile in her direction. “Maybe you could wear them and nothing else to bed later.”
Amelia swats my arm, but at least now she’s grinning. “You’re bad.”
Blind Date (Dating Series Book 7) Page 13
