“She’s your Danica?”
Mrs. Bear shrugged and scraped along the banister with a pointed fingernail. “She was going to be, but not anymore. Not now that Adrian has you. I never told you how happy I am he brought you home.”
Goldie had the impression she was a mouse being cornered by a cat. “Oh? That’s sweet of you to say, but I hope you don’t mind. It’s just that it seems like the opposite. I get the feeling you don’t like me very much, Mrs. Bear.” Goldie was too tired to beat around any more bushes.
Adrian’s mom angled her head and conferred a would-be loving expression on her. “Not at all. I keep bugging that boy to settle down, so the fact that he has a steady girl is so heartwarming. I do wish he’d mentioned you before though. He never told me how you met.”
Goldie glanced up the rest of the stairs. She could see the door to her room. She was so close. If only she’d made it inside before this uncomfortable confrontation. If only she’d agreed for Adrian to walk her inside, then she wouldn’t have left herself open for the pouncing.
She and Adrian hadn’t gone over this, other than noting it wouldn’t be wise to tell Mrs. Bear exactly how they’d met. She hated lying to his mother, but she wasn’t sure what to say.
“Maybe you should ask Adrian. Sorry, I’m pretty tired. Travel, and all that.” Which was entirely true.
Mrs. Bear’s lips lifted into a plastic smile. “Of course, you poor thing. Go on up and get some rest. We can get to know one another better tomorrow.” She pulled Goldie in for a side-hug and trotted down the stairs.
Goldie stared after her, stunned. What was that all about? While Mrs. Bear had faked smiles and attempted civility, it was almost like some kind of sugary interrogation. Her actions were too cold for the warmth she’d attempted to give them.
She recalled seeing Mrs. Bear speaking with Danica and had the sneaking suspicion they were up to something. Whenever her own mother acted fake-nice like this, it was because she wanted something from her.
Goldie had the sense she’d just been plunked onto a sofa with too many cushions, the kind that was hard to work her way out of once she sat down.
Anything that made Mama Bear this mischievously soft couldn’t be good.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
NO MATTER WHICH WAY SHE lay, Goldie could never get quite comfortable enough for a good night’s sleep. The mattress had a bit too much pillow top for her tastes. Not like Adrian’s bed back at the cabin. That had been the perfect in-between of hard and soft, just the way she liked it. Still, she managed to snare a few decent hours of rest.
She rose early and read through a few of her students’ term papers. Thoughts of Adrian and her missing aunt made it difficult to concentrate, though. She also wondered how the sub she’d managed to secure on such short notice was faring with her rambunctious bunch of teenagers. While Goldie missed teaching those kids, she had to admit, it was nice to have a break from them.
Her stomach rumbled, and she considered going down for breakfast, but every time Goldie peeked out of her door, Mrs. Bear could be heard in the main areas below. She had a crew there, clearing away the boxes and things that had accumulated no doubt, while she’d been planning the fundraiser.
Goldie had the feeling Mrs. Bear was also lingering in the hopes of that little chat she mentioned the night before. She still hadn’t worked out what to say, so as soon as nine-thirty hit, she sent Adrian a text.
Good morning! Last night your mom asked me how we met. What should I tell her?
She tapped a finger to her lips. Maybe she should have waited, but nine-thirty couldn’t have been too early to contact him, could it?
Good point. Saying I met you in my bed is probably not the best approach, he replied.
Her cheeks caught fire. He had the tendency to do that to her. Never mind that it was the truth, or that it had been completely innocent.
Probably not, she replied.
How about a company getaway? he suggested.
What company?
Bear Financial Investments.
Yours? she guessed.
Mine.
Financial investments? Meaning stocks, 401 Ks, people’s firstborn children? No wonder he seemed to be loaded. But I don’t work for you, she said.
I could change that.
Of course he could. This was coming from the man who proposed they be boyfriend and girlfriend for convenience’s sake. She sent him a joke-face emoji. I’ll just tell her it was a chance meeting, and we hit it off right away.
A pause.
Did we hit it off? he texted.
Of course we did, she said, stemming off from their playful banter. You found me irresistible.
She clapped a hand over her mouth in astonishment. She couldn’t believe she’d just sent that. There was no way to undo a text. Hopefully, he’d read it as lighthearted as she meant it.
And you found me completely charming, he said.
Of course. What else?
Charming, and gorgeous, and generous, and utterly disarming. She wasn’t about to admit to any of those. He was still a stranger to her. She couldn’t let herself get too settled, no matter how helpful Adrian had been. Most men she knew didn’t do something for nothing. At least she’d been able to help him with his Danica problem.
You mean you want me to go on? he said.
Please no. Don’t want you getting a big head or anything. Another jokey emoji.
I’ll be stopping by in a few hours. I’d like to see you. Is that okay with you?
She had to read the text a few times to make sure it said what she thought it did. He wanted to see her? Was he for real? Her stomach burned. Sure. I’ve got nothing better to do.
Ugh, that hadn’t come out right. Still, she’d already sent it.
Gotta hang out with my girlfriend, he said, adding a wink.
The reminder stung, though she couldn’t figure out why.
Right, she replied before flinging her phone on the bed. His girlfriend, sure.
Goldie stifled a yawn. She still hadn’t completely caught up on sleep from her road trip, so she settled herself beside her phone on top of the bear-covered blanket and closed her eyes. Ten minutes wouldn’t do any harm.
Except when she awoke, the clock read closer to noon.
“Two hours?” she said to herself. Man, she must really have been tired. Readjusting her clothes and running a brush through her hair, she decided to brave the lower level.
She opened her door the smallest crack. Unlike the few instances she’d checked before, the smell of bacon, eggs, and pancakes no longer wafted from below. The sound of gathered guests, banging dishes, and Mrs. Bear’s commanding voice were missing as well.
Anticipation trickled in. She made for the window, which offered a view of the front yard, parking lot and barn. People were already coming and going, strolling along to admire the flowers, reaching to retrieve things from their vehicles. One vehicle, Goldie noticed, was blessedly absent. The coast was clear. Mrs. Bear was nowhere in sight.
Stomach growling, Goldie decided to risk it and headed downstairs. The lobby area was mostly cleared, except for a girl reading a book at the reception desk and a man perusing a newspaper at one of the tables off from the seating area.
Adrian was already in the kitchen, retrieving a bottle of Coke from the fridge. Goldie’s heart gave a little flip.
“There you are,” he said in such a warm way, it made her stomach burn, especially considering their flirty text conversation. He’d said he wanted to see her. Her.
“Morning,” she said, twisting her hair over one shoulder.
“I was just heading out to enjoy some sunshine. Want to join me?” He offered a Coke in her direction.
Goldie decided not to mention this was her first time down and she hadn’t yet eaten anything else. Coke for breakfast it was.
“Is your mom here?” she couldn’t help asking as he handed her the ice-cold bottle.
“She headed to town to return a few things. She’ll
probably be gone for a while.”
Relief sifted over her. “Sunshine sounds good.”
Adrian led the way out. The sun was already baking the air. It was warm for April. A friendly, wide swing saved a spot for her, and Goldie settled herself in while Adrian perched himself against the railing across from her and stared into the distance.
“It’s amazing here,” Goldie said, kicking a little to move the swing.
Adrian pivoted, resting a hand on the porch’s supportive beam. He glanced out, taking a sip from his Coke bottle. His gaze swept from the weeping willow dipping its fingertips into the glassy pond, to the horses grazing at the base of the hill, and back to his family’s large ranch house.
“I never wanted this.”
Her tone was uncertain. “The bed and breakfast?”
Another sip. “No. This.” He gestured widely, indicating the surrounding land.
“Why would you not want this? It’s a gift, to be so secluded. It’s almost like going back in time to be here. Everywhere else is so busy, so rushed to keep up the pace with the rest of the world. Here, though. It seems different.”
Adrian faced the railing, bending to rest his arms on it. Goldie rose from the swing and stood beside him.
“I wanted that faster pace,” he said. “I wanted the opposite of seclusion. To be immersed in the high life, the glamor of it, the streak of fast cars and high rises and gossip columns. My father never understood it. Why would I crave that kind of attention when I had a perfectly good inheritance waiting for me here?”
He gestured to the full scale of the ranch surrounding them. The emerald haze of grasses, the grazing horses, the lazy trees and widespread solemnity.
“That would be my question too,” Goldie said. “Why did you leave?”
“I needed the right place to build my business, where other savvy investors were doing the same. I moved to Chicago, where I attended business school. I invested well. I was thriving like a good metaphor.”
Goldie took a sip of her Coke. “What happened? Why did you come back?”
She squinted through the sunlight, centering her rapt attention directly on him.
Adrian tipped the glass bottle to his lips. “You probably heard from my mother or Kimmy. I don’t think I told you directly, but my father died.”
“Kimmy mentioned it. I’m so sorry, Adrian.”
“I’ve spent as much time here as I could, to help my mom, to be with my brothers. Aside from my business, this ranch, my family, is the only stability I have left. But I need to head back. My team has been handling everything, and things are managing just fine thus far, but I want it to stay that way, you know? Plus, I miss Chicago. This is—it’s just too stifling here.”
She touched her throat. The ranch’s full glory ranged before them, seeming to go on for miles and touching the edges of the sky. She gestured to the open air. “This seems to be the opposite of stifling.”
He kept his gaze on the surrounding grassland. “I miss the thrill of it all. I liked standing out on the balcony after a successful day of negotiations. With the city spread below me, the cars, the buildings, it glittered like Christmas.”
She angled her head as if considering. Part of her was sure that was true, but she had the sense there was something else. It didn’t make sense for him to dislike a place like this as much as he claimed too, just because Chicago was sparkly and fast. There had to be more to it.
“Does it have to do with your dad?” she asked.
Adrian fidgeted under the question’s pressure. It wasn’t as though it was her business, but she had to admit, she didn’t like the thought of Adrian returning to that life. They weren’t much more than acquaintances. He owed her nothing. But here in this country time bubble of fields and lemonade, of birdsong and an indulgent view of his sculpted arms, chiseled jaw, and eyes that teased, she couldn’t help wondering what things would be like with him.
Adrian Bear was a full-fledged hottie with decent manners and a kind heart. What would it be like to have moments like this in permanent ink?
This isn’t real, she reminded herself. Last night was a one-time thing. Why should she want him to stay when she herself would be leaving for Wisconsin in less than a week? He was just a nice guy helping her out while she waited for her aunt’s return email. That was all.
He glanced away from her, not answering. Goldie pursed her lips. Too hot. Too cold. Too big. Too small. From the way she saw things, Adrian’s life here in Two Pines was just right. What was it about his home that made him want to leave? He seemed to get along with his brothers, and even his mom well enough, which led her to conclude it was his dad.
He still hadn’t answered.
Goldie lowered her head. “Adrian, I’m sorry. I never should have pried. I’m already overstepping as it is by taking advantage of your hospitality.”
His warm hand closed over hers. The gesture was so natural, it caught her by surprise only after he’d done it. Was this a fake boyfriend move, or was it sincere?
His hazel eyes slid to hers. “You’re not taking advantage.”
He met her straight in the eye until, feeling the security behind the words, she nodded. He glanced at their hands. When she didn’t pull free, he slid his palm beneath hers and wove his fingers into the vacancies.
Goldie’s stomach sizzled. She couldn’t do this. She needed to leave, to find a hotel and wait for her aunt’s email where she was more comfortable. Yet, for some reason, she couldn’t let go of him. She couldn’t remember the last time any man had shown interest in her, not like this.
“And you’re not prying,” he went on. “Things between my father and I weren’t the best. Our relationship was always strained.”
“That must have made his passing harder on you.”
A muscle jumped in his jaw. “It’s okay,” he said. “My brothers and I have been helping my mom resolve his business affairs, find passwords to his accounts, settle the family trust, that kind of thing. I’ve just had to keep on top of my own business affairs too, and I’m trying to find a different route to deal with that since I’ve been out here so long.” He shook his head. “Sorry, I didn’t intend for our conversation to take this serious of a turn.”
“I don’t mind,” Goldie insisted. “Though I can’t say I’ll be that much help. Business was never really a strong suit of mine.”
He smiled. “What do you do in Wisconsin?”
“I’m an English teacher.”
“My worst subject.”
“Eleventh grade.”
“My worst year.”
Goldie laughed and punched him in the arm. “Liar.”
He settled closer to her on the porch and stroked the back of her hand with his thumb. Her low belly heated at his proximity. “Okay then. But I’m only lying about one of those. Which is it?”
“You mean which admission was a lie?”
His lips twisted. She couldn’t help but notice him scoot closer still. Sunglasses perched on his head, eyes blazing with mischief and secrets, he looked every inch the temptation she’d seen in her dreams. Good grief, but he was gorgeous, and he was holding her hand. She was as giddy as if she were fourteen again.
She tried to think of the best approach. “All right then. Pop quiz. Shakespeare was…?” she prompted.
“An evil genius,” he finished.
“Writing papers?”
“An acute form of torture, though necessary for success in documentation, business plans and many other important ventures.”
She quirked an eyebrow. “Writing them is torture? Try grading them.”
Adrian laughed. “You win that one. Do you really read all those?”
“Every one. In fact, I brought a stack with me that needs to be done before I head back.”
“Ugh, you’re right. That is torturous.”
“Actually, I enjoy it. I help those who are struggling the best that I can, and I am amazed by their creativity.” She stared at the watch on his wrist. “You know what
I think?”
“What?”
“I think you liked English classes. I think you hated eleventh grade for the same reason you wanted to leave home.” It was a shot in the dark, but after last night, after seeing how his mother pried into his life, after his recent admission about things being rocky with his late father, she suspected being here was hard for him because he couldn’t be himself.
It was the same way she often felt. Judged at every turn. High school had a tendency to do that to a person, make them feel less than enough, no matter how good at something they were. She couldn’t imagine anyone finding Adrian Bear not good enough.
Adrian’s face twitched just enough to show he was impressed. “You win.”
“Of course I do. What do I win, exactly?”
Mrs. Bear’s car pulled into the gravel lot. Goldie was surprised at the tension the sight instantly coiled inside of her.
“How about dinner?” Adrian suggested.
Her mouth hung open. As fake boyfriend and girlfriend or for real? She wanted to ask.
Mrs. Bear exited the vehicle and gave them a friendly wave, answering her internal question. A notion sank into Goldie’s chest. It was probably all part of the show, to convince her he was over Danica. Nothing more.
If they went back into town, that would give her another opportunity to stop by her aunt’s house. She could also bring her bag with her and check into a hotel then, although her bank account shouted at her from here. She didn’t have a hundred dollars a day to spend on a room.
This trip was definitely not turning out how she’d planned.
CHAPTER TWELVE
ADRIAN STOOD AT THE BASE of the steps inside the main house and watched until Goldie’s door closed. Their conversation on the porch played on “repeat” in his mind. He couldn’t believe how perceptive she was, or how being around her had liquefied his defenses. When was the last time he’d felt so comfortable around a woman, so willing to bare his soul and skeletons in one fell swoop?
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