Best of My Love (Fool's Gold)

by Susan Mallery

  Aidan concentrated on the task at hand. He didn’t want think about his brother leaving Fool’s Gold. His gut told him this was the right thing for Nick. That his brother needed to get away from Ceallach. But his heart, well, his heart was going to miss having a brother around.

  “Hey,” Nick said. “I know what this means. You’re the last one here.”

  “The last what?” Shelby asked.

  “The last Mitchell brother in Fool’s Gold,” Aidan told her. “Del’s traveling the world with Maya and the other three are going to be in Happily Inc.”

  She nodded slowly, then reached out her hand and put it on top of his. The touch was brief, but he got the message. She was there for him. She understood. Whatever else had happened between them, they were still friends.

  “You gotta do what’s right for you,” Aidan told Nick. “You can’t stay here. We both know it. This is better.”

  “You can come see me anytime you want.”

  “Gee, thanks.”

  Nick grimaced. “You know what I mean.” He brightened. “Did I mention there’s an animal preserve?”

  “What do you mean?” Shelby asked. “Like a zoo?”

  “Naw. Way better than that. There’s this open, grassy area at one end of town with all kinds of grazing animals. There are zebras and gazelles and even a giraffe named Millie.”

  “Okay, now you’re just making stuff up,” she teased.

  Nick made an X on his chest. “I swear. Besides, Fool’s Gold has an elephant.”

  “I know, but Priscilla’s different. More like family.”

  Aidan smiled. “You’ll accept an elephant as family, but not a giraffe?”

  “When you put it like that, I guess we can have both.” She turned to Nick. “Okay, you’ve soaked long enough. Use one of the towels to dry your feet and we’ll move on to the next step of the pedicure.”

  Nick did as he was told. “You’re not going to tell anyone about this, are you?” he asked his brother.

  “Back at you,” Aidan said.

  “Deal.”

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  JO PLACED THE pitcher of margaritas in the center of the table. “There’s something not right about this,” she muttered.

  Felicia nodded. “It’s difficult when social norms are violated. In this case, the girls-only lunch. But it’s for a good reason. I doubt Aidan will be a regular fixture.” She eyed him. “Your quest to be friends with Shelby is admirable, but you will need to have boundaries for that relationship to work.”

  Shelby felt her lips twitch as she tried not to smile. “Yeah, Aidan. We’re going to need to talk boundaries. You’re crowding me a little.”

  He held both hands, palms up. “I asked for help and this is what I get? Aren’t you always telling the men in your life that it’s okay to admit you don’t know something? But when I do, this is the response? You’re going to have to decide on your message.”

  Taryn picked up her margarita. “Well, damn. That’s an interesting tactic. I hate to say it, Aidan, but you’re right.”

  Larissa grinned. “Oh, no. Hell is freezing over as we speak. Run for your lives.”

  “It’s all funny until you want to talk trash about the guys,” Jo warned. “Then he’s going to be sitting here and what will you do?”

  “Talk over him,” Shelby said cheerfully. “He won’t mind.”

  She half expected Aidan to protest, but he only smiled. The man had confidence, she thought happily. She would give him that. And mad skills in the bedroom. Maybe one came from the other.

  When Aidan had asked her advice on his ideas for more female-focused summer tours, she’d suggested he join her and her friends for lunch. When she’d put out the word about what he wanted, several of her friends had immediately agreed to help him. From there plans had morphed into a margarita lunch, which meant no work was going to get done that afternoon.

  “Enough torturing Aidan,” Patience said as she picked up her glass. “A toast. To friends.”

  They all touched glasses. Even Aidan. Taryn leaned toward him.

  “You realize this makes you an honorary woman.”

  One corner of his mouth turned up. “You say that like it’s a bad thing.”

  “And here I thought you’d be flustered. All right.” She sighed. “Shelby, you can keep this one. He’s special.”

  Shelby felt an odd kind of lurching sensation in her belly. Before she could say anything, Felicia shook her head.

  “It’s not like that. They’re friends. Shelby explained it all to me when they first started spending time together. I think it’s an excellent experiment. I don’t suppose you’ll be writing a paper about your experiences when it’s all over, will you?” Her voice was wistful.

  “You’re a freak,” Larissa cheerfully told the other woman. “And we love you.”

  Conversation flowed all around them. It was the usual mishmash of getting caught up and sharing fun gossip. Who was dating, who was pregnant, who was going where on vacation. Shelby participated but her attention was on Aidan. Four months ago, he would have been squirming—both uncomfortable with the situation and anxious to get to his stuff. But now he simply sipped his margarita and ate chips. Every now and then he added a comment or two.

  She liked that he liked her friends. She liked how they could hang out together. Being around him was so easy, she thought. Comfortable. They never ran out of things to say. The fact that the man could turn her on with just a glance was simply a bonus.

  Jo returned with their lunches. When she left, Taryn smiled at Aidan.

  “This is the quietest we’re going to get, so if you want to talk about your business, now would be the time.”

  “Thanks.” He glanced around the table. “I’m thinking about making changes in what I offer tourists. Most of my tours are adventure-based. Outdoor activities. While a lot of women enjoy that sort of thing, there’s a whole indoor market I’ve been ignoring. Fay, my office manager, and I did some brainstorming. What if I had things like girls’ weekends where we co-oped with other businesses in town to offer a night or two at the lodge, a spa experience with dinner somewhere?”

  “Why wouldn’t women just book it themselves?” Larissa asked. “Why go through you?”

  “To make it easier.”

  “Not good enough,” Taryn told him. “You need to be able to offer a unique element. What’s your next overnight tour?”

  “I’m taking a group camping next weekend,” he said.

  “Why can’t they go camping by themselves?”

  Shelby thought Aidan might get defensive, but he stayed completely relaxed.

  “I provide the equipment. I’m the tour guide. We explore a few old ruins that are hard to find. I take care of pretty much everything. They just have to show up.”

  “But camping is more complicated than a spa weekend,” Patience said. “I think the spa weekend could work, but it needs a unique element.”

  “Like parasailing with shots,” Felicia offered.

  They all stared at her.

  “What?” she asked. “Alcohol is a part of many sporting events.”

  “What about focusing on romance and couples instead?” Patience asked. “A romantic tour of Fool’s Gold. Maybe with a gourmet picnic and champagne. Of course, it would have to be self-guided. You’d get in the way.”

  Aidan grinned. “I agree.”

  “What about the best spots to kiss in town?” Larissa waved her fork. “You know, having something like that would be fun. I’m sure a lot of couples come to camp or ski and while the wife is happy, it’s more for the guy. Having a romantic tour would balance things.”

  Taryn nodded. “You could have packages ready, so it could be a last-minute addition. If you choose the menus for the picnic lunches or dinner
s in advance, Ana Raquel could keep the supplies on hand.” She raised her brows. “You were planning to use her services, weren’t you?”

  “Uh-huh. Shelby likes her work.”

  He scribbled a few notes, so he didn’t see the looks exchanged between the women. Shelby did, though, and knew what they were thinking. That Aidan had reached the point where he trusted her opinion.

  She wanted to say it was just a friendship thing, but honestly she was getting tired of repeating herself. Not to mention the fact that they were now more than friends. A lot more.

  They continued to talk about different possibilities. Aidan asked questions. When they were finally finished, he insisted on paying for lunch.

  “It’s the least I can do,” he told her friends. “Thank you for taking the time to talk to me.”

  He and Shelby walked out of Jo’s Bar. He smiled at her. “I appreciate you setting that up. I have a lot to think about.”

  “More ideas than you can use?” Shelby teased.

  “Absolutely, but that’s a quality problem. They’re nice women. I like them.”

  “I like them, too,” she said. That odd lurching in her stomach returned, but she ignored it. “I like us, as well. What we’ve accomplished.”

  His expression turned predatory.

  She laughed. “Not just that. Everything else.”

  “But that was good.”

  “It was. The best ever.”

  She thought he might make a joke, but his expression turned serious. He touched the side of her face with his fingers, then lightly kissed her.

  “It was,” he agreed.

  For a second, she couldn’t breathe. Before she could figure out what was wrong, the feeling passed. But questions lingered. What on earth was wrong with her? This was Aidan. Her friend and now lover. She knew him. She liked him. She was comfortable around him. They were good together and she didn’t want that to change.

  * * *

  “I’M SO HAPPY,” Amber said, brushing away tears. “Ignore the waterworks. These days I cry at everything.” She took Shelby’s hands. “I know selling was the right decision, but if I’d had to sell to anyone but you, I would have had regrets. As it is, I know you’re going to grow the business into something amazing.” Amber laughed. “And change everything. I can’t wait to see where you are in a year.”

  Shelby swallowed. “Thank you for everything. I promise that the heart of the business will always be the same. Even if the outsides change.”

  They hugged.

  Trisha Wynn, the attorney handling the sale, rolled her eyes. “I have to say, this is the first time there’s been hugging at a meeting like this.”

  Amber wiped her eyes. “Don’t pretend you aren’t moved.”

  “I’m a lawyer. I’m immune to emotion. Now let’s sign our paperwork, ladies.”

  They all sat at the large table in Trisha’s conference room. Shelby couldn’t believe how quickly everything had come together. Once the business had been valued, she and Amber had settled on a price. The fact that Shelby was paying with cash rather than a loan helped speed things along. As for the money she’d borrowed from her brother—that had been accomplished with a single page note and even more hugs.

  Now she signed her name where Trisha indicated. She was nervous and excited. More happy than scared, she thought, barely able to keep still in her seat. She hadn’t slept in three days and should be exhausted, but she was filled with energy and possibilities.

  She’d already signed the lease on the space next to the existing bakery. She had her contractor lined up, along with the building permits she would need. Bailey, Mayor Marsha’s assistant, had walked her through the process and everything had gone smoothly.

  She signed three more times. Trisha looked through the paperwork.

  “All right, ladies, you’re done. Traditionally we all shake hands, but I suppose you want more?”

  Amber laughed. “Of course we do.”

  Everyone stood and there was plenty of hugging. Trisha grumbled but Shelby felt her hang on tight, even if it was just for a second. As she and Amber walked outside together, her former business partner handed her a set of keys.

  “I won’t be needing these anymore.”

  Shelby sighed. “Wow. We really did this. You sure you’re okay with what’s happening?”

  “You’re asking me a little late, aren’t you?” her friend teased. Then Amber’s chin began to tremble. “I’ve loved the bakery, Shelby. It’s been so important to me. But having a baby is something I never thought would happen.” She lowered her voice. “We got the amniocentesis results back and everything’s fine. We’re having a boy and he’s healthy.”

  Shelby hugged her again. “I’m so happy for you.”

  “Thank you. So while I’ll miss the bakery, it’s nothing compared to the joy I’m feeling about my son.” Amber smiled at her. “If you need anything, let me know. You’re going to do great. You’ll see.”

  * * *

  SHELBY WALKED TO the bakery. Her head was spinning. There was so much to do. She had to get her temporary kitchen set up and confirm the kiosk she’d rented for the renovations. There were—

  She turned the corner and saw a small crowd in front of the bakery. As she got closer, she realized that she knew everyone. In fact, all her friends were there.

  Madeline stood with Destiny and Kipling. Starr chatted with one of her girlfriends. Aidan and Taryn, Larissa, Patience, Ana Raquel. Even Sam Ridge stood on the sidewalk.

  Aidan spotted her. “She’s here,” he called.

  Everyone turned and started clapping.

  “Congratulations!” Madeline yelled. “It’s all yours.”

  There were more shouts, then plenty of hugs. Glasses of champagne were passed around. Shelby didn’t know what to think, but before she could ask what was going on, Aidan stepped close to the bakery.

  “Congratulations, Shelby,” he said. “We’re all proud of you and happy for you. You’re going to do great.”

  He pulled a rope and a banner rolled down. On it were the stylized psychedelic daisies she’d chosen for her Flour Power logo.

  Tears filled her eyes. “You did this for me,” she whispered.

  He raised one shoulder. “It’s not every day you get to celebrate something this big.”

  Kipling came up and put his arm around her. “You did good, kid. Thank you for letting me be a part of this.” He raised his chin toward Aidan. “He thought this up himself. I wish I had, but he’s the one who arranged everything and called us all. He’s a good man, Shelby. Just in case you were thinking of keeping him around.”

  * * *

  DEMOLITION WAS LOUD and construction was louder still. Shelby supposed she’d always known that, but knowing and hearing were two different things. The construction crew had shown up bright and early every morning and worked until six.

  The newly leased space was now an empty shell and on the Ambrosia side of the building everything was gone except the old kitchen. That equipment still had years left in it. They would keep it as it was.

  That meant she and her team could bake from six at night until six in the morning, then sell at the kiosk a dozen yards from the bakery. But the guys working every day meant packing up everything needed to produce pastries and cupcakes and cookies, then storing it until it was needed the next day. The logistics were daunting, but worth it, she told herself.

  Shelby watched the clock. It was the Friday morning of Spring Fling weekend. Tourists filled the sidewalks, taking advantage of the beautiful weather. Tomorrow was the parade. Shelby had a feeling they were going to sell out early today and with the construction going on, there was no way to bake more. They would have to adjust their schedule tonight. Which meant she needed to get home and get some sleep. But first she had a stop to make. />
  She walked toward Paper Moon. As she smiled at people she knew, she found herself missing Aidan. He’d only been gone overnight and he would be back on Sunday, and it wasn’t like they spent every second together, but still. She didn’t like knowing he was out of town.

  Her emotions confused her. The odd sensations she got when she was around him. She knew some of that came from the fact that they’d had sex. But there was something else going on. Something she couldn’t put her finger on. Lately she’d found herself thinking about what would happen in June. How they would go back to their regular lives. Sure, they’d still be friends, but it wouldn’t be the same. Only she didn’t want things to be different. So what did that mean?

  She walked into the bridal salon and found Madeline straightening veils.

  “Hi, you,” her friend said. “What’s going on? How’s the construction?”

  “Loud, but they’re making good progress. How are things with you?”

  “Okay. Work’s great.” Madeline wrinkled her nose. “Jonny’s in Italy. I’m going to join him next week, but I miss him.”

  Shelby knew the feeling. Only she couldn’t say that. She and Aidan were just friends, while Madeline was going to marry Jonny. Their situations were different.

  Madeline put down the veil she’d been fluffing. “What’s going on?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I don’t know. You seem like... You want a cup of coffee? I made a pot. We can go in my office. I don’t have any appointments this morning and Rosalind can handle any walk-ins.”

  “Sure.”

  Shelby followed Madeline into the back. They got their coffee, then retreated to Madeline’s small office. Shelby sat across from her friend.

  “Is it Aidan?” Madeline asked gently. “I heard about the lunch at Jo’s. He was a hit with everyone. I’m sorry I missed it.”

  Madeline had been unable to come because of an appointment with a bride. Shelby held her mug in both hands as she tried to figure out what to say.

  “I’m confused,” she admitted. “You know why I wanted to get to know Aidan.”