by Ruth Langan
She had just arranged the flowers in several vases when she turned to find Colin standing in the doorway, watching her. For a moment she thought she detected an odd, almost pensive look on his face. Then he blinked and the look was gone, replaced by that heart-stopping smile she loved.
“You’re up early.” He took a step closer, still watching her. “I reached for you when I woke up, and found you gone.”
“Did you miss me?”
He nodded. “I saw you in the garden. You looked so beautiful I almost ran down to join you.”
“Why didn’t you?”
“Because I wasn’t wearing any clothes. I don’t think your neighbors are ready for the sight of a naked man in your yard.”
“You’re right. Thank you for sparing them. And me. Though I must say, I don’t mind the sight of you naked in the least.”
He couldn’t wait any longer. He strode across the room and gathered her into his arms. Against her temple he growled, “I really wanted to make love with you before I went off to work.”
“That wouldn’t leave any time for breakfast.”
“I’d rather have you than food.”
She laughed. “I’ll remind you of that when you come in tired and hungry and there’s not a thing on the stove.” She lifted her lips for a kiss, then said, “Now come and eat. A working man needs a good hot breakfast to start his day.” She lifted the lid on a platter to show him strips of bacon and a perfect cheese omelet.
He chuckled. “You’re just doing this to make up for the fact that you weren’t in bed when I woke up.”
“Is it working?”
His laughter grew. “You do know the way to a man’s heart, Ms. Sullivan. Is that cinnamon I smell?”
“Fresh cinnamon rolls. Come on. The table’s set and ready for you.”
She carried in the bouquet of flowers and set them on the round glass table set in front of the bay window. Then she left and returned with a serving table groaning under the weight of so much food.
“You don’t expect me to eat all this alone, do you?”
“No.” She poured two cups of coffee and took the place opposite him. “In fact, I’ve worked up quite an appetite.”
“How long have you been up?”
“Oh, an hour or more.” She served the omelet and ducked her head. Actually she’d been awake most of the night. But now, in the light of day, all those nagging fears seemed groundless. In fact, she had almost succeeded in convincing herself that she’d been a fool to lose so much sleep over this.
She was an adult, for heaven’s sake. And enjoying herself for the first time in years. As long as no one got hurt, what could be wrong with it?
Across the table Colin sipped his coffee and watched the way she suddenly turned to stare out the window. Where had she gone? Wherever it was, it worried her. And that worried him.
“This is wonderful. Not that I’m surprised anymore. Everything you do is wonderful.” He saw the way she forced herself back from that dark place inside herself.
“Thank you.” She surprised herself by managing to eat quite a bit before she had to give up and sip her coffee.
When Colin had eaten everything she’d set before him, he sat back with a sigh. “It’s a shame I have to leave for work. I’d much rather spend today the way we spent the weekend.”
“It was grand.” She stood and began loading the serving cart. When the table was cleared, Colin took it from her and pushed it into the kitchen. Then he gathered her close for a kiss. “I guess, whether I like it or not, I’d better go.”
“Don’t forget your lunch.” She pointed to the thermal pack on the counter.
He hefted its weight. “What’s in here?”
“Meatloaf sandwiches on homemade bread. A packet of fresh vegetables. A container of coffee. And chocolate chip cookies.”
“You really think I’m going to eat all that?”
She nodded. “That day I visited the Yardley house, I saw how much hard, physical work you actually do. You could probably eat twice that much.”
“One visit to my job site and you’ve got all that figured out?”
She nodded. Then a slow smile touched the corners of her lips. “I noticed something else, too. That tool belt you were wearing made you look really sexy.”
“You think a tool belt’s sexy?” He grinned. “Lady, if that’s all it takes, I’ll start wearing it to bed.”
“Well, I wouldn’t want to go that far.”
“All right. Tell you what. I’ll model it for you tonight. Right after you scrub my back in the shower. Deal?”
She couldn’t help laughing. “Deal. But be warned. I intend to use girlie soaps and one of my shower poufs.”
“That’s all right. Once I strap on that tool belt, I’ll be all man.” He dragged her close for one last kiss before heading out to his truck.
Inside, Lizbeth watched as he backed out of the driveway. That’s what worried her. Colin was all man. So much so, she was beginning to lose her balance around him.
She set to work cleaning, scrubbing, scouring. She always did her best thinking when she was working.
“Hello.” Loretta peeked through the screen door and saw her young neighbor on her hands and knees, scrubbing the kitchen floor. “Is that cinnamon I smell?”
“Loretta.” Lizbeth stood and hurried across the room to hold open the door. Brandi rushed in, leaving the old woman to follow more slowly. “What are you doing walking all this way?”
“The doctor said I needed to stay limber. Figured, since I saw your young man’s truck gone, I’d get a little exercise.”
“Uh-huh.” Lizbeth gave her a knowing look. “Is this the same woman who couldn’t seem to take two steps at the dance without Colin’s help?”
Loretta gave a throaty laugh. “There’s nothing like the strong arm of a good-looking man to put a spring in my step.” She settled herself on a kitchen chair and set aside her cane. “And your young man is particularly good looking.” She cast a sly look at Lizbeth. “If you’re of a mind to notice.”
“Oh, I’ve noticed.” Lizbeth moved around the kitchen, putting the kettle on for tea, and setting several cinnamon rolls on a plate, which she set in front of her neighbor.
“I thought you might. Pretty hard to miss someone that rugged and manly.” Loretta cleared her throat. “So, how’re you two getting on?”
“Fine. Just fine.” Lizbeth turned away and spooned loose tea into a strainer before setting it in a pretty little floral teapot.
“I never saw any sign of life over here yesterday. You weren’t out in your garden. Never even picked up your morning paper.”
Lizbeth held her silence while she poured boiling water into the teapot, then set it on the table, along with fragile cups and saucers.
“Strong and black, Loretta. Just the way you like it.”
“Thank you.” The old woman sipped, ignoring the fact that it was hot enough to burn her tongue. She’d spent a lifetime drinking tea. The hotter the better. “Now about you and Colin. Did the two of you…strike sparks after you left me Saturday night?”
Lizbeth set down her own cup. “Are you asking me what I think you’re asking me?”
“What I’m asking,” the old woman said with a grin, “is if that young man was able to wait until he got you home before devouring you.”
Lizbeth stared down into her cup. She knew that sooner or later Loretta would pry it out of her. Besides, she was dying to tell someone. “We made it home.”
“And then?”
“Colin was determined to do the noble thing and send me off to bed without so much as a goodnight kiss.”
“You’re joking. After the look I saw in his eyes?” Loretta began to shake her head. “I must be losing my touch. I’d have sworn that he was about to gobble you whole.”
“Well, that may have been what he wanted, but what he was determined to do was take the high road. And then, all his good intentions flew out the window. Thanks to that red dress…” She
wagged a finger. “…which you shamed me into wearing…”
“Me?” The old woman looked as if she were about to deny, but Lizbeth cut her off.
“As I was saying. Thanks to that red dress, I was feeling quite unlike myself. And when he tried to be noble, I…” She fumbled for a word. “I…seduced him.”
Loretta set down her cup with a clatter. “You what?”
“I told him I wanted him.”
“Just like that?” Her old neighbor was looking at her as if she couldn’t quite believe her eyes.
Lizbeth nodded. “Just like that. I don’t know what came over me. But I’m convinced it was the dress.”
“The dress.” Loretta broke open a cinnamon roll. “Of course, the woman inside the dress had nothing to say about this.”
Lizbeth fiddled with her teacup. “The woman in the dress was feeling wild and impulsive and utterly free.”
“That’s my girl.” The old woman’s eyes were shining. “Now, isn’t that the best feeling in the world?”
“I guess.”
The hesitation was quickly noted. “And is your young man as strong and masterful as he looks?”
Lizbeth shot her a quick glance. “Is that your way of asking me if we were good together?”
“What I’m asking is if he’s strutting around like a rooster, and if you’re purring like a kitten.”
“I guess….” She blushed. “Yes. To both.”
“Well, now.” Satisfied, Loretta took a long drink of her tea. “I’m glad to know that my faith in the two of you was not misplaced.” She nibbled her roll. “You know, Beth, you’ve been needing the attention of a good man for some time now.”
“Have I?”
“You know you have. It’s fine, for someone like me who has lived a long and full life, to be alone. Henry and I had a lifetime to build the memories that still sustain me and give me so much pleasure. But someone as young and vital as you shouldn’t be spending your life talking to your flowers. Isn’t it much better having someone around who can answer you? Who can finish your sentences? Who can make you laugh?”
“I suppose.”
She saw the way Lizbeth was chewing on her lip. “Having regrets?”
Suddenly all the fears that had been building up throughout the long night threatened to erupt in a torrent. “Oh, Loretta. It wasn’t supposed to be like this.”
Helpless, the old woman shuffled around the table and gathered her young friend into her arms. “Like what, Beth? Come on. You know you can tell me.”
“I know.” Lizbeth had to make a supreme effort to hold back the tears. For she had vowed to never cry over a man again. Her entire body was rigid with the effort to remain in control. “You…know about what happened to me before…”
“I know, darling.” Loretta patted her back and continued to hold her. “I’ve always been proud of the fact that you trusted me enough to confide in me. I like to think I’ve taken your grandmother’s place.”
“You have, Loretta. And I’m grateful to you for listening without judging me. But now…” She took a deep breath and pushed herself free of the comfort her old friend offered. “I thought… That is, I’d hoped…”
“That you could just relax and have a little harmless fun.”
Lizbeth nodded and closed her eyes a moment, fighting to remain in control of her emotions.
“And now?” Loretta prodded.
“I think…” Lizbeth took a deep breath and decided to say it as quickly as possible. Maybe then it wouldn’t hurt so much. “I think I’m in love with Colin. I didn’t mean to, but it just happened.”
“Love.” The old woman caught her by the shoulders and held her a little away. “So that’s the way it is.”
Lizbeth nodded.
“And now you’re thinking about all the things you ought to confide in the man you love.”
Again a quick nod, while the tears that had threatened were put firmly away, never to be shed.
“Well now.” Loretta caught her young neighbor’s hand and squeezed. “Since you once confided in me like your grandmother, I’m going to give you the advice I think your own grandmother would give if she were here. A big part of love is trust.”
“But…”
She touched a finger to Lizbeth’s lips. “I know. Once burned. But Beth, honey, you have to learn to trust again. If this young man shares your feelings, he’ll hear the truth and help you move on with your life. A life you can then live together.”
“But what if I’m just…convenient? What if he’s the one who moves on? Without me.”
“That’s always a possibility. And that’s the risk one must take. If that turns out to be the case, you’ll be hurt. But at least you’ll know the truth.”
“The truth.” Lizbeth closed her eyes. “Maybe I don’t want truth. Maybe he doesn’t either. Maybe what he’s looking for is just a lovely fantasy until he leaves here in a few weeks.”
“And what are you looking for, Beth?”
Lizbeth gave an expressive shrug of her shoulders. “I don’t know.”
“Yes, you do.” The old woman placed her gnarled hands on either side of Lizbeth’s face and lifted it. “You want what everyone wants. One great love that lasts a lifetime. Happily ever after. And you can have it, darling. You’re stronger and smarter than you give yourself credit for being.”
“How would you know that?”
She smiled. “Because when I look at you, I see that girl in the red dress. That brave, fiery, fearless girl who knows what she wants and is willing to work for it. Or even fight for it, if necessary. She’s always been there, Beth. But you’ve been busy trying to cover her up.”
“Oh, Loretta.” Lizbeth gave a long, deep sigh and wiped a single drop of moisture that clung to her lash. “I wish I could summon that girl to deal with this.”
“You will. When you need her.” The old woman patted her shoulder, then called, “Come on, Brandi. Time to walk home.”
“You aren’t too tired?”
“I feel like a spring chicken.” She picked up her cane and started to the door, with the cat circling at her feet. She paused and touched a hand to Lizbeth’s arm. “Trust your heart, darling. And trust your young man with the truth.”
Lizbeth stood by the door, watching as the old woman started home. Then she returned to the table and began cleaning up. She worked mechanically while she mulled the words of advice.
Trust your heart.
She’d done that before, and where did it get her? Her heart broken, and her life shattered. She didn’t think she was strong enough to take it again. Maybe she’d wait awhile, and see where this new relationship went. If it really was a relationship.
Calmer now, she decided to work in her garden awhile, before starting dinner. As she weeded and pruned, she felt her spirit restored. For now she would continue down the path she’d chosen, enjoying this newly-discovered freedom, but keeping the past firmly in the past.
Chapter 13
In the late afternoon sunshine Lizbeth hurried along Main Street, hauling her small two-wheeled tote filled with groceries.
“Afternoon, Beth,” the Lassiter twins called out in unison.
“Hello, Alfreda. Winifred.” She paused, waiting for them to catch up.
“Have you ever seen a spring like this one?” Alfreda, wearing zebra striped pedal pushers and a polka-dot shirt, paused to lift damp white hair from her neck.
Her sister, Winifred, considered the wild one of the family, was wearing an identical outfit, with her white hair tucked under a bright orange bandana. The effect was startling. “It’s positively balmy. More like summer than spring. Don’t you agree, Beth?”
“I do.” And all the while she’d thought it was her sizzling romance with Colin that had brought on this unseasonable heat.
Lizbeth swallowed back her smile. Everyone she’d met today had talked about the weather first, before leading up to questions about her boarder.
“You know what they say about spring
,” Alfreda said pointedly.
“What’s that, Alfreda?” Lizbeth waited, knowing what was coming.
“A young man’s fancy ofttimes turns to thoughts of…”
“…love,” Winifred finished for her twin in a breathless voice.
“I hear tell the Yardley place is almost finished.” Alfreda nudged her sister. “We happened by there yesterday. So many muscular workmen, sister and I couldn’t make up our minds which ones to pick.”
“Pick?”
“For next year’s Spring Fling.” Winifred lowered her voice. “We’re not about to let Loretta Mayfair have all the fun. Coming in on the arm of that handsome boarder of yours. Having him fetch her punch and cookies every time she fancied some. Even dancing with him. Oh, no.”
Alfreda chimed in. “She’s not the only one who can snag a handsome escort.”
“Of course not. Well, at least you have an entire year to make your choice.” Lizbeth choked back a laugh and waved a hand. “Enjoy the sunshine, ladies.”
“Oh, we will.” The two old women hurried away.
All the way home Lizbeth couldn’t stop chuckling about her visit to town. Everywhere she’d gone, the people had made pointed references to Colin. What a grand job he was doing at the Yardley place. How thrilled Bill and Sue Yardley were with the improvements to their home. How much the men of his crew respected him. And, from women old and young, there was always some breathless sigh or a mention of his rugged good looks.
And why not? Whether it was early in the morning, when he was still half-asleep, or late evening, after a full day of work, he never failed to stir her senses. He had, quite simply, begun to fill her life in a way that no one else ever had. And that bothered her more than she cared to admit. She could feel all her hard-earned independence beginning to slip a notch. And it was getting harder and harder to remain cautious. Whenever he held her, and loved her, she wanted to simply throw caution to the wind and declare her true feelings for him. But the fear that he might not share such feelings held her back. She would rather entertain her illusions for the short time Colin had left here in Stafford. Even if it meant their eventual parting would be quick and painful.
