“Gooseberry Falls.”
“That’s one of my favorites. It’s awfully quiet. Where are Angie and Jacob?”
“Softball practice. I have to pick them up at ten thirty, and we’re leaving right after lunch. How long do you think it’ll take for the drain?”
“Half an hour, unless the problem turns out to be a sewer line issue. I want to check a few things out before I carry in any heavy equipment.”
“OK, well you know where everything is. I’ll be upstairs packing.”
“I’ll call if I need you,” Jo said, already clomping down the stairs. She walked into the laundry room and studied the concrete floor around the drain beneath the utility sink. Nothing was backed up at the moment. Dried water stains from years past framed the old steel drain plate. So did dust, a dryer sheet and a few threads from a mop, the usual laundry room debris.
Frowning, she stuck the plug into the utility sink drain and turned on the faucet. Once the sink filled halfway, she’d let it drain and see what happened. If the drain backed up at all, she’d be surprised.
The door behind her shut. “Andrea, I don’t think—”
“Josey—”
“Ack!” She whipped around. “Will.” Her heart made a leap for her throat, and she pressed both hands over her chest. At the same time, her stomach dropped. All she could do was stare. He stared back, and his ears, especially the tips, turned bright red right before her eyes. Will’s hands were fisted at his sides. His eyes … oh, his eyes held so much hurt and anger. She’d put that look there, and the knowledge brought her lower than she’d ever felt before.
“How is it you’re in my cousin’s basement?” she asked. Will remain planted firmly in front of the door. No bolting this time. Her legs trembled, and her hands had gone cold. Great.
“Jo, I gave you my heart and my trust, and at the first sign of trouble, you bailed on us. I warned you about my parents, and you know me well enough to understand what they think makes no difference to me … or you should have.”
“Wait. What about my trust? Remember that conversation we had about the importance of mutual support?” Her mouth had gone as dry as the concrete around the drain. “Your parents insulted me over and over. I waited for you to tell them to stop. You never did. You let those people walk all over me.”
“So, instead of calling me on it and hashing things out—which, by the way, I also mentioned as important—you texted me we were over?”
“I admit that was bad, but … the entire disaster felt like a setup.” Her hands fisted at her sides too, mirroring his. Did her eyes reveal all the hurt and anger his did? “Why didn’t you tell your parents about quitting your job to start your own firm? You had to know they’d be upset.”
“I was too caught up in us and all the good things going on in my life. Telling them never even occurred to me. I’m not in the habit of sharing things with them. I never intended to set anything up, and I certainly hadn’t expected to be ambushed.” He scowled. “I should have though, and for that I am sorry. I also never expected my girlfriend to break up with me without giving me a chance to—”
“I was too hurt and too angry to talk to you. Can you imagine how let down I felt?” Jo ran a knuckle under her eyes, catching the escaping tears.
“Argh,” Will cried, raking his fingers through his hair. “This is not how I planned this at all. Seeing you brought back all the—”
“How do you know my cousin Andrea well enough to lurk in her basement, waiting for me to show up?” Looking at him hurt too much. Jo turned back to the sink and shut off the water faucet. Why were they bickering when there was so much needing to be said and so much needed to be fixed?
“I don’t know your cousin. Wyatt and Sam—”
“My brothers are involved. I should’ve figured.” Still unable to face him, she stuck her arm through the water and pulled the plug, knowing full well the floor drain would not back up.
“Yes.” He moved closer. “Can’t we talk about this? I’ve missed you so damn much.”
She bit her lip to keep from sobbing.
“I had planned a wonderful speech, and then seeing you broke my heart all over again, and I … reacted.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t handle things well at all, but you broke my heart too. You didn’t defend me when I needed you to the most.”
“Just because I didn’t challenge my parents doesn’t mean I’m not behind you one hundred percent. I’ll always have your back, but that’s between you and me. My parents have nothing to do with what is between us. I don’t want what we have to be over, Jo. Why won’t you look at me?”
“I can’t.”
“Why not?”
“Because I’ll cry.”
“I’m all right with a few tears. I might cry too.”
A blubbery sound escaped her.
Will put his hands on her shoulders and gently turned her around. “I’m crazy in love with you, Josey Haney. I don’t want to lose you. I can’t lose you. I want you in my life. I need you in my life.”
He drew her close and held her, his touch tentative, as if he feared she might reject him or hare off again. Dammit. She cried against his shoulder, unable to speak. The man of her dreams just told her he loved her, and all she could do was mess up his shirt with snot and salty tears.
“Here’s the thing with my parents,” he said softly. “I’ve been dealing with them my entire life. I learned early on not to argue with them. Doing so accomplishes nothing. I learned not to engage at all when they’re at their worst. If I had stood up to them—and their insults were aimed at me, Jo, not at you—things would’ve gotten worse. Silence is my defense mechanism against them, like running away at the first sign of trouble is yours.”
Oh, how right he was. She was so sure she had everything figured out, but she hadn’t considered his feelings at all. Her stupid pride and her insecurities had gotten in the way. Again.
“Talk to me, Jo. Do you really want us to be over?”
She shook her head.
He blew out a shaky breath, and the sound went straight through her. Oh, God. He’d been holding his breath. She closed her eyes, wept, and inhaled his familiar, comforting masculine scent. She never wanted them to be over.
“Don’t leave me hanging here. I’ve bared my soul. Can’t you meet me halfway?”
She nodded and backed out of his arms, searching the laundry room for something she could use to wipe her face. An almost empty roll of paper towels sat on the counter. “Hold on.”
Will growled again. “I’ve been holding on for days now … barely holding on.”
Grabbing the roll of paper towels, she risked a glance at him. He looked … unsure, vulnerable, and so very gorgeous. She wiped the tears from her eyes, blew her nose and tossed the paper towel into the trash. Straightening, she lifted her chin and met his gaze. “Brunch with your parents devastated me. I was afraid they were right, and that dating me was your way of getting back at them.”
“Nothing could be further from the truth. Until you came into my life, I was a lonely, unhappy mess. Miserable. You brought me back to life, and I’ve never been as happy as I am with you. What my parents think doesn’t matter. You matter. Only you and me being together matters.”
“Can you forgive me for not giving you the chance to talk things through?” she croaked.
“Yes. Can you forgive me for not grinding my parents into dust for you?”
She smiled through fresh tears. “Yes.”
“Good.” Again he raked his fingers through his already mussed hair. “How do you feel about me? I need to know if you see a future for us.”
“I’m crazy about you, Will. I never knew I could feel like this, and it’s scary and wonderful all at the same time.” Oh, God. She was actually wringing her hands together like the heroines in those old-timey romance novels. She forced her hands down by her sides.
“Promise me you’ll never take off like that again. I can’t handle a repeat performance. I want to g
ive this”—he gestured between them—“my all, and I’ll be destroyed if I do, and you keep leaving me every time we have a misunderstanding or a disagreement.”
She nodded, took the few steps separating them and wrapped her arms around his waist. “I’ll try my hardest.”
“No trying, Jo. I need a commitment. I need to know you trust me.” He ran his hands up and down her back. “Even though you might question my methods, you have to know I love you. When you doubt, or when the scariness gets to be too much, talk to me; don’t walk away. I need you to promise me you won’t walk away again.”
Sighing, she let all the tension she’d been holding melt away and leaned against him. Tilting her head back, she peered at him, pouring everything she felt for him into that one look. “I promise.”
His lips found hers, and she lost herself in the tenderness of his kiss. He loved her; she loved him. The rest would work out with time. She’d given her promise, and dammit, she meant to keep her word.
Will groaned and let her go too soon. “I have to get to work.”
“I’m scheduled for a full day too,” she murmured, wishing they could both play hooky.
“Come to my place tonight. I’ll make dinner. Tomorrow is Saturday, and we can sleep in, and then go out for breakfast. After that, you can help me shop for living and dining room furniture.”
“You’re going to cook for me?” One side of her luscious mouth quirked up.
“By make dinner I mean I’ll stop somewhere for decent take-out on my way home. Is that OK?”
“Yes. I can be there by six.” That would give her time to rush home, bathe, change and pack a few things for an overnight.
Will hauled her back into his arms and held her tight. “Good.” He let her go and kissed her forehead. “See you tonight. I love you.”
“Tell my cousin I’ll be up in a minute.” Her insides were mush, and as weak as her legs were, she doubted her ability to climb the flight of stairs. “I love you too.” She watched him leave, a stupid smile on her face. She was in love. She was loved. Her life was perfect.
Will found Jo’s cousin waiting for him by the front door. “How’d it go?” Andrea asked, searching his face for clues.
He grinned and pointed both thumbs-up. “Thank you for letting me use your laundry room. Jo will be up in a minute.” She’d need a few minutes to get herself together. So did he. He was a mess, and his nerves were firing off in all directions. “We owe you.”
“No problem, and you don’t owe me a thing. I’m just glad you two made up. We could all see at the wedding you’re crazy about each other.”
“See you soon. Have fun on your camping trip.” In a daze of happiness, he walked around the block to where he’d left his car, got in and somehow made it back to work. A large truck and a van were parked in back. Right. The elevator car was being installed today. He had someone coming to look at the space they’d designated for a diner, and they had a couple more associates to interview.
His day would be long and busy, which meant time would go by quickly. He climbed out of his car and hurried through the first floor to the stairs leading to his office. He had something important to do before he got caught up in all the pressing matters needing his attention.
Greg popped out of his office the minute Will walked through the door. “How did things go with Jo?”
“Great. We’re back together.” He beamed.
“Oh, good. Sondra arranged with her friend to have Jo talk to a class, but we weren’t sure whether or not to bring her up with you.”
“Let’s go out soon, the four of us. Sondra can talk to Jo about visiting the women’s studies class then.”
“We’d love that. How about next Saturday?”
“Perfect.” Will pulled out his phone and put it in his calendar. Tomorrow night they’d spend with Jo’s brothers and their wives. He could hardly wait to officially become a full-fledged member of her group. “We can talk later about what and where. There’s something I have to do right away.”
Greg laughed. “Don’t let me keep you then.” He ducked back into his office.
Will made his way to his office and sat behind his desk. He opened his laptop, going to the online reservation site and set up their dinner plans for tomorrow night. A few minutes later, he texted Sam and Wyatt with the details for their dinner at Kincaid’s on St. Peter Street. Almost instantaneously his phone pinged with their answering texts. Sam sent a high-five symbol, and Wyatt sent a smiley face. Will leaned back in his chair and took a minute to savor the happiness coursing through him.
“Oh, right.” He’d promised his parents he would be more forthcoming about his life. His heart skipped a beat as he hit his mother’s speed dial number. They were still at the awkward stage, but both were making an effort. He could do no less.
His mother answered on the second ring. “William, how are you?”
“I’m good, Mom.” Calling him Will would take some time, or perhaps to her he’d always be “William.” At least they were talking. She’d even asked how he was. “I wanted to let you and Dad know Josey and I worked things out between us. We’re back together, and I couldn’t be happier.”
“I’m glad. How are things coming along with your new venture?”
They spent ten minutes chatting about his building and the work he’d taken on with his new law firm. “Will you share my news with Dad? I have an appointment in a few minutes, and the rest of my day is crammed.”
“Certainly,” she said. “William, we owe Josey an apology. When might we get together again?”
“Let me talk to Jo, and I’ll get back to you.”
“All right.” She paused and drew in a breath. “I love you.”
“Love you too. Gotta go.” Saying “I love you” to his parents still felt weird. Hearing them say the words to him even more so. Those three little words he’d longed to hear from them his entire life were well worth the awkwardness though. His throat tightened as they said their goodbyes, and then Will dove into work, satisfying, meaningful work. He had Jo to thank for the changes he’d made in his life, and he planned to spend the next five decades, hopefully more, showing her how very grateful he was to have her in his life.
His day flew by, and by late afternoon, he was on his way to the upscale grocery store located in downtown Saint Paul. The store carried flowers as well as a great takeout section and a liquor store. He glanced at his watch. He had just enough time to choose their meal and pick out a bunch of roses. Then he’d head home and wait for Jo. He wanted her so badly he ached. Tonight she’d sleep in his arms, and they’d wake up together. They’d take up the routine he’d loved so much, and that made everything in his life fall into place.
An hour later, he pulled into his garage, grabbed the grocery bags and hurried inside. He set everything on his kitchen counter and strode upstairs, taking two steps at a time. A quick shower, changed into cargo shorts and a polo shirt, he headed back downstairs to set up their dinner. Will was in the middle of microwaving the vegetables and rice when his doorbell rang.
His heart bounced around in his chest like a squash ball. He strode to the door and swung it open. “Jo.” He lost his breath at the sight of her. Her hair brushed her shoulders in a cascade of shiny softness, and she wore a snug, pink T-shirt that drew his gaze to her perfect breasts. “You look …” He cleared his throat. She looked like his future, like all of his wildest fantasies come to life. She looked like the keeper of his heart and the center of his world. “You look fantastic.”
“You do too.” Her face turned pink. “I want you, Will. Dinner can wait.” She grabbed his hand and tugged him toward the stairs.
More than willing, he went along, his blood already rushing to his groin. When they reached the second floor landing, he scooped her off her feet and into his arms.
“Put me down,” she squealed. “I’m too heavy.”
“Nope. I’ve always wanted to do this.” He turned sideways to go through his bedroom door. “As I recall,
it’s my turn to be in charge.”
Jo laughed. “We’re taking turns?”
“Right now we are.” Will laid her down in the middle of his massive bed. He stripped out of his clothes, all the while keeping his eyes on the woman he loved. Jo propped herself on her elbows, her breasts thrusting forward, a siren’s summons if ever there was one. “You have no idea how much I’ve missed you,” he rasped out, already he had a raging hard-on.
“Somebody’s impatient.”
“It’s been almost two weeks since I’ve held you in my arms.” He joined her, stretched out at her side and nibbled her neck, taking in her sweet scent. “Too long to be without you.”
“Mmm.” Jo ran her callused palms over his chest, pinching his hardened nipples, while nipping at his throat.
“I need you,” he said on a breathy moan. He tugged at her sexy T-shirt, and she raised her arms so he could take it off. Impatient? More like desperate. The sound of his their combined ragged breathing shot straight to his aching groin, turning him rock hard. “Off.”
Jo laughed, sat up and removed her bra and then the rest of her clothing. Will’s ability to breathe deserted him, and his eyes burned. He brought her into his arms and rolled onto his back so her weight, curves and silky soft skin draped over him. He cradled her head against his heart and simply held her. So overcome with love and tenderness, he could do nothing else for several seconds.
“I love you, William,” she whispered. “I love you so much it—”
“Don’t be scared. I’m right here with you, and I always will be.” Will turned them so the faced each other. Threading his fingers through her hair, he pressed his forehead against hers. “From the first day we met, I knew you were going to be significant in my life. Significant doesn’t begin to cover what you mean to me.” Overwhelming emotions clogged his throat, rendering him speechless.
Words were beyond him, so he showed her how he felt about her. He touched her with reverence and awe, raining gentle kisses over her from her forehead down to her toes and back to her breasts. He circled one of her nipples with his tongue and slid his other hand between her thighs. “Mmmm. So perfect.” He thrust two fingers into her slick heat, and stroked her clit with his thumb, encouraged by her moan, by the answering thrusts of her pelvis against his hand.
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