Only You

by Deborah Grace Stanley

  He shut the door and just shook his head as he walked around to the driver’s side.

  When he was in the truck, he noticed that Miss Estelee’s mood had shifted. She had a faraway look in her eyes. “Everything okay, ma’am?” he asked before starting the truck.

  She cleared her throat and was slow in responding. Finally, she said, “Drive me by the angel monument, would you, Cole? Drive by real slow. I want to have a good look at him today.”

  He frowned, puzzled by her words. “Sure thing, Miss Estelee.” He started the truck. “The impatiens I put in for you are spreadin’ out real nice. I think you’ll be pleased.”

  The old lady just nodded. As they drove by the monument, he could have sworn she teared up, but she didn’t say another word until she thanked him for the ride when they arrived at her house.

  She looked so sad as she walked up the steps to her front door, Cole asked if she’d like to spend the day with him and Josie. He wouldn’t have believed it if he hadn’t heard the words coming out of his own mouth. Miss Estelee just shook her head and said she’d enjoy the afternoon alone in front of the fireplace in her parlor.

  Seemed a bit warm for a fire, but he didn’t press the point. He turned toward Josie’s house. An afternoon alone with Josie and half the population of Angel Ridge . . . Maybe he could talk her into a picnic at his place instead.

  *

  Josie hurried home after church. She quickly changed out of her dress into a pair of white cotton shorts and a pink tank top she’d bought at Heart’s Desire yesterday after she’d cleaned the floors. Cole would be here any minute.

  She hadn’t gotten much of a head start on him leaving the church. She’d felt bad about not saving him a seat. She’d planned to, but then Mrs. McKay has shown up. She knew she was going to have to deal with the woman sooner or later. This morning, in the crowded church, she’d opted for later. Still, she’d enjoyed the stolen looks they’d shared throughout the service. And he’d be here any minute. She’d better get moving.

  She pulled the pins out of her hair and ran a brush through it quickly, then braided it so that it lay in a long line down her back. Grabbing her pink espadrilles and a pink gingham button-up shirt to put on over the tank top, she ran down the back stairway to the kitchen.

  She held the class ring that lay between her breasts so the heavy metal wouldn’t bounce against her chest as she jogged down the stairs. She hadn’t removed it since Cole had put it around her neck last night and didn’t plan to. Remembering the way he’d asked her to be his girl brought a smile to her lips. A warmth spread through her when she thought of how they’d kissed. Never in her life had she experienced anything like it. She spun around in a circle when she reached the kitchen. Lord, he was seven kinds of wonderful.

  Today, he’d planned another picnic for them. This time at Fort Loudoun. Hopefully it wouldn’t be too crowded, but on such a beautiful Sunday afternoon, it would likely be crawling with Angel Ridge residents enjoying the springtime weather. Oh well, no one would probably recognize her out of a business suit with her hair down. But where were her hat and sunglasses, just in case?

  Cole knocked on the back door before she’d had time to search for the items. Dang it. She’d taken longer than she should have changing.

  “Come in.”

  “Hey.”

  Josie glanced over her shoulder at him. He wore the khaki slacks and blue polo he’d worn to church, and he carried a pair of shorts in his hand. Funny, she hadn’t noticed earlier that all the buttons on his shirt had been undone. Her heart did a funny flutter inside her chest then kicked into overdrive.

  “Hi.” She leaned against the counter and just let her gaze roam from his head to his toes and back again. Gathering the needed items for their picnic would just have to wait.

  He walked over to her and without saying another word, put an arm around her waist, pulled her close, and proceeded to kiss any remaining rational thought right out of her head. The shorts he’d been carrying hit the hardwoods so he could free up a hand to slide around her neck.

  “Mmm,” he said against her lips. “I’ve wanted to do that all mornin’.”

  She loved the silky feel of his hair slipping through her fingers. “I’m sure Pastor Strong would be disappointed to hear that, especially since his sermon this morning was on purity of thought.”

  “Yeah, he was real wound up today. Must have known everyone had plans this afternoon that would likely keep them out of church tonight.” He traced the thin line of bare skin at her waist exposed above her shorts. “I wanted to sit with you, but there was no room at all on that pew.”

  The weight of her guilt broke the mood. Josie stepped out of his arms because she was afraid her eyes would give her away. She stooped to pick up his shorts and laid them on the island. “Well, you know, you have to get there early to get a spot in the back.”

  He followed her. His arms came around her waist from behind, and he rested his chin on her shoulder. “Save me a seat next time, huh?”

  “Okay.” She was definitely going to hell for lying on a Sunday, but there was no way she’d come clean and tell him she didn’t want Mrs. McKay and all of Angel Ridge to see them sitting together in church. Not yet anyway. “I just got here. I don’t have the picnic basket packed yet.”

  “No hurry. You look great, by the way.” He repositioned himself so that he could give her a thorough visual examination that left her feeling all warm and tingly. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen this much of your legs.” He trailed a hand down her thigh. “Nice.”

  She sucked in a jagged breath. “You know, it’s kind of hard to get anything accomplished when you’re doing that.”

  He still had an arm around her waist and his hand had shifted to the front of her thigh. All the while, he was sprinkling feather-light kisses down the back of her neck.

  “Sorry, but you feel so good and you look so beautiful, I can’t keep my hands and lips off you.”

  Hearing those words coming from Cole made her weak. Josie gave up and leaned back against him. She tilted her head to the side and reached up to trail her hand down the back of his head. “Cole . . . I really can’t concentrate when you do that.”

  “Good.”

  “Cole . . . lunch.”

  He stepped away with obvious reluctance. “And here I thought I was doin’ my best irresistible act. Miss Estelee thought so, anyway. I think she said somethin’ about her givin’ you a run for your money if she was younger.”

  Josie laughed. “I’m not even going to ask.”

  “Guess you must be hungry.”

  Oh yeah. Standing in her kitchen with him only a touch away, she was hungry all right. In fact, if she didn’t get out of this house soon, they’d never make it to the Fort.

  “I’m sorry.” She touched his face. “Would it help if I said you are irresistible?”

  “Maybe. If you say it with a kiss.”

  “You’re irresistible.” She stood on tiptoe and kissed him. A kiss that quickly morphed into a long, thorough exploration . . . .

  Some moments later, she broke the contact and looked up into blue eyes that had turned the color of sapphires.

  “Mmm. Keep that up and we’ll be havin’ our picnic here.”

  Tempting, but risky. “No way. You promised me the Fort.”

  “Yeah, about that. I found out they’re havin’ an encampment this weekend.”

  “Really? I haven’t been to one of those in years. Do they still have the soldiers in uniform recruiting for the British Regulars?”

  “Yep. And the ladies cook stew in big black pots over campfires. I think they still make lye soap, too. In the same pots.”

  “Yeah, but not at the same time. I can’t wait.” She pulled a loaf of bread toward her on the counter and worked the twisty tie. When she turned to get the peanut butter out of the cabinet, Cole leaned back against the counter and sighed. He didn’t look at all excited. “Something wrong? Don’t you want to go?”

  “I
was lookin’ forward to some quiet time with you. It’ll be crazy out there.”

  Lots of people. Maybe they could get lost in the crowd. This was a good thing, especially if she could come up with that hat and those glasses. She also loved live history reenactments. She tugged at his hand and gave him what she hoped was a pleading look. Problem was, she had no experience in the fine art of cajoling, feminine behavior. “Come on, it’ll be fun.”

  “You sure I couldn’t interest you in a picnic on my farm instead?”

  She was tempted. Incredibly tempted, but she said, “I’d really like to go out to your farm sometime, but I was looking forward to going to the Fort today. It’s been so long since I’ve been there. And besides, you live so far out.”

  “Yeah, so?”

  “Umm, I have to go in to work later.”

  He frowned. “On a Sunday?”

  She spread peanut butter on bread. “I have to revise and print out some reports before tomorrow. I’d rather do it tonight than go in early in the morning.”

  “You are way too dedicated.”

  “It’s expected.”

  Cole made no comment about that, but his expression said it all. He watched with interest as she continued spreading peanut butter on bread. “What are you fixin’?”

  “You have two choices. Peanut butter and banana or peanut butter and jelly.”

  He chuckled. “Which do you recommend?”

  “They’re both house specialties.”

  “You know, I could get us some fried chicken from Ferguson’s?”

  She felt inexplicably hurt by the comment, but she should have known a sandwich wouldn’t satisfy a man as large as Cole. “I’m sorry.”

  “Oh no, honey. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to criticize your, um, cooking. I love peanut butter and banana sandwiches.”

  “You don’t lie very well, Cole Craig.”

  “Well, maybe if you add some mayonnaise.”

  Mayonnaise? Disgusting. She turned and put the knife in the sink. “I’m sorry I can’t cook.”

  He took her in his arms and said, “You think I care that you can’t cook?”

  She picked a piece of lint off his shirt. “You probably will in the long run.”

  He tipped her chin up until her gaze met his. He wore a big, silly grin. “There’s gonna be a long run?”

  She certainly hoped so, but she wasn’t ready to say the words. Not yet. So, she gave him a playful smack on the chest. “Why don’t you go change while I finish packing lunch? Bathroom’s through there.”

  “Okay. If you’re sure I can’t talk you into a picnic at the farm. There’s a real nice spot by the creek that you’d love.”

  “Another time?”

  His sigh sounded heartfelt. “I’ll hold you to it.” Picking up his shorts, he leaned down to kiss her cheek. “The Fort it is.”

  When he’d disappeared into the bathroom, Josie turned her attention back to packing food into the basket. The Fort it was. Lots of people. Now, where had she put that straw hat with the really wide brim? Maybe she’d left it out on the sun porch . . . .

  Chapter Nine

  They had to park a quarter of a mile from the entrance to the Fort. Cole sighed. When he looked over at Josie, she sat on the edge of her seat looking beautiful and like she could hardly wait for them find a parking space. He wished he could work up the same kind of enthusiasm. Even Rick was dancing around in the truck bed, and he didn’t get excited about much of anything. So much for loyalty from man’s best friend.

  He should be happy that she didn’t mind being seen with him in such a public setting. Instead, he regretted that he might not have a chance to tell her the truth about what he’d really been up to while she was away at college. He’d planned to have that conversation with her today and really shouldn’t put it off any longer, not if they were going to have a chance at a future together. And more than anything, he wanted there to be a future for them.

  He put the truck in park and said. “Here we are.”

  She hopped out before he could walk around to help her.

  “You know, you never told me you had a dog. He’s adorable.”

  She scratched his bloodhound behind his long, droopy ears. Cole envied him. He handed Josie their red plaid blanket, then grabbed the picnic basket and headed for the back of the truck. “Looks real good ridin’ in the back of my truck, don’t he?”

  “You make a handsome couple.”

  “Very funny.” He lowered the tailgate and took the dog’s leash. “Come on, boy.”

  The dog ambled over to him, but didn’t make a move to get out on his own. As usual.

  “Lazy hound.” Cole set the basket down and lifted the dog to the ground.

  “You know, you really shouldn’t speak to him that way. He can sense your negativity.” To Rick she said, “He didn’t mean it, sweetie.” Then, he got another scratch behind the ears.

  Cole shut the tailgate. “You gotta be kiddin’ me.”

  “No. I read a book about it once.”

  “Why doesn’t that surprise me?” He hefted the basket, and they walked toward the line of people filing into the entrance.

  She pushed against his arm and knocked him off the sidewalk. She was surprisingly strong. He found that incredibly sexy.

  “He’s so gorgeous,” she said, returning her attention to the dog. “You’re a pretty boy. Yes, you are,” she said in that voice usually reserved for small children.

  “You’ll have him spoiled rotten if you keep that up.”

  “That’s what pets are for.”

  “Oh, no ma’am. This here’s a farm dog. A vicious animal trained to protect me and my property.”

  Josie began laughing before he even finished speaking.

  “What?” he asked, widening his eyes in feigned innocence.

  She covered Rick’s ears. “This is not an attack dog. I bet he lays around and sleeps all day.”

  “Yeah, well, we’re workin’ on that. He just needs a little exercise.”

  “If you say so.”

  “Is it okay if we eat before we go into the Fort?”

  “That’s fine.”

  “Would you like to set up down by the lake, or do you want to find a picnic table in the shade?”

  “That breeze is chilly. I think it would be cold in the shade, don’t you?”

  “Lake it is, then.”

  They walked down to the lakeshore arm in arm. Rick loped along beside them. Several families were enjoying lunches and soaking up the sun. Cole and Josie spread their blanket in an isolated spot away from the swings and sand box. They sat, and Rick wedged himself between them.

  “Come on. You’re killin’ me, boy.” Cole grabbed Rick’s collar and tried to coax him onto the grass.

  “Oh, he’s fine, Cole. Let him stay.”

  Josie smoothed her hand down Rick’s back and cooed. The dog plopped his head in her lap and stared up at her like he was in love. Cole knew the feeling.

  “That’s disgusting.”

  “He’s precious.”

  “Give me a break. He’s playin’ you.”

  Josie dug in her huge tote bag, pulling out sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed straw hat. “Jealous?”

  “Maybe,” he groused.

  She smiled and touched his face. “No need. I’m your girl, remember?”

  He ran his finger down the chain she wore. The class ring wasn’t visible beneath her shirt. “I don’t know. You’re hidin’ my ring.”

  “I’m a little too old to be wearing someone’s class ring on a chain around my neck. And besides,” she covered it with her hand, “I like to keep it close to my heart.”

  “Since that’s the way you feel,” he reached in his pocket and pulled out a box with a bow on it. “I thought you might like to have this.”

  She smiled. “What’s this?”

  “Open it and see.”

  That smile stayed on her lips while she untied the bow and opened the box. “Oh, Cole!” She pulled out a long g
old chain and held it between them.

  “I thought this one might be better. The one you have is surely turnin’ your neck green. This chain’s a little bit shorter. I hope that’s okay.”

  She pulled the other chain out from under her shirt, removed the class ring, made the switch, and put it back on by just putting it over her head. He helped her move her braid out of the way. She touched the ring where it nestled between her breasts.

  “It’s perfect,” she declared.

  He’d have to agree.

  She leaned over and kissed his cheek. “Thank you.”

  He stole a real kiss before she could get away. “You’re welcome.”

  She touched the ring again. “How in the world did you find time to get it?”

  “I called up Candi over at Heart’s Desire. You know, the new salon and, um, gift shop?”

  “You mean the new place across from the bank? The one that has a sign up that says, ‘Naughty and Nice’ to go along with the lingerie in the window?”

  “Yeah. That’s the place.”

  “I went by there yesterday.”

  Cole nodded, admiring her shorts and top. She must have gotten them from the Nice boutique, but on her, they looked more than nice. “I called Candi and she hooked me up. Turns out she sells jewelry, too. I met up with her before church this morning.”

  “Is that why you were late?” Josie put the hat on and slid dark glasses onto her nose.

  “Late? The choir hadn’t come in yet.”

  “They’re always late, and you’re avoiding the question.”

  “It was one of the reasons.” He wasn’t ready to get into the other reasons why he’d been running behind, so he steered the conversation in another direction. “What’s with the hat?”

  “I burn easily.” She fished in the large bag for a tube of sunscreen and began rubbing it onto her arms and legs. His throat closed way before she began smoothing the white cream into her silky thighs.

  “Need some help?” he offered, his voice husky.

  She gave him what could only be defined as a smoky look. “Probably not a good idea.”

  “Mmm.” He found he couldn’t look away as she made long, sweeping strokes down her calf.