by Susan Mason
Silence hummed over the phone. “That’s too bad. I’m not sure there’s anything I can do if my client accepts this other offer.”
Chloe’s spirits sank. “I understand. Please let me know what happens.”
“I’ll call you on Monday with an update.”
Chloe bit back her disappointment. She’d had her heart set on that location. Everything about it was perfect. Well, no matter. If she didn’t get it, she’d find somewhere else. Nothing would deter her, now that she’d made up her mind.
The sound of rushing water snapped her to attention. She pushed open the door and her optimistic mood vanished. The washing machine choked and gasped, spewing soapy water onto the floor like an erupting volcano.
“No. No. I do not need this right now.” Chloe skated through the water and bubbles. She hauled her basket of clean clothes onto the old wooden table and then turned to face the vomiting washer. No matter how she twisted the dials or banged the lid, nothing stopped the flow.
“Where is the shut-off for this thing?”
Water seeped through her sneakers and socks. She found taps down the wall behind the machine. Could she reach them without pulling the whole thing out? Her soaked sweatshirt and jeans stuck to her skin. She climbed on top of the washer and stretched. If only her arms were a few inches longer. Without warning, her knees slid sideways on the slick surface. She cried out as she battled to regain her balance…and lost.
9
Aidan scrolled his mouse over the webpage for Oliver’s Emporium in New York and clicked on the tab marked “Staff.” Second from the top, he found a picture of a smiling Chloe in a white chef coat and hat.
He clicked the page closed and set his laptop on the coffee table. Raking his hand through his hair, he blew out a disgusted breath. He’d been reduced to spying on the woman in cyberspace. Clearly, he was losing all perspective when it came to Chloe Martin. Hyper-aware of her every movement, his ears were constantly attuned to every creak on the staircase, every step in the hall. Seventeen minutes ago, she had gone down to the laundry room in the basement. It had taken all his willpower not to follow her and rewash his already clean clothes. Pathetic. He needed some fresh air to clear his head and focus on something other than his captivating neighbor. Aidan grabbed his jacket from the hook and was looking for his keys when a scream echoed in the hallway. His heart jump-started in his chest. Chloe! He raced out of his apartment and down the basement stairs.
A stream of water leaked from under the laundry room door.
Not good. He jumped over the river and pushed the door open.
Inside, the washing machine spouted water like a fountain. Beyond it, a set of limbs flailed in all directions.
Aidan blinked, and then had to bite his lip to keep from laughing out loud.
Chloe was stuck in the laundry tub. “Don’t just stand there. Help me out of here.”
“How did—”
“Never mind. Turn the taps off first. They’re behind the washer.”
He waded into the flood, wincing at the cold slosh of wetness invading his shoes. Thirty seconds later, the stream of water stopped. He grinned down at a bedraggled Chloe. “This reminds me of the night you arrived. The wet look suits you.”
“Don’t you dare laugh! I’m stuck in here.” She held out her hand, her expression murderous.
“I think I’ll call you Hurricane Chloe from now on.” He reached out, trying hard not to laugh.
“Very funny.” She smacked him on the arm.
“Hey, the princess does not assault the knight in shining armor. That’s not how the story goes.” He put his arms around her and lifted her out of the tub, not even caring when her soggy clothes soaked his shirt. “If I remember my fairy tales correctly, the damsel in distress usually rewards her rescuer with a kiss.”
The atmosphere in the room changed instantly.
Chloe stopped squirming, her eyes widening in awareness.
The word ricocheted in his head, causing his heart to beat an uneven thump. The fruity scent of her shampoo enveloped him, and his gaze fell to the fullness of her slightly parted lips.
The sound of her quick breath stirred his blood. Mesmerized, he drew closer and touched his mouth to hers. Her lips tasted warm and sweet, like honey with a hint of mint. A mewling sound vibrated from her throat, and she wrapped one arm around his neck, pulling him nearer. The blood thundered in his ears, blocking out all sound, while one hand explored the silkiness of her hair. The world shrank down to the taste of her, the feel of her in his arms. He wished this headiness could go on forever.
A cacophony of music from her cellphone brought reality crashing back.
She dragged her mouth away. “Put me down. I have to get this call.”
Dazed, he dropped her feet into the water.
She pulled the phone out and turned her back.
Trying to subdue his riotous pulse, Aidan scrubbed a hand over his face.
What had he just done?
****
Chloe leaned on the mop and blew some wisps of hair off her face.
Aidan was wringing out towels in the laundry tub.
She wet her lips, recalling with vivid clarity the taste of their kiss. Heat snaked up her neck into her cheeks. What had she been thinking, kissing him like that? Thank goodness Lily had called before things had gotten out of hand. Chloe raised her head and her mouth went dry.
Aidan’s eyes were dark with some raw emotion she couldn’t define.
“Do you think it’s safe to try the washer now?” She forced lightness into her tone. “I’d like those sheets for tonight.”
“We need to talk about what happened.” He moved closer, sending her pulse into a frenzy.
She turned to the basket of clothes and began to fold. “It was a silly response to a silly situation. No harm done.” Yeah, right. That kiss had rocked her world off its axis, but she’d never admit it.
The heat of his hand on her arm made her still. “It was more than that, and you know it.”
She refused to look at him. One glance into those eyes and she’d be lost.
“No matter how spectacular, that kiss was a mistake,” he said. “It can’t happen again.”
He thought the kiss had been spectacular? A spectacular mistake apparently.
Anger bubbled up, safe and familiar. Anger she could deal with. “What do you mean a mistake?”
“Mr. Jenkins frowns on anyone getting…involved…in the workplace. Something I happen to agree with. I know from personal experience it never ends well.”
“I guess you should’ve thought of that sooner, Mr. Vice Principal.” With a jerk, she hiked the laundry basket onto her hip and stalked out. When she reached her apartment, she fumbled with the door, pushed inside, and dumped the basket on the floor. Why was she so upset over a silly kiss?
Because, as Aidan said, it had been spectacular.
Totally different from the kisses she’d shared with Richard.
What was wrong with her? She’d barely ended one disastrous relationship. How could she even entertain the idea of another romance so soon? Chloe kicked off her sodden shoes and socks and stomped to the bedroom.
“That kiss was a mistake. It can’t happen again.”
Aidan was right. Not only was she emotionally unprepared for another relationship, she certainly wouldn’t start one with Maxi’s brother. Chloe wouldn’t let anything come between her and her best friend. No kiss—no matter how good—was worth that.
10
Chloe’s bad mood had not improved by the next day. Seated in the front row of the Good Shepherd Church, in the pew reserved for family of the clergy, she dared not look around. If she met anyone’s eyes, they might discern the truth—that the pastor’s cousin was nothing but a fraud. An adulteress, who didn’t deserve to be in this holy place, listening to Nick’s soothing words of love and forgiveness.
Chloe shifted in her seat, the bench too hard beneath her. Her gaze fell on the spot where Mama had always sat, and
a wave of sorrow coursed through her. The last time Chloe had been in this pew had been for Mama’s funeral. Was that the reason she hadn’t been home since?
The air in the church became too close. Chloe struggled to get oxygen into her lungs. Please don’t let me have a panic attack now. She’d been doing so well, with only the one small episode the night of the thunderstorm. She’d thought the attacks had been a product of her stressful life in New York. Apparently she was wrong about that too.
Just when Chloe thought she’d go mad, the service ended. Not waiting for the final hymn to finish, she exited out the side door. In the shade of an oak tree, she began deep, even breathing, hoping to circumvent a full-blown attack. Repressed grief rose inside her, adding to the load of guilt she carried. In New York, it had been easy to push aside her memories of Mama, but here in her mother’s favorite place, it all came rushing back. Mama, I miss you so much. The tears she’d held at bay for the whole service now brimmed on her lashes and spilled over. A movement caught Chloe’s attention. She wiped her face and straightened in time to face Maxi and Jason.
“Hey, are you OK?” Maxi’s keen eyes missed nothing.
Chloe sniffed. “Just thinking about my mom.”
Maxi drew her into a hug. “Oh, honey. I’m so sorry. Is this the first time in church since her funeral?”
Chloe nodded and melted into Maxi’s embrace. After a few seconds, she pulled back.
“Why don’t you come over for lunch?” Jason asked, little Ben wriggling in his arms.
“Thanks, but I’m supposed to be going to Lily’s.” Maybe she’d get in the car and go wherever it took her instead. Just keep driving until her emotions settled.
Maxi patted her arm. “OK. But we’ll talk soon. I want to hear all about this bakery of yours. It sounds wonderful.”
Chloe managed a halfhearted smile, her bruised spirits lifting. Then she looked over Maxi’s shoulder and saw Aidan. Her knees turned to rubber. In her present vulnerable state, she could not deal with him. When her phone chose that moment to ring, she was more than happy to answer it.
****
Aidan’s stomach clenched when Chloe’s eyes met his and she turned away. How had things gone so terribly wrong between them? Never had he been so twisted up over a woman. He’d even broken one of his own rules yesterday by kissing her. When he’d returned to Rainbow Falls, he swore if he ever got involved romantically again, it would be with a devout woman, one without lies or schemes, not like his ex-girlfriend, Patricia. Or Chloe Martin—another woman full of secrets.
Still, he couldn’t seem to tear his traitorous eyes away from her.
Her dark hair was swept up off her face, baring her neck. A knee-length dress showcased her shapely legs, which ended in some kind of strappy shoe. High heels, of course. And once again she had her cellphone glued to her ear.
Maxi punched his arm. “What’s got you in such a bad mood?”
“Nothing.” He practically growled at her.
“I’ll be right there, Lindsay. Don’t move.” Chloe’s raised voice held a hint of desperation.
Aidan’s mood deteriorated even further. Despite his repeated warnings, Chloe had become far too involved in Lindsay Brown’s life. With a grunt, he pushed past his sister to intercept Chloe before she could escape. “What was that about?”
Chloe shot him a glare that could have peeled bark from the tree. “None of your business.”
“I’m making it my business.” He stepped closer. “Is Lindsay in some kind of trouble?”
“What do you care? It’s after school hours.” She marched past him toward the parking lot.
His chest tightened, and he curled his fingers into his palms. How did she make him laugh one minute and want to throttle her the next? He jogged after her, and before she could get in her car, slapped a hand on the driver’s door. “You might as well tell me. I’ll just follow you.”
Sparks shot from amber eyes that had darkened to a whiskey color. “Stay out of this, Aidan. It’s between Lindsay and me.”
“Fine. I’ll follow you then.” He walked toward his car.
“You can’t stop me from helping her,” she called.
He kept going.
Angry footsteps tapped the pavement. “Wait.”
He turned around. Why hadn’t he noticed her red eyes? Had she been crying?
“It’s Lindsay’s brother, Matt. He’s in some kind of trouble over at Cooper’s store.”
Aidan’s neck muscles cinched, and he blew out a breath. “I’ll go with you.”
“You can’t. Lindsay called me in confidence.” Chloe laid a tense hand on his arm. “Please don’t do that to her—or to me.”
Aidan wished he could ignore the plea in her voice.
“Chloe, there you are. I’ve been looking everywhere.” Nick frowned as he approached them. “Is there a problem?”
A hint of panic crossed Chloe’s features. Her gaze darted to Aidan, practically begging for his help.
Aidan made a decision he hoped he wouldn’t regret later. He stared right at her as he answered Nick’s question. “Nothing Chloe can’t handle.”
The relief and gratitude that swept over her face were his reward.
“Tell Lily I’ll be over as soon as I clear this up.” Chloe opened the car door as she spoke. “An hour tops.”
She jumped in and shut the door before Nick could object.
When her car roared away, Nick aimed a suspicious glare at Aidan. “What’s going on with you two?”
Aidan pushed back a wave of guilt at the memory of their kiss. “Just trying to give Chloe some advice, which she continues to ignore. She’s some kind of stubborn, that one.”
Nick’s scowl relaxed into a chuckle. “Tell me about it. Ever since Uncle Leonard died, I’ve tried my best to fill in for him, but it hasn’t been easy.”
Aidan clapped a hand on Nick’s shoulder. “I feel for you, buddy. I really do.”
****
Chloe parked in front of Cooper’s Convenience Store and ran inside.
The store was exactly how she remembered it. The same smell of candy, gum, and pine air freshener. Even the display of magazines remained in the same spot as when she was a teen.
Behind the counter, Mr. Cooper stood frowning at Lindsay. The stout man wore a canvas apron with the words “Cooper’s Convenience” in bold red letters. In the corner, a tousled-haired teen sat on a stool, his face as white as the wall behind him.
“Hi, Lindsay. Hello, Mr. Cooper.”
Lindsay moved toward Chloe, her face a mirror of anxiety. “Miss Martin, thanks for coming so fast.”
Chloe laid a steadying hand on the girl’s arm. “It’ll be OK. Why don’t you let me talk with Mr. Cooper for a minute?”
Lindsay’s pinched features relaxed as she went to join her brother.
Chloe turned to the disgruntled man behind the counter. “Mr. Cooper, could I have a word with you, please?”
“What does this have to do with you?” His scowl did nothing to inspire confidence.
“Lindsay is one of my students. I’d like to help if I can.”
The man’s stiff posture deflated slightly. “You’re wasting your time. I’ve caught the boy trying to steal from me before.”
Chloe wished she had some sense of the dynamics in this situation. All she could do was trust her instincts. “What happened today?”
“I saw him in the mirror.” He gestured to the round mirror bolted to the wall near the ceiling. “He was shoving some cans of beer into his back pack.”
Chloe fought to hide her dismay. Stealing and drinking under age. Not a good sign. “Did he actually leave the store with it?”
“No, because I grabbed him right away. But if I hadn’t caught him, he’d have taken the whole lot.”
Lindsay and Matt seemed embroiled in a heated conversation of their own.
“What did you do then?”
“I phoned the boy’s home. Figured I’d give his mother fair warning before I cal
led Chief Hillier.”
“What did Mrs. Brown say?”
“Couldn’t reach her. Got Lindsay instead.” He shook his graying head. “She begged me to wait until she got here before calling the police. The next thing I knew, you arrived.”
Chloe prayed for guidance. Matt’s future might depend on her words. “Is there any way you’d consider not involving the police?”
He shook his head. “I don’t know…”
“What if I promised Matt would make restitution for his mistakes? Do some community service?” She warmed to her own idea. “He could work here to make up for the trouble he’s caused you.”
“I doubt that would be enough of a deterrent.”
Matt was the perfect candidate for the youth center. Exactly the sort of kid Aidan was trying to keep out of trouble. “What if I could get someone from Matt’s school involved to supervise Matt’s community service? Would that help?” She gave Mr. Cooper her most pleading smile.
He huffed out a loud breath. “Well, maybe if the principal agreed to it…”
“How about the vice-principal? Mr. North is opening a youth center to keep the kids off the streets and out of trouble. If we get Matt involved in fixing the place up, he might feel more connected to the center and actually use it.”
Mr. Cooper’s lips twisted into a reluctant smile. “If Mr. North is half as enthusiastic as you are, young lady, his idea will be a smashing success. You have him call me and we’ll see. For now, I’ll hold off bringing the police into it. But if anything like this happens again, I’ll have no choice.”
11
Chloe drove Lindsay and Matt to their apartment. Situated over a run-down dry cleaning store in a poor section of town, the building did not inspire high hopes for the state of the residence above it. Chloe insisted on walking the kids upstairs, wanting to see for herself whether Mrs. Brown was home.
