The Brookfield Series Volume One

by Lacey Wolfe

  “I’m just hungry. I traveled all day yesterday, and I think I missed dinner.”

  She grabbed the syrup now and poured it over her pancakes. Taking a big bite, her taste buds loved the maple flavor. She didn’t know what was going on, but food just seemed to have better flavoring suddenly.

  She finished her plate of food. Even though she thought she could most likely eat more, she didn’t want to look like a pig. She sat back, rubbing her belly and wishing it would settle, but that just wasn’t happening. As much as she wanted to just sit in the chair, she knew the proper thing to do was to help clean up. She stacked the plates then brought them to the sink.

  “I can get it,” Mark said.

  “It’s fine.”

  Julie placed the dishes in the sink and turned the hot water on. Her mother’s old house didn’t have a dishwasher, so these dishes were going to have to be hand-washed. She reached for the bottle of dish detergent and put a squirt into the filling sink. A fruity smell rose from the water. As the scent hit her, a wave of sickness took over.

  “Oh, God.” She placed her hand over her mouth and ran toward the nearest bathroom.

  Her breakfast came out a whole lot quicker than it went in. She was embarrassed. How was she to leave this bathroom without Mark asking her questions? All she could do now was pray Mark would believe she had gotten sick from either a stomach bug or a lack of eating while traveling. He was a man, and there was no way he would think she was pregnant, she hoped.

  Chapter Three

  As Mark finished the dishes, he realized why Julie was home. It didn’t take a genius to figure it out. She was pregnant, and there was a story behind why she was home and not with the father. Obviously, she needed her mother at a time like this, and he wasn’t sure where Margret was. The most he could do was call the number she’d left before she’d started her journey. It was a pre-paid cell phone. She’d left instructions that he could call and leave a message and, when she either had service or a pay phone, she’d get back to him. Though it wasn’t his place, he supposed, to get in touch with her. He would, however, give Julie the number.

  The last dish was dried. He thought now would be a good time to clean himself up. He needed to get down to Country Furniture, the local furniture shop, to finish up an order. He looked out the window and noticed the clouds. They looked like they were ready to leave a light dusting. He just hoped it held out until he was able to make it home.

  Just as he started to leave the kitchen, Julie came in. Her face was slightly pale, most likely from getting sick.

  “Sorry about that,” she said. “I think it was from not eating yesterday. I ate way too much too fast.”

  “I understand,” he said. It was best not to let on that he knew. “I finished up the dishes and, since this is your mom’s place, feel free to rest for a bit. You’re welcome to stay here. I’m going to wash up and head to work for a bit.”

  “Thanks. This is awkward. I don’t even know you. Maybe I should just head back over to Honeycreek Bed and Breakfast.”

  “No, don’t be silly. Your mother would kill me.”

  “Well, I am tired, so I think I just might go lie down for a bit in her room.”

  “Sounds like a plan. Your mom left a number, so I could reach her. It’s scribbled on a pad on the side of the fridge.”

  “Thanks.” She stood a moment, staring at him. How he wished he knew what was going on in that pretty head of hers.

  “Well, if you’ll excuse me. I’ve got a shower calling my name.”

  He would have much rather stood in the kitchen the rest of the day and taken in every inch of Julie but, if he wanted to make the rent, he had to work.

  * * *

  Julie slept like a baby again. She hadn’t even been back in Brookfield twenty-four hours, and she already felt better rested than ever.

  She pulled the covers up and snuggled in. There was a new chill to the air. It was like it had suddenly dropped ten degrees. Her suitcase was still in the trunk of her car. Too bad Mark wasn’t still here. She would’ve asked him to bring it in. But did that mean she was staying here with him? She shook her head. She had time to figure it out. Right now she needed the long johns she’d packed.

  Julie tossed the covers off, regretting it the moment she did. It was cold. Someone needed to crank up the heat and get a fire going in the fireplace.

  In her mom’s closet, she dug out a pair of slippers and slid them on her feet. There was an ugly orange terry-cloth robe hanging in there also. That would do for now. She was going for warmth, not fashion. Besides, there weren’t any neighbors around anyway. Her mother owned several acres, and tall, thick trees lined the property.

  In the living room, she was startled to see Mark. He was just starting to build a fire. How long had she been asleep?

  “I didn’t know if you were ever going to get up,” Mark said. “I was starting to get worried with you being sick.”

  “How long was I asleep?”

  “Several hours. Feeling better?”

  “A little.” Her stomach did feel better. She was hungry again but didn’t want a repeat performance. Maybe just stick with something small for now. “Oh, do you think you could possibly get my suitcase from my car when you have a free moment?”

  “I wish, but that isn’t happening.”

  Wow, was he rude or what? She’d thought he was somewhat of a gentleman but, boy, was she wrong.

  “I would if I could,” he said.

  “What’s stopping you?” Julie snapped.

  “Have you looked outside?” She shook her head. “Well, while you were napping, the clouds opened up. A blizzard has hit, and it’s still coming.”

  “What?”

  Julie ran to the closest window, yanking the curtains aside. He wasn’t joking. There was snow and a lot of it. It was already halfway up her car. From the looks of it, it wasn’t stopping anytime soon. They were snowed in.

  Chapter Four

  Mark couldn’t help but grin. The poor girl appeared panic-stricken. Where had she gotten that ugly orange thing she was wearing? He figured from her mother’s room. It then clicked—Julie’s suitcase was out there, which meant she didn’t have any of her things. No wonder she looked the way she did.

  “I can’t be stuck here,” she said.

  “I don’t think you’re going anywhere.” He glanced at her feet. “Especially in slippers.”

  “You’re real funny, you know that?”

  “I’m sorry, really I am. Can I get you something?” he asked.

  “I can get it.” Julie spun on her heels and strutted toward the kitchen.

  This was going to be fun. Neither of them was going anywhere, and he was going to be stuck in this house with Miss Cranky Pants. He knew pregnant women could be hormonal, but geesh.

  Sounds of clanking came from the room she was in. Then came a round of cursing. He wasn’t sure he wanted to go in there, but he also didn’t want to see the kitchen destroyed.

  “Can I help you with anything?”

  “I want some hot tea. Mom always has it.” She rummaged through another cabinet.

  “I think she took it all with her. It was pretty bare in here when I moved in.”

  Julie slammed the cabinet shut. Covering her face with her hands, she slid down to the floor. Oh, shit. She was crying. If there was one thing he had a hard time dealing with, it was a crying woman. They weren’t rational, and they made no sense. Now he had a crying pregnant woman.

  “What can I do?” he asked.

  “Unless you can make some tea just appear, then nothing! Nothing at all.”

  “I have cocoa. How about I put the kettle on, and we can sit by the fire and get to know each other a little better.”

  Julie moved her hands from her face and stared up at him through wet eyelashes. “It’s not instant, is it? My mom always makes real cocoa.”

  Damn, he just wasn’t going to get a break, was he? “I’m sorry.”

  “I must sound like such a brat
.” She started to get up.

  Mark knew better than to agree, so instead he offered his hand. Her gaze locked with his, and she accepted. Once she was standing, he held onto her a moment longer. He was really tempted to pull her in and hug her. To tell her everything would be okay, but it would probably freak her out. It was best to take it slow with her. Although, he couldn’t recall the last time he’d wanted to make anyone feel better the way he did with her.

  “Go have a seat by the fire. I’ll see what I can do about this cocoa situation.”

  “Instant is fine,” she softly said. “Thank you.”

  He wasn’t sure what she was thanking him for, but if she was being nice now, he was taking it. There was no telling how long it would last.

  “Do you mind if I grab a snack? I’ll pay you for the groceries I use.”

  “Help yourself, and don’t worry about it.”

  A huge grin crossed her face. It was the most beautiful smile he’d ever seen. Her brown eyes really shined. The sight went straight to his heart, and he wanted to make her smile like that more often. Hopefully this snow wouldn’t last. He was worried that the more time he spent with her, the more he was likely to fall for her.

  * * *

  Julie nestled into the corner of the couch to wait on Mark as he prepared cocoa. At least he was hot—drool-worthy, for sure. That was a plus to being snowed in with him. Even better, he was a good host. She knew she had just acted like some sort of insane woman, but it seemed like her mood was constantly up and down. It was like she no longer controlled herself. One minute she was happy, the next she wanted to kill someone. Then there were even times she found herself extremely aroused, and that certainly wasn’t good being locked in with a stranger.

  After her drink with Mark, she would have to call her mother. Find out why she didn’t tell Julie about this trip and when she would be home. Did Julie want to share the news about the baby? The last thing she wanted was for her mom to drop everything and come home. She was finally out there, traveling and seeing the United States as she had always dreamed about.

  Julie rubbed her still-flat belly. It wouldn’t be that way much longer. She really needed to see a doctor to confirm she was as far along as she suspected.

  “Here you go.”

  Julie jumped. She quickly moved her hand away from her belly and gazed into his blue eyes. He simply was a handsome man. As he handed her the mug, she glanced at his hands. Rough and calloused. Whatever line of work he was in, he used them.

  Mark took a seat on the opposite end of the couch. He crossed his legs the way men do and leaned back, sipping his cocoa. For some reason, he just looked right in this house. Maybe it was because it had been so long since a man had been here. Her father often sat the same way while watching football games on Saturdays.

  “What brought you to Brookfield?” she asked.

  “It was time for a change. So I started driving one day, and here I am.”

  He had a story, she could tell. It wasn’t her place to push it though. Hell, she had one herself. Only hers would be very obvious before long.

  “How do you like it so far?”

  “It’s nice and quiet. Everyone is friendly.”

  “That’s one thing about Brookfield. Everyone knows everyone, and everyone’s always there to help.” He nodded. “You mentioned you had to work. Where?” she said.

  “At the local furniture shop. I build a lot of the custom furniture.”

  She was right. Those strong hands were what he used to make a living. Taking a sip of her warm drink, she closed her eyes. It tasted so good. She felt awful now for being such a brat. Instant cocoa wasn’t so bad.

  “Sorry about in the kitchen,” she said.

  “No worries. You came here expecting your mom and all the things moms do for us. Instead you found a man you don’t know, and now you’re stranded with me. That’s enough to upset anyone.”

  He was right about that, only there was a person living inside her, making all those emotions twenty times stronger.

  “Thanks for letting me stay here.”

  “Who am I to kick you out of your mom’s house?” She didn’t say anything. “I like the company,” he said, catching her gaze.

  Staring back at him, a shiver spiraled through her body. An urge to touch him came over her. It was strange. She didn’t even know anything about this man, but she found herself very attracted to him. Damn hormones.

  Mark was the first to glance away. He took in a long sip of cocoa then stood. “I think I’m going to get started on dinner. Chili okay?”

  “It sounds great.” She smiled.

  He paused a moment as if the wheels were turning in his head. He then said, “What about your stomach?”

  She was feeling fine now. In fact, the snack and drink had settled right in. “I’m better.”

  “Okay, glad to hear it.” He headed for the kitchen, and Julie just couldn’t resist glancing at his backside again. Man, God had really blessed him. She would certainly enjoy seeing that until this blizzard passed.

  As the day went on, Julie did her best to wait patiently on her mother to call back. Mark had explained to her though that it sometimes took a few days. That just seemed crazy to her. Another thing driving her nuts was the snow, still falling and trapping her inside. She’d pulled the weather up online, and it didn’t look like this storm was going to go away anytime soon. It was a slow-moving system, and it was really dumping out the snow.

  She enjoyed snow but not like this. This was the kind of snow where everyone’s lives stopped, and you stayed in your homes with a fire going, playing family games and reconnecting with your loved ones. Julie missed her mom even more now.

  Julie had been hiding out in her mother’s room after her shower, but hunger was getting the best of her. She found Mark in the living room, sound asleep on the couch. Tip-toeing past him, she went to see if there were any cookies. Oreos. Yes, she really wanted some Oreos. Double-stuffed would be even better. Rummaging through the cabinets, she found she was in luck. A brand-new package awaited her. Tearing it open, she immediately bit into the crunchy goodness and moaned loudly. It hit all the right taste buds. Thank God this baby had taste.

  She took a handful and was about to get some milk when the phone rang. The only close phone was the ancient, giant cordless phone on the wall.

  “Hello,” she said, wishing her mom had caller ID.

  “What’s up, girl?” Claire said on the other end.

  “This snowstorm is up.”

  Claire giggled. “At least you’re snowed in with that hunk, Mark Thomas. All the girls have been gossiping about him. Lucky you, you’re shacked up with him.”

  Julie smiled then quietly asked, “What’s his story?”

  “No idea. He came to town with only one bag and started work at the Country Furniture, and that’s all we know. He keeps to himself. Once he’s finished with work, he goes right back home. Plenty of girls have tried to turn his eye but haven’t had luck.”

  Julie had caught him checking her out a few times. “Thanks for not warning me. Now I get what the smirk was all about last night.”

  “I guess I should’ve warned you.”

  “You think?”

  “Listen, if you need anything, holler. You going to stay there, or do you need a place at Honeycreek?”

  “Not sure yet. For now, I’m here. I don’t have any other choice.”

  “All right, well, we’ll chat soon. You’ve gotta tell me all about New York and what has brought your skinny ass back to Brookfield.”

  “Soon.” Julie said bye and hung up.

  So the man on the couch in the next room was Brookfield’s most desired bachelor. All the single ladies—maybe even the married ones—wanted Mark Thomas. She could only imagine what gossip would float around when the women heard they’d been snowed in together.

  Chapter Five

  The alarm clock rang, and Mark reached over, slapping his hand across the snooze button. There was no way in
hell he was ready to get up. He had tossed and turned all night. Julie had clouded his mind. Over and over he wondered if he was right about her being pregnant. And why she was here without the father. At that, did the father not want the child? That thought hurt him the most and brought too many memories back that he’d been doing his best to push away.

  Julie being here was bringing up a lot of memories he had repressed except for only a few times a year, when he’d drink, cry, and then move on.

  She also stirred up other emotions in him. It had been a long time since he’d desired a woman. He hadn’t wanted to hold one the way he did Julie. Actually, he wanted to do a whole lot more than just hold her. As his thoughts began to wander in that direct, something below the belt began to harden.

  Tossing the covers back, he turned off the alarm so it wouldn’t buzz again and headed for the shower. A very cold shower. Which was the last thing he wanted in this weather.

  After getting dressed, he made his way to the kitchen to get started on breakfast. Stopping in his tracks, he saw Julie was already in there. A pot of coffee had been started, and she was busy at the counter, chopping some fresh veggies. Her hips swayed, and her toes tapped. It was then he noticed a white cord going from her waist to her ears.

  She started to belt out some lyrics just as she turned for the fridge. Julie stopped dead in her tracks, dropping the paring knife to the floor. Her cheeks reddened, and her mouth dropped open. After a moment of her being frozen, she removed the earbuds and slowly lowered herself to the ground to get the knife she’d dropped.

  “Smells good. What are you making?” He didn’t want her to feel any more uncomfortable than she was. It was best not to dwell on the fact he’d watched her ass shake for a moment and a cold shower might be in order again.

  “I was making a garden omelet. That okay?”

  Where was the meat? He hoped like hell there was some bacon or ham in that concoction she was making. No wonder the girl was so darn skinny.

  “I’ll eat whatever you make.” He headed for the coffee. “Want a cup?”