Gina was stunned.
“Are you still there?”
“I’d love to see Wagon Wheel and have dinner. What time?”
“Three thirty, see you then.” He hung up.
Hope rose inside her. Don’t get too excited. Remember he runs hot and cold. But I can’t stop hoping. I love him.
Chapter Fifteen
Graham closed his phone. He’d made the call and had the reservations set for seven. They’d walk around the town square and check out some of the shops. He couldn’t believe he was doing this, but it was an opportunity to see how he’d manage. She’d want to do this type of activity if they married. He’d made a plan. He’d court her and do things she liked and he liked, then see where they were afterward. It seemed the sensible way to handle their relationship. Relationship. He shivered just thinking about what the word meant. He’d always been a loner and been content. Opening his heart and his whole life up to someone was frightening. He chuckled to himself. There was little he feared but allowing himself to commit to one woman for life took more courage than facing a man with a loaded gun.
He rolled out his plans for the two-story house. He did like it. The place was large. The bottom floor had a great room with a fireplace, of course, a big kitchen, she did like to cook, and on the opposite side a study. It would be big enough to hold his books, computer, and whatever else he needed for his writing. In the back, a bedroom and bath, plus a half bath downstairs for visitors.
He raked his hand through his hair. He must be going crazy to be thinking of guests. Just the thought made him sweat. He closed the plans up. One step at a time was all he could do.
Promptly at three thirty, he knocked on his mother’s door. She answered. “Come in. Gina’s ready. She and Sylvia are in the kitchen talking about Sylvia’s horseback ride.”
Gina took his breath away when she looked at him and smiled. His memory hadn’t done justice to her. Her golden eyes looked into his, and his whole body reacted to the sight of her.
His blood heated and rushed through his veins, arousing a mighty hunger to touch her, to just be near her and breathe in her scent.
She stood and walked to his side. “Do you want to leave?”
“Yes,” he said. The only word he could manage and not stammer like a fool.
His mother and Sylvia waved. Gina said good-bye as they went through the living room and out toward the car.
He opened her door. Her jasmine-and-lily fragrance went straight to his head. She’d worn a light-yellow dress with a matching sweater across her shoulders and spike heels, making her come to his chin instead of his chest. She raised her head to look at him.
“Maybe I should wear spike heels all the time. The better to confront you.”
He laughed and impulsively bent his head to kiss her mouth. She was sweetness and light. Man, I missed her.
On the drive, Graham reminded himself to point out areas of interest. Gina nodded and looked all around, but she was quieter than usual. Or was she? She’d seldom been a chatterbox.
“Are you bored?” he asked her.
“No, I’m taking it all in.”
“Wagon Wheel is bigger than Frontier City, but still not big in the terms you’d expect,” he warned her.
“I’m not expecting anything specific. This is all new to me.”
The rest of the trip they were quiet, but as often with them it was a comfortable silence. Graham had forgotten how easy she was to be with, or he’d buried the thought in self-defense. He’d never expected to consider marriage.
After they’d parked, Gina took his hand, and they strolled around the town square. She pulled him into little shops to look at figurines and knitted scarves, and one shop that had old books. They stayed the longest there looking at some priceless volumes.
Later, they sat on a bench and ate dripping ice-cream cones. “You’ll ruin your appetite,” he warned, but grinned at her. She looked girlish, and happy, and delectable herself.
“No, I won’t. Can you change our reservation to eight? I want to go to the movies. I saw a theatre on the side street.”
“Sure, but how do you know there’ll be a movie you’ll want to see?”
“I’m an optimist.” She winked at him.
Graham changed the reservations and followed her to the movie theatre. They decided on a comedy. He bought popcorn and a large drink to share, and they sat at the back of the nearly empty cinema.
“This is great. We can snuggle back here, and no one will see us.”
“Snuggle? I need a definition.”
Gina put the drink in the holder and reached across to kiss him, then put her head on his shoulder. “See, snuggle.”
He lifted the drink and took a sip, but it wouldn’t quench the thirst he had. Nothing but being inside her sweet, soft pussy would do the job.
If his mom asked later about the movie he’d never be able to tell her what it was about. All his attention was on the warm body snuggled under his arm. Once or twice she turned her head and kissed him. Each time his cock got harder. It was torture, pure and simple.
“Still hungry?” he asked as they left the theatre.
“Certainly. You ate most of the popcorn.”
He had. He’d been trying to divert his attention from the desire raging in his body.
“We’ll drive to the restaurant. It’s on the way out of town.” They rode a short distance and turned down another two-lane road. In a half mile or so they parked at a nondescript building, but when they stepped inside it was all different. There was red and gold velvet on the walls, low lighting, and a proper maître d’. He sat them by a window facing a lighted garden with the silver flash of a river behind some trees at the garden’s edge.
“It’s lovely. I didn’t know what to expect from the outside.”
“Word has spread about their food. It’s been advertisement enough to keep them busy. They know me, or I’d never have been able to change my reservation tonight.”
“They are busy.” She watched the waiters move between the tables. A man played soft music on a piano in the corner. “This is very nice. Thank you for the day and for dinner.”
“You haven’t tasted the food.”
“I trust your judgment.”
He glanced down and then out the window. Trust, a simple word that almost brought him to his knees. He cleared his throat and looked around at the waiter when he put the menus in front of them.
“Perhaps a glass of wine and an appetizer while you decide,” he said.
“I’ll have a glass of white zinfandel,” Gina said.
“I’m driving. Give me a cup of coffee.”
When he walked off, Gina asked, “Would one glass of wine be too much?”
“I drink very little. I’d never take the chance especially this far from home.”
“Cautious and reclusive, but you are a good man, Graham.”
“Not really, you’ve seen my bad side.”
“My goodness, then you’re better than I thought.”
“And you like to tease. Remember my warning.” Their eyes met, and the air sizzled between them. “You will go home with me tonight.”
“I can’t. What would your mother think?”
“She’ll be in bed. I’ll take you back to her place early.”
“And I’d have to slip in like a teenager avoiding her parents. No. I won’t disrespect her.”
Graham almost groaned out loud, but he didn’t. He knew she was right. But then he had another idea. He’d call tomorrow and invite her to go fishing in a very isolated spot.
“What are you thinking? You’re up to something,” Gina said.
“Maybe. Here are our drinks.”
* * * *
Gina woke in a happy mood. They had walked outside to the river after dinner, and Graham had put his arms around her. They’d stood for a few minutes not talking, just enjoying the view and the breeze. Then he’d walked her to his car. When they arrived at his mother’s house he’d leaned across a
nd kissed her lightly on the lips. “I had a good time.” A whimsical smile flashed across his face. He’d touched her cheek and then got out to walk her to the door. Graham hugged her and kissed her one more time before going to his car and driving off.
He hadn’t appeared to be bored or restless with any of their activities. Of course she didn’t expect he’d want to make a habit of going out. But if he was willing to take her and see she had a good time yesterday, then she expected he’d occasionally be willing to take her other places. A warm rush of love for him engulfed her.
She’d better get up. There were decisions to be made, and she wanted to talk to Sylvia about them. Sylvia’s room was next to hers. She peeked in the door.
“I’m awake, come on in.”
“Aren’t you sleeping any better?” Gina asked.
“A little, not much. I hate the nightmares, but I’ll be all right. Come sit on the bed. You look like you’re brimming with news.”
“You always could read me better than most. As you know, I had a date with Graham yesterday.” Gina told Sylvia about the afternoon and evening.
“I’m amazed. He really put himself out for you. I couldn’t convince him to date me.”
“Really?” Gina perked up even more.
“You don’t have to look so pleased.” Sylvia gave her a mock frown.
“I also had an interview for a job earlier yesterday. I’ve been offered a position at the local library.”
“But it’s so small compared to the place you work now. Would you be happy?”
Gina scooted up closer to Sylvia. “I believe I would. It may be small, but it’s busy and has all the important parts of a library. Plus they’re talking about expanding, from what the director said.”
“What’s stopping you from accepting?”
“I’m not sure I can handle seeing Graham all the time if he doesn’t want to marry me.”
“You love him?”
“Oh, yes.”
“He’d be a difficult man to reel in, and I would imagine hard to live with.”
“We got along fairly well.”
“Don’t let him break your heart, sis. Go home like the librarian suggested. See how you feel back there before making a final decision.”
“I knew you’d say that, and you’re right, but yesterday was so great. Maybe he’s coming around.”
“If he is, he won’t change in the short time you’d be gone.”
“Will you be all right here without me?”
“Mrs. Brodie has encouraged me to remain at her home for at least a few more weeks. I’m going to. I’ll use the time to try to make up my mind about what I’m going to do with my future. Also, my wrist is healing, but they say I’ll need rehab when the cast comes off.” Sylvia glanced at the cast that went up her arm. “I might as well get the therapy while I’m here.”
“Good. I won’t worry about you. I’ll make my reservations and leave today before I talk myself out of it. Take care of yourself.”
“I will.”
Gina hurried to her room. She needed to leave before she talked to Graham again, or she’d change her mind. She’d resign from her job, if it felt right, and then she could pack her car and head back to Montana.
Graham hadn’t called by early afternoon when she headed to the airport. Mrs. Brodie drove her.
“I think you are being very sensible. See how you feel when you get home. Then make your decision.” She pulled in to let Gina out. “I don’t have to tell you I hope you’ll return. You must know my feelings.”
“I do, thank you. What will you tell Graham when he calls?”
“I plan to tell him you went home. We’ll see how that shakes him up.” She winked and waved then drove off.
Gina took a deep breath. I sure hope I made the right decision. But if he loves me, maybe my going home will move our relationship forward faster. If he can forget me and go on with his life, then we didn’t have a relationship anyway.
This is a good cooling-off period for us both to see how we really feel. Well, I know I won’t change my mind, but I’m so afraid last night didn’t mean as much to him as it did to me. And what if I slip and tell him I love him and want to marry him? Would he get scared and push me away? I have to do something to make him see how he feels about me. I thought for sure he’d call first thing this morning or at least by now. I’m taking a gamble and risking everything I have on it.
* * * *
Aching with desire and unable to sleep, Graham had gone in his study, he could hardly call it a man cave anymore, and he started his next book. Surprisingly the words flew out of him. The light at dawn made him realize the time. Tired and relaxed, he fell into bed.
When he woke, the sun was high. He glanced at his clock. One thirty in the afternoon. He’d really slept. After he showered, he’d call Gina. They could fish later today and then have a fish fry. Whistling, he went into the shower.
After he was dressed, he made his call. “Hi, Mom, how are you?”
“I’m fine. What have you been doing all day?”
“I started a new book last night, wrote until dawn, and just woke up a little while ago. May I speak with Gina? I meant to call her earlier.”
“She’s gone.”
“Gone, like to town?” he asked. An uneasiness settled in his stomach.
“Gone, like back home to Orlando.”
“What? Why?”
“I think you should ask her. But she won’t be landing for another few hours.”
“Why didn’t you call me?
“Why would I, Graham? It was her decision to make.”
“I’ve got to go. Bye, Mom.” He hung up the phone and started pacing the room. She’d left without calling. He didn’t understand. Yesterday had gone so well. He paced around the small cabin. His plan to court her slowly had just gone to hell. What now?
He sat in a lounge chair in the living room. She was right. This room was plain and not comfortable. He walked into the bright kitchen, made a pot of coffee, and sat at the table. In here, he could visualize her puttering around in those short shorts. He smiled at the picture. She’d left on purpose. He knew that. She’d called his hand, and he couldn’t blame her. She had no way of knowing about the house plans or his desire to marry her. He’d have to speed up this courtship. He was a good fisherman, and this was one catch he wasn’t going to let get away.
He called the airport. The next plane to Florida was early tomorrow. He made the reservation.
Chapter Sixteen
Gina had slept in her own bed last night. She got up and made coffee then wandered around her apartment. If she moved, she’d have to ship the pieces of furniture she wanted to keep. She might need it all if she had to get her own place. But if Graham would ask her to marry him, she’d only need a few treasured items and most of her kitchen supplies.
She dressed and left the apartment. Driving around town, she realized there were places and people she’d miss. But her friends would love to visit Montana if she had a place for them to stay, and they would reciprocate when she got homesick. After all, she’d lived most of her adult life in Orlando. Downtown, she parked in the garage across from the library. The parking attendant waved hello.
Could she settle back into her old life and forget Graham?
She wandered down the street and into a small cafe where she’d often had lunch.
“Welcome back, Regina. We’ve missed you. Have you been on vacation?”
“Yes, I went to Montana.”
Her regular waitress Jackie brought her a tall glass of tea with lots of ice. Just the way Gina liked it.
“I’ve heard Montana is a beautiful place, but cold in the winter,” Jackie said.
“It’s still cool in early summer. But it has gorgeous scenery, and the people are so nice.”
“Girl, you have a glow that tells me you found a man.”
Jackie had a bluntness about her. Gina smiled. “I might have.”
“Then what are you doing back here?�
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“I’d be taking a big chance going so far away.” She ran her finger down the condensation on the side of the glass.
It was early, and they weren’t busy yet. Jackie sat in the chair across from her. “Honey, if you love him and he loves you, what more can you want?”
“We haven’t known each other very long.”
“You have the rest of your life. I know you, lady. If you love him, he must be some man.” She stood and picked up the menu on the table by Gina’s hand. “You having your usual today?”
“No. I’m going to have one of your juicy burgers and fries. You’ve given me my appetite back.”
Jackie smiled and shook her head. “The girl’s in love. She hasn’t never ever ordered a burger.”
Hope and love overflowed inside Gina. It was as though Jackie’s pep talk jerked her awake. She knew what she wanted. She flipped open her phone and rang her supervisor. They’d meet in an hour. Gina snapped her cell shut and took a long swallow of her tea. The burger, when it came, was juicy and delicious. She ate all of it and the hot fries.
“Thanks for the advice, Jackie. I’ll send you a postcard from Montana.”
“You do that. I’ll miss you around here.” Jackie hugged her, and Gina got a lump in her throat. The hard part was saying good-bye to her friends.
Mrs. Grimshaw waited in her doorway. “You’re back. Come in and have a seat.” She walked behind her desk and sat down. “We’ve missed you. I’ll put you on the schedule for tomorrow. Did everything go well with your family?”
“It did. My sister is doing better.” She hesitated and looked around the familiar room. Outside she heard the muffled sounds of staff and customers. This was her world, or had been, she corrected herself.
“Mrs. Grimshaw, I appreciate all you’ve done for me over the years. You’ve been a great supervisor. But I’m not coming back. I’m resigning.” There, she’d said it. Mrs. Grimshaw looked stunned.
“Resigning? But next year when I retire, you’ll be up for my job and probably get it.”
“I know, and this hasn’t been an easy decision, but it’s the best for me. I’m going back where my sister is recovering, and I’ve been offered a job at the local library. Although it could probably fit on one floor and in one corner of this building. They’re talking of expanding. It’s an adventure.”
Bewitching the Reclusive Billionaire Cowboy Page 12
