Lost in You

by Jules Bennett

  “I’ve already texted some of my friends back in Atlanta,” Jade chimed in. “They’ll be calling soon to book a weekend.”

  That’s what Liam liked to hear. They needed to keep this momentum going, to keep the business buzz thriving and spreading all over the state and beyond. He also needed to get on the ball in finding a new chef.

  “I’ll let you get back to your meal. I just wanted to offer my condolences.”

  Feeling better about stepping from his little box of comfort and speaking to Livie, Liam headed back toward the kitchen, where Cora and Heidi were waiting.

  “Liam?”

  “It’s me,” he told her. “Everything okay?”

  “I’m done for the day and Braxton isn’t here to take me home. Have you heard from him?”

  “I haven’t. I’ll try his cell.”

  Cora reached for the island, feeling along the edge, then down to where a stool was. “He had class until four and then he was supposed to come straight here,” she said, taking a seat.

  “Maybe he got held up by a student,” Liam offered as he pulled his cell from his pocket. The call went to voice mail, but Liam wasn’t too concerned. Braxton would be here.

  “How about you have a glass of wine?” he offered. “Your parents just shipped us an insane amount. I need to figure out a way to thank them for always being so gracious with the chocolates and now the wine.”

  Cora waved her hand and shook her head. “We’re all family. I’m glad they’re helping the resort. I think they know how much this life means to me.”

  Liam pulled out a sweet red and poured Cora a glass. Her parents had given her a hard time about not taking over the family business, but Cora had held her ground. She was definitely someone he admired for not backing down and for going after what she wanted in life. So he shouldn’t feel any guilt about wanting to do the same. But he’d seen the look in Macy’s eyes. She’d wanted to voice her opinion, but she’d kept it to herself.

  Part of him wanted to know exactly what she’d thought, but the other part was afraid he wouldn’t like her answer.

  “So, the ladies staying this week, are they from here originally?” Cora asked, taking a sip of the wine.

  “Two of them are. The other one is from Atlanta. Livie’s father just passed, so she’s been in town for that and her friends decided to pamper her.”

  Cora sat her glass down and tipped her head. “That’s nice—to have friends who can be there for you. Family means so much, though. There’s a void when they’re gone.”

  Liam knew that void all too well. He never wanted for anything when his mother was alive. She may have been a single mom, but he never felt like he suffered in any area. She was a remarkable woman. But once she was gone, he’d gone into spiral mode, never knowing what would happen next, and he’d honestly never fully settled down.

  He loved the family he had now, not so much the path that the last decade had led them down, but they’d come together, and he was still ready to walk away.

  His cell vibrated in his pocket. Liam jerked it out, saw Braxton’s name on the screen, and quickly answered. “Hey, man. Cora was just curious where you were.”

  Instant relief spread across Cora’s face. Her shoulders relaxed, her lips tipped into a smile.

  “I was in a slight accident.”

  Liam gripped the phone tighter, thankful Cora couldn’t see him, because he was sure his face showed a slight bit of fear. “Go on,” he said, not wanting to alarm Cora.

  “I’m okay. I’m actually in the ambulance getting checked over.”

  Ambulance? How was that okay?

  “Don’t scare Cora, but I need someone to come pick me up. I’m pretty sure they’re wanting me to go to the hospital because of a possible concussion.”

  “I’ll be there,” Liam confirmed.

  “Thanks, man. I know you have to tell Cora, but I didn’t want to call and get her all worried.”

  “Understood.” Liam glanced to Cora, who had tensed back up. “See you soon.”

  Liam disconnected the call and pulled up Sophie’s number. He was pretty sure she had a showing today, but hopefully she was finished and could come to the resort.

  “Something’s wrong,” Cora stated, gripping the edge of the counter. “You were very veiled with your answers.”

  “He was in an accident, but sounded fine on the phone.” With a panic-stricken face, Cora started to stand. Liam reached across the island and squeezed her hand. “He called, so we know he’s not in bad shape. Right? He was adamant that you not be scared.”

  “Not be scared?” she repeated with a laugh. “If he was in any accident, I’m scared. Where is he now?”

  “He said he was going to the hospital to get checked out. I’m calling Sophie to see if she can come here and then I’ll take you to the hospital.”

  Cora closed her eyes and rubbed her head. “I hate depending on other people at times like this.”

  Liam admired her independence, but there were times she was limited due to her blindness. “Braxton wouldn’t want you to be upset over this and I promise this is not you depending on me. I’d be going anyway, so don’t go there in your mind.”

  Cora nodded, smoothing her hair away from her face. Liam was a bit nervous for his brother, too, but Braxton hadn’t sounded shaken on the phone and assured them that he was okay. Still, he could have a gash on his head and broken bones and Braxton the Peacemaker wouldn’t say a word about it.

  The back door opened and closed. Brock came in carrying grocery bags.

  “Is Sophie with you?” Liam asked.

  “Yeah, she’s getting the rest of the bags.” Brock sat his load on the island. “Something wrong?”

  “Braxton was in a slight accident and Cora and I are going to pick him up.”

  “What?” Sophie stood inside the back door, her arms loaded with bags. “Is he okay?”

  “He called and talked with Liam,” Cora chimed in, grabbing Heidi’s collar. “We’re heading to the hospital now, but we need someone to stay here.”

  “Of course,” Sophie stated, handing her bags to Brock. “Was he injured?”

  “He sounded fine,” Liam said. He didn’t want to mention the possible concussion at this point. No need to worry anyone more than necessary. “He just needs a ride, so I assume his truck is totaled or at least immobile.”

  “Keep us posted.” Sophie gave Liam a hug and kissed his unmarred cheek. “I’ll let Zach know when he gets here.”

  Liam led Cora and Heidi out to his vehicle and prayed Braxton was actually fine and not just saying he was. Liam would feel much better once he saw for himself.

  As Liam pulled out of the drive, Cora reached for his hand and squeezed. Liam wasn’t used to consoling people, wasn’t used to having anyone lean on him, but he knew Cora was scared.

  “He’ll be fine,” Liam assured her, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. “Braxton doesn’t want you to worry.”

  “I’ll stop worrying when I can hear his voice and hear from the doctor that everything is fine.”

  Liam’s cell vibrated from the console. Glancing down, he saw a text from Macy. He’d have to read it later. Right now, his family was his top priority.

  * * *

  “And remember, it’s a surprise.”

  Macy handed the invitation to one of her father’s longtime customers. So far she’d passed out around fifty, hoping people would come to show her father how much he was appreciated. She also hoped she could pull this off without him hearing about it. The town was notorious for small talk and gossip.

  Which is how she’d heard about Braxton’s wreck a few hours ago. She’d texted Liam and Zach, then when those went unanswered, she’d texted Sophie. Finally, Macy found out that Braxton was going to be okay, but the family was understandably shaken up.

  And it wasn’t the fact that Braxton was in an accident that had the town talking. Apparently the mayor, who had dated Braxton’s former fiancée some time back, had T-boned Braxton’s
SUV. The rumor mill was flying with conspiracies on whether he’d been drinking or texting while driving, or Macy’s favorite, checking out his hair in the mirror. Rand was quite vain and tended to look more like a sleazy used car salesman than the leader of their picturesque town.

  Macy was anxious to talk to Liam and hear how Braxton was doing and get the actual story. Even though Braxton had clearly moved on and was marrying Cora, there was no love lost between him and Rand. The two were the epitome of oil and water. Since Rand and Braxton’s ex teamed up, leaving Braxton broken and betrayed, the Monroe boys really had no use for the mayor.

  In the end, Braxton was better off having found the love of his life in Cora. Macy headed to the back room to get more shopping bags for the front register. One day she wanted that love. The love that Zach and Sophie, and Braxton and Cora had found. The type of love that made you smile just thinking of the other person, that gave you a reason to look forward to coming home.

  Not that Macy had to have a man to complete her life, but she did harbor that dream of one day having a family with a husband and children. She was a traditionalist in some ways, and even though she may have faced some ugliness in her life, she wasn’t about to let her ultimate goal fade into the background.

  Macy carried the box of new bags to the front counter and glanced at the clock. Only a couple minutes until closing. Grabbing her box cutter from the shelf beneath the register, she slid the top of the box open and pulled out the stacks of bags with her family’s store logo stamped in black on the front.

  The front door chimed again and Macy lifted her head to greet the customer, only to find Diane. Macy had already made her decision, but letting down her old coach and friend was going to be difficult.

  “I hadn’t heard from you and thought I’d swing by.” Diane made her way to the counter and rested her hands on the edge. “I don’t want to pressure you, but if you have any questions . . .”

  Macy offered a smile. “I stopped by the game like you suggested.”

  Diane nodded. “I saw you on the other side of the fence.”

  Pulling in a deep breath, Macy drew strength from realizing this was the best decision for her and she couldn’t say yes to everything.

  “As much as I’d love to help you and the team out, I just can’t commit.”

  Diane tipped her head with a slight grin. “I didn’t think you could, but I thought I’d ask anyway. I know you’re busy with the store and I’m sure you want to have a social life. It’s hard to juggle everything during the season.”

  “I hope you’re not disappointed,” Macy went on. She didn’t want to bring up fostering. She wasn’t quite ready to let anyone else in on that just yet. “I know the team would need someone to be there for them one hundred percent and that just couldn’t be me. You’re going to be tough to replace.”

  “I admire the fact you know your limits,” Diane commented, pushing off the counter and crossing her arms over her chest. “I’m sure this decision wasn’t easy for you, but I respect it. I have a couple other people I plan on talking to, but you were my top pick.”

  Pride swelled within Macy. Softball would always be a part of her life, the good and the bad memories, but she was done for good with the sport. From now on, she was focusing on her store and on the fostering, which she hoped would lead to adoption.

  “I won’t keep you.” Diane started for the door, but turned back around. “Maybe the new coach could call on you sometime to show a few pointers to the players?”

  Macy nodded. “I’d like that.”

  Once she was alone again, Macy locked up and closed out the register. Thankfully, she’d not had any more migraine episodes since the last one. Apparently that had been triggered by sexual frustration . . . or so she kept telling herself.

  Once she was all closed out, she glanced around the front of the store. A new shipment of extra seed packets was due tomorrow and the snazzy display she’d ordered with it. She really should clear out a space by the front door to make accommodations for their arrival. She’d already set up the colorful pots in various sizes, but she found herself wanting to go upstairs and wait for her tenant to arrive home.

  Should she take it upon herself to just go on up and wait for him to get home? Wasn’t that crossing some major line they’d yet to discuss? She wasn’t his girlfriend, but they’d slept together once and agreed this could be a thing while he was here.

  She couldn’t live her life the way she wanted without taking chances. She wanted to see Liam and she cared for him. She would just hang around the store until he came in and then she would greet him. That wasn’t stalker-ish or clingy. Waiting in his living room naked might have been taking things a bit too far. But he could actually appreciate her boldness since they were going to become lovers.

  The most brilliant idea popped into Macy’s head. Before she could talk herself out of it, she headed for the back steps and waited for Liam.

  * * *

  Liam finally got Braxton, Cora, and Heidi home. Braxton was banged up with a very mild concussion and bruised ribs, as well as a cut across his forehead that a few stitches had taken care of. Cora promised to stay near him as nursemaid. Liam knew she’d worry herself sick, so he’d call and check in on them later.

  Right now, he wanted to get upstairs, shower, and text Macy. He’d never returned her message and no doubt she’d heard of the accident by now. Liam was still livid over the entire situation and it was all he could do not to punch Rand in the face at the hospital. But, seeing as how the good ol’ mayor had a whole host of problems, starting with his DUI today, Liam opted to focus on Braxton.

  Macy’s truck was still parked in the back of the store, but Liam wasn’t in the mood for company. He was on edge waiting to hear if his offer on Magnolias was accepted, irritated his brother had been in an accident by a man who was drinking heavily in the afternoon, and ticked because he had no idea how the hell he was going to keep a hold on his feelings for his landlord.

  His mind spun in so many different directions, he needed to relax and attempt to sort things out. Knowing Macy was his while he was here . . . he sure as hell wasn’t about to turn that down. If he was lucky, he’d get her out of his system before he headed back to Savannah. Doubtful, but perhaps.

  Liam stomped up the steps and let himself into his apartment. He tossed his keys on the side table, not bothering to turn on the lights. There was a soft glow coming in the window as the sun was setting.

  The second he stepped into his kitchen, he stopped. Wearing only a pair of familiar cowgirl boots, an apron tied at the neck, and a smile, Macy stood there with her hand propped on the center island.

  “I think I’m ready for my next lesson. That is, if you’re not too tired.”

  The challenge in her eyes, the tilt of her head, and that naughty grin instantly reawakened him. “I didn’t know we were doing lessons this late.”

  Mercy, her legs seemed to go on forever. From the ruffled hem of her apron to the tops of her boots, those legs mocked him and he couldn’t wait to feel them around his waist again.

  “I was hoping you’d make an exception.” She moved toward him, like a walking fantasy. But she was real. And for now, she was his. “I have a few things I’d like to show you. I think I’m getting the hang of this.”

  Liam slid his hands up her bare arms, pleased when her eyes darkened. “Oh, you’ve got the hang of this, all right.”

  In one swift move, he jerked the knot at her neck until the top of her apron fell to her waist. Before she could utter a word, he yanked on the tie behind her back, sending the thin material falling silently to the floor at their feet.

  “We’ll continue this lesson without obstacles.”

  Macy bit her bottom lip and quirked a brow. “Then you better remove yours.”

  Liam wasted no time pulling his shirt off as Macy went to work on his jeans. In seconds he’d stripped bare and she stood before him with all that loose hair and her boots. Stilettos may be every man’s fantas
y, but right now, this hometown girl looked like the sexiest woman he’d ever seen.

  Thrusting his fingers through her hair, Liam tipped her head to capture her lips. She leaned into him, wrapping her arms around his waist and sighing into his mouth. Everything from the day faded away and all that existed was this, was them.

  Her warm body plastered to his from chest to thighs had Liam eager to get her into his bed.

  No, not his bed. She wouldn’t go there and he still hadn’t fully uncovered the reason why. Soon, though. But not tonight. She’d come to him out of trust, and he wasn’t about to sever that.

  Without breaking the kiss, Liam banded his arms around her and hoisted her up onto the kitchen island. The heels of her boots banged against the side of the cabinet as she spread her legs for him.

  Her lips trailed over his jaw, down his throat. Liam couldn’t get enough of her as his hands roamed up her sides, over the swells of her breasts.

  “Protection,” he muttered. “I need to go get it.”

  Macy eased back. “I’m clean and on birth control.”

  “I’ve never gone without.”

  Lifting her brows and holding his gaze, she silently gave him the choice. The thought of nothing between them was too tempting. There was no way he could let this moment go by.

  When he didn’t answer, Macy scooted toward the edge of the counter, locking her ankles behind his back. He eased into her, swallowing her gasp when he covered her mouth with his. Macy’s short nails bit into his shoulders, her knees tightened on his sides.

  The heat running through him, the intensity of her hold on him, had Liam quickening his pace. He couldn’t concentrate on anything other than Macy, on bringing her pleasure. He broke the kiss, molded her breasts in his palms, pleased when she arched back on a groan.

  “Liam.”

  Her whispered plea did something to him. As if he’d been waiting for her to fully give herself to him, to have his name on her lips when she came apart.

  Her entire body tightened as she cried out, and Liam tumbled right with her. Together. There was no other way he wanted to be.

  As their bodies ceased trembling, Liam tried not to think about the path his thoughts had traveled. Right now he had Macy in his arms, in his kitchen. She’d come to him in the boldest of ways and he wasn’t looking any further than right now.