Love So Right (The Lawson Brothers #7)

by Marquita Valentine

“The back.”

  “Ouch.”

  She waved a hand in the air, her crappy day going straight to so much fun. “You can handle my critique.”

  “I can handle anything of yours,” Preston said, his tone borderline flirtatious.

  “Isn’t this cozy?”

  Apple stiffened as her cousin, Jellie McCoy, a woman named for her mother’s craving for jelly while she was pregnant, stopped at their table. If anyone was bitter down to her soul, it was Jellie, and coming from Apple, that was saying something.

  “Aren’t there tiny children you should be scaring right now?” Apple asked, not taking her eyes off the menu.

  “That’s only on Tuesdays. Anywho, I wanted to remind you of the monthly luncheon coming up. The date’s been changed to the following Saturday.”

  Apple finally looked at her cousin. Jellie was probably the most beautiful of all the McCoys with their trademark red hair and dark blue eyes. Even Apple was envious of her looks. She’d always felt like the pale imitation version of a McCoy woman.

  “You could have texted me.” Maybe she could skip the meeting. It was nothing but gossip and matchmaking, and she wasn’t feeling up to doing either one.

  “Where’s the fun in that? Besides, if I had texted you, then I wouldn’t have been able to speak with your date.” Jellie flicked her gaze over to Preston, who was gazing back with his friendly trademark smile. “When she gets tired of you, be sure to let me know. I haven’t tried out a Lawson yet, but since it’s suddenly becoming popular in our family...”

  “I’m not going to get tired of him,” Apple snapped, then wished she could sink into a hole. Her response made their relationship sound like more, when it was nothing at all.

  Jellie arched a perfectly curved brow. “How positively interesting to know. I wonder how the ladies around here would feel about that?”

  “My friendship with Apple isn’t anyone’s business,” Preston said.

  Apple wanted to groan. She knew he thought he was helping, but Jellie would latch onto that like a black snake after a chicken’s egg.

  “Friendship?” Jellie let out a peal of laughter. “Oh my word. That is the funniest thing I’ve heard in my life. Friendship between the two of you? Why... you might as well ask the lion to lay down with the lamb.”

  “I won’t eat her,” Preston said.

  “She means you’re the lamb, not me,” Apple said.

  Jellie shook her head, her red curls bouncing. “Not this time, Apple. Lately, you’ve lost your bite.” She smiled over her shoulder as she walked away. “See you Saturday after next, sugar.”

  “That was a mood killer,” Preston grumbled. “Any other relatives you want to warn me about before we order?”

  Temper rising, Apple glared at him, but he looked so confused and annoyed on her behalf that her temper fled and she burst out laughing.

  “Glad you’re laughing instead of chewing me a new one.” Preston glanced around the diner. “I could see it in your eyes.”

  “I’m that easy to read?”

  He shrugged. “Only if you’re paying attention. Finally.”

  Apple blinked a couple of times when she realized that Molly was their waitress. “Don’t you work at Sunny Mac’s?”

  “Only for the dinner shift.” Molly pulled a pen out from behind her ear. “What can I get you two?”

  “Chicken Caesar wrap with a Ginger Ale.”

  “Sweet tea. Lunch special with okra and snaps. And can I get extra gravy?”

  Molly winked at Preston. “Anything for you, honey. So are you two an item now?”

  Apple didn’t think Molly looked or sounded too happy about the possibility, which only confirmed what Apple knew all along. “We’re friends.”

  “Good friends,” Preston said, earning a sharp look from Apple. “It’s okay to let the cat out of the bag. Lawsons and McCoys are allowed to be friends.”

  “Friends only, I hope, or the rest of us don’t stand a chance if y’all decide to start dating the good ones around here,” Molly added, clearly relived by their explanation.

  “Wouldn’t dream of it,” Apple assured her. “We only like the bad ones, anyway.”

  “And the ones from out of town. Oh, and the ones who are hurting for some money to help their businesses,” Molly said, as if mentally going down a list of the type of men McCoys usually married.

  Apple smiled so big that her cheeks began to hurt. “Naturally. We love helping our fellow man.”

  “I think we’re good, Molly,” Preston said.

  As soon as Molly walked away to put in their order, Apple turned her attention to him. “See.”

  Preston’s jaw worked. “Yeah, I see, but I didn’t think McCoy women such as yourself allowed anyone to dictate to them what they can and cannot do.”

  “It’s a delicate balance. Besides, what would the woman here do if every single McCoy woman decided that the men of Jessamine were to their liking for more than just a fling?” Gosh, she sounded like a conceited fool, but she wasn’t going to pretend like she didn’t come from a family blessed with charm and good looks.

  “They’d get the hell over it. Y’all don’t have magical powers, sweetheart, and no matter how good in bed any of you are rumored to be, it takes more than that to maintain a relationship longer than it takes for the sheets to cool.”

  “Are you defending me?” It was absurd. She didn’t need defending. She didn’t need anyone at all, but gosh, it felt so good.

  He nodded. “I am.”

  Her heart fluttered for what had to be the fiftieth time around him. “Careful, Preston, or I’m liable to think you’re falling for me.”

  He smirked a little. “Or you’re liable to fall for me.”

  Her cheeks heated because it was exactly what she was doing every time they were together, and she was doing nothing to stop it. Nothing to discourage it. This was date number three, and they were supposed to go to Jessamine’s Downtown Expo this Friday.

  She frowned. Maybe she should cancel.

  “I know that look. It’s not happening. We’re adults who enjoy spending time together. Everyone else can deal with it or not. I don’t care.” He reached across the table and grabbed her hand. “We’re still on for Friday night.”

  Eyes rounding, she sputtered, “Wh-what do you think you’re doing?”

  “Holding your hand.”

  “Why?” She looked from left to right so fast that her head threatened to spin.

  “I figured I’d try it out.”

  Everyone, it seemed, was looking at them. Yes, she could be slightly prone to over-exaggerating, but at this moment, it felt like a spotlight was on their booth.

  “Like an experiment?”

  “I wanted to do it, so I did it. You don’t like holding my hand?”

  Yes, she adored holding his hand. Adored it so much that it was all she could do to maintain a calm façade. “It’s very... nice.”

  “I’m proud of you,” he said. “You told the truth and didn’t burst into flames.”

  “Har-har.” She twisted her lips. “I’m not a liar.”

  “Only to yourself. Until today.” He let go of her hand just as Molly came by their table with drinks.

  “You two are adorable, trying to make everyone talk. But don’t you worry, I’ll be sure to spread it around that y’all are just friends.”

  “Don’t forget to add we’re good friends who like to go out together and hold hands,” Preston said.

  Apple’s mouth nearly fell open, but she sipped on her drink instead.

  Molly cleared her throat, her eyes huge. “I don’t think that will help.”

  “But it would be the truth instead of a rumor,” Preston said, his face serious. “You know how those get started, right? By people who have nothing better to do than worry about everyone but themselves.”

  “Oh, totally. I can’t stand people like that.” Molly laughed thinly. “Let me go check on your orders.”

  Apple studied him for a moment. �
��If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were trying to pull a fast one on me, Preston Lawson.”

  “Then it’s a damn good thing you know better.” He lifted his drink. “To good friends.”

  She quickly picked up her glass and clinked it against his, but didn’t echo his toast. For once, okay, so maybe more than once or even a half dozen times, she didn’t know how to respond. So she did what she always did when things got too personal—make stupid remarks that did nothing to help.

  “I think Molly likes you.”

  He gave her an odd look. “She’s nice.”

  “I mean she wants to go out with you, but is waiting on you to ask her.” And she seems the type who would be your type as well.

  “Would you care if I asked her out?”

  She shook her head. “Not at all.”

  “Good to know.” He looked at her, his Lawson blue eyes without their usual twinkle.

  “Isn’t it? Friends help each other out like that. ”

  Preston’s mouth turned thin, but he didn’t say anything as Molly placed their meals in front of them. He still didn’t saying anything while they ate and Molly checked on them either. It was the most uncomfortable non-date date she’d ever had. She had to fix it... somehow.

  “Thanks for the company.” Preston stood. “I’ll take care of the bill.”

  “You don’t have to do that,” she started to protest, but he’d already walked away.

  Molly hurried over to their table. “Everything okay?”

  “Everything’s just fine. I gave him some dating advice, but he wasn’t happy about it. You know how men can be.”

  “Who does he want to date?” Molly asked hopefully.

  “He didn’t say, but I couldn’t help but notice how he smiled at you.” Apple wanted to puke as she told that lie.

  Molly’s face lit up. “He smiled at me?”

  Of course he did—Preston smiles at everyone. “Yes.”

  “This is, like, the highlight of my day. Thank you so much!” Molly beamed at Apple, then practically skipped away.

  Apple was pretty sure the highlight of her own day had already happened and the rest of it would go back to craptastic.

  Chapter Five

  Nights off from work were supposed to be relaxing, but Preston felt anything but relaxed. He’d tried working out, eating a big dinner, drinking a couple of beers, and had even watched two episodes of Star Trek reruns.

  Nothing—absolutely nothing—worked, so he texted Elijah.

  Preston: Anything I can do?

  Elijah: Nope.

  Preston: Everyone showed up for their shift?

  Elijah: Yes.

  Preston: I could do payroll.

  Elijah: Already covered.

  His phone rang, and he answered it.

  “Look, we’ve been running on a soft open for almost a year now and the bar is practically running itself. The kinks have been worked out. Honestly, you did it all for eight months before I was able to move back. Consider the next few months a paid vacation.”

  Preston couldn’t help but smile. “I’m not used to not working.”

  “Did you turn in your notice at County?”

  “Yeah, gave it to Mike this morning. He wasn’t happy, but I didn’t burn any bridges either,” Preston said.

  “Good to hear.”

  “Elijah, I can’t take off for the next few months. It’s just not in me.”

  “Alright. I’ll put you on the schedule for this week.”

  “I’m not available Friday night.”

  His cousin laughed. “Thought you wanted to work?”

  “Already have plans.”

  “Can you come in tomorrow night?”

  “Yeah, I’ll be there.”

  After ending the call, Preston took a chance on texting Apple. Yeah, their lunch date hadn’t ended well, but that didn’t mean he had to continue to give her the cold shoulder.

  Preston: Are you at work?

  To his surprise, she replied right away.

  Apple: No, but I am working from home.

  Preston: Anything interesting?

  Apple: Considering offers on the paper.

  Preston: That was quick.

  Apple: When my mind is made up, my mind is made up.

  Preston: When you’re finished, why don’t you come over and I’ll make dessert?

  Apple: Of course you would bake.

  He chuckled.

  Preston: Doesn’t everyone?

  Apple: No, but they should. I’ll be over in fifteen minutes. Anything I can bring?

  Preston: Just yourself.

  Apparently, he hadn’t screwed up their lunch date too badly.

  Exactly fifteen minutes later, his doorbell rang. He slipped the carrot cake into the oven and headed to the front door, opening it quickly.

  Apple stood there, an uncertain smile on her face. “I didn’t realize how close we lived to one another.”

  “Did you walk here?” he asked, not exactly thrilled with the thought. Sure, Jessamine was mostly safe, but it would be dark by the time she left and a woman walking all alone at night didn’t set well with him.

  “Yes.”

  “I’ll take you home later.” He stepped back. “Come inside.”

  “Thanks for inviting me over.” She breezed past him, her perfume wafting over him. Man, she smelled good. “After our lunch ended, I wasn’t sure if you would speak to me again.”

  Trust her to get down to the brass tacks. “I wasn’t sure you would talk to me again either.” He shut the door and scooted around her. “Thought I’d ruined our friendship.” He hated using that word, but it was what she wanted. If it was all he could get from her for the time being, he’d take it.

  “I’m not that easily offended.” She turned to face him, the glow from the lights in the foyer highlighting her pretty face. “I am, however, embarrassed by my cousin’s behavior today and my subsequent reaction to it... and Molly.”

  “Molly’s not interested in me?”

  She gave him a look. “Yes, she is.”

  “Too bad because I’m not interested in her, no matter how much I smiled.”

  Apple’s cheeks heated. “Already heard about that, huh?”

  “Bailey told Lucas, who texted me. Apparently, I’m banned from Yates’ Diner now.”

  “Why?”

  “They don’t want their horndog of a cousin to make one of their best waitresses mad.”

  “That’s just ridiculous. I’ll have a talk with Bailey and straighten everything out.” Apple’s eyes flashed with anger. “They had no right to ban you. You did nothing wrong.”

  “This isn’t how I envisioned our conversation going,” he said, taking her hand and leading her to the living room. He noticed she didn’t pull away from him right away.

  “How did you envision it?” she asked lightly.

  “I thought you’d cuss me up one side and down the other for being a jerk.”

  “What a coincidence, I thought you’d do the same.” She grinned, taking his breath away. “Looks like we surprised each other.”

  “Looks like it.” He indicated that she should sit down, but neither of them moved. “I think if people could see us right now, they would be surprised too. I’m not acting like a frat boy and you’re not being...”

  “A bitch.”

  “Quit being so critical and harsh.”

  “It’s okay, Preston. I am bitch. Sometimes on purpose and other times...” She took a deep breath. “I’m that way to keep people away.”

  “Noooo. I’m shocked,” he said in a deadpan voice, making her finally let go of his hand so she could punch his shoulder.

  “It’s not nice to make fun of a lady confessing her shortcomings.”

  He could no more stop himself from touching her face than he could stop breathing. “I wouldn’t make fun of you when you’re vulnerable.” He caressed her smooth cheek, and he felt her breath hitch. “But I like teasing you. It seems to put you at ease.”


  “There you go again,” she said softly. “Stop trying to make me fall for you.”

  “What if I don’t want to stop trying?”

  “What about us being friends?”

  He licked his lips, wanting to kiss her so badly that he could taste it. “We can have both.” He dipped his head. To his everlasting relief, she didn’t move away from him. “We can still be friends.”

  “No, we can’t.” Apple moved at the last minute, just out of reach of kissing territory and he swallowed a groan of disappointment. “You witnessed firsthand what Molly thought about us... together. She won’t be alone in that sentiment.”

  “Stop making excuses, Apple. I told you I don’t give a damn about what people think.”

  “But I do. I have a reputation to maintain, traditions to uphold, and I can’t let someone like you get in the way of that. So, if you think enough of me, continue to be my friend, Preston.”

  A heartbeat later, she added, “Please.”

  That damn please all but unmanned him. It was so sincere, so raw. He couldn’t tell her no.

  “All right, but you can’t set me up with other women or tell them I’m interested in them... or smiled at them.”

  “Fair enough. Are we good now?”

  He nodded. “Right back where we started.”

  “Hopefully not that far back. I used to avoid talking to you.”

  “I know, but you started coming around my way.”

  She shrugged. “I do get bored every now and then.”

  “Gee, thanks. Can I get you something to drink?” he asked, walking to the kitchen.

  “Tea, if you have it.”

  “Coming right up.” He made two glasses, checked on the cake, and then moved to the living room again. “I made a carrot cake, but it will be a while before it’s ready to eat.”

  “Thank you,” she said as he handed her the glass of iced tea. “Your place is nice. Great view of the Pamlico.”

  “Your views are better.”

  “That’s only because I’m on the top floor.”

  “Do you ever want to move out of Jessamine?” he asked, finally sitting down.

  She joined him a second later, toeing off her shoes and curving her legs to one side on his sofa. He liked the fact that she felt comfortable enough to get comfy.

  “Sometimes, but it’s a lot easier to manage the paper when you live in the same building.”