“None of that means she’s a whore, Aunt Grace,” Lex admonished, clearly frustrated on Hope’s behalf.
“I know that, honey. I was just painting the scenario of what some of the busybodies in town are going to latch onto in order to make Hope’s life miserable. We need to get in front of this. The sooner the better,” Grace said.
“I agree, but other than putting out a press release that probably no one will read, I’m not sure how to go about that,” Hope said.
“Leave it to me.” Lex popped up off the couch.
“What are you going to do?” Hope eyed her with suspicion.
“Don’t worry about it. I’ve got this. You just worry about Lucas and how you’re going to fix the mess you’re in.” She leaned down and hugged Hope.
They watched as Lex made her way back to the kitchen.
“What do you think she’s up to?” Hope asked Grace.
“I bet she puts her circle to work on exposing Peggy Pitsman,” Grace said. “Peggy was the mean mom when Lex was in school. She was the president of the PTA before she decided to be an event planner. Anyway, she was always trying to make sure her daughter was at the center of everything, even if it meant taking opportunities away from other kids. My bet is that Lex and Jackson would just love a reason to put her in her place.”
As lovely as that sounded, Hope didn’t want the situation to get any worse. She got up and joined Lex at the kitchen counter. “Hey, I just wanted to make sure we’re on the same page about this accusation that’s been lobbed at me.”
“Okay. Shoot.” Lex, who was a trained chef, was already busy chopping vegetables for the dinner she was making for Grace and Owen.
“You’re not going to do anything crazy, are you? Like try to get revenge on Peggy Pitsman for being a total raging bitch?”
Lex let out a bark of laughter. “Are you saying you don’t want to see Peggy go down in flames?”
“No. I’d love to see that. I just don’t want the situation to get worse. I can’t help but imagine both of us ending up on a daytime talk show explaining how we were both arrested for having a cat fight over something stupid like the last helium tank at the party supply store.”
Lex paused her chopping and cast Hope an evil smile. “Trust me, Hope. By the time we’re done with Peggy, she won’t dare to speak your name, much less roll around with you on the dirty tile floor for some helium.”
“Holy hell.” Hope closed her eyes and took in a deep breath. “Please just don’t let me end up on the news again. And for goodness sake, don’t go all Tonya Harding on her flat butt.”
“Tonya Harding?” Lex asked, looking confused.
“You know. The figure skater whose husband went after another skater and took her knee out before a huge competition? They were both Olympians.” When Lex didn’t respond, Hope said, “Never mind. I’m obviously showing my age. The rules are: Don’t physically attack her, don’t lie, and don’t do anything that will cause me to end up on the news again. Got it?”
“No lies? Really?” Lex asked, sounding exasperated. “After the lies she spread about you?”
“That’s just not my lane,” Hope said. “Hit her hard with stuff she’s actually done. Not fake news.”
Lex’s eyes glinted as she grinned at Hope. “If dirty laundry is on the table, then don’t you worry about one thing. We’ve got this covered. And man, it’s going to be sweet. She was downright hateful to me and Jackson when we were in school. It’s going to feel good to bring her down a notch or three.”
“I think I’ve created a monster,” Hope mumbled. She retreated to the living room, finding Grace where she’d left her. “What should I do about Lucas?”
“Isn’t it obvious?” Grace asked.
“Uh, clearly it isn’t. Otherwise I wouldn’t be standing in your living room asking you for advice.”
“Go find him. Apologize. Do what you have to in order for him to take you out again tonight, and then get naked again. Only this time, do it in a bed instead of the Pacific Ocean.”
Hope started to object, but Grace put her hand up, stopping her.
“If you want to make this right, you have to go apologize. The naked part is optional, depending on how it goes.”
She was right. Not about the naked part, but about the apology. She did need to go talk to him. And the sooner the better.
“I think I know where he is,” Hope said, more to herself than to her friend.
“Good. Go get him.” Grace stood. “Now, I need to help my niece make that meal so I won’t be lying when I tell Owen I made it.”
Hope chuckled and then left to go find her man.
Chapter Eighteen
It didn’t take long for Hope to find Lucas. He was right where he always went when he was troubled. The breeze ruffled her hair as she walked up the wooden stairs that led to the Premonition Pointe lighthouse that was located on the south side of town.
He was leaning against the railing, staring out at the churning sea. “I wondered if you’d come find me here.”
“Where else would I go?” Hope asked.
He shrugged. “On your date with the surfer?”
“After last night? It was never going to happen.” Hope spotted the head of a seal popping up out of the water, and she silently pointed it out to him.
He nodded, indicating that he saw the seal. Then he glanced at her. “He didn’t seem to know the date was off.”
“That’s my fault.” She gave him a small smile. “I not only forgot to cancel, I completely forgot I’d even agreed to the date. I’m sure that makes me a horrible person, but you see, the guy I had dinner with last night has been occupying my thoughts.”
Lucas let out a grunt and thought, What I wouldn’t give to hear what’s going on in that head of yours.
Hope placed her hand over his and squeezed. “Are you sure about that?”
He didn’t even look at her as he answered, “Yes.”
Gods, she loved that it didn’t bother him that she could sometimes hear his thoughts. A sense of peace washed over her. How did she get so lucky to have people in her life that just accepted her new invasive ability? People who loved her so unconditionally that this change in her life hadn’t fazed them in the least. “First off, I’ve been regretting my decision to go skinny-dipping instead of just taking you back to my place last night.”
He turned his hand over and tightened his fingers over hers. “Is that because the entire town is talking about our antics?”
Hope chuckled. “No. I don’t really care if they know I’ve been splashing around naked with you. But it would’ve made my life easier, and I’d probably be a lot more relaxed.” She winked at him.
“There’s no probably about it,” he said with a chuckle. “What else is going on in that head of yours? I can practically feel the tension rolling off of you.”
She sighed heavily. “It appears there’s a nasty rumor going around that I trade sexual favors for business opportunities. I had three clients cancel on me today. So imagine my chagrin at the fact that I’m doing the time without ever having done the crime.”
“There’s a rumor that you’re what?” Lucas’s expression went from shocked to downright pissed. “Who started this rumor?”
“I’m pretty sure it was Peggy Pitsman. She’s bitter that most of the town comes to me to organize their events. The accidental press conference today didn’t help any.”
“Damn, Hope. I’m so sorry.” He turned and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her in close. “I wouldn’t have suggested skinny-dipping last night if I’d known this would happen.”
“It’s not your fault. Honestly, I don’t think anyone would’ve cared if it hadn’t been for that damned rumor.” She leaned her head against his shoulder.
“What can I do?” he asked, brushing his lips over her cheek.
“Take me out tonight? It turns out that my calendar is suddenly free.”
His hold on her tightened and he tucked her head under his chin.
“I’d be thrilled. What time should I pick you up?”
“Six.”
“You got it.” He dipped his head, and when his lips met hers, Hope's entire body melted right into him. The rest of her life might have been falling apart around her, but this thing with Lucas? For whatever reason, it just felt right. Like maybe they were going to finally figure out how to make it work.
* * *
Lucas held Hope’s hand as they walked Main Street of Premonition Pointe. They’d already had dinner at an intimate Italian place, and they’d decided to head to Bird’s Eye Bakery for dessert. Hope was craving their blackberry pie, and Lucas had been all too willing to grab a piece of key lime pie.
“How does it feel to be back in your hometown after living in the city for so long?” Hope asked him.
“Honestly, it’s a relief.” His eyes crinkled with amusement. “Isn’t it funny how what you think you need often turns out to be completely irrelevant?”
Hope frowned at him. “I’m not sure I understand what you’re getting at.”
“Just that I imagined my life would be complete once I finally proved that I could make it as a furniture designer. Or when I was first featured in a design magazine. Or even when I started receiving invitations to exclusive parties with celebrity chefs and D-list actors.”
“Are you trying to make me feel bad about myself or something?” Hope asked with a laugh. “Because literally none of that has happened for me.”
“You made it as a gallery owner and then again as an event planner,” he countered.
“Well, those aren’t exactly the same. Anyone could do that if they put their mind to it.”
“But you managed to do both very well. We both know how hard it is to grow and maintain a successful business. You are exceptional at what you do, Hope, and since I’m a client, I’d know.”
She rolled her eyes. “I still think you’re biased. Anyway, go on with what you were saying. You’ve made it and are an important furniture designer. You’re in high demand by important people, and yet you still don’t feel like your life is complete. Why is that? What’s missing?”
“Someone to share it with.” He cast her a glance and gave her his sexy half smile that always made her bones melt.
“That’s pretty cliché, don’t you think?” she asked, trying to keep from losing her mind. This conversation had taken a turn she hadn’t expected. Though maybe she should have. It wasn’t like he’d been shy about his intentions since he’d arrived back in town.
“It’s the truth.” He stopped in front of the bakery and turned to face her. “I’m not saying it was the wrong decision for me to leave town or that it was wrong for you to stay here. We all make choices that shape who we become. I don’t know what life I’d be living if I’d stayed here. Maybe I’d have become resentful or ended up in a job I hated. Or maybe I’d have married you, and we would’ve had four kids and just be sending the last one off to college.”
“Kids?” Hope shook her head, and her stomach felt as if she’d swallowed a boulder. “I meant it when I told you I wasn’t interested in kids. That hasn’t changed. Is that what you’re going on about? Do you regret not starting a family?”
“No. Not at all. I’m just saying that our life experiences shape us, so I don’t want to live in regret. But what I’ve come to realize is that all of this success I’ve built for myself feels awfully empty when you’re not there to share it with me. I’ve missed the hell out of you, Hope. And if it isn’t clear, I fully intend to repair this relationship and then never let it go again.”
Her breath left her as she stared at him dumbfounded. He’d just laid it all out on the line. The ball was in her court, and she didn’t know what to do with it. Deep in her heart, she knew she wanted the same thing. “I don’t know what to say to that.”
“You don’t have to say anything, Hope. Just be prepared. Because I’m not giving up.”
A slow smile spread across her face as she said, “Okay.”
“Okay? What does that mean?”
“It’s means I’ll be prepared.” She lifted up on her tiptoes and kissed him softly on the lips. “Now let’s go inside. You promised me pie.”
He chuckled. “That I did.” He opened the door for her and added, “After you.”
Chapter Nineteen
By the time Monday rolled around, two more of Hope’s clients had canceled. The local news had run that clip of her admitting to skinny-dipping with Lucas, one of her clients, no less than half a dozen times. Then they’d followed up the story by informing their viewers that Hope had been spotted with Lucas that same night and then again having brunch together on Sunday morning, adding plenty of fuel to the fire.
Still, she didn’t regret a thing. Her evening with Lucas had been perfect. After dessert, he took her home and they sat on her porch, listening to the waves crashing in the distance. He told her stories of his time in Boston, and she talked about closing the art gallery and starting up the event planning business so that she could have more freedom, both with her time and finances. Operating a brick and mortar store had started to wear on her. He’d chuckled and said he understood completely.
She’d considered inviting him in, but after his declaration, she decided it was better to take things slow. She wanted to be one hundred percent sure she was just as ready as he was to commit to their relationship before she started down that path. Sex with him would only cloud her judgment.
Besides, she’d told him, she didn’t want his truck parked out in front of her house all night after the spectacle in the square that day. The last thing she needed was to add credence to the rumors that she was sleeping with her clients. And thank the gods that he hadn’t slept over. She could only imagine what the news would’ve reported had someone spotted his truck the next morning.
Small towns, she thought with disgust. Normally she loved knowing everyone. Having that connection. But some days, she wanted nothing more than for Lucas to whisk her away off to Boston where no one knew her. But she’d never been able to leave home before. What made her think she could do it now? She put the thought out of her mind and headed to her appointment with Skyler. The bright spot of her morning was that he hadn’t canceled. She’d even called to confirm, just to make sure. They had a dog wedding to plan.
* * *
“Hey, hey! Hope. Over here.” Skyler jumped up out of his chair and waved with both hands to get Hope’s attention.
She grinned instantly and chuckled. It wasn’t as if Pointe of View Café was so busy that she wouldn’t have easily found him, but she did enjoy his enthusiasm. The gorgeous designer was wearing plaid pants, a coral shirt, and matching suspenders. “You look amazing,” she said as she leaned in and gave him a quick hug.
“So do you.” He scanned her body, eyeing her critically. “Except I was expecting something a little more risqué considering your reputation.” He gave her an exaggerated wink and then threw his head back and laughed.
“Real cute, Skyler,” she said, rolling her eyes. “Better be careful or pretty soon you’ll be caught up in my rumor mill. Are you sure you want to chance it?”
“Hell, yes. It’s not everyday someone mistakes me for a straight man. That would be a hoot.”
It was her turn to look at him critically. “I’m pretty sure that never happens.”
He grinned. “I like you.”
“I like you, too.”
“Now let me get you something to drink,” he said, already moving toward the counter. “What do you like?”
“You don’t have to do that. I’m usually the one who takes care of—”
“Don’t argue with me, Hope. I’m getting a double vanilla extra whip latte. What are you having?” he insisted, giving her a death glare.
“Caramel mocha.”
“Extra whip?” he asked with one raised eyebrow.
She laughed. “Yes.”
“Thought so.” He spun around and headed to the counter. When he returned, he handed her the largest
coffee mug she’d ever seen and a piece of coffee cake. “I thought you could use a little indulgence today. I know I would if I were you.”
“Are the rumors that bad?” she asked and took a sip of the sweet concoction. “Holy crap, this is going to send me to an early grave, isn’t it?”
“At least you’ll die happy.”
Hope nodded. “Very true. This is delicious. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He took a sip from his own gigantic mug and then leaned forward on his forearms. “What did you do to the wretched Peggy Pitsman?”
Hope held up her hands and shook her head. “Other than be a better event organizer than her, I have no idea.”
“She is one green-eyed monster. You would not believe the stories she was telling about you yesterday. I wanted to scratch her eyes out.” The look on his face was murderous, and Hope almost laughed. She’d only met the man once, and he was already being just as protective as Grace and Lex.
“More sexual favors crap?” Hope asked with a groan.
“Nope. Well, actually yes, she started in on that, but Pete told a story about how he slept his way to the top and didn’t regret it for a second. Then he suggested that she give it a try before she made any judgment calls.” Skyler snorted. “You should’ve seen the look on her face. She looked like she’d just gulped down sour milk.”
Hope could barely hold back a giggle when she asked, “Did he really say that?”
“Which part?” Skyler’s eyes gleamed with amusement.
“The part about sleeping his way to the top and suggesting she try it?”
“Hell, yes. Pete can’t stand snotty bitches like her.”
“Is it true?” she asked, giving him a skeptical look.
Skyler snickered. “Yes and no. Pete did shag his boss before we met, but that’s not why he was promoted. He’s brilliant at what he does. He just wanted to shut her up. Too bad it didn’t work.”
Witching For Hope: Premonition Pointe, Book 2 Page 13
