With her clothes thrown on haphazardly, she picked up her bag, slung it over her shoulder and took her leave.
* * *
Last night, after learning the truth, Drea had finally been free to open her heart and let her emotions fly. Now what she felt for Mason was love. She loved him. She loved him so much the burn of his rejection seared her heart. After the last time he’d rejected her, she should’ve learned her lesson. She should have known it would never work out between the two of them. She’d been a fool, a silly fool for falling in love with a man who was still painfully in love with his dead wife.
He wasn’t a bad man. He wasn’t horrible. He was loyal and true blue. For some reason, she’d been the woman to wake his sexual senses after two years of hibernation. She’d made him come alive and sparked something in him he thought long dead. She would always have that. She’d gotten over Mason once before, and would just have to find a way to do it again.
While her heart bled for a love that would go nowhere, she had to forge on. She had a job to do and that meant dealing with Mason. Her wounds were raw and open, but this project was too important to her. She couldn’t fall apart. She had to maintain, to keep up, appearances.
Drea poured tea into her mother’s favorite hand-painted floral teapot and walked into the dining room to rejoin Lottie. She’d invited the older woman over after Drew left to visit a friend earlier this morning.
Drea’s relationship with her father was still on rocky ground. She hadn’t had a chance to speak to him yet, to clear the air and perhaps try to forgive him. She’d put that on the very long list of things she needed to do.
“Lottie, would you care for more tea?”
“Sure, thank you. It’s delicious. I’m so glad you invited me over. We don’t see enough of each other.”
“I know. I’m sorry. I’ve been superbusy.”
“Mason tells me you’ve been doing a fantastic job.”
At the mention of Mason’s name, she frowned. It was automatic, and she righted herself, but she didn’t fool Lottie. Her eyes softened and she gave Drea a knowing look. “Something tells me this is more than a social visit. You need to talk to me, don’t you, sweetheart?”
Drea nodded, sinking down in the chair. Tears welled in her eyes. “I do.”
“Is it your dad or Mason?”
She smiled halfheartedly. “Both.”
“What is it?”
“I need some direction, Lottie, and I need to tell someone the whole truth. I thought I could tell Mason last night when we were together. Instead we ended up...well, breaking up. Which is so dumb because you actually have to be a couple in order to break up. But we never were, not really.”
“Oh, sweetheart...you love him.”
She nodded. “I do. But he isn’t over Larissa, and maybe he never will be.”
Drea spent the next half hour pouring her heart out. She explained how she knew the truth about Thundering Hills now, and the Boones’ part in all of it. She told Lottie how she’d fought with her father, unable to see the logic in what he’d done, the lies he’d told.
She told Lottie everything, from her infatuation with Mason and his abrupt rejection years ago to how she’d run into the arms of Brad Williamson, conceived a child with him and miscarried. Her scars were finally exposed, and it was brutal revealing all the secrets she’d held inside. All the pain and injury she’d suffered through the years.
Lottie held her hand through most of it, and wiped Drea’s cheeks when tears flooded her face. “I’ve loved Mason, hated him, and now I’m so terribly out of my element I don’t know what to do. Brad is a doctor now and he’s here in Boone Springs for a short time. I’ve spoken to him. He’s a really good guy. I hate that I hurt him. He was ready to marry me, and that would’ve been a big mistake. I didn’t love him. So how can I fault Mason for not loving me, and easing out of our relationship, when I did the same thing to Brad?”
“You know what I think?” Lottie said. “My nephew has been living in the past for far too long. He’s got to get over it.”
Drea sucked in a sob to steady her breath. “No one can make him do that, Lottie.”
“Don’t be so sure about that.” Lottie’s voice took on a mischievous tone. “Will you be joining us for dinner tonight, sweetheart?”
“I have to be there,” she said. She wouldn’t let her queasy stomach stop her from doing her job. The Boones were hosting a dinner for The Band Blue. “It’s the band’s first night in town.”
“Good.”
Drea dabbed at her face with a napkin. She was too busy for any more crying jags. And shedding her burden to Lottie had been the best therapy. At least now someone knew the entire truth. At least Drea had someone to confide in.
Lottie finished her tea and rose. “Don’t you worry about a thing.”
Drea wished she had her confidence. Her life was a total mess. And perhaps most of it was her own fault. That’s what stung the worst.
When Lottie put out her arms, Drea got up and flowed into them. Lottie was warm and soft and welcoming, all the things Drea’s life had been missing. She closed her eyes and absorbed the comfort, missing her mother so very much, but grateful for this woman who had loved them both.
They hugged a good long time, and then Lottie spoke softly. “You’re an amazing woman, Drea. I love you with all of my heart.”
It was the best thing she could’ve said to her. “I love you too, Lottie.”
Lottie pulled away and looked into Drea’s eyes. “Thanks for the tea, sweetheart. I’ll see you tonight.”
“Yes, I’ll be there.” Suddenly Drea felt stronger, a bit more like herself. She had a job to do, and she’d focus on that for the next three days.
* * *
As Lottie exited the cottage, she heard noises coming from the back woodshed. In the past, when Drew had been up to it, he’d built things there. Of course, those days had been few and far between. Now, letting her curiosity get the better of her, Lottie went behind the house to investigate.
She found Drew at a worktable, his jacket slung over an old chair. He must’ve just been dropped off by his friend. She thought it odd that he hadn’t come right into the cottage.
Then she saw him lift a bottle of Jack Daniels from the table, the amber liquid swishing around inside. She had only a moment to react. Only a moment to stop the foolish man from doing something he’d regret later on. “Drew, don’t you dare take a swig of that bottle.”
He jumped and turned around quickly, still clutching the bottle in his hand. “Geesh, woman. You nearly scared me half to death. What are you—” Then he blinked and his eyes darkened as her words finally sank in. He looked from her to the bottle. Then back at her again.
His shoulders slumped and his eyes hardened. “Why in hell would I take a swig of shellac, Lottie Sue Brown?”
Lottie took a better look at the bottle. It said Jack Daniels on the label, but there was a thin strip of masking tape around the center spelling out SHELLAC. “I, uh, it’s just that I know you and Drea had some issues to deal with and I, uh...couldn’t see too well with the morning shadows and all.”
“You think a spat with my daughter would’ve turned me to drink again?” His voice was quiet. “You have no faith in me, Lottie. None at all, and that’s not about to change, is it? Don’t answer. I won’t believe anything you say right now. You want to know what I’m doing with this bottle, which I borrowed, by the way, from my friend Rusty? I’m trying to shine up Drea’s softball trophies to give to her. I never made it to many of the games back then, and these things mean a lot to me now. I’m always looking for ways to make amends with my daughter.”
Lottie had stepped in it now. She’d been quite effectively told off. Oh boy, she’d let preconceived notions about Drew influence her judgment. If only she’d kept her trap shut. If only she’d had more faith in him. He’d been trying to p
rove to her he was a changed man, but now she feared she’d destroyed any trust they had between them. “Oh, Drew. Forgive me. I’m sorry, very sorry.”
He turned away from her. “Lottie, just let me get back to this.”
“But Drew—”
“Go, Lottie. You’ve said enough this morning.”
And suddenly, her heart ached and her stomach burned.
Had one incident of mistrust ruined things with him forever?
Nine
Drea straightened her snow-white, curve-hugging dress and knocked on the front door of the Boone mansion. She was flying solo tonight, her father opting to stay home. They’d had a good long talk this afternoon and had agreed to put the past behind them. She could forgive him for past mistakes, but it would be a long time before she would truly be over it. She loved her dad and he loved her. All they could do was go from there.
She wore red high heel pumps and the silver jewelry she loved so much. The Boones’ housekeeper, Jessica, opened the door and greeted her. It appeared the entire staff was on call tonight. Drea had no idea of the scope of the dinner, but apparently the Boones had invited more than family. The sheriff of Boone County and several hospital administrators were in attendance, as well as the mayor. Mason’s cousins, Rafe, Nash and Cord, were also in attendance. They were part-time cattle ranchers, among other things, and obviously big country and western fans. So of course they were invited to meet the band.
“Drea, you look drop-dead gorgeous,” Risk said, being the first to grab her hand and lead her into the fray. The house was hopping with laughter and music.
“Thank you. Are Sean and the band here yet?”
“Yep, they’re out back. Come with me.” Risk kept a tight hold of her hand as he led her to the poolside area. It was quieter out here and cooler.
“Wow, this is quite a welcome for the band.”
She shivered a bit and Risk took note. “You need a drink to warm you up.”
“I won’t refuse. Just one.”
They wandered over to a bar set up under a pillared deck. “What’ll it be?”
“White wine, please.”
Risk shook his head. “Make that two whiskey sours,” he told the bartender.
“Risk!” She laughed, finally able to let loose with the Boones, finally able to see them for the good men they were. “Why’d you bother to ask me?”
He shrugged. “White wine won’t warm you up, sweetheart. Take it from me. You need something stronger.”
“I do, do I? And why is that?”
He was charming and quite a player.
“Baby, that dress you’re wearing exposes more skin than it covers. Don’t get me wrong, I’m digging it, and I would offer to keep you snuggled tight tonight, but I think my brother would have me hung from the highest rafter.”
She tilted her head and stared at him. Risk handed her the drink, and took his own as he pointed toward Mason, who was standing alone by the side of the house, watching her. She shivered again and glanced away. She couldn’t give in to Mason’s penetrating stares. He’d made up his mind and that was that.
“What’s going on between you two?” Risk asked.
“As of tonight, not a thing,” she answered, drinking deep from her glass.
“Well, in that case,” he said, bending his head and kissing her cheek, “do I get a chance at keeping you warm tonight?”
She smiled at him. “I think the drink you fixed me up with is doing the job.”
“Damn. Should’ve gotten you the white wine, after all,” he replied, and both of them laughed.
After finishing her drink, she walked over to a group conversing with the band. Sean spotted her and broke away from the others. “Hey, Drea. Good to see you.”
“Sean, it’s good to see you, too.”
He hugged her, a shy kind of hug that tickled her to death. She gave him a hug back.
“This is great. The Boones sure know how to do it up, don’t they?”
“Yes, they sure do. I take it you got in okay today? All set up in your hotel?”
“Yep, the hotel is really cool. Alan has no complaints and we’re all happy to be doing this gig.”
“I’m happy, too. Listen, about the Dream Date event, we have it all set. Do you have any questions or concerns? I hope you’ll let me know, since I was the one who kinda got you involved with it.”
“Nope. I have no concerns.”
“That’s fantastic.”
Mason approached, eyeing her before greeting Sean. It was Business with Mason all over again. It didn’t matter that he looked fine, in a form-fitting charcoal suit with no tie, or that his hair was just as she liked it, brushed back with the very tips curling up at the collar. She could do this. She could. She entered into the conversation, smiling, and enjoyed getting to know Sean a little better.
A few minutes later, Sean was pulled away and she was left standing with Mason. “I think everything is ready for the big day,” she said brightly. “I’m confident that, as long as the weather holds, we’ll be able to pull it off.”
Mason eyes were dark and serious, and when he opened his mouth to speak she shook her head immediately. If it wasn’t going to be work talk, she wanted no part of it. “Don’t, Mason. There’s nothing more to say.”
Lottie approached then, looking dazzling in a blue floral chiffon dress, on the arm of...Brad Williamson. Drea was too stunned to utter a word. Brad was smiling at her, looking a little sheepish, as well.
“Hello, you two,” Lottie said. “Mason, I’d like you to meet Dr. Brad Williamson. Brad’s visiting here from the East Coast. He’s a dear friend of Drea’s and so I thought it fitting that he join us tonight. They’ve known each other since college, right, Drea?”
She nodded. “Yes, that’s right.” Wasn’t it just a few hours ago she’d been pouring out her heart to Lottie about Brad, Mason, her father? Goodness, Lottie didn’t let up.
While the two men shook hands, Lottie’s eyes met hers.
“Nice to meet you,” Brad said to Mason. “Drea’s told me all about the fund-raiser. I’m on board. It’s an important thing you’re doing.”
“Thank you. We think so, too,” Mason said. Then he clamped his mouth shut, glancing at her with a question in his eyes.
“Lottie, may I have a word with you?” Drea didn’t know what exactly Lottie had hoped would happen by inviting Brad to the dinner party.
“Oh, uh, I can’t right now. Chef needs me in the kitchen. You three have a nice talk and I’ll see you all later.”
An awkward moment passed. Mason remained tight-lipped.
“Brad, how did you meet Lottie?” Drea asked. It was the question of the day.
Brad looked handsome tonight, dressed in a casual gray suit. His eyes were mesmerizing, almost a transparent blue. “Well, we met at the local bookstore. I was signing copies of my book and we got to talking about the fund-raiser. So when she found out I was a country fan and that I knew you, she invited me. I’m sorry I didn’t run it by you first. You’re okay with this, aren’t you? Since we never did get to have dinner together, I was hoping—”
“It’s perfectly fine, Brad. I’m glad you’re here.”
“Then I’m glad I am, too.” He smiled. “You look...amazing.”
She didn’t dare glance at Mason, but she sensed him stiffening up. “Thank you.”
Drea’s nerves were shot. She was standing between the two men who’d had a major impact in her life and she had no idea what was going on in either of their minds.
Lucky for her, one of the hospital administrators joined the conversation and she was able to slip away leaving the men behind. She walked out the front door and kept on walking. She was on the path to her father’s house, her mind all mixed up. She wasn’t sure where she belonged. Or whom she belonged with. It was dark and the path she traveled was
lit only by moonlight, so when she heard footsteps behind her, she sucked in a breath and turned around. “What are you doing here?” she asked, seeing it was Mason.
“Walking you home,” he said casually, as if he hadn’t just broken her heart last night. As if he had a right to walk her anywhere.
“Not necessary. I’m capable of seeing myself home.”
“You left early.”
“Go away, Mason.” She turned her back on him and resumed walking.
He caught up with her. “Why’d you leave?”
“Maybe because you didn’t.” Oh, that was cruel. She was better than that. She didn’t want to lash out at him. She just wanted some peace.
“Who is he to you?”
So that was it. His ego was bruised. “A friend.”
“Not just a friend. I get the feeling it’s more than that.”
“It’s none of your business, Mason.”
“I say it is.”
She stopped and shook her head, looking into his troubled eyes. It hurt to still feel something for him, to care that he was as frustrated as she was. “You can’t have it both ways.”
He looked puzzled. “Is that what I’m doing?”
“I have no idea what you’re doing. It doesn’t matter anymore. Once the fund-raiser is over, I’ll be leaving, as you already mentioned.”
She pivoted and continued walking. She’d gotten as far as three steps when he looped his arm around her waist, stopping her. He stood behind her, his body inches from hers, his breath at the nape of her neck, and for a minute she allowed herself to remember him, his touch, his kiss, the way he could make her feel unglued, yet whole at the same time. It wasn’t to be. She had to accept it. She untangled herself from his grasp and turned to stare at him.
His arms dropped to his sides, a defeated look on his face. “Drea.”
“I know you still love Larissa. I know you can’t commit, so why don’t we just move on and not torture ourselves this way?”
“Are you moving on with the doctor?”
Texan for the Taking Page 14
