Renting to Own

by Linda Rettstatt

  When they were both finished and the dishes cleared, the lights in the cabin dimmed.

  Lily’s eyes widened.

  “The dim lighting makes it easier to see the stars. Look out there.” Beau suggested they move to the sofa.

  Lily settled next to him and turned to look through the porthole sized window. “It’s breathtaking.”

  “That it is. Now you know why I like it up here. It’s peaceful.” He took her hand. “Lily, I can’t help but notice you seem tense. Is it me, or do you not like flying?”

  “I’m sorry. I haven’t dated much. Not since Chelsea was born, and…”

  “You must have married and divorced very young.”

  “Oh, Chelsea’s father and I never married. We were young, he was in college.” She felt trapped in his gaze. “I was nineteen when she was born. It’s just been the two of us, mostly, ever since.”

  “I’m sorry if I moved too fast. I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable.”

  “No, you didn’t.” Oh, great. Now he thinks I want him to kiss me again.

  As if reading her mind, Beau leaned forward, reaching for her hands. He lifted each one and kissed the palm. Then he covered her mouth with his. She felt the same delicious warmth spread through her again. Her palms flattened against his muscular chest. One of his hands cupped her cheek and the other slid around her back, drawing her nearer.

  He broke off the kiss and trailed his lips down her neck. Lily dropped her head back, relishing the sensation his mouth was causing. Her body came to life under his kisses, his touch in a way she had never experienced. But when he cupped her breast, the heat searing through the fabric of her dress, she caught her breath and drew back. “Beau….”

  He stopped all movement and stared into her eyes. “I’m not going to like this, am I?”

  “I need to slow down a little.”

  “I can do slow.” He released her breast, caressing her arm.

  Lily lifted her hand and glanced at her watch. “Oh, wow. It’s almost ten o’clock. Shouldn’t we be low on fuel by now?”

  Beau laughed. “We have enough fuel for another couple of hours, but I’ll tell the pilot to head back to the field.”

  “Thanks.” She sat alone, staring out at the starlit sky. Lonely—maybe that’s what I feel. She shivered and folded her arms together.

  Beau returned and sat, facing her, one leg bent beneath him. He reached out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. His finger lingered on her earlobe. “I really do like you, Lily. And I think we could be good together.” He inched closer. “In the meantime, how about dessert before we land?”

  “Beau, I don’t think we…”

  Holding up a hand, he said, “I meant that in the literal sense.”

  The chef appeared carrying a tray holding two plates, each bearing a slice of marbled cheesecake topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries. He served the dessert and returned with two cups of coffee, setting them on the cocktail table that separated the chairs. “Will there be anything else?”

  “No. Thank you.” Beau smiled at Lily. “Bon appétit.”

  Embarrassed by her own assumption, she forked off a piece of cheesecake with a strawberry. The whipped cream melted in her mouth. “Mmm. This is delicious.”

  Beau set his plate on the table and leaned forward, holding his napkin. “Here, you’ve got strawberry sauce right there.” He dabbed at the corner of her mouth. Removing his hand, he leaned closer until his lips brushed hers.

  The shiver that rolled down her spine could have been measured on the Richter scale.

  “There. All better.” He grinned.

  She looked into his eyes and thought how much they resembled the stars outside.

  He took her silence as invitation and kissed her again, this time cupping her chin in his hand. With his free hand, he took the plate from her and set it on the table.

  As much as she wanted to resist, her body craved his touch. His kiss became more insistent, and she felt her lips part, his tongue probing hers. Warmth spread across her belly. When his fingers brushed her breast, she gasped and pulled back. “Beau. Stop, please. I can’t.”

  “Why not?” he whispered, his lips brushing her temple.

  She swallowed hard. “I have so much to consider before I get involved with anyone. I have to think about Chelsea. We’re kind of a packaged deal, you know?”

  “I can see that. And she’s a cute kid.”

  “She is.” Lily grinned. “She also demands time, attention, care. You’re a good guy.”

  He raised an eyebrow. “But?”

  “You barely acknowledged Chelsea when you came to pick me up.”

  “I’m not used to kids, but I can learn.”

  Lily nodded. “I’m sure you can.”

  “Besides, she’s fine. She’s with Rick. Up here it’s just you and me.”

  “And a cast of thousands. What about the pilot? The chef? Good ol’ Wally?”

  He nuzzled her neck. “They know to stay put.”

  His words hit her like a thunderbolt. “They know to stay put? This is your routine? You bring all your dates up here?”

  “This isn’t a routine. But they respect my privacy. Come on, Lily. You’re not an innocent fourteen-year-old.”

  She shrank back from him, feeling as if she had misjudged Walker Beaumont. “I want to go home—now.”

  “I thought there was a connection between us.”

  “There could be. I’m not sure I’m ready for whatever it is you want.”

  “You don’t know what I want.”

  “If that kiss was any indication, I do. I’m sorry. I thought this was a friendly date. Not a date date. You’re moving way too fast for me.”

  He exhaled. “Okay. If I promise to slow down, can I see you again?”

  “Will we stay on the ground?”

  “Both feet, firmly planted. Cross my heart.” He crossed his fingers on his chest.

  “Maybe. Can I think about it?”

  “Sure. I’m sorry I spoiled the evening for you.”

  She shook her head. “No. You didn’t. It was a delicious meal, and the view is spectacular. I’m just not ready to dive into a relationship or anything.”

  He stood and picked up the coffee cups. “I’ll stow these before we land, in case we hit a bump.”

  Lily thought they already had. She turned and stared out at the night sky. The wing landing lights came on, blotting out the stars. She swallowed hard. Confusion swirled in her head. Beau’s kiss was sweet and stirred feelings she’d locked away. His touch had ignited an urgency that both thrilled her and scared her just a little. If she were to be completely honest, she had, at one point, considered taking his hand and leading him back to that big, comfy-looking bed in the tail section.

  But now her thoughts kept returning to Rick. She wanted to go home, sit on the sofa, and tell Rick how beautiful the sky looked from up there, listen to his laugh as he told her about some funny thing Chelsea had said or done that evening. It figures. Two guys, and I’m falling for the one who’s not interested.

  *

  Beau walked Lily to her door. “Are we on for another date, or are you still thinking about it?”

  She grinned. “You could call me again.”

  “I take it that’s a good sign?”

  “I didn’t jump from the plane or leap from a still-moving vehicle, run inside, and lock the door. Yeah, that’s a good sign.” She was ready for something, just not at jet speed.

  He smiled, and her heart tripped. She looked into his eyes and at his full lips. She closed her eyes as he bent and pressed them to hers. No force in this kiss. He hugged her, and she felt his breath in her ear. “Thanks for a second chance, Lily.”

  “You’re welcome. I have to go inside now.”

  She opened the door and looked back to watch Beau amble to the car and pull away from the curb.

  From the living room, Letterman gave his top ten list on the TV. Lily rounded the corner. Rick stretch
ed out with his ankles propped on the bottom of the too-short sofa. Chelsea lay tucked close against him, her head resting on his arm. Pepper curled beneath Rick’s elevated legs. All three slept soundly. Upon closer inspection, Lily saw that Rick wore blue eye shadow and her Positively Pink lipstick.

  She moved closer and Chelsea’s eyelids fluttered. “Hi, Mommy.”

  “Shhh. You’ll wake Rick. Come on, let’s go upstairs, and I’ll tuck you in.”

  Chelsea slid from the sofa and picked up the cat. “Did you have fun, Mommy?” she whispered as she followed Lily up the stairs.

  “Yes. I’ll tell you about it tomorrow. Looks like you wore Rick out.” She handed Chelsea a nightgown and pulled down the covers on the bed. “Go to the bathroom and brush your teeth.

  Chelsea did as she was told and then bounced back into the bedroom. “We had fun. Rick let me play make-up with him.”

  “I noticed. Blue shadow is a good color for him. You have quite an eye. Now, you go back to sleep.” She kissed Chelsea’s forehead and turned off the lamp.

  “Mommy, is Rick going to sleep over?”

  “Oh, no. No, honey. He’s going home tonight.”

  “But he’s already asleep.”

  “Don’t worry. He’ll be awake in a minute. Goodnight.”

  When Lily returned to the living room, Rick sat up and stretched. “You’re home.”

  “Yup. Looks like you two had quite an evening. I just took Chels upstairs and tucked her in.”

  “Sorry. I know I should’ve put her to bed earlier.”

  She laughed. “I wish I had a camera.”

  “Why?”

  “Because Positively Pink is a great color on you.”

  His touched his lip and looked at his fingertips. “Oh. I hope you don’t mind. We ran out of movies, and I was a little tired of dressing and undressing Barbie—so to speak.”

  “Want something to drink before you go?” Lily headed to the kitchen.

  “Sure, and I want to hear all about your evening.”

  “No, you don’t.”

  “Uh-oh. Something you don’t care to share?” He waggled his eyebrows.

  The eye shadow made him look even more ridiculous, and Lily laughed harder. “You have to wash that make-up off your face. I can’t have a serious conversation with you when you look like that.”

  “We’re going to have a serious conversation? Well, in that case…” He ripped a paper towel from the roll above the sink and dampened it, rubbing it across his eyelids and lips. “Better?”

  “A little. Coffee or soda?”

  “I’ll have what you’re having.”

  “One cup of decaf coming up.” Lily filled the coffee maker and hit the on button. “I appreciate you staying with Chelsea tonight. God, it’s been so long since I’ve been on a date, I didn’t know what to do with myself.”

  Rick grinned. “As I recall, when on a date you shouldn’t have to do anything with yourself.”

  Recalling Beau’s lips on hers, his hands exploring, heat filled her face. “You know what I meant. We had dinner somewhere over Lake Erie.”

  “Over?”

  “Beau’s jet.”

  “The man has class. I have to get me one of those. I hear they’re a real babe magnet.”

  “I prefer dinner on solid ground.” She poured two cups of coffee and set them on the table. “I guess Chelsea didn’t overdo it on the pizza and ice cream.”

  “No, she was fine. She’s a great kid, Lily. You’ve done a fantastic job as a single parent.”

  “Thank you. So…”

  “So, Chels was telling me about a new Disney movie opening this weekend. I kind of promised to take her.”

  “Are you asking my permission to take my four-year-old daughter on a movie date?” She grinned.

  “I’m hoping you’ll join us. I’m good with kids in a controlled environment, but they scare me a little out there. Sunday afternoon?”

  “Okay, so you already promised Chelsea. Again, if I say no, I’m the bad guy. You have to get this parent thing down, Rick. You always ask the parent first.”

  “Aha. I’ll try to remember that next time.” He stood and set his empty cup in the sink. “But we’re on for Sunday, right?”

  She followed him to the front door. “See you then. Thanks again.”

  Lily closed the door and watched him through one of the narrow windows. All of a sudden she had two men in her life, both coming and going on the same evening. One of them stirred primitive feelings in her, reminding her how sweet it felt to make love, to be made love to. The other made her feel at home, warm and safe and comfortable. She wasn’t sure which feeling she preferred. One would have served her nicely in the immediate, but the other held a promise she longed for.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chelsea started out in the theater seat between Lily and Rick. Five minutes after the movie began, she climbed into Rick’s lap. Lily moved over to hold the large bucket of popcorn they all shared. Midway through the movie, Chelsea leaned back against Rick’s chest, her head resting under his chin. He glanced at Lily, grinned, and then reached for popcorn. Lily observed the contentment on her daughter’s face. She knew she would have to have a talk with Rick about Chelsea’s growing affection for him. It wouldn’t be good for her to become too attached.

  They exited the theater and Lily squinted into the bright sunlight.

  Rick looked at his watch. “Too early for dinner. How about the park?”

  “Yes. Can we, Mommy? Pleeeease?” Chelsea tugged on Lily’s hand.

  “That’s a good idea. I need to talk to Rick about something, anyway.”

  He looked at her with raised brows. “Sounds serious.”

  “We can talk while Chelsea plays.”

  When they reached the small park near the center of town, Lily found a bench within yards of the playground area. “Don’t leave my sight,” she ordered her daughter.

  “I won’t. Can Rick come and push me on the swing?”

  “In a few minutes. You go ahead. Play on the monkey bars.”

  She watched Chelsea skip across the grass and strike up a conversation with another little girl.

  Rick sat on the bench and patted the seat next to him. “What’s on your mind?”

  “I’m concerned about you and Chelsea.”

  “You…huh?”

  “She’s getting attached to you. I’m worried about what will happen when you’re not in her life any more. She’s starting to see you as a father figure.”

  “Why wouldn’t I be in her life any longer?”

  “You could meet someone, decide to get married, have your own kids.”

  “Whoa, whoa. Stop. I’m not planning to get married and have kids—my own or someone else’s. But, I can see your point.” He gazed off to where Chelsea swung from metal rings. “I didn’t mention this before because I didn’t think it was all that important, but….”

  “But?”

  “The other night when I watched Chelsea while you were out with Beau, she wanted to play house. She said I should be the daddy, and she’d be my little girl. I just thought it was a game, but… she talked about what a daddy should do. One of the things she said was, ‘A daddy’s always there when you wake up and to tuck you in when you go to bed.’ Then she said, ‘Some day, I hope I have a daddy.’ I have to say, it nearly broke my heart.”

  Lily’s throat constricted. She bit her lip and looked across the playground at her daughter. “I try so hard, you know. But I can’t be everything for her.” Her voice quivered as she spoke.

  “You’re a great parent.”

  “That’s just it—I’m a parent. She needs two, and I can’t give her that.”

  “You never know. What about Beau?”

  She shook her head. “You saw the way he acted when I introduced them. It was as if he wanted her to be invisible. Beau’s a nice guy, but he’s definitely not father material.”

  “Give him a chance.” He stared across the park. “Is he husband mate
rial?”

  “This isn’t about me. I want you to pull back a bit with Chelsea. Slowly. I can’t let her get set up for a fall.”

  “I understand.” He checked the time. “Is dinner okay, or would you prefer to cancel?”

  “That may be best.” She met his gaze. “I don’t want you to think I’m not grateful for all you’ve done for us. Not every boss would let me bring my four-year-old to work every afternoon. I’m going to see about arranging after-school care so she won’t be at the office so much.”

  “You mean, so she won’t be around me every day.”

  “It’s not you. I hope you know that.”

  “I know.” He stood and adjusted his sunglasses. “I guess I’d better give her a push on the swing before we leave.”

  Disappointment nudged at Lily. Clearly, Rick had a lifetime membership in the bachelorhood club. She watched him stride across the playground, dodging darting bodies and an errant football. Chelsea ran to him, grabbing his hand and pulling him toward the swings. The smile on her face made Lily’s heart crack in two. It also brought back a memory of her father when he’d come home from work, and she’d meet him and drag him toward the swing he’d hung in the oak tree of their front yard. She heard her own voice echoed by her daughter: “Push me higher, Rick. Higher.”

  A few minutes later, Chelsea ran ahead of him, shouting, “Can we go to Chuck E. Cheese?”

  “We can’t, honey. Rick’s going to take us home, and I’ll make you pizza.”

  “But you said we could go to dinner.” She shifted her frown from Lily to Rick.

  Rick bent down to face the child. “I’m sorry, Shortstop.” He glanced up at Lily. “I got a phone call, and I have to take care of some business. Maybe another time?”

  “Okay. Tomorrow?”

  “I…uh…”

  Lily interceded. “Perhaps next weekend.”

  When they reached the driveway, Chelsea unfastened her seatbelt and leaned between the front seats. “G’bye, Rick. Thank you.” She kissed him on the cheek.

  “You’re welcome. I’m glad you had fun. I did, too.” His voice sounded thick. His eyes met Lily’s and, for a second, she saw a glimmer of a new emotion—Sadness? Disappointment?