A Little Secret About Love

by Karice Bolton

  He shuddered at the thought and rubbed his eyes in disbelief. Apparently, he’d really managed to let the bachelor life take over, so why would he want to burden Dina with his bad habits?

  The cashier called him up, and he placed an order for two turkey sandwiches with extra cranberry sauce before wandering over to his brother with two Cokes in hand.

  “What are you going to do about her?” Joel asked.

  Sam took a seat and shrugged, unsure if his brother was referring to Dina or Catrina. He felt it was a trick question.

  “Well, I doubt she came here to go hiking and mountain biking, and that’s about all we’ve got to offer at this time of year.” Joel flashed a wicked grin, and Sam suddenly felt relieved that it wasn’t Dina he had to talk about.

  “I don’t know what she’s up to.” Sam shook his head and thought about Catrina. She’d never annoyed him before, but the way she tried to dismiss Dina really irked him. How had he never seen that side of her before?

  “I’ve got a hunch.” His brother’s smile didn’t shrink an inch.

  The server brought over the two turkey sandwiches and asked if they needed anything else. Joel ordered a peanut butter cookie and turned his attention back to his brother with both brows reaching high.

  “I really hope not. I’m not up for anything that could possibly be on her mind.” Sam took a bite of his sandwich. “In fact, I saw a different side of her last night that I really didn’t care for.”

  “Is that so?” Joel’s brows settled back down.

  “She’s not that nice of a person,” Sam said simply and took a bite of his sandwich.

  “You don’t say.” Joel laughed and shook his head. “I don’t think any of us thought Catrina would win any Miss Personality awards, but I didn’t think that was ever a criteria with your—”

  Sam shot his brother a look, and Joel slammed his mouth shut while not bothering to hide his smile.

  “Anyway,” Joel began again. “It sounds to me like you’re going to leave Catrina very disappointed.”

  “She’ll get over whatever it is she had on her mind.” He let out a gruff sigh. “I’m just kind of over it.”

  “It as in her…” Joel took another bite. “Or the lifestyle? Because there are a lot of hers in your Rolodex.”

  “I’m not that bad.” Sam straightened in his chair as he thought about the women he’d slept with over the years. There weren’t that many. There certainly could have been a lot more. “It’s not like I slept with a different woman every night.”

  “Right. Just a different one every season.” Joel’s mouth twisted, and he gave his brother a wink.

  “There’s only four seasons in a year so I suddenly don’t sound so bad.” Sam laughed, knowing his brother was letting him off lightly.

  “Does this have anything to do with the new girl in town?” Joel scratched his chin and pushed away his empty plate. “You know, like Autumn’s best friend?”

  “I don’t know what my sudden disinterest has to do with.” Sam cleared his throat and took a sip of Coke just as the door to the café swung open. “Oh, no.”

  “What?” Joel’s brow arched and he turned in his seat to follow Sam’s gaze. “Speak of the devil.”

  “Yes, I would say that’s an accurate description at this point,” Sam grumbled under his breath as Catrina came bounding over, red hair bouncing below her shoulders.

  “I thought I saw you two head over here for lunch.” She slid into the empty seat next to Joel while never taking her eyes off of Sam. She crumbled a bit of Joel’s peanut butter cookie into her hand and took a bite. “I’m so glad I got you alone.”

  “Why’s that?” Sam asked, straightening in his chair. She obviously didn’t care if he was alone since his brother was sitting right next to her. She just didn’t want him with Dina.

  “Well, I knew you wanted to escape last night and couldn’t.” A sardonic smile dripped from her bright red lips, which only turned Sam’s stomach. What did he ever see in her? “So I thought I’d see what you’re up to tonight? I’m only in town for a couple days and—”

  Sam sucked on his bottom lip as Joel sat silently, still stung that his peanut butter cookie was no longer whole.

  “I’m actually busy.” Sam forced a smile. His intention wasn’t to hurt Catrina’s feelings, but he also knew he couldn’t give her an inch.

  “With that woman?” Her cool eyes settled on Sam’s.

  “Not that it’s your business, but yes.”

  “She’s not your type,” Catrina quipped and crossed her arms over her chest.

  “I don’t think my brother has a type.” Joel said, glancing between the two of them.

  “Oh, he does.” Catrina nodded. “And she’s not it.”

  “I’m sorry, Catrina.” Sam rubbed his hands together. “I didn’t know you were coming to town, or I would have told you over the phone. I’m turning over a new leaf, so to speak.”

  “I would have called, but it was a last minute trip. Some new bridal shop opened up, and my boss wanted me to see about selling in some overpriced Italian stilettos that all brides would die for.”

  Pure delight whipped through Sam as he sat staring at Catrina. She didn’t have a chance at sealing that deal.

  “I’m assuming you haven’t been there yet?” Sam asked as his brother stifled a laugh. “To the shop, I mean.”

  Catrina rolled her eyes and glanced at her watch. “I don’t have to be there for another hour.”

  Sam relaxed in his chair, certain that Dina would have a field day once Catrina showed up for her appointment. He really wanted to be a fly on that wall, but he knew better than to get in the middle unless absolutely necessary.

  “We could make good use of those sixty minutes, you know.” Catrina’s eyes stayed on Sam, and for the first time in a long time, he actually realized how awful the sexual dance could be. He usually was so focused on the end result that he must have tuned out how he’d gotten there. And the worst part was that his brother was sitting at the table to witness the entire thing.

  Sam shook his head. “I’ve got work to do on the new ski run. In fact, my brother and I were just going over some of the contractor information when—”

  Surprise plastered Catrina’s expression and she cut him off. “Whatever Sam North. Your loss.”

  “It is. I fully admit that and I’m sorry that—”

  Not intending to listen to a second more, she stood and grabbed the rest of Joel’s peanut butter cookie before leaving the table in a huff.

  “Well, that went well.” Sam sat back in the chair, suddenly feeling a million times lighter.

  “Such a complicated life you lead.” Joel shook his head, staring at his empty cookie plate.

  “It does suddenly seem that way.” Sam bobbed his right leg and glanced behind him to make sure she’d really left. “I almost feel sorry for Catrina.”

  “Why’s that?” Joel asked.

  “She doesn’t have a clue what she’s walking into.” Sam couldn’t wipe the smile from his face.

  “So I take it the run-in didn’t go so well last night?” Joel cocked his head.

  “Yup, but you already know that because the bartenders, I’m sure, filled you in.” Sam twiddled his thumbs and laughed. “It really goes to show that a person ought to play nice with others.”

  “I think that’s a good rule to live by.” Joel glanced back at the bakery counter. “I’m gonna go buy another peanut butter cookie and then we’ll head back?”

  “Can you grab me one too?”

  Joel nodded, and Sam finally let out the breath he’d been holding in. He had really hoped he wouldn’t run into Catrina again, but he was glad it happened here and not when he was with Dina.

  And all this encounter did was solidify how much he liked Dina. She stood on her own two feet, but she also had a softness about her that he found endearing. She was genuine and kind, and he wanted to slug himself for not caring about those qualities before.

  Joel slid
the cookie in front of Sam and sat back down.

  “Are you going to stop by Dina’s store?” He looked at his phone. “Say in about thirty minutes?”

  Sam laughed and ate the cookie in three bites. “No. I’m going to show restraint, but I think I’m gonna head out early for the day to get ready for later.”

  “Is that so?”

  “Seems only fair since I’ve been married to my job for over a decade. Maybe an afternoon off wouldn’t kill me.”

  “That’s my motto. Besides, I’m taking Oscar to the vet later.”

  “Everything okay?”

  Sam loved his brother’s dog. He’d always wanted to bring a puppy into his own life, but he knew how much work they required and as much as he worked, he didn’t think it would be fair, at least not until he tried out some work-life balance.

  “Yeah. Just his annual. He’s due for shots. Anyway, I might as well take off now.” Joel stood up and looked at his brother. “And Autumn wanted me to remind you to play fair.”

  Sam’s eyes widened. “She was the one warning me about her friend, and now I have to play fair?”

  Sam was tempted to turn down the sidewalk in the opposite direction and poke his head inside Dina’s shop, but he knew he didn’t dare. Dina could handle herself, and she certainly would, so instead, he hiked up to the parking lot with his brother.

  “I’m just the messenger.” Joel grinned, and Sam smacked his shoulder.

  “Sure you are, buddy.” After today’s lunch, Sam realized a couple of things. He was tired of sleeping with women who didn’t offer something more, and he was tired of thinking he might want something more when he knew he wasn’t cut out for it. He couldn’t even make room for a dog in his life, for cryin’ out loud.

  “But please let Autumn know that I’ll behave myself. I have absolutely no intention of sleeping with Dina Romano.” But as the words floated through the air, he swore he could still taste the sweetness of her lips from last night.

  Chapter Eight

  “Hope you like marshmallows.”

  Dina couldn’t believe how incredibly adorable Sam North looked standing at the top of the stairs holding two cups of hot chocolate.

  “They’re one of my favorite food groups.” Dina smiled as her entire body warmed up just from seeing Sam. She was grateful they were meeting in such a public place or who knew where the night might end.

  “I shut the place down so we can take as much time as we need to get you on those skis.”

  There went that safety net.

  Sam walked down the stairs and smiled at her, making her insides twist into knots. This was a much better end to her day than she’d expected. Especially after Catrina turned up at her store trying to sell her overpriced high heels.

  The look on Catrina’s face was priceless, and it was easy to see that Catrina never expected Dina to be the owner of the bridal boutique.

  It had to be the quickest sales encounter she’d ever experienced. Come to think of it, Dina couldn’t even remember Catrina showing her any of the heels that were in the suitcase. She got a brochure and catalog out of her and that was about it.

  “You really think you can get me up on the skis and teach me to stay up in the same night?” Dina took a steaming mug from Sam and their fingers touched, sending a thrilling sensation through her body.

  He looked really good tonight dressed in a worn pair of jeans and a navy wool sweater. His dark hair still looked as unruly as ever, but she had a fondness for it. He was the complete package, at least in her eyes. She was finally ready for someone who wanted nothing more than a little fun and that seemed to be what he offered.

  “I told you I wouldn’t let you fall.” He took a sip of the hot chocolate, and she tried to wipe the dopey grin off her face. “I’m going to have you skiing down double-diamonds with me in no time.”

  Her hand flew into the air. “Whoa, buddy. No, thank you. I’m just trying to graduate to the bunny hill.” She took a sip of the hot chocolate and realized it didn’t come from a packet. This was the real deal, melted chocolate, milk, whipped cream, and more marshmallows than she could count.

  “Did you make this?” Her brow arched, and she took another sip.

  “It’s my grandma’s recipe. I only pull it out on special occasions.” He took a step forward, and her mind instantly flew back to the kiss last night.

  “This is a special occasion?”

  “It is.” He smiled. “You actually showed up. That in itself is a special occasion.”

  Dina chuckled and glanced toward the back of the building where a large, carpeted hill sat churning over and over with a low hum.

  “Is that it?”

  “It sure is.” Sam nodded and pointed toward the rolling hill of death. “That will get your confidence ready for the season.”

  “Has anyone ever hurt themselves on that?” Her voice went up an octave, and Sam chuckled.

  “Not with me around.”

  “That didn’t answer my question,” she teased.

  “Speaking of, I have a few forms for you to fill out.” He wandered toward the hill with Dina right behind him. “You know, just the usual release of liability type of forms.”

  Dina stopped in her tracks, and Sam turned around, grinning. “I’m kidding. We haven’t had anyone get hurt. Not even a rug burn or a scratch.” He walked over to a shelf full of helmets and pulled a pink one from the top shelf. “But safety first. Everyone has to wear one of these.”

  “Aren’t you the funny man?” Dina walked over to Sam and attempted to grab the helmet from him but not before he began adjusting the straps around her chin. “Everything is safe as can be, but here’s your helmet to protect your brain.”

  Sam laughed. “On the mountain, I sport a helmet, knee pads, wrist guards.”

  “That must look spectacular.”

  “Minus the helmet, you wouldn’t even know. It’s all under my clothes. Besides, it’s the responsible thing to do.”

  “Mr. Responsibility.” She shook her head. “You’re blowing my mind.”

  His expression softened. “What can I say? Maybe you’re a good influence. So how was your workday?” Sam asked, looking genuinely interested, but the quick change of subject confused Dina.

  “Far more interesting than I would have thought,” she began as Sam placed a helmet on his own head. “I actually got in several referrals from last night’s grand opening. A few veils and head pieces and an appointment for a dress consultation so that was unexpected.”

  “That’s great.” Sam’s eyes sparkled with mischief.

  And then it dawned on her. He knew.

  “And I ran into your old friend. She tried to sell me on carrying some expensive bridal shoes. I don’t think she had any clue whose shop she was showing up to.”

  “Really.”

  Yeah. He definitely knew. She wanted to know how, but reminded herself not to care. After all, whatever tonight turned into was nothing more than a fun stop on the fun train. She’d never ridden the fun train, but she was excited to start and the first step was putting on a pair of skis.

  “She looked like she was going to faint when I welcomed her into the shop. I actually felt bad for her,” Dina confessed.

  “You felt bad even though she barely gave you the time of day?”

  Dina shrugged. “I did, but needless to say, the shoes don’t match my clientele. My brides are a little quirky sprinkled with elegance. Maybe with a dash of bohemian style.”

  “Is that how you see yourself as a bride?” His question scattered her thought process.

  She’d seen herself as a bride more times than she cared to admit, but she refused to let herself go down that path again. That’s why starting tonight off with a little fun and no commitment could really change the path of her life, and she was ready for that change. She only hoped Sam was up for the challenge.

  “Umm.” She bit her lip and glanced at the rolling hill. “I’ve stopped seeing myself as a bride.”

  “If
that’s something you’ve wanted, you shouldn’t let a few duds ruin your dream.”

  Dina smiled and focused her attention on Sam. “But dreams can change. I used to think I wanted to be a nurse.”

  “What changed your mind?”

  “I helped take care of my grandma after she had surgery and fainted every time I had to dress her wound.”

  Sam laughed and nodded. “So you’ve seen too many ugly wedding wounds to want it for yourself.”

  “I suppose I have.” She smiled and felt immensely better talking to him about it.

  Somehow, he made things—her life choices—seem normal. For so long, her family had made her feel like she was a disaster waiting to happen, and she had almost started to believe it…until she arrived in Silver Ridge.

  Maybe that was why she liked the blog too. Emilia always had a way of making people’s love lives seem interconnected with the universe, mistakes included, and she always pointed out that mistakes and happen chance often led to love when a person least expected it. Not that Dina expected that emotion at this point.

  Sam motioned toward the stairs leading up to the top of the massive carpeted hill that looked far more intimidating up close.

  Although, this did kind of have disaster written all over it.

  “So you’ve never thought about the whole wife, kids, dog, picket fence package?” she asked as she slowly made her way step by step to the top of the mechanical mountain.

  She turned around, and her knees nearly knocked together when she saw the incline of the hill. All she could picture was flying down the hill and running into the wall at the bottom.

  “I’ve pictured a dog.” Sam came up behind her. “And I have a picket fence around the vegetable garden in the backyard. But no. I really don’t think it’s in the cards for me. I work too much and I’m a selfish bastard.”

  The statement shocked her into a fit of giggles. Or maybe it was her nerves from thinking she was about to face death. Either way, by the time she stopped laughing, tears were streaming down her face.

  When she looked back up at Sam, his arms were folded over his chest, and he was watching her with a curiosity that made her wonder what he really wanted out of this.