by Kimi Flores
Leah and Stefen looked at each other, then fell into an even louder fit of laughter.
The food they’d gobbled up for breakfast was delicious. Stefen was impressed by Leah’s cooking, yet again. The men agreed to take care of clean up while the ladies sat, within view, in the living room and talked.
Caleb smacked Stefen’s bicep with his knuckles. “Hey, what’s up with you two?”
Apparently, he’d caught Stefen watching Leah. “What do you mean?”
Damn, am I that obvious?
“I see the way you guys look at each other, and it’s…different from before.” Caleb grabbed for the pan off of the stove and put it in the sink before running hot water on it.
Shrugging his good shoulder, Stefen continued to load the dishwasher. “I don’t know. It is different. I’ve never had this before.” He felt a smile creeping up his face. “We’re friends. It’s nice. I’m not used to having a girl…friend.”
Caleb gave Stefen his ‘don’t bullshit me’ face. “I know you better than that. There’s more to it. But I commend you. I’m proud of you for giving her the real you.” He gave him a shot in the shoulder. “You know, the one I’ve been telling you was there the whole time.”
Stefen stood dumbfounded as he stared at Caleb. “I don’t know about all that, but it is nice not having to keep up a façade with her. I still don’t get how she can be so forgiving, when I treated her the way I did.”
Stiffening, Caleb stared him down. “Yeah, what’s the whole story with that anyway?”
“Let’s just say,” Stefen paused, choosing his words carefully, “I did exactly what you told me not to do. But that woman is a fighter. She doesn’t put up with my shit. I think that’s what I’m so attracted to, I mean was. That’s what I was so attracted to.” Turning his back, he reached out for a set of glasses.
Crap, I hope he didn’t catch that.
Caleb snickered. “Yeah, she won’t put up with any in the future, either.” Caleb tapped his forehead. “Keep that in mind. You don’t want to screw it up. Again.”
Stefen took a quick glance at Leah, who sat by Abby, laughing at something they were talking about. “I get it.”
Leah placed her hands on Abby’s tiny baby bump, then made eye contact with him. He saw joy and pain in her eyes. Her best friend was living the life she wished she had, and he found himself wanting to be able to fulfill that for her.
But no matter how much he wanted to be her ‘one’, Stefen knew he wasn’t. He may have shed his arrogant shell, but he still wasn’t good enough for her.
Never will be.
She smirked at him, and he mentally shook his head, realizing she was about to tell Abby what Madison had said earlier. He watched as Leah whispered to Abby, then Abby’s face turned as red as a tomato.
Turning his head to share the same story with Caleb, he found his cousin staring at him with raised eyebrows. “You two speak telepathically?”
“Something like that.” Stefen snickered. “So apparently, Madison knew you guys were upstairs having sex when she first came down this morning.”
A look of shock covered Caleb’s face. “What? How does she even know what that is?”
“Evidently, she has a very knowledgeable friend.” Stefen smirked as he continued to load the dishwasher.
“Shit,” Caleb muttered under his breath. “What did she say?”
“Well, she didn’t understand why you guys were ‘humping’,” he put quotes around the word, “because that’s how you make babies and Abby’s already pregnant. Thank god, she didn’t talk about the mechanics of it, just the whole baby-making part.”
Caleb ran his thumb and index finger through the scruff on his jaw. “I guess she’s going to learn a bit at a time anyway. But she’s just going into first grade. I can’t believe how much kids know nowadays.” He handed a slippery plate over to Stefen who nearly dropped it.
“You didn’t just say nowadays, old man. Next thing I know, you’ll be throwing some ‘back in my days’.” Stefen chuckled, hoping that didn’t happen anytime soon—he was only a year younger than Caleb.
Stefen glanced back at Abby, wondering. “I have to say, though, I don’t get it either. She’s pregnant. How can you be attracted to her when she has your kid growing inside of her?” He couldn’t fathom having sex while an actual developing human was right there with them in the mix.
Turning, Caleb leaned back against the counter, sighing as he took in his wife. “Stefen, there’s nothing sexier than a pregnant woman carrying your child. You have no idea what a turn on it is knowing she’s walking around, carrying a piece of me with her wherever she goes.”
Glancing toward the living room, Caleb caught Abby’s eye, which made her shyly smile. With desire in his eyes, he continued, “I can’t wait for her to start showing more. The beautiful curves of a pregnant woman’s body are mesmerizing.”
“I still don’t get it. But more power to you, brother.” Stefen patted Caleb’s shoulder, “Now stop devouring her in front of me. You’re making me uncomfortable.” Stefen locked eyes with Leah momentarily, and he muttered, “Extremely uncomfortable.”
Pulling into the lush Tuscan-style vineyard, Leah was keyed up about today. She’d met the bride-to-be a few weeks back, when her florist cancelled last minute without any explanation. Leah didn’t understand how people could run a business like that—not having any consideration at all for their customers.
Thankful that this bride not only had exquisite taste, but also an open budget, Leah was able to get everything she’d wanted in the short amount of time she had to work with. She was confident this would be another happy client. Leah was really hoping to drum up more business from this event.
It was an exceedingly hot, dry August day, and she was glad the wedding was taking place right before sunset. Worried that the flowers might die from the heat, Leah used the extra money the bride offered to rent a refrigerated van. Her assistant followed in her car, and Stefen sat right beside her.
She was surprised when he offered to come, but loved that he wanted to help her. The idea of his company certainly didn’t hurt. She hoped he wasn’t doing it because he felt guilty about everything she’d done for him. They’d become very close, and she didn’t want him feeling indebted to her.
She shot him a glance, taking in his dark slacks and light cotton button-down shirt.
Damn, he knows how to dress.
“Are you sure you’re up for this? We’ll only stay until the reception starts. I like to make sure everything is still perfect right before everyone enters.” She wouldn’t mind hitting the tasting room for a small glass of Sangria afterward, but she’d leave that up to Stefen and how he was feeling.
He placed his hand on her arm. “Yes, I already told you. I can’t lift too much, but I'm happy to help you out for a change.” His smile and sparkling eyes still melted her heart.
Leah was parking when her cell phone rang. Ben’s name flash on her screen. Getting out of the van, she moved to the side. It was still awkward talking to him, and she didn’t need Stefen hearing their conversation. “Hey, you. I was starting to think you forgot about me.”
“That’s never happened. I’ve been thinking about you non-stop, and I want to see you soon.” He sounded desperate. “I know it sucks, but,” he sighed, “this is all I have to offer right now.”
Ooookay. Why did he keep reminding her?
She still wasn’t feeling all the fluttery butterflies in her belly when she spoke with him, but she was hoping that would come in time, so she encouraged him, “It will happen soon enough. You’ll probably get sick of me,” she joked.
“I doubt that.” He chuckled.
She looked on as Stefen opened the back of the van, her assistant encouraging him to carry one of the arrangements.
Placing her hand on the mouthpiece, she yelled out, “Melissa, he’ll mess up his shoulder if he does that.”
They both looked as though they’d gotten busted.
“W
here are you?” Ben’s aggravated tone brought her back.
“I’m about to set up a wedding in Santa Ynez.” She put a nervous hand on her forehead.
She worried as she continued to watch them. Stefen’s going to hurt himself. Maybe he shouldn’t help.
“Is Stefen with you?”
Why would he care?
Suddenly, she felt in the wrong, but why? “Yeah, he offered to help Melissa and me today.”
“But he can’t carry anything. What’s he there to do, cheer you on?” he said sarcastically.
She couldn’t believe how fast the mood changed. Leaning back against the driver’s door, she asked, “Why are you acting like that? He’s my friend. I haven’t hidden anything.”
“That’s what you say, but I have a feeling there’s something more to that story, maybe even a little history with you two. Call it guy’s intuition, if you want.”
Scrunching up her forehead, she shook her head and kicked at the tire. “The past doesn’t matter, Ben. I haven’t asked about yours. Stefen is my friend. My very good friend. But still, just a friend. Besides, you and I are just hanging out, right?” It was a bitchy thing to say, but he needed to hear how ridiculous he was acting.
“Whatever, Leah. I gotta go. I’ll talk to you later.”
The line went dead, leaving her to stare blankly at the screen.
What just happened? And what the hell is his problem?
Stefen approached her cautiously. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah, just drama I don’t need today. Let’s get to work.” She pushed herself off of the van, shoving her phone into her back pocket.
Zachary came up to them, grinning ear to ear. “I’m so glad to see you guys here, together. How are ya feeling, buddy?” He stopped just before clapping Stefen shoulder. “Oh damn, sorry. Almost gotcha.”
“A lot better, thanks to this girl here.” Stefen nodded toward Leah.
Suddenly, she felt all the attention fall on her. That was a new thing for him. Old Stefen loved the spotlight. It was really interesting seeing all the changes in him.
Zachary flashed a killer smile. “Leah, it’s so good to see you again. I love when I know who’s working the weddings here.” He glanced toward the back of the van where Melissa stood, waiting for direction. He seemed happy to lend her a hand. “Can I help you with anything?”
Leah watched as he graciously rushed forward to help Melissa with a large arrangement, and pondered an idea. Single mom florist, single man vineyard owner…
Zachary and Melissa seemed like a good team as they carried a few of the centerpieces toward the reception area.
Stepping up behind her, Stefen whispered into her ear, “Don’t do it. Matchmaking hardly ever works out.”
The sensation of his breath on her neck caused her to quiver. She snuck a look over her shoulder. “You never know, Stefen,” her voice was breathless, “many other unexpected things have happened before.”
“That was honestly the first time I’ve ever seen a groom pass out drunk at his own wedding.” Leah blinked, still unable to fathom what she’d witnessed.
Stefen was sitting with her at the bar in the tasting room.
“I’d be livid if my husband drank the whole day of our wedding, and then blacked out when we were giving our vows.” Thoughtfully, she ran a delicate fingertip around the rim of her wineglass filled with Sangria.
“Yeah, that was a pretty dumbass thing to do.” Stefen sipped on his non-alcoholic glass of Sangria. Not knowing when he would have to take medications next, he was being extra careful. Plus, he wanted to be sober in case Leah needed him to drive home. His eyesight had been getting consistently better, and he felt more confident about driving now.
Leah leaned her forearms against the bar, shaking her head. “I swear, people with more money than they know what to do with think they can behave anyway they want, with no regard for others. Doesn’t matter who they hurt with their self-centeredness.” She rolled her eyes before it registered who she was talking to. “I didn’t mean you.” Her hand automatically landed on top of his, offering her apology.
Over the last few weeks, he’d noticed her body involuntarily responding to him, as though it was aware of something that neither of them were willing to explore...or admit.
“That describes the viewpoint I’ve had most of my life.” The corner of his mouth turned down. “So yeah, innocently, you were talking about me.” He hoped he could change enough someday.
Leah ran her fingers down his forearm. “Stefen, that may have described you in the past, but not now. You’ve changed. You’re the man I thought I saw one day, not so long ago.” She smiled warmly at him. “You just like to put on a front.”
She took another sip of her fruity wine. “As you know, I can see through it since it doesn’t work on me anymore.” She tilted her head, her hair falling to the side. “I’m proud to say you’re one of my closest friends.” She patted the top of his hand.
As much of a compliment as that was, Stefen knew the title ‘friend’—no matter how endearing—would never be enough for him.
He still didn’t understand his complicated feelings. He wanted so much for her life and would love to give her everything.
Will I ever have the balls to take that leap of faith and face her possible rejection?
Fuck if I know.
At nine a.m. the following Friday, Leah’s phone chimed with an incoming text. She was packing her bag for a Labor Day weekend getaway.
Ben: Video chat?
Apprehensive, she scanned her messy bedroom, clothes thrown all over the place.
Leah: Sure. Give me a few min.
The living room was tidy and would give a better impression, so she carried her laptop over to the coffee table and powered it up. Touching the top of her head, she felt the crazy ponytail she was sporting, and ran off to the bathroom to fix her hair. She also freshened up with a little make-up and brushed her teeth.
The she frowned at herself in the mirror.
Why was she concerned about dental hygiene for a video chat? The shirt she wore was old and faded, so she searched her closet and pulled out a more vibrant-colored blouse. Darting back into the living room, she applied a dab of lip gloss from her purse, then zipped around the room, creating a more charming scene around her.
The camera on her laptop was already on, so she could tell exactly what would be shown when she chatted with Ben. After fluffing the pillows on her couch, she moved some of her flower-filled vases to the windowsill and side table. Sitting casually on her sofa, as though it was normal to catch her looking this presentable and having an perfect setting surround her, she clicked the chat icon.
Ben appeared on the screen, laying sideways on his bed, his head propped in his hand. A baby blue sheet covered him from the waist down, but his bare chest was exposed. Two mismatched pillows sat behind his head, against a white wall with what looked like a couple of taped-up sports posters.
She knew he still lived at home with his parents, but had he kept the same décor from his high school years? His hair stuck up in all directions, as though he'd opened his eyes only minutes earlier. If his hair looked like that, Leah assumed he hadn’t taken the extra oral care steps she did.
His eyes rounded, and he lifted his head when he saw her. “Wow. You look beautiful, Leah. Did you just get up?”
Guys were so clueless sometimes. She didn't look like this when she rolled out of bed. This ‘spontaneous’ look took time and effort.
She gave a slight smile. “No, I've been up packing. I can't wait to see you.”
It hit her all at once. They were going down to San Diego to stay at his friend's house in Mission Beach, but they never talked about room arrangements. Did he expect to sleep with her this weekend?
She began to feel panicky, biting at her lip, when he broke her train of thought, “That's what I wanted to chat about. I'm really sorry, but I have to cancel our plans.”
“What? But we just made them a few day
s ago.” Had he seen the alarm on her face and decided to cancel? No, he said that’s why he called.
He learned back. “I know, but my buddy really needs me to cover his shifts this weekend. He and his fiancé have an opportunity to get away before she leaves for the military, and I feel like it’s the right thing to do.” Ben closed one eye as though bracing for her reaction.
Aww. He was helping out a friend. This was just further proof that he was the kind of guy she wanted to be with. Right?
Right. Ben was willing to give up his time for others, even if it was the only opportunity to see her.
As usual, her mind trailed off to Stefen, curious what he would do in this situation. Then again, he would’ve spent so much time with her beforehand that it wouldn’t be such a disappointment if he’d cancelled.
“Well, it’s nice what you’re doing.” And it was, but she had to wonder if there was ever going to be any time for her.
“Thanks for understanding. I’m not trying to brush you off.”
“I know,” she replied, looking down at the table where her computer sat.
Shrugging, he said, “I have to do the right thing. It’s who I am.”
Yes. This is the exact thing I need to hear. Even though they didn't have a hot and passionate connection yet, he was the kind of guy she might find herself with.
“I'm sure that's why you became a doctor.”
“Well, that and the pressure from my plastic surgeon father.” He chuckled.
“Oh, I didn't know he was a doctor.” Why didn’t I know that? I worshiped this boy, growing up.
“The original ‘Dr. McKendrick’ in the family.” Ben didn’t seem too impressed by that fact.
Remembering a conversation they’d had a few days ago, Leah asked, “Didn’t you say your sister was a nurse like my mom and sister?”
“Yeah, she’s a nurse overseas, serving in the military.” His chest muscles contracted as he adjusted his position, snatching Leah’s attention.
