“Inside, Gabriel. This is not the time or the place for this.”
“There’s no better time,” Gabe replied, his voice full of banked anger. He was so stubborn.
Caleb grabbed my arm and tugged. “Don’t listen to them. It’s not gonna be pretty, I tell you. Lieutenant Colonel Joel Joshua Halden doesn’t back down to nobody. Gabe’s a fool. If dumb were dirt, he’d cover an acre,” he said and shook his head.
I swallowed hard and listened to Caleb. But I wanted to run back to Gabe and help him. It occurred to me that I had heard the name Joel before. Meggie addressed someone on the phone by that name last week.
“Did you bring a swimsuit, Avery?” Molly asked as we set our bags on the beds in our shared room. Caleb carried in our dresses. Molly had mine packed with hers.
I gazed distractedly at the cathedral ceilings and the large white fans hanging from beams twenty feet in the air. The room was enormous. I had never been in a home that resembled something out of a design magazine.
“Uh no. Gabe forgot. He didn’t say anything about me actually swimming. Do you think he’s okay out there?”
Caleb laughed and shook his shoulders back and forth. “Yeah, because he doesn’t want you wearing a swimsuit, that’s why.”
“He’ll be fine,” Molly answered me. She stood up, all four feet and a little more, and pushed Caleb out of the room while he tried to tickle her.
“God that boy. Ignore him,” she snarled. “There’s a bunch of pools and a lake. We always go tubing. We’ve been known to skinny dip.”
“Maybe I could borrow one? Where’s Mrs. Halden? Gabe never mentions her.”
I bit my lips tightly and waited for an answer. I sort of had a feeling there wasn’t a Mrs. Halden.
Molly settled on the bed and flung her head back. Her curls danced over the bedspread. “I don’t know. They don’t know either. When Caleb was maybe nine, she left. They don’t speak of her.”
I listened without comment.
“I think that’s one of the reasons Gabe’s like, kinda, you know, kinda messed up.”
I did the math. Gabe was really young.
“Caleb isn’t exactly screwed on tight either. It’s been tough since Eli died,” she added.
We exchanged a knowing glance.
“Gabe’s a good kid. Hot as they come. But he’s not ready for anything serious. I just don’t see him having—” Molly blinked. “I’m sorry. That came out wrong.”
“I get it, believe me. I’m really not looking for a boyfriend.”
After Molly and I hung out in the evening, I said an early goodnight when Caleb snuck back in the room. He told me Gabe and his father had it out in less time than it took to say howdy. Caleb assured me that he was fine, probably holed up at the cemetery visiting Eli all day long.
I felt for Gabe. But I couldn’t wrap my head around why he brought me to Texas. On the other hand, Caleb was clearly unfazed by his father’s strict warning at dinner about staying in the big house after dark. At first, he approached my bed and stuck his face in mine. His warm breath tickled my nose and he grinned. I slugged his shoulder and he backed away. Then I made a go at falling asleep with all of their sneaky business going on.
When they decided to take off for a walk, I breathed a sigh of relief and wondered what it would be like to have somebody like that to share my time with.
I was starting to nod off when a cool breeze roused me. I scuttled to the atrium doors and pulled them shut. As I was walking away, I spotted a flickering light on the patio and pressed my face up to the glass. Gabe’s lounging profile lit up intermittently. He had his feet propped up on the bench and his head on the seat.
I reopened the doors and stepped onto the brickwork. The scent of rose bushes filled my nose. Gabe was holding a lighter, flicking it on and off.
“How long have you been here?”
He didn’t look up. “Hours, maybe days,” he said.
“You missed a lot.” I was elated to see him even though he’d abandoned me.
“Doubt it,” he said glumly. “I’ve seen it all.”
I sighed and crossed my arms over my sheer nightshirt.
“I never in my life...I mean, I’ve never seen a place like this. It’s really amazing. There’s so much to do here.”
“Yeah, you’re right. I got it all,” he muttered, voice dripping with sarcasm. “You don’t get it. I don’t got jack.”
I sat down on the ground and rested my shoulders against the bench. “Why did you ask me to come?”
The silence held steady, awkwardly. I turned with concern and knelt on my knees in front of him.
“Don’t,” he said meanly and looked away.
My throat tightened and I got to my feet. I wanted attention, some consideration. A two-way conversation. I wasn’t asking for much. I had put up with enough evasiveness for one lifetime. I went to bed.
* * *
“He’s not gonna be able to pry his eyes off you,” Molly said as I slid my sore foot into a strappy high heel the following morning.
My ligaments were feeling stressed from the previous day’s hike. And I had a headache. I assumed Molly was referring to Gabe. I had a feeling Caleb would be more attentive.
“He’ll find a way,” I mumbled bleakly. “He’s still pissed I left his guitar behind.”
Molly chuckled.
I wondered if Gabe would even speak to me. I swung my hips back and forth and watched the shimmery green fabric sway. The dress was short on me, even though it was intended to hang below the knees on Molly. I stayed quiet when she helped me apply cover-up to my forehead and dolled up my eyes with her makeup know-how.
“Boys are so lame,” she said before we made our last touch-ups and headed out.
There was little commotion or wedding traffic of any sort on the property. The wedding planners handled everything discreetly. Molly claimed the service would be small and intimate, and early in the day to avoid the hot weather. The first sign of the wedding was when Gabe’s cousin flew in on Mr. Halden’s private jet. The second indication happened as I made my way to the ceremony. I found three tall fashion models standing with their backs to me, all dressed in black suits, cowboy boots, and Stetsons. For a moment, I couldn’t tell who was who. Caleb turned around and slapped his hat on his chest.
“My wordy, girls! You are lookin’ hot,” Caleb said and grinned wildly. He took Molly’s hand and swung her around. She giggled and tugged at his sleeve. He was holding a rose for her.
My heart galloped into tomorrow with green envy.
“You clean up nice and shiny,” she told him as she smiled up.
I had to admit he was a sight to behold.
Lane spun around next and politely tipped his hat hello and walked away. Then Gabe turned around, as if he was waiting for his cue, and swiped his forehead with his wrist. The heavy air was already unbearable. He was sucking on a lollipop and smiled indulgently. My shoulders trembled at the sight of him donning the suit and tie getup. Every girl within a hundred miles would spit fire at me if I showed up at Senior Prom with him.
He was drop dead gorgeous. Too easily I forgot how he moped and brooded. “Oh, you remember me?” I teased.
His grin extended across his face. He tipped his head to the side, twirled the lollipop in his mouth, and eyed me curiously. Then he slipped his hand in his pocket and pulled out an orange Tootsie Pop.
“Want one?” he asked and raised his brows in jest. “You’re really pretty in that.”
He stared at my face, not my dress. I think he was fascinated with how I let my hair down and decorated my eyes. If only I didn’t have to wear the elementary school bangs.
“Thanks.”
My temples throbbed. I couldn’t let him see what he was doing to me. I wanted a hug, an apology, or something acknowledging his cageyness. But when he looked at me like that, I thawed. My lips parted to speak and Gabe stopped me. He angled in, reached behind his back, and his arm swung around to present a yellow rose.
/> “For you,” he said quietly.
I gazed at his fading bruise and wondered what was going on behind it. He returned the gaze. A smile lit his eyes.
Were we going to be together today? Was I his date—or his obligation? I wanted so much more.
“Um, thanks,” I repeated.
I snapped the stem in half and watched his eyes startle. Then I pulled my hair behind my ear and tucked in the stem. It was perfect. Gabe studied my face carefully. I lifted my bangs and showed him there was nothing to worry about.
“Yeah, I was gonna ask you about that. My dad, he wouldn’t take too well to that language you like wearing all over the place. Especially in a wedding photo.”
He gave a light chuckle.
Gabe’s moods were off the chart. I was beginning to think he was marginally schizophrenic.
While he waited, I made a quick trip back into the room to retrieve my purse and check myself out in the full-length mirror. I returned to find him leaning on a pillar with one hand inside his jacket, fingering his side. He was chewing on the lollipop stick like he often chewed on a piece of straw.
“What is it? Your side hurts?” I lifted the side of his jacket away and pinched his waist.
His eyes flew up and he winced.
“Hey! What?” he asked while he wrinkled his forehead.
“Let me look. Real quick.” I pulled his shirt out of his pants. “Has Caleb looked at this? Oh no Gabe,” I cried displeased. “It’s all...ew.” I moved the shirt out of the way. “You can’t be doing that at a wedding.”
He arched to get a closer look.
“It’s the stitches. You’ve got an infection or something. They need to come out already.”
He grunted. “That’s what Caleb said. He was gonna cut them out before I left. Can you take them out?”
I realized why Caleb was peeved on the phone.
“Uh no,” I grunted and released a puff of breath. My stomach wasn’t that strong. “When do you have to be ready?”
He shrugged lightly. “Ten minutes ago. Caleb’s probably getting busy with Molly back behind the west dining hall. Call him, would ya?”
Dining hall? Was that different than the dining room?
Twenty minutes later Gabe was lying on my bed shirtless, tan, and surprisingly compliant. I insisted he take off the pristine dress shirt, not because I wanted to see him naked, but in case he bled or something. I wasn’t sure what Caleb was going to do, and Gabe wasn’t much on keeping his clothes nice.
“Shut your eyes, Avery,” Caleb jested.
I stood at Gabe’s head and watched Caleb snip the little stitches. Gabe was biting his lips closed like it hurt. I gave him my hand to squeeze. He rolled my bracelet around and tickled my arm. When Caleb was ready to pull out the thread, the bagel and cream cheese in my stomach did a cartwheel.
“Clean it with this and then get going. Dad’s gonna flip his top. We’re late,” Caleb directed as he handed over a bottle of clear liquid.
I set my eyes on the label. It was rubbing alcohol. Gabe jumped off the bed when I dabbed the cut. He was healing, but the stitches were red.
“Holy mama, don’t touch me with that stuff,” he cried. His hand clasped over mine. He stood above me and panted. His other hand settled on my shoulder where he slid a finger under my spaghetti strap.
I froze. Could he see the chills rolling up my arms like tumbleweed in a windstorm? I could hardly hide my own shallow breathing.
“Caleb said to,” I started to tell him. My head was beginning to pound. I wish I had thought to pack some Advil.
“Screw him. Let’s go. You’re not rubbing salt in my cut again.” He reached for his shirt, and I watched as he dressed.
“I’ll tell your father it needs to be looked at if you don’t let me clean it good.” At that he fell back on the bed and shut his mouth.
* * *
I spent the entire ceremony shifting around in my seat trying to stare at Gabe in his sharp monkey suit. He must have been dying. I wanted to grab my skirt and fan myself. The oppressive heat was debilitating.
I managed to pick apart grilled swordfish and a dinner roll before I decided my stomach couldn’t handle food. Molly and I sat with Mr. Halden and the bride and groom’s parents under a white tent at elegant tables decorated with place settings made of the finest crystal and silver. I was slightly unnerved sitting with strangers. There were only six tables in all, aside from the wedding party. Gabe never moved from his spot next to Lane at the head table. He was hiding behind a blooming vase of yellow and white roses. I assumed he was trying to avoid his father. I stole a glance from time to time and caught him gazing off into the distance.
On one gamble at a look, he cracked a smile at me that struck his eyes. Our gazes locked for the first time in hours. I held my stare. He looked happy.
“I spiked his drink up good. He should be acting human in a minute,” Caleb whispered at my ear. He angled over the back of my chair.
I was alone at the table. Everyone had gotten up to mingle or dance. Molly had excused herself to the ladies room. From his seat, Gabe still fixed his hazel eyes on me. The side of his mouth curled mindlessly. He was so easy when he smiled. I couldn’t stand it.
“He’s such a lush,” Caleb joked again. His warm breath blew in my ear. “He needed some zip in his zipper.”
I tensed. Didn’t he care that Gabe was watching? With even more nerve, he pressed his nose into my hair and pretended to smell the rose at my ear. I twisted at my hips and faced him.
“Avery, I still think about it. And you,” he whispered brazenly.
I hoped Gabe wasn’t a practiced lip reader. My face flushed hot. I was growing sick to my stomach. The darn kiss was never going away.
“I know you do too. You look at him and you wish he was me.”
I shut my eyes and then reopened them. I prayed he would disappear.
“I think I’ve had enough Haldens for one summer, thanks,” I said as I held my voice steady. “How can you do this with your brother right there?”
“Simple.” His hazel eyes ravaged me. “With you looking like this, I can’t hide how I feel. He’s blind. I’m not. I get what I want. Least I try to.”
I dropped my head into my arms on the table. Caleb placed a hand on my bare shoulder and ground his palm into my skin.
“I’d take that hand and put it somewhere else,” I warned through my teeth and shook him off.
Mr. Halden approached and Caleb backed away. I straightened my spine and scowled sideways.
“Miss Ross, may I have this dance?” He extended his long hand.
I took it gladly. I would do anything to get away from Caleb. The music cued as Mr. Halden took his first step on the floor.
“Is it always so hot here?” I asked.
I didn’t mean for it to sound like a complaint. He placed a hand gingerly on my middle back, I touched his shoulder. I felt like I was dancing with my father, only this father looked like a movie star.
He nodded and smiled. “Yes, ma’am. Always. We’ve become accustomed to it. It’s in the blood. Are you enjoying your stay, otherwise? I hope my boys are treating you exceptionally well.”
I shrugged. Before I could think, his expression fell flat. I could have sworn the music was following his pace. I was slightly woozy.
All I could do was smile a phony smile. I was having a whale of a time. It was truly dreadful and confusing for the most part. I needed to get out of Texas and fast. I wished I had never met a Halden. Although Lane hadn’t done anything to mess with me, he was the brother who started the whole entanglement in the first place.
I lied for the sake of politeness and peace.
“Yes. It’s beautiful here. They’re all nice. My aunt wasn’t going to let me come, and I’m really glad she did.”
“Ah yes. You’re staying with Margareta. I can appreciate her hesitancy in allowing you to get involved with my sons,” he said. His hazel eyes lowered. The heavy southern accent flared. “Your Aunt
Margareta has had her hands full. I’ve offered resounding support, yet she isn’t one to accept assistance. Very modest woman. She has always been headstrong and stubborn. Perhaps you could have an influence on her.”
He gave a hollow laugh.
How long had he known Meggie? Did he know something about the urgent envelope from the attorney’s office? I didn’t want to hammer him with questions.
“I’m helping out with everything in the office,” I said cleverly.
We moved slowly across the checkered floor. Everyone moved out of the way for Lieutenant Colonel Halden.
“Has there been any movement on the status of the eviction?” he asked in a businesslike tone. He was, after all, CEO of the largest energy corporation from North Dakota to Texas.
Was my Aunt Meggie getting evicted? I made a huge attempt not to show my alarm. I thought about the morning before Meggie went to the hospital.
“There was a man over the other day. I forgot to ask her about him. I’m not sure what’s going on as of now.”
I think I sounded knowledgeable. I wasn’t too good with all of the espionage stuff.
“I’m sure everything will work out. I have confidence in her,” he said, grinning. “My dear, I hope you enjoy your summer in Williston. I frequent there often.”
Often?
I couldn’t wait to get home and ask Meggie about the eviction and what she knew about Joel Halden. I wondered if she found him attractive.
The music stopped. Mr. Halden released my hands and thanked me for the dance. I took my seat and watched as he stepped away to fold the bride into a bear hug. Molly was right. He wasn’t a monster by any means.
“Did he try to convert you?” Caleb was back like a pestering wasp. My shoulders stilled. “He got to Molly. She loves the heck outta him. It’s the eyes,” he said smugly.
“No. I’m not convertible.”
At the least I owed Gabe some loyalty, if only in the friendship way.
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