Return to Love (Willow Valley Book 1)

by Christine Kingsley

  Cassie's smile was tight. "Maybe another time. I think we should probably get things taken care of here so I can let you get back to work."

  "I told you I'm not in a rush." He gave her an easy smile, trying again to get her to loosen up just a bit.

  "Well, maybe I am. I just remembered I need to take care of some paperwork while I have a chance."

  Jack walked Ebony over to Cassie and carefully lowered Sarah into her waiting arms. He jumped down beside them and ruffled Sarah's hair. "Sorry, princess. Momma means business."

  Sarah stuck out her lower lip and crossed her arms. "More horsey."

  Jack thought that the problem must just be with him because Cassie's demeanor changed completely with her daughter.

  "Not right now, sweetie," she said, kissing her temple, "but I'm sure we can ride another horse sometime soon."

  Jack jumped on that. "Yeah, absolutely. Anytime you want to ride, you can. Just give me a call and I'll saddle her up." Sarah's grin lit up like a spotlight.

  Cassie, not so much. "Thanks, Jack," she said dryly.

  He gave her another smile and, placing his hand on the small of her back, led her toward the house. "Dad's inside. I'm sure he'd love to entertain Sarah with a big bowl of ice cream while we take a look out back." He thought she would protest, but she actually looked relieved.

  "That sounds great. What do you think, Sarah? Want some ice cream?"

  Sarah clapped and cheered and they were all laughing when they walked through the front doors of the Martin house. It was a single-level, sprawling ranch house, with more rooms than two people could ever use. And it had been just the two of them, almost all Jack's life. He wondered briefly what it would be like to have a woman in the house.

  Tom Martin was in the kitchen, preparing some steaks to marinate. "Cassie, good to see you, hon. It's been too long." He walked over and gave her a big bear hug and they all chatted for a few minutes before he sat Sarah at the big oak table and served up some double chocolate ice cream.

  "Okay, she's all set. Let's go," Cassie said, clapping her hands like she was ready to get on with it.

  As they walked toward the barn and the largest pasture that lay beyond it, Cassie noticed the old run-down guest house off to the side. "What are you doing with that?" She indicated the stacks of lumber and the giant disposal bin next to it. "Surely you aren't tearing down our playhouse."

  Jack laughed. They had all spent many summers in the tiny guest house playing countless games. "Absolutely not. I'm renovating it." He paused as she looked up at him in surprise. He shrugged. "You never know. It could be useful someday." There was no way he was going to mention that his dad wanted to move into it in the hopes that Jack would eventually start his own family and take over the main house. Cassie was skittish enough around him. He didn't need her to start jumping to conclusions.

  They walked past the small house and continued out to the vast back pasture, walking all around the giant field and discussing where they thought things might go and what would be an ideal layout. Cassie had a notebook in her purse that she removed to draw some diagrams and make some notes on. They had about figured out the logistics and were heading back to the main house when they approached the big red barn. Cassie dropped down onto a small bale of straw with a deep sigh.

  "I really ought to get Sarah and go," she said, "but I'm exhausted. I just need a minute."

  Jack noticed the dark circles under her eyes but wisely chose not to mention them. Instead he said, "Is the bakery keeping you running constantly?"

  "You have no idea." She leaned back against the wall of the barn and closed her eyes. "Plus being a single mother, taking care of this committee, and now..." her voice trailed off.

  "What else?"

  She looked at him from the corner of one eye before shutting it again. "Nothing." But he noticed the strain on her face.

  He sat down next to her and was pleased that she didn't jump up instantly. He seemed to have that effect on her these days. It definitely wasn't good for a man's ego to continually send a woman running. But he thought he'd press his luck.

  "I really do admire all that you do, Cass. You need to take it easy every now and again, though, or you won't be able to give enough to what really matters."

  "Aren't you the wise one," she cracked, but he noticed some of the worry lines softening.

  He couldn't help it. He reached a hand up and brushed it across her lips. Her eyes snapped open. "You haven't smiled enough today." Easy, now. Don't scare her away. He dropped his hand and tilted his head. "I have just the cure for your lack of fun."

  "Lack of fun? Now you're just making me sound like a drag. First Lissa, now you."

  "No, just busy. I find it hard to believe that you haven't been on a horse in over two years."

  "I know. I do miss it." She sighed and looked toward the stables with longing in her eyes.

  "How about next weekend you come out for a ride?"

  She hesitated. "I really shouldn't. I only have one day off, and I like to spend it with Sarah."

  "Bring her along."

  "No," she said abruptly. "I mean, I can't really ride if I'm worried about her."

  "Then it's settled. We'll ride next Sunday." He could tell by the look on her face that she knew she'd been trapped.

  Instead of saying no or getting angry, though, she lifted one corner of her mouth. "Fine. You twisted my arm." Then she laughed, a small giggle of anticipation that made his stomach clench. He was beginning to treasure these few moments when she dropped her guard and relaxed with him.

  Before he could stop himself, he lifted his hand to her face again. "There you are again. Where do you keep wandering off to?" She stilled under his touch and they stared at each other for what felt like an eternity. Her breathing became shallow and uneven. God, she was beautiful. He leaned in slowly, gauging her reaction. She didn't move. He smiled and scraped his teeth across his bottom lip, noticing how her eyes followed the motion. Just as he was an inch from her mouth, he stopped. Better not press my luck any further. Leave 'em wanting more.

  He tucked a loose tendril of hair behind her ear and pulled back slightly. "Let's go get some ice cream. It's getting a bit hot out here." He stood and winked at her, then turned and sauntered back toward the house, leaving her staring after him with her mouth hanging open.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Jack hopped out of his truck in front of Cassie's bakery, whistling as he strolled up to the door. It was Thursday and he hadn't been back in for muffins since seeing Cassie over the weekend, though it had taken all his self-control to stay away. He knew he was treading in dangerous waters with Cassie, but he couldn't get her out of his mind. After their near-kiss at the ranch and his decision to explore the possibilities, he had talked to his father. He had asked him if he knew anything about why Cassie was so standoffish.

  "Well, son," Tom had said thoughtfully, "I suppose it has to do with being a mother. She has more to look after than just herself you know."

  "Yes, I know," he'd replied. "But it's more than that. We all used to be so close, back before Amanda and I left for college. Something is different with her, more than just being a mother."

  Tom rubbed at his bearded chin. "Maybe that's it. Amanda did a number on you. She could be thinking of that."

  "From what I can tell, Amanda did a number on her too."

  "It's true. She hasn't been back to town in years and word has it that she and Cassie don't even speak anymore."

  "So what does that have to do with Cassie and me?"

  His dad tilted his head and eyed him speculatively. "Well that depends on what exactly you mean by 'you and Cassie?'"

  Jack sighed and sat down. "I don't know exactly. I just know that we used to be as thick as thieves and now I can't get her to open up and be herself. She's hiding behind this wall." He thought for a moment about how much he should reveal and decided to jump in with both feet. "To be honest, it's not just that I miss her friendship, although I do. I have this conne
ction with her that goes beyond that, and I think she feels it too. But she's running scared."

  Tom leaned forward with his elbows on his knees. "Jack, I'm going to say this once, and then I'll let you do with it what you will. You're a grown man now and I can't tell you what to do." Jack looked at him, waiting for him to continue. "If what you're telling me is that you and Cassie both feel something that goes beyond friendship, then you need to watch your step. You and Amanda were best friends too. Look what happened when she broke it off with you. You ran off to try and find your place in the world, and who knows what's become of her. It destroyed your friendship. All I'm saying is that perhaps Cassie is afraid of losing someone else that's important to her. Don't hurt her, Jack. She's been through a lot. First losing her sister, and now having a sick mother and raising a daughter on her own. I know you are a good man, and you'd never do anything intentionally to hurt her. But these things are unpredictable."

  Jack had pondered that thought all week and tried to keep his distance while deciding what to do about it. Finally, he realized that he couldn't stop thinking about her and knew he had to see her again. He couldn't deny their attraction any longer. The heat between them was almost tangible, but he wanted to follow his father's advice to be cautious. If Cassie was worried about what may happen, then he would move slowly. What he did know, is that he wasn't going to sit back and wonder what could have been.

  The bells chimed as he entered the bakery. His eyes locked with Cassie's and instantly he knew.

  She felt something too.

  Cassie fumbled with the cash register, dropping the coins on the floor. Her customer turned to see who had startled her so much.

  "Well, I'll be. If it isn't Jack Martin." Evelyn Winters, Lissa's mother and notorious town gossip, pursed her lips and studied him. "I can't believe you've been back in town for two weeks and I haven't gotten a good look at you. Handsome as ever, wouldn't you say so, Cassie dear?" She looked slyly back at Cassie, who was collecting Mrs. Winters' change from the floor.

  "Oh, um, yeah sure he does," she stammered. He couldn't be certain, but Jack thought he saw a faint blush creeping up her neck.

  Mrs. Winters looked back and forth between the two of them, and Jack suddenly realized he'd been too busy staring at Cassie to say hello. He walked up and took her hand, bending to kiss it. "So sorry, my dear Mrs. Winters. Where are my manners? I've been quite busy since I got back taking care of a million different things."

  "So I hear. Lissa tells me that you two kids here are taking over the planning for the cook-off this year."

  "Yes, ma'am. At least, we're organizing the logistics of it."

  She looked back toward Cassie, who had yet to take her eyes off Jack, and hummed, rocking back on her heels. "Keep the change, dear. I've got places to be and people to see."

  More like fresh gossip to tell. Soon everyone would be buzzing about the two of them if Mrs. Winters was as loose with her lips as she used to be.

  "What's that?" Cassie appeared startled to see Mrs. Winters still standing there. "Oh, yes, of course. Have a nice day."

  Mrs. Winters hurried out the door, leaving Jack and Cassie staring at each other. She looked like a deer caught in headlights. Jack thought it wasn't the best reaction a woman could have toward him, but at least it was an improvement from that damn wall she usually had up.

  "The muffins are all gone," she blurted out.

  He cocked his head to the side. "Do you really think I've been coming here for the muffins?"

  Her eyes widened at his blatant admission. He raised his eyebrows and lifted one corner of his mouth in a lazy smile.

  "Cupcakes then?" She seemed to have collected herself somewhat.

  He ignored her question. "What time do you leave here?"

  She narrowed her eyes. "As soon as Emily arrives from school." She glanced up at the clock and frowned. He followed her gaze. It was almost three o'clock. Any minute then. Perfect.

  "I'll wait." He sat down at a table, leaning back and stretching his long legs out.

  "You aren't going to order anything?"

  "No, go ahead with whatever you need to do. I need to show you something when you get off." He could tell his vagueness was frustrating her, but he just smiled disarmingly and watched her. She squared her shoulders and marched into the kitchen while he admired the view from behind. He shook his head. How had he never noticed what a knockout she was? He wondered how she didn't have the local men beating down the door. She came back in with a tray of cupcakes and had just begun loading up the case when a teenage girl he could only assume was Emily rushed through the front door.

  She stopped in her tracks at the sight of him, then blushed and smiled shyly. "You must be Mr. Martin."

  "That's my dad. Call me Jack."

  "Nice to meet you, Jack. Sarah's talked about nothing else but you since Sunday."

  Cassie whipped her head toward them, eyes wide, then went back to her task.

  "Is that so? Where is our little princess?" he asked.

  Cassie dropped the empty tray on the counter with a clatter, a startled look on her face. "She goes to preschool on Tuesdays and Thursdays. In fact, I need to go get her now. I'm sorry, Jack, but whatever you need will have to wait. Emily, do you have everything under control here?" She wiped her hands on a towel and came around the counter to where Emily stood nodding her head.

  Jack got up and walked toward the front door. He wasn't going to let her escape him so easily. He had a purpose for coming in today, and he intended to fulfill it. "Let me walk you to your car."

  "No need, the daycare is just around the corner."

  Even better. He held the door open for Cassie and gave Emily a wink. She gave him two thumbs up as Cassie walked past him and through the door. Apparently word was already getting around, even without Mrs. Winters' help. He grinned back at her. "Save me one of those cupcakes. I'll be back in a minute." Maybe he'd have one after all.

  Cassie glared at him as the door swung shut and he fell into step beside her. She crossed her arms over her stomach, closing in herself, and shifted away from him. "I told you, I'm fine. I can get where I'm going on my own."

  "I've got no doubt in this world that you can handle anything on your own, sweetheart, but maybe I'm just trying to steal a minute with you without creating more gossip."

  "Good luck with that," she muttered. Cassie gestured to the park in the square where more than one head was turned their way, watching them with apparent curiosity. "You caused quite a stir after those shenanigans at the Gin on Saturday."

  He had to laugh at that. "It takes two, and you were having fun if I recall correctly." She sure was fired up today.

  They had just rounded the corner when she stopped, facing him with both hands on her hips, chin jutted out. "Do you intend to accompany me into the daycare as well?"

  God, she was sexy when her eyes were all lit up like that. He tried to pull his mind away from what they might look like burning with desire instead of irritation. "No. And discussing Saturday night was not my intention either."

  "What was your intention then?"

  He pursed his lips and looked her up and down, taking his time. She gave herself away by the way she fidgeted with the hem of her shirt. He smiled. He was making her uncomfortable again.

  She threw her hands up at his silence, exasperated, and whirled around to continue on toward the daycare. Not wanting to lose his chance, he reached out and grasped her elbow in an attempt to keep her from getting away, but her momentum was stronger than he thought. She whipped right around and crashed hard into his chest, knocking them both off balance. He took a step back to steady himself and grabbed her around the waist to keep her from toppling over as well.

  Cassie lifted her eyes to his face and they were round as saucers. As he stood there, he became acutely aware of every inch of her that was pressed against him, but he didn't make a move to release her. He only stared, taken aback by the intensity of his reaction to her. His arms tightened around
her involuntarily as he felt her breathing become more ragged. He could kiss her right now, and he was fairly certain she wouldn't push him away.

  He'd never know, though, because the moment was broken as a truck rumbled by on the narrow street, full of high school boys honking and catcalling. Cassie cleared her throat and pushed back forcefully against his chest. "I have somewhere to be."

  He released her unwillingly, but held on to her wrist, afraid she'd dart off if given half a chance. "Okay, this won't take a minute. I know you may not want to hear this, but I'm going to say it anyway." Her eyes grew wary. "I can't stop thinking about you, Cassie. Sunday after you left--"

  "Sunday? You mean when you almost kissed me, then walked away?" The blaze in her eyes was back. He didn't understand her irritation. Judging by the way she was trying to get away from him, he thought she'd been relieved he hadn't. Now she was angry over it? He never would understand women.

  "Well, yes," he said slowly, cautiously. "I just mean that there is obviously something between us. I'm not saying we should jump into anything, but let's at least see what that something might be. Let me take you to dinner this weekend. Just the two of us."

  "Jack, I don't know how to be any clearer," she began. She thought she was being clear? She was the epitome of mixed signals. "I don't have time for anything outside my already overly full schedule. You'll just have to ask someone else."

  "I don't want someone else. I want you."

  Her eyes widened slightly and she bit down on her lip. "I've got to go. Please." The last word was uttered softly, almost as if she were afraid. Her demeanor shifted and she looked at him pleadingly, but it wasn't just because she had to leave. She was begging him not to push the issue, not to push her. And because of that he let her go. He wasn't going to pressure her into something she wasn't ready for.

  "I'm sorry," he said. "I won't push. But if you change your mind..."

  She nodded wordlessly and looked at him for a long moment, before turning and rushing away. He walked back to the bakery in thought. That was definitely not how he'd expected that to go. Now he was afraid she'd be even more closed off. He kicked at some loose gravel on the sidewalk in front of his truck. Now what? He glanced up and saw Emily watching from behind the counter. She waved him inside.