by Erika Kelly
She shook her head with a fragile smile. “I’m sorry. I’m just…confused and a little lost and…I don’t know. Let’s just go to the real estate office right now.”
Chapter Fifty-Five
The storm had passed, leaving puddles and dripping leaves. Of course, in a mountain town like Calamity, a little thing like weather didn’t deter tourists and locals from coming out and enjoying the town. Bazoo’s Mercantile, with its regional gifts and souvenirs, always did a lively business, and the diner was packed with families seeking an early dinner.
As they stepped outside the real estate agency that faced the town green, Gray wanted to pump a fist in victory—Knox had just signed a lease. One glance at her dazed expression, though, dampened his mood.
He didn’t know what he could say to make this commitment easier for her. “That was brilliant. I can’t believe you got them to go month-to-month.”
“Well, we did christen the place. It wasn’t like they could lease it to anyone else.” Her smile sparked, then died.
“You want to grab some dinner before we go home?”
“I should probably get back to work. I can’t afford to fall behind, and I won’t have any help until I can move into the new space.”
“What if each sewer takes a machine home and continues working? We could move some of them into the main house. There’s plenty of room there. Keep a couple in the bunkhouse, another at Fin’s. We could…”
He stopped when he caught her expression. Fond? Actually…a little adoring. “What?”
Grabbing a fistful of his shirt, she tugged him toward her. “You’re amazing, that’s what.” She planted a kiss on his mouth, then wiped the lipstick off with her fingertips. Hope rushed him hard. Until she said, “Thank you.”
He didn’t want her fucking gratitude. He wanted her to be in this with him—for it to become natural for them to stand by each other, help each other, love each other.
But that kind of closeness took time. Time he wouldn’t have, once competition season started. Snugging an arm around her waist, he lowered his mouth to her ear. “There’s no obstacle anyone can put in front of us that we can’t tackle together.”
She gazed up at him, reading into the depths of his eyes. “I’m starting to believe you.”
That’s all I can ask for. “Come on.” He headed in the direction of his truck. “Let’s get you back.”
They stepped off the sidewalk and crossed the street to the town green. In the summer, there’d be live music; in the winter, sleigh rides. Now, a couple huddled in the gazebo, hands wrapped around Calamity Joe coffee cups, while their two little kids in bright yellow rainboots stomped in puddles. Two teens held hands, as they strode purposefully across the wet grass.
“I still can’t believe he did this to me. You know?” She gazed up at him. “Like, he had to come up with this plan, do an internet search for Calamity, find our town hall…he put such an effort into ratting me out. It’s just so…extreme.”
Luc. Knox had jokingly asked the town inspector if someone with a French accent had tipped them off. The way his expression froze gave them their answer. Gray doubted they got a lot of calls from Parisians reporting a nefarious business operating out of the Bowie ranch. “He sounds like a punk.”
“He’s trying to close all my doors, so I have no choice but to go back to him. That’s never going to happen. He can go fuck himself.” She stopped right there on the sidewalk. “You know what? I don’t want to go back to the bunkhouse and eat some cheese and bread. I want chicken enchiladas at the Tavern. You in?”
He loved the gleam in her eyes. “You going to spring for guacamole and nachos?”
“Might even toss in a margarita.” She turned back and headed toward Sweet Baby Jane’s.
But the moment they hit the sidewalk, she towed him into an alcove and pushed him against the wall. She threw her arms around his neck. “You are…” She drew in a breath and held it for a moment. “Gorgeous. And amazing. And I…”
Is this a brush-off? It sounds like one. Gorgeous, amazing…those are empty words. She could use them on any number of people. “Yeah, I know. You’re not looking for a relationship. It’s fine. We’re cool.” He glanced away. “Let’s grab some dinner.”
“Wait. I want to say something.”
Please don’t.
“I’m scared. I’m leasing a building in the town I swore I’d never come back to. My dream’s still in reach, but the path has changed completely, and I’m just…”
Yep. Not looking for anything serious.
“I’m falling for you, Gray. In a big way. And that scares me more than anything.” She placed both palms on his chest.
Oh, fuck, yes. He wanted to tell her she didn’t need to be scared. That they’d figure out everything together. But she needed to get there on her own. “I’m in this, Knox. You have to know that.”
“It’s just…it feels so dangerous. More dangerous than anything else I’m doing.” Worry hardened into determination. “But I want us. And maybe that’s what’s so terrifying. How very much I want us to work out.”
“I do, too.” You have no idea. “This is good, Knox. We’re good.”
“We are. It’s never been like this with anyone before.”
For one ugly moment, Robert reared like an apparition between them. And it was time to address it. “That’s not exactly true. You and Robert had more good years than bad.”
“As kids, we were each other’s secret treehouse, but as teenagers…I didn’t like him.”
Anxiety churned its way through his guts. “What’re you saying?
“I’m saying this…us…. This is magic. I’ve never felt anything like it before.”
Relief breezed through him, clearing out the unease and tension.
“I just want you to know that…I never thought in a million years I could have you like this.”
When she gestured to his half-hard cock, he burst out laughing.
Her features colored. “I don’t know why I pointed there. I’m saying—”
“I get it, and I’m glad you laid it out there.” His mouth sealed over hers, and he kissed her.
It wasn’t sweet, it wasn’t a public display of affection. It was a deep-in-the-night, two-bodies-under-the-covers, take-what-you-need burning, wild passion. And it made his scalp tingle, and his dick go hard.
“You make me crazy.” He pulled away before he lost himself completely. “Let’s get some dinner.” He headed out of the alcove.
He almost couldn’t believe this was real. He had his heart.
His whole heart.
Sweet Baby Jane’s Tavern was rockin’. Live music by the stone hearth mixed with the loud conversation at the town’s busiest bar.
The moment they walked in, the hostess came around the podium to greet him. She gave him a hug. “How’s it going?” When she pulled back, her gaze shifted to Knox.
“Great.” He watched carefully for a reaction. Tara hadn’t grown up in Calamity, so he doubted she knew about Knox’s childhood reputation. “Your mom feeling better?”
Whatever she’d been thinking about Knox, her attention snapped back to him with gratitude. “She’s out of the hospital, but I think she finally learned her lesson.”
Gray gestured toward Knox. “Knox, this is Tara. Her mom broke her hip.”
“We keep telling her to slow down. She’s eighty years old and still rappelling.” She rolled her eyes. “So damn stubborn.”
“I’m sorry she got hurt,” Knox said. “But she sounds pretty cool.”
“Gray,” someone called.
Turning, he found a group of old friends from high school gathered at the bar and waved.
“Let’s get you to a table before you’re swarmed.” Tara pulled two menus out of the pocket on the podium and lead them through the restaurant.
A warm, delicate hand brushed his, and he startled. Looking down, he watched as Knox twined her fingers with his. She held his hand like it was the most natural thing in t
he world, like they were an old couple, and it sent his blood racing, his heart pounding. She didn’t know what the simple gesture meant to him.
He’d waited a lifetime to have her like this, so if he gripped her a little too tightly, he couldn’t have stopped himself.
In a rush of emotion, he brought their joined hands to his mouth and kissed the back of hers. He didn’t delude himself for a second that she’d stay here. He knew she was bound for better things. She’d become a star, like Luc, and base her business in New York, Milan, Paris. It’s what she’s always wanted and what she deserves. He’d never hold her back.
But, maybe, by then, he’d go with her.
As they wove their way across the crowded, noisy restaurant, people giving him chin nods and waves, he imagined a life with her. He could see waking up with her every morning and talking about their day over dinner at night. But the in-between times—that’s what he couldn’t see. Because she’d be working nonstop. And, if he left Calamity, what would he do? He loved his mountains, his family, his lifestyle. He’d always figured he’d run his business from the ranch and help Fin out at the training facility. He supposed he could run his business anywhere.
He swiped it from his mind. He’d figure it out when the time came. Now that he had her, he would do whatever it took to steer them toward a forever.
Tara led them to a small table in the corner and set the menus down. “Enjoy your meal.”
“Thanks.” He started to pull out a chair, when Knox reached for it. It took a moment for him to understand why she’d want to face the wall, but when he did, his anger spiked. Cady should be glad he hadn’t been in the restaurant the other night. Delilah had handled it a whole lot better than he would have.
One day she’ll be celebrated in this town for the beautiful, talented, woman she is.
Once seated, she pulled her napkin out from under the silverware. “How does all this attention not go to your head? You’re like a movie star.”
“Hardly.”
“Please. You’re gorgeous and charismatic. Not to mention you’re the hometown hero, bringing home the gold.”
“That won’t get much traction until I’m actually on the team. Then, it’ll be a big deal. It’s really more about the meme. It brought a lot of attention on all of us.” His phone vibrated. Fin. Shit. He pulled it out of his pocket to read his brother’s text.
Where the hell are you?
He’d blown off afternoon training. He wrote him back. Dinner. He’d only meant to spend a couple hours looking at spaces, but then…things had taken a turn, and he’d lost track of time.
I’m sorry. I blew it.
You better have a good reason.
He did, but he wasn’t telling his brother about it. Town Inspector shut Knox down yesterday. Had to find a new space for her biz.
Did you?
Yeah. Signed a lease.
Good reason. Should have told me. Been waiting around with my thumb up my ass.
Sounds uncomfortable. Unless…you’re into that kind of thing?
Fuck off.
But bailing on his brother wasn’t cool. I should have called you. I’m sorry.
OK. See you in the morning.
He pocketed his phone.
“Everything okay?” Knox asked.
“Forgot to tell Fin I wasn’t training this afternoon.”
She immediately looked guilty. “He must be so frustrated. Well, now that I’m settled, I won’t be taking up so much of your time.”
“I’m good.”
“You’re driving Fin crazy.”
“I know.” And it wasn’t right. Gray needed to make a decision. He either gave Fin a full commitment, or he freed his brother up to work with other athletes. “I’ll fix it.” Candlelight flickered on her lovely features, and he knew right then he’d already made his choice.
He wouldn’t give up his time with Knox, not for anything.
“I wish your dad could be there to see you on the podium.”
“Me, too.” He’d dreamed about it as a kid, seeing his dad’s face in the crowd at a fencing competition, beaming with pride. Or in the audience at one of his jazz concerts. He’d get that medal, and it would be great—but it would never be the same as having his dad there.
She caressed the back of his hand. “Where did you just go?”
“What do you mean?”
“Everything in you just softened like butter in a microwave.” She smiled. “Tell me.”
“Nah. Just…I can see it, you know. My dad’s expression when the scores come up on the board. When I step off the podium and make my way right to him.”
“He’d be thrilled.”
“Hey, Gray.” The waiter appeared with a water pitcher. “What can I get you guys to drink? And when I say you guys, I really mean your friend.” The guy gave Knox a long-suffering look. “And please tell me you’re more fun than the Bowies, who only ever want water.”
She took a quick scan of the drinks menu. “How about a blackberry mojito?”
“Now, that’s what I’m talking about. I’ll be right back with your cocktail and to take your order.”
They both picked up their menus, and Gray said, “What looks good?”
“You do.” She reached for his knee under the table. “I hope it’s not stupid to say it. But I can’t remember when I’ve ever felt this happy.”
He lunged across the table, cupped the back of her head, and kissed her. Against her mouth, he said, “Say more of that. Every single time shit like that comes into your head, say it out loud.”
“I won’t get much work done,” she murmured, before resuming their kiss.
Jesus, she got him so worked up. The gentle caress of her fingers on his jaw, the lick of her tongue on his lower lip.
“Well, look at this,” a way-too familiar voice said. “If it isn’t my two favorite people in the world.”
Shock blasted through him, the report so powerful Gray jerked back in his seat.
“Robert?” Knox’s voice was filled with confusion, surprise, and a hint of fear.
Gray forced himself to stand, though his limbs felt like sandbags. He reached a hand out. “Hey, man.”
Robert Granger, Junior, looking healthy and fit, smirked at the hand, grabbed it, and yanked Gray in for a bear hug. He squeezed just a little too tightly. A message?
“Great to see you, man.” Robert released him and turned his attention to Knox.
Between the rainstorm, Gray’s hands in her hair, and all the drama of the past couple of hours, she hadn’t had time to shower or change her clothes, but her tousled hair and creamy complexion made her the most beautiful woman Gray had ever seen. Her loose sweater had slipped, revealing a bare, slender shoulder.
Watching the couple reunite…it pierced his heart with a razor-sharp knife of fear. But her mouth was still wet from his kiss, and a surge of want crashed over him. He wanted this woman, wanted her more than anything, and he could not believe Robert had come back into their lives right when he’d finally gotten the chance to be with her.
“Jesus, Knox.” The smile left Robert’s face. “Look at you.” He reached for her.
Jammed between the table and the wall, she stood awkwardly and leaned into his embrace for an upper body hug, but Robert bestowed a brilliant smile to the couple at the table next to them. “Excuse me, I haven’t seen this woman in seven years, and an air kiss is just not going to cut it.”
His usual charm worked its magic, and the elderly couple smiled. “You lay one on her,” the man said.
Robert tugged Knox into his arms, closing his eyes and hugging her with the relief of a man who’d just been reunited with his long-lost love.
Knox’s body remained stiff, and when she started to pull away, Robert tightened his hold and murmured in her ear.
She broke out in a smile. You could always count on him for that. No matter how fucked up a situation got, Robert could always make people laugh. And Gray saw the moment his heart relaxed in her ex’s a
rms, the moment she leaned into him.
“It’s so damn good to see you,” Robert said.
All Knox had ever wanted was a sober Robert.
Gray felt sucker-punched. He wanted to flip the table over. Was this reunion going to turn into a reenactment of their childhood, with Gray the third wheel, wanting her from afar again?
No. No. And hell no. He wasn’t going back to that, not for anything.
He’d learned his lesson. You can’t make someone love you. She either wanted him or she didn’t.
Slow your roll, man. Seven years was a long damn time. Besides, hadn’t she said she’d never loved Robert romantically? That she’d been tied to him because of their past?
Yeah, she had.
Gray was done watching them murmur and giggle with each other. He clapped Robert on the shoulder. “Hey, man, how long you in town?”
Knox pulled away, her features flushed.
With a sly smile at her, Robert said, “Depends on how things go.”
And there it was, that rumble of energy between the two men. Competition.
“Hey.” Robert cupped her cheek. “You all right?”
“Yeah, of course.” Looking annoyed, she pulled back. “I’m just glad to see you looking so healthy and strong. It’s nice.”
“What’d you think?” Robert straightened, jammed his hands into his pockets. “I was living in the underground tunnels of the subway system? Passed out with a needle hanging out of my arm?”
She gave him a hardened look. Yes, actually, I did. Why wouldn’t I?
Robert turned to the couple behind him. “Sorry. Let me grab a chair real quick, get out of your way.”
Gray motioned for a passing waiter. A moment later, the man dropped a chair into the tight space, and all three sat down.
“So, what brings you back to town?” The last time Gray had seen Robert was at his dad’s funeral three years ago.
“Are you making movies with your dad?” Knox asked.
“Guess you don’t read the rags.” Robert pointed to Gray’s water glass, You mind? When Gray nodded, Robert nearly drained the glass. “My folks divorced a couple years ago. Big scandal—I’ll fill you in about it later, but yeah, his funding dried up.” He gave a self-deprecating laugh. “Hollywood didn’t work out.”
