Smile Like You Mean It

by S. J. McCoy

  “Okay, but get back to me as soon as you can, will you, Paul? I need to feel as though I’m doing something to get my life back under control.”

  “Will do. I’ll talk to you soon.”

  Renée hung up and looked around. For all she’d tried to make it livable, this place was no more than a shack. She didn’t want to live in a shack, and she didn’t want to have her life—and what she could do with it—dictated by a man who’d apparently never loved her. The same man who was now behind bars.

  She didn’t want to wait for Paul. She wanted to do something. Unfortunately she just didn’t know what. The sound of a car approaching drew her to the window. Gabe had said he’d stop by tonight, but she hadn’t thought he’d come this early. There he was though, climbing out of his rental car and making her heart race. She couldn’t help but smile at the sight of him. The way he smiled back when he spotted her certainly looked like he meant it. How she hoped he did!

  ~ ~ ~

  Gabe had to smile at the sight of her. She hadn’t changed after work yet, and her hair looked as though she hadn’t put a comb through it since they’d gotten up off the sofa last night, even though he knew that wasn’t true. She was a mess, and, yet, he’d never seen another woman look as beautiful.

  A strange feeling came over him as she appeared on the front porch to meet him. He felt good! He felt comfortable, and he felt as though this was his life, the one he was supposed to be living. Coming home to his beautiful woman, even though this wasn’t exactly home, felt a whole lot better than coming home to his own luxurious apartment.

  She smiled. “Sorry. I haven’t showered or anything yet; I didn’t expect you this early.”

  Gabe ran up the steps and closed his arms around her. “No. I’m sorry. I didn’t want to wait any longer and besides, you have to be up early. I want as much time as I can have with you before you have to go to bed.”

  The way she smiled at him made him want to take her straight to bed.

  “You’re a sweet talker, Gabe Morgan.”

  “I’m a straight talker, is what I am.” He held her closer to him and landed a kiss on the tip of her nose. “I have to leave at the end of the week, and I want to spend time with you while I’m here.” He raised an eyebrow. “If you want me?”

  She smiled up at him. “You know I do.”

  He saw a shadow of doubt cross her face. “But what?”

  “But…well. I want to spend as much time as I can with you, but part of me thinks I shouldn’t get used to it. I mean, after this week you’ll be gone, and then what?”

  It made him smile to know that she was also wondering what the future might hold for them. “Then I’ll be back the next weekend,” he said.

  “You will?”

  He nodded. “And more than that, I’ll be trying to figure out a way I can move here.”

  “Why?”

  He shrugged. “Spending all this time here has made me realize that I want this life more than I want the life I have in New York.”

  “I see.”

  “And,” he looked down at her, “there’s this chick here who’s caught my attention. I can’t exactly do much about it if she’s living here and I’m living in New York.”

  “And what exactly do you want to do about it?” she asked.

  He shrugged. “Spend some time with her.” He pressed his hips into hers and grinned. “Have my wicked way with her.” He loved the way she clung to him when he did that. He pressed his lips to hers and said, “You know, do all the things a man and a woman do with each other when they’re trying to figure out if they can have a life together.”

  She stepped back. “Seriously?”

  He had to laugh at the incredulous look on her face. “Do I say things I don’t mean?”

  “I’m starting to wonder!”

  He drew her back into his arms. “Why?”

  “Well, you hardly know me!”

  “That’s not true. We’ve known each other since we were kids.”

  “Yes, but we haven’t seen each other in years!”

  He shrugged. “Well, if you’re not interested.”

  She slapped his arm. “You know I’m interested. I’m just a little shocked that you are and that you’re prepared to go that fast.”

  “We’re not kids, Renée. I know who I am, and it’s taken me way too long to figure out what I want. I don’t see the point in wasting more time.” It was true. He studied her face, trying to figure out what was going on behind those light green eyes of hers. Maybe he was doing it all wrong. “I’m sorry. Is that too honest? Do you need more romance?”

  She laughed. “Do you have a romantic bone in your body?”

  He gave her a rueful smile. “I don’t believe I do, but I’m sure I could get an app or something.”

  She slapped his arm again. “I don’t need romance. I just need honest, and, you’re nothing, if not that.” She pushed the hair out of her eyes and looked up at him more seriously now. “There’s something else I need, too. Don’t take this the wrong way, I need a good divorce lawyer. A very good one.”

  That took him by surprise. It shouldn’t. After all, he was the one talking about where this could go between them, but her wanting a divorce lawyer the very minute he talked about them maybe having a future together made him a little leery.

  She laughed out loud. “Oh my God, Gabe! You really are such a guy. Don’t worry, I’m not planning on marching you down the aisle as soon as the ink dries on my divorce. I was trying to get started with it anyway. I just got off the phone with Paul, and divorcing Eric seemed like one way I could take back a teeny bit of control over my life. Can you see that?”

  “Of course I can.” Gabe felt bad about his immediate reaction, but, she was right, he was a guy after all! It was okay for him to want to pursue her, but a little creepy to think that she automatically wanted a divorce the moment he did. He felt bad, but he guessed it would take him a while to shake the residual effects of all the women who’d wanted to snag him over the years. He met her gaze and smiled. “I’m sorry.”

  “No need, and if it’s going to creep you out, forget it. But if you can bring yourself to do it, I’d love for you to put me in touch with the best divorce lawyer you know.”

  The best divorce lawyers he knew were in New York and would be no good to her anyway. He’d have to think about what connections he might have in California and whether she might want or be able to pay for someone like that. He didn’t know any of the details of her financial situation, and he wasn’t sure he wanted to.

  He must have been taking too long to think about it. “Okay, forget I said anything. You’re obviously creeped out by it. I’m sorry.” She smiled, but it was that brittle smile—the one that didn’t fool him at all.

  “That’s not fair. I just need to figure out who will be any good to you, and I don’t know what you can afford. Although I tend to be brutally honest, I didn’t want to lead with that because I know your finances are a sore subject right now, okay?”

  “Oh. Sorry.”

  “Not a problem. Just do me a favor and stop jumping to conclusions?”

  The smile she gave him this time was genuine and sexy as hell! “I’m going to jump to one more conclusion, and that’ll be all for today. How does that sound?”

  He liked the sound of this one. He could tell by the way she laughed that it was going somewhere he’d like. “Okay, one last one, so make it a good one?”

  “Well, I need to have a shower, and you haven’t let go of me since you got here. You’re giving me one very big,” she touched the front of his pants as she spoke, “indication that dinner isn’t your most pressing need. So I’m going to conclude that, for the sake of expediency, you’d like to join me in the shower.”

  Gabe drew in a deep breath as she closed her fingers around him.

  “Or did I get it all wrong again?”

  He turned her around and wrapped his arms around her waist as he started walking her toward the bathroom. “No, I’m p
leased to say that you jumped to the right conclusion this time.” He closed the bathroom door behind them and started to peel the clothes off her. “And I’ll be more than happy to prove you right.”

  ~ ~ ~

  Renée smiled to herself. She could get used to this. Gabe had more than proved her right in the shower, and then on the bed afterward. When they’d finally gotten up, he’d fetched a cooler from the car and made them a wonderful dinner. Now here she was, lying on the sofa with her head on his lap while he stroked her hair.

  One thing was bothering her though. “Gabe?”

  “Mm?” He was working his way through his emails and catching up with the office.

  “What could you do here?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Well, your work has been everything to you until now. You can’t leave it alone.” She held up a hand at the frown on his face as he looked up from his phone. “I’m observing, not complaining. It’s just that your work has been your whole focus, and more than that, it’s been your whole purpose. What on earth could you do in Summer Lake that could compare? You need meaning and purpose. How could you find them here?”

  He put his phone down and met her gaze. “Honestly, I don’t know. I have no clue, but…and this is totally unlike me, I have a good feeling. Something will come up, I know it. I don’t do well in a state of limbo, so I’m just going to move forward believing that it will all work out. And if it doesn’t,” he shrugged, “then at least that will be a challenge, and I do well when I’m challenged.”

  “But what if nothing does come up? Don’t you feel as though you might wither and die here if you can’t find something meaningful to do?”

  “Is that really a question for me, or is it what you’re asking yourself?”

  Hmm, he was way too good at this! She was wondering what she could do in Summer Lake if she were to stay for the long term. The job at the bakery was a lifesaver, but she’d go nuts if she thought it was her future. She nodded. “We’re cut from the same cloth in that respect. I need meaning and purpose, I need to feel as though I’m making a difference, and I don’t see what I could do here that fits the bill.”

  Gabe mulled it over. “I’m guessing non-profit work is going to be kind of difficult for you to get into now.”

  Renée let out a bitter laugh. “No one will touch me, and I don’t blame them. I’m guilty by association. No matter what I do, I’ll have to start from scratch, and I’ll have to fund myself.”

  He raised an eyebrow at her, but said nothing. She didn’t know what he meant by that, but for a moment she had a nasty suspicion that he might be implying he’d help fund her. But no. He wasn’t that stupid, and neither was she! She decided to change the subject; that was not a path she wanted to go down.

  “So, if you’re serious about doing all the things a man and woman do together when they’re wondering if they can have a life together, what do you have in mind?” She smiled as his hand roved down over her butt. “Yeah, we already know about that. You’ve had your wicked way with me.”

  Gabe laughed. “I’ve done nothing of the sort. You dragged me into the shower, and I think I’ve been very restrained…” His smile sent tingles down her spine. “So far. I haven’t been wicked at all.”

  “But you plan to?” Her heart beat a little faster at the gleam in his eye.

  “I do.” He sat up and pulled her with him. “But I don’t think that’s what you were talking about. One of things I have in mind is taking you out, on a real date.”

  “Oh my!”

  He laughed. “Don’t get too excited. I’m only asking if you want to have dinner at the Boathouse. So far all we’ve done is have lunch and hang out here. What do you say? Want to come out on a date with me? Let the world know we’re an item?”

  She smiled. She did. “I’d love to. When?”

  “Tomorrow?”

  “You’ve got yourself a date, counselor.”

  He pulled her to him. “I’ll look forward to it.”

  Chapter Ten

  Gabe placed his hand in the small of Renée’s back as he walked her through the bar. This felt so strange to him, but strange in a good way. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d picked a woman up to take her on a date. He met them at the restaurant or the bar and left them in their bed. Tonight he’d showered and got ready at his parents’ place—while dodging his mom’s questions and waggling eyebrows--then driven out to pick up Renée. She looked stunning. Her unruly red hair fell around her shoulders. She wore light makeup that set off her eyes beautifully and a dress that had made him want to cancel the date and take her straight to bed. It was a simple, calf length thing, nothing fancy or daring about it, but the way it clung to her curves had him wanting to get her out of it as soon as he could.

  Ben called to them from behind the bar. “Hey guys. Your table won’t be ready for a few minutes yet. Do you want to come have a drink while you wait?”

  Gabe was a little irritated at that. He’d called Ben earlier specifically to request a quiet table for six o’clock. He wouldn’t normally eat this early, but Renée’s work schedule dictated that they eat early—and get to bed early. He raised an eyebrow at her and she smiled and changed direction.

  Once they were settled at the bar, Kenzie popped her head out of the back and grinned at them. “Good evening! What can I get you? I thought you guys had a table booked?”

  “So did I,” said Gabe, shooting Ben a questioning look.

  Ben shrugged. “Sorry.” He didn’t look very sorry. Gabe had to wonder what he was up to.

  While Kenzie fixed their drinks, Gabe was surprised to see Max Douglas emerge from the Men’s room and make his way to the bar.

  He settled himself on the stool next to Renée and grinned at them. “Good to see you two out having a good time.”

  Renée grinned at him. “And you, Gramps! I didn’t think you came out much these days.”

  The old guy grinned. “I don’t mind telling you it’s almost my bedtime, but I was chatting with our Ben here and something he said made me decide to stick around till you arrived. Don’t worry. I won’t keep you.”

  Gabe looked at Ben. What were they up to? Ben gave him that weird smile of his and mouthed sorry, though he looked anything but. Gabe turned back to Gramps hoping he’d hurry up and explain why they were sitting here at the bar instead of getting on with their date.

  “See, I was telling Ben that he’d be the perfect replacement for Ted Morris when he stands down; but, of course, our Ben’s far too busy with this place.”

  Gabe had no clue what Gramps was talking about or why it had anything to do with him. He waited—impatiently—for the old guy to continue.

  Gramps grinned at him. “And besides, it’s not exactly Ben’s cup of tea. But he was good enough to remind me that there’s a far more suitable candidate in town these days. I’d be happy to nominate you if you want to stand, son. What do you think?”

  Gabe stared at him blankly. “Ted Morris?” He kept running the name through his memory banks but wasn’t finding a match. “Nominate me for what?”

  Gramps chuckled. “Summer Lake Development Manager, son!”

  “What?”

  Gramps laughed and looked at Renée. “I remember him as being a smart kid. Has living in the city made him a bit slow?”

  She laughed with him, but met Gabe’s gaze and raised her eyebrows. “I don’t know, Gramps. I would have thought he’d jump at the chance, but then I don’t know him that well.”

  Both men turned to her with a who are you trying to kid look on their faces .

  Gabe was quickly regaining his composure, even as his mind raced. “And what does the Summer Lake Development Manager do?”

  Ben laughed. “Pretty much everything that will help the town, attract businesses and manage growth, draw up policies, consult with existing businesses and agencies to make sure we’re staying on track and maintaining, hopefully improving quality of life for residents as the town grows.


  Gabe liked the sound of that. He looked at Renée. “Didn’t I tell you last night that I had a feeling something would come up?”

  He loved the way her eyes shone as she nodded back at him. “And, as usual, you were right. It sounds perfect.”

  Gramps slapped him on the back. “It sounds like it’d suit you, son. And I’m pretty damned sure you’d be perfect for this town. Ted’s been good, but he’s old school. Town needs new blood, new ideas, a new approach if’n you ask me.” He grinned. “Not that anybody did.”

  Gabe smiled at him. “But what would it take? Is it an elected position?”

  Gramps grinned. “Details like that don’t count so much back here, son. The town will do what’s right for it.”

  Gabe frowned at him—that sounded dodgy to say the least.

  Ben stepped up. “Don’t worry, it’s overseen by the Economic Development Committee. Everything has to go through the proper channels. It’s not just an old boys club.” He grinned a Gramps. “I have dragged them into the twentieth century at least. Though I’d think catching them up to the twenty-first may take me a while yet, and it’d be a lot easier with you at the helm.”

  Gramps just kept grinning at them. “What Ben says. You just let me know what you decide. I need to be getting on home, and you kids need to be getting on with your evening.” He slid down from his stool. “Don’t take too long to make your mind up though, will you? We need to get you started.” He ambled off without waiting for a reply.

  Gabe looked at Ben. “What the..?”

  Ben grinned. “You were looking for a way to stay here, to contribute…”

  “To do something that would have meaning and purpose,” added Renée. “This is perfect!”

  Gabe pursed his lips. This was going to take some thinking about!

  “Anyway, I didn’t want to hijack your evening. I just wanted to get you with Gramps while he was here. He’s head of the committee and pretty influential. If you’ve got his backing, it’ll be pretty much a foregone conclusion.”