Payton wondered what her mother’s reaction had been to her last text. She’d asked the woman to give her a few more days, but Payton doubted that had kept Olivia from texting right back on the spot. Too bad her phone had been shut down since then. She’d check it first thing tomorrow. Maybe.
It was odd, but having the two biggest connections to home locked into a bag and stuffed in the nook beneath the nightstand took a whole lot of weight off her shoulders.
She sighed. In mere minutes she would head to dinner at the family farm, as Jason called it, where she’d meet Luke’s family. His mom, bless her heart, was making a layered chocolate torte cake especially for her. How was she supposed to say no to that?
A tap came to her door. “You ready to go, Pay?” her brother asked.
“Yeah, just about there.” Payton climbed off the bed, snatched a pair of socks out of her case, and opted for her tan ankle boots, the color a perfect complement to her outfit. She may not have chosen this to be her evening tonight, but Payton was glad she was going. At least she’d get to discover more about Luke and his family. His upbringing was obviously very different from hers, and she couldn’t help but be intrigued by it.
The thoughts caused the Archie ordeal to press on her anew. Even in recollection, Payton was disturbed that she’d absently thought about trying to fix things the other day. It was the last thing she wanted to do. But the urge to do so was implanted in her just the same. Deeply. Hurry and fix the cracks before anyone could see. Well, not this time. She hadn’t caused those cracks; Archie had.
A concoction of dread, guilt, and shame sloshed through Payton’s gut. Something Archie should have to digest, not her.
“We’ll be out in the truck,” Jason hollered, reminding her it was time to go.
“Be there in a second.” Payton zipped up the back of each boot, then came to a stand before the mirror once more. Good enough for the occasion. Not overdressed, but not too casual either.
The pending engagement dilemma got put on pause as she hustled out of the house and into the truck. But as soon as Luke put the pickup in gear and steered down the dusty road, the question came back full-force: What was the best way to end things with Archie Kendall? Something as big as breaking off an engagement usually demanded a respectable conversation in person. But when someone cheated, didn’t they forgo all that? Heck, if she waited to break things off in person, Payton would end up putting some much-needed color into one of his cheeks with a well-earned slap.
She tried very hard to recall just a few of the reasons she’d agreed to marry the guy, but with Luke a mere foot away in the cab of his truck, scents of his aftershave toying with her senses, Payton couldn’t think of a one of them.
“Can you believe that sunset?” Jason said from the back of the extended cab.
Payton glanced out the window and gasped. “How did I miss that?” Magnificent warm colors spread across the western horizon, each shooting from a massive spot of glowing sunlight. “It’s so pretty.” The words came out softly. Reverently. And for a moment, Payton found herself doing something she hadn’t done in a very long time: uttering a prayer of thanks. The man upstairs had heard a whole lot from Payton lately, with everything falling apart as it was. Yet gratitude had gone right out the window somewhere along the way.
But this … this moment with the sky and fresh air and an evening ahead of her that lacked even one Hollywood demand. It was a gift, and she planned to treat it as such.
“I’ll give you a little rundown of my family so you’ll know what to expect,” Luke said. The sunlight seeped into his tan skin as he scratched a hand along the scruff at his jaw. “Let’s see, we have Taylor, who you already know. Skinny kid with hair curlier than a poodle’s.” He chuckled, and Payton couldn’t help but do the same.
“You forgot cute smile,” she said.
Luke shot her a look before rolling his eyes. “If you say so.”
She laughed. “It’s not as nice as yours, but …” Her face flushed with heat. She could swear Luke’s was doing the same.
“What was I sayin’?” He cleared his throat. “Next is Ross and Rachel.”
“They’re the ones always trying to set Luke up with a friend of theirs,” Jason blurted from the back seat.
Luke shook his head. “Oh, not anymore. They’ve moved right on to you, now.”
Payton spun around to look at her brother, secretly glad to hear that they’d moved on from trying to hook Luke up with someone. “What about Taylor? Don’t they ever bring a friend for him?”
“No,” Luke and Jason said in unison.
“He’s fresh out of a bad breakup,” Jason continued, “so they’re leaving him alone for now.”
“Okay, so Ross and Rachel, the matchmakers,” Payton said.
“They’ve got two kids. A little guy named Pete, who’s nine years old, and a little lady, Mel, who’s six. They’re smarter than they ought to be for their age, if you ask me. And they’re pretty cute too, not that I’m biased. They’re the only niece and nephew I have so far.”
“He spoils them like crazy,” Jason mumbled from the back seat.
“I do not,” Luke said.
“So why did you buy two bags of their favorite treats to bring tonight?”
Luke glanced over at Payton before answering her brother. “Because I lost a bet.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Jason said through a laugh.
Luke steered the truck to a large driveway in front of a picture-perfect farmhouse. The tall, two-story home had white siding, a high-pitched roof, and a massive porch complete with patio furniture and flowered pots. Charming.
“My dad, his name’s Bob, is a big tease, so you’ll have to watch out for him. My mom makes up for it, though. She’ll want to take you in like a stray kitten.”
Payton laughed. “Okay …”
Luke reached into the back seat and retrieved a sack—must have been the treats Jason referred to. “I’ll get the door for you,” he mumbled as he climbed out.
Payton stayed in place, watching Luke as he circled around the front of the truck. He wore black shirt today, the color making him look more mysterious than usual. Her heart thumped out of rhythm as he cracked open her door and held out his hand for her.
“Thank you,” she said, placing her hand in his. Warm and strong. She stepped onto the ground, a layer of gravel and dirt.
“What about me?” Jason piped from the back seat. “Aren’t you going to help me out?”
Luke chuckled before cracking the back door open. “I’m pretty sure you can figure it out.” He motioned to the walkway before walking alongside her.
“The house is beautiful,” Payton said, eyeing a large red barn in the distance. An even older-looking one rested beyond that, the weathered structure the very picture of charm. “This whole property is gorgeous,” she added, noting the lush fields of green. Accenting it all was the beautiful glow of the sunset, its golden light creating what looked like some sort of antique photo filter.
“Come on, Mojo!” a young voice hollered. Laughter came next, and Payton grinned as she saw what must be Luke’s niece and nephew come running along the side of the home.
A black-and-white collie barreled alongside, then broke away from the small pack toward the latest arrivals. The four-legged animal approached Luke first, standing to lean his front paws on Luke’s legs.
“Hi there, Mojo,” Luke said, his voice playful. He scratched the dog’s head and face, leaning to let the animal give him a lick on the cheek. And just like that, the dog moved on to Jason next, repeating the action in what seemed to be his standard greeting.
“Hey, boy,” Jason said, his smile wide. Mojo got more than just a lick on her brother’s face. Payton couldn’t help but giggle as its large, pink tongue slid over Jason’s cheek, chin, and even the corner of his mouth. “That’s enough, Mojo,” Jason said with a laugh.
The kids caught up as the tail-wagging dog greeted Payton, resting its paws in her open hands as she bent down
to accept him.
“I’ve heard of you before,” the brown-haired girl said. “You’re Payton Keller.”
The boy by her side, his hair a lighter shade of brown, rolled his eyes. “That’s cuz Mom told you.”
The small girl let out a tsk. “Nu-uh. I would have known anyway. I’m not dumb.”
“Well, it’s nice to meet you,” Payton said. She released Mojo’s paws and dusted her hands off on her jeans. “Let me guess,” she said, extending her hand to the girl first. “We’ve got Mel and Pete, right?”
The kids’ faces lit up like jack-o-lanterns, missing teeth and all.
“Wow,” Luke said, tousling Pete’s hair. “Can you believe that? I didn’t even tell her.”
Mel’s eyes widened in surprise before she caught on to Luke’s teasing tone. “Yes, you did. She wouldn’t be able to guess both of our names.” The little girl tipped her head to one side as a new smile pulled at her lips. “Jason!” At once she tore from the group, hurried over to Jason, and threw her arms around him.
“Sheesh,” Luke said. “Where’s my hugs? I didn’t see Uncle Jason bring you guys one of these …” Luke held up a grocery sack he’d had looped around his arm.
“Are those Takis?” Pete asked, rushing in for a hug.
Luke hunched down, catching Pete in one arm, then Mel in the other as she raced in. “That’s right,” he cheered, spinning in place as the two giggled. Mojo circled the action, bouncing and barking with excitement.
Something was happening in Payton’s heart. This couldn’t be real. The scene was too perfect. Too warm and happy and peaceful. The grin on Luke’s face was enough to set little fireworks ablaze in her chest. But the kids and the dog and the sunset and the view …
“Grandma Dee made your favorite dessert,” Mel said as Luke lowered her small, sneaker-covered feet back on the grass. Pink sneakers—so cute.
“She did?” Payton feigned surprise. “That was so nice of her!”
The brown-eyed girl slipped her delicate little hand in Payton’s and guided her toward the porch steps.
There went her heart again. This girl was adorable. “I love your shoes,” Payton said.
“Thanks,” Mel said. “They match my fingernails. See?” She held out her other hand to prove it. Her tiny nails showed only remnants of the pink coating. “Oops,” she said, forcing her hand back down to her side. “They have to be redone. Can I maybe paint your nails too? I’m really good.”
Payton thought of her expensive manicure. The pearl-colored gel would most likely be ruined, but how could she say no? “Sure,” she said as they approached the front door. “I’d love that.”
The guys came up behind them, Pete in tow, and Jason reached in to get the door for them.
“Thanks, Jason,” Mel gushed, her cheeks showing more pink than her nails. Seemed as if someone had a crush.
As Payton stepped toward the open doorway leading to Luke’s childhood home, Jason gave her a knowing look. One that said, See why I like it here?
Payton smiled back. Even before today, the answer had been clear. Yes, she could.
Chapter 15
“Payton, did you say you wanted to see how I make the cream topping?” Dee stood at the counter, a place that served as her culinary canvas.
Luke glanced to Payton, who’d been sitting next to him during dinner.
“Yes, I’d really like to see how it’s done.” She slid her chair out and stepped behind Luke, resting a hand on his shoulder as she passed. The act felt more absent than anything, a way to stabilize herself as she wedged between him and the wall, but it caused his pulse to race just the same.
So much for pushing his feelings aside. Being around this woman was proving harder than he thought.
“Uh-oh,” Bob blurted. “If she’s cooking the dessert, I’ll be sure not to eat any.”
Luke shook his head, glad he’d warned Payton about his tease of a dad.
Payton chuckled, ducking her head as Mom looped an apron around her neck.
“Well, now that you’ve said that,” his mom said, “we’re going to see to it that you really don’t get any. Right, Payton?”
Payton laughed again. “Right.” She pointed a finger at Bob. “So there.”
Shoot, this woman was reeling Luke in like a helpless trout on a hook. She’d held her own tonight. Put up with Ross’s relentless questions about growing up with a plastic surgeon/reality TV star father and a mom who’d been in the spotlight since before she was born. Of course, Payton had interjected to state that her father’s show was better termed biography TV versus reality. She’d also taken Bob and all his teasing like a champ. Even Mojo liked her, sprawling his belly across her feet under the table. Though Luke was certain it was because she’d fed the beggar table scraps.
“Well,” Taylor said, “who’s ready for a good ol’ Branson Family Horseshoe Tournament?”
Luke glanced at Payton in time to see her eyes go wide in surprise. “Told you so,” he muttered.
“Told her what?” Taylor piped.
Luke grinned as Payton’s cheeks flushed red. “She didn’t think people really played games like horseshoes and …”
Payton gave him a you-better-not head tilt, but he finished the sentence anyway.
“And spin the bottle.” He chuckled under his breath as the group burst into a mixture of laughs. Rachel outdid everyone with a loud gasp.
“You’re kidding.” His sister-in-law repositioned her glasses with a finger. “You never played spin the bottle as a teen?”
Payton shook her head. “No, I actually thought it was just something they put in the movies.”
“The poor girl’s been denied a natural adolescence,” Bob grumbled. He shot Payton a wink. “Maybe Luke can catch you up to speed.”
The chatter stopped.
This time Luke’s face burned red; just the thought of tasting Payton’s pretty lips caused fire to roar low in his belly.
Taylor broke the sudden silence with a laugh. “Yeah, we’ll let them work that out later. For now, let’s get the tournament set up. Jason, you game?”
Jason scooted his chair from the table. “I’m in.” He carried a stack of empty plates and piled silverware to the sink.
“I want to play,” Mel said, shooting out of her chair.
“Not yet.” Rachel scooped a heap of cheesy potatoes onto the girl’s spoon. “Eat three more bites first.”
“You’re so mean,” Luke mumbled through a laugh.
Pete, who’d been the first to finish his dinner, leaned against the kitchen wall, a colorful puzzle cube in his hands. “Yeah, I’ll play too. Just let me finish this.” He spun the gadget this way and that, the random colors lining into order like clockwork. Entire sides began matching up as his nimble fingers moved. And suddenly he held it up. “Done.”
“Wow,” Payton said as he rested the thing on the counter. She abandoned the whisk and reached over the bowl to take hold of it. “I can’t believe you just solved this. I’ve never been able to do that.”
“It’s not that hard,” Pete said. “Just have to figure out the algorithm. I’ll show you after dessert if you’d like.”
“If I’d like? I would love that.”
This wasn’t Payton Keller of Hollywood. It was the Payton Luke had been falling for over the last few days. Falling for—despite his determination to not fall for any woman, especially an engaged one.
Ross, who sat on the other side of Luke, gave him a nudge with his elbow. “Take a look at this.” Beneath the table, he handed over his phone. Correction: it was Rachel’s phone—the beaded rhinestones against Luke’s palm gave it away.
Luke gave his brother a look. “Why right now?” he hissed.
Ross shot a pointed look at Payton. “Just look.”
Luke scooted his chair back a bit to where it blocked Payton’s view of him, and glanced down at the glowing screen.
Trouble in Parchadise
Hollywood’s real life Ken Doll, aka Archie Kendall,
has been spotted with Basha Sweeten, daughter of real estate tycoon Lyle Sweeten. Though the prince of Kendall Incorporated is engaged to Payton Keller, he’s rendezvoused with Sweeten at Hollywood’s finest five-star hotels, getting cozy in a private cabana, sources say.
We here at Gossip Daily would have to agree. One look at the picture below says they’ve been un-robing for more than a simple dip in the pool. So now the question on everyone’s mind is “what about Parchie?” Weren’t they going to give us the wedding of the century? A representative for Keller says she has no comment to make on the subject just yet, but we’re sure the Queen of Shades will be wearing a whole lot of blues at the news.
Luke tilted his head to better see the photo as he scrolled down. Lo and behold, the scrawny blond guy lay sprawled out on a doublewide beach chair beside a woman whose skin looked orange next to his. Donning swimsuits, the two rested beneath a cabana just out of the sun’s reach as he nibbled on the woman’s ear.
Luke clenched his eyes shut and lowered his chin. There, in his childhood home, a list of every word he hadn’t been allowed to say ran through his mind. What an absolute idiot. The guy has a spotlight on him, and an engagement so public even Luke knew about it, and he still has the nerve to prance around with some other woman.
And what about Payton? The woman had an obsession with everything going according to plan. She thought it was bad when her brother decided he didn’t want to finish med school; what would she do when she found out her fiancé cheated on her and the entire world knew before she did? Luke’s fist balled up. He’d pay good money to knock that loser in the jaw.
“Hey, Luke,” Payton hollered, yanking him from his musings. “Your mom said I could help decorate the barn for the harvest festival while I’m here. Do you and Jason want to help out?”
Luke shot a look at Jason, too paralyzed to speak.
“Isn’t the festival like, a month away?” Jason asked.
“We’ll do it early,” Dee said. “We can’t very well have her help with something when she’s not here anymore, can we?”
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