Chapter Twenty-Eight
“Thank you for dinner, John. It was excellent. I didn’t know you could cook,” Chelsea began clearing the table, as if she were at home.
“I can’t take all the credit, Missy. That was my Martha’s corn chowder recipe, but it was always a hit. You’ll have to get Mac there to make her famous ravioli next time. He needs the practice,” John teased his son as he rose to help clear.
“No, you cooked, we’ll clean,” Chelsea admonished, looking pointedly at Mac, who jumped up and grabbed his bowl.
“Yeah, Dad, we’ll clean. Why don’t you go into the den, put your feet up. We’ll join you shortly.” Mac saw the same dark circles beneath John’s eyes that Chelsea did, but he was so preoccupied with thoughts of sharing his plans with her, that he overlooked the meaning behind them.
“How’s he been today?” Chelsea asked when John was out of earshot.
“About the same,” Mac answered. “He’s been surprisingly cooperative about resting for most of the day. It was nice, actually. We watched a few games, at least one from behind our eyelids,” he grinned.
“Best way, in my book.” Chelsea chuckled. “I’m not a big sports fan.”
“Well if you didn’t watch sports, how did you spend your day?” Mac took the dishes from Chelsea and placed them in the sink.
“Sharon and I made plans for the open house. It’s really starting to come together. Oh, and I selected the shots for the website. JB definitely knows his way around a camera. They were beautiful.”
“He had a good subject. You’ve done a wonderful job with the B&B, Chelsea. You and Dad make quite a team.”
“That we do,” Chelsea lowered her voice. “I can’t imagine what I would have done if John hadn’t come along. Without his connections and special deals, there is no way I could have finished the house in such a grand style. Never mind starting the restaurant and the event center. He was truly a Godsend.”
“I think it was mutual.” Mac thought of the exorbitant amount of cash that his dad had thrown at the projects and wondered if his dad would ever mention it, or simply let him find out after he was gone. For his part, Mac had not breathed a word to anyone, especially John, about discovering his secret. “Dad is determined to go out on his own terms. You gave him exactly what he was looking for, and for that, I will always be grateful.”
They finished stacking the dishwasher in companionable silence. When the counter was clear, Mac took Chelsea’s hand.
“There’s something I’d like to discuss with you. Come sit outside with me for a few minutes.”
Puzzled, Chelsea let him lead the way. When they were settled on the stoop, one of Mac’s favorite spots in the world, he turned to her.
“I’ve been giving a lot of thought to moving back to Starsdale, starting a new business. I wondered how you might feel about having me around permanently?”
His question caught her off guard; the most she could offer him was a blank stare.
“Chelsea? Is it something you need to think about? I mean I’m not moving home for you, if that’s what you’re worried about. It’s something I need to do for myself, but I thought you might like the idea.” Mac frowned, worried that he’d jumped the gun, scared her away. He’d come to terms with his feelings for her, but he’d never considered that she didn’t feel the same.
“No, I mean yes, I do like the idea and no, I don’t need to think about it. You surprised me, is all. I mean, I knew you planned to stay on for John, but after, well, I thought you would go back to your life. I don’t mind telling you that it was a concern. I like having you around, Macintyre Mills. I like it very much.”
“Good to hear, Ms. Bates, ‘cause I plan to be around a lot, until you tell me to get lost.” Mac leaned over to kiss Chelsea lightly on the lips.
It was Chelsea’s turn to surprise Mac when she threw her arms around him, pulling him in close as she deepened the kiss.
With a groan, Mac scooped her up and placed her on his lap. This kiss was different from the others they’d shared. This one sealed an unspoken commitment, a willingness to meet whatever came next together.
The gentle aroma of jasmine swirled around the couple, scenting the night air with Martha’s sweet sign of approval.
~~~
“Preston, this is Chelsea again. I still haven’t received anything from your web designer. Would you give me a call back, please? Thanks.” Chelsea tossed the phone onto the kitchen counter in frustration.
“Still no word from Preston? Have to say, that surprises me.” Sharon walked in, dumped four bags of groceries and kicked off her shoes. “Do you think he gave up and went home?” She asked hopefully.
“I don’t know. I haven’t seen or heard from him in a few days. It would be just like him to disappear, knowing that I’m counting on him for the website. I should find someone else.” Chelsea flipped open her computer and began searching for web designers.
“Are we still riding up to see the event center together? Mac said that it was completely finished, right?” Sharon began putting away the groceries.
“Sure, but can we take your car? Mac said he’ll bring me home later.” Chelsea threw Sharon a quick smile. “And yes, it’s completely finished, all but the landscaping which will be ready by Friday.”
“Good. I’ve scheduled the table, chairs and linen deliveries for tomorrow. The rest of the supplies for the party will arrive on Friday.”
“That gives us Saturday and Sunday to set up; should be plenty of time. Can you believe we’ve already received sixty responses for the party? Not a single ‘no’ in the bunch.” Chelsea shook her head.
“I can believe it. People around here are ready to celebrate, not to mention the need to satisfy their curiosity. With the gift shop opening on Friday night, then our open house on Monday, little ole Starsdale is gearing up for a weekend of excitement.”
“I hate that you’ll miss the gift shop opening, can’t you get out of work?”
“I wish, but no. I have to train the new chef if I have any hope of leaving in two weeks. Gosh, everything’s happening so fast, my head’s spinning. Besides, you and Mac don’t need a third wheel on your first official date.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, it’s not our first date and John is coming with us, so if there is any way that you can make it, do.”
“It’s the first time you’re going out in public as a couple, with or without John. I can just hear the tongues wagging now. You two will be the talk of Starsdale.”
Chelsea rolled her eyes but before she could comment, her phone rang. It was Preston.
“Hi, Chels, sorry I missed your call, but I’ve been busy putting together proposals for your ad campaign,” he said casually, intending to turn the frustration he heard in her message to guilt.
“Oh, well, um, I was just wondering if you’d heard from your web designer. I expected to have something by now.” Preston’s ruse worked, Chelsea felt contrite in the face of his reason.
“I’m sorry, yes, you should have received something from her by now. Let me give her a call, I’ll get right back to you.”
Preston waited for half an hour before calling Chelsea back. He liked the idea of her sitting there, waiting for his call. When she answered, he could hear a trace of frustration again. It pleased him.
“Sorry for the delay, but I had trouble reaching her. She assured me that you would have something by tomorrow afternoon, Friday morning at the latest. Something about setting up the SEO optimization is slowing her down. She said to tell you not to worry, that you’ll love it.” Preston smiled as he smoothed things over with Chelsea. He imagined her chewing on her lower lip, worrying that her precious B&B was not getting the attention that it deserved.
“Thanks, Preston. I suppose I should be grateful that she was able to fit me in on such short notice. Tomorrow or Friday is fine. It’s just that I can’t start advertising without a website. Speaking of, you said that you were working on the campaign? What have you been doing?”
“I’ve been approaching some of the local businesses on your behalf to see if they’re interested in starting an ad co-op or trading services. So far, everyone’s thinking about it, but no bites yet. I think most of them are waiting until the open house; they want to see what they’re teaming up with.” Preston broached the topic of the opening for the sole purpose of giving Chelsea an opportunity to invite him to the event. Not that it mattered; no one would be attending the open house for a B&B that did not exist.
“Oh, I suppose that makes sense,” Chelsea worried her lip. “But I’d rather you not mention anything like that to anyone else; it’s something I had planned to do at the party.” As an afterthought, she continued. “Thanks, though. I appreciate your help.”
“No problem. I’m glad you called, actually. I need to go back to San Diego for a few days, but I’ll be back in time for your opening. I wouldn’t miss it, don’t you worry.” Preston could barely contain his laughter as he invited himself to the party that would never happen. “I’m leaving tomorrow, but you can call me if you need anything, of course.”
Relieved that he was leaving, Chelsea ignored his mention of the party. She couldn’t very well insult him, after he’d worked so hard to help her, but she really wished he would stay in San Diego.
“That’s fine, Preston. Don’t hurry back on my account. The party is for those who haven’t already seen the B&B and the restaurant.” It was as far as she could go, in good conscience. “If you can’t make it back, you can always see everything another time.”
“I’ll be back, Chels. Like I said, I wouldn’t miss it. Take care, I’ll see you soon.” Preston tossed the phone onto the passenger side of the car seat and broke into laughter. He was searching for an empty cabin in the area, one where he could hide out without going too far away. He really did plan to go to San Diego, shore up his alibi, but he needed to find a place to hide out on Sunday, before and after the explosion. His plan was to show up in Starsdale late Monday morning, be appropriately stunned and devastated at the news of Chelsea’s death, wait out the investigation and then claim his cash.
In his mind, he was already living the good life in Palm Springs and Chelsea was but a distant memory. He felt no remorse for the lives he planned to take, not one iota of conscience about the dreams he would destroy. As far as he was concerned, Sunday couldn’t come soon enough.
~~~
“You’re probably tired of hearing me say how much I love it, but I do, I really love it.” Sharon twirled around the empty event center, her arms stretched wide. “It’s perfect, perfect, perfect.”
John, Mac and Chelsea all laughed at her unrestrained joy.
“I second that, again,” Chelsea added. “I especially love that we can change out the lighting, depending on the event. Whatever made you think of adding that feature?” she asked, pressing the button to lower the chandeliers.
“It’s something we do in hotel ballrooms, so I thought you might like it as well. I can’t let Dad be the only one with surprises,” Mac grinned as Chelsea raised the lights back up again.
“And the freight elevator doors, if I didn’t know where to look, I would never know they were there. Sheer genius.” Sharon clapped her hands together.
“Thank you. I’m happy that you’re happy.” Mac clapped his dad on the back as he walked past him. “This is one of my favorite features,” he told them before flipping a switch on the wall. Instantly, thousands of tiny lights flooded the hillside, just outside of the window wall.
“Oooh,” Chelsea and Sharon said in unison.
“I’m glad that it’s cloudy this afternoon. I thought I’d have to wait until this evening to show you.” Mac followed the women to the window.
“Amazing,” Chelsea breathed. “It looks like a fairyland.”
“That’s the idea. What’s the point of having a magical wedding venue without an enchanted forest?”
“That’s exactly what it looks like, ooh, I can’t wait to see it at night! Are they visible from the restaurant too?” Sharon looked hopeful.
“Absolutely. The entire hillside is covered.” John came to join them at the window. “Missy mentioned that she wanted lights, so we gave you lights.” Grinning, he stared down at the twinkling hillside. “I take it that you’re pleased.”
“It’s so much more than I dreamed, than we dreamed, possible.” Chelsea spoke for the two of them. “Thank you seems so lame, but thank you, both of you.” Chelsea turned to give John a hug, then went to Mac and did the same.
“Sharon wiped her eyes and followed suit. “Yes, thank you both so much. I can’t wait for everyone to see this place, we’ll be booked up for months in advance, I’m sure of it.”
“From your lips,” Chelsea laughed and hugged her partner.
John took in the women’s happiness and joy filled his soul. Standing here, watching his son beam at the woman he loved was worth every ounce of pain, every sacrifice and every penny. Knowing that the town he loved would enjoy this magical place for years to come was icing on the cake.
“I hate to do it, but I have to run or I’ll be late for work,” Sharon took one last look out of the window and sighed.
“Would you mind dropping me home, on your way?” John asked, hoping to give Mac and Chelsea some time alone.
“Of course not,” Sharon looped her arm through John’s. “You can share Martha’s corn chowder recipe on the way. Chels said that it was delicious.”
“My pleasure, but you have to promise to give Martha credit if you serve it at the restaurant. She’d be tickled.”
Mac and Chelsea listened as the pair chatted all the way out the door. Moving to stand behind Chelsea, Mac slipped his arms around her, resting his chin on the top of her head.
“So you really like it?” he asked, unnecessarily.
“No, I really love it,” she answered. “I didn’t know sneaky ran in the family. You Mills men sure do love your surprises.”
“Watching someone you care about light up like a Christmas tree is hard to beat.”
“I imagine so,” Chelsea purred and leaned back against him. “I’ll have to try it sometime.” Hiding a grin, she turned and took his hand. “Why not right now?” Pulling him with her, she headed for the door.
“Where are we going?”
“You’ll see. You’re not the only one who likes surprises, although mine does not compare to this.” She swept her hand back towards the fairy-tale forest.
“I’ll be the judge of that,” Mac smiled, flipping off the lights when they passed the switch. The absence of a lighted hillside suddenly made the room seem dark. Taking advantage of the situation, Mac pulled Chelsea back against him.
“What are you doing?” her sultry voice told him that he need not answer. Lowering his lips to hers, he took her breath away with one long, hot kiss.
“I could stand here and kiss you all night long,” he told her when they finally came up for air.
“Um, wouldn’t you rather move to someplace more comfortable?” He was playing right into her hands.
“If you insist,” Mac grinned and let her lead him outside.
“We’ll take my car. We can pick yours up later.” Chelsea slid behind the wheel and waited for Mac. The evening she had planned would have made her nervous in the past. With Mac, she was filled with excited anticipation, not a nerve in sight.
“So where are you taking me, Ms. Bates?”
“Guess, Mr. Mills,” sliding a sideways glance in his direction, Chelsea drove slowly up the hill.
“Nice choice,” Mac grinned. “But what’s my surprise?”
“Patience, Mr. Mills, patience.” Chelsea turned onto her private drive, leading to the back of the house. There, in her special garden, was a table and two chairs, set for dinner.
“You’re feeding me?” Mac asked in delight as he got out of the car. “How did you know I missed lunch?”
“I figured,” Chelsea answered with a sly smile. “Dinner won’t be ready for a while, I
hope you’ll be satisfied with the appetizers.”
“Honey, I’d be satisfied with anything that you’re offering.” Mac followed her into the sunroom.
“That was the right answer. Why don’t you wait here, I’ll get everything ready.”
“I can help,” he started to follow her into the kitchen.
“No, you wait here. I won’t be long.” With a quick peck on his cheek, Chelsea left him alone. Stopping in the kitchen, she retrieved a tray from the fridge and kept walking.
~~~
Mac’s phone rang less than ten minutes later. With a silent curse, he looked at the caller ID, surprised to see Chelsea’s face appear on the screen.
“Where are you?” he answered, walking to the kitchen as he spoke.
“I need your help in my bathroom,” she told him quietly.
“Okayyyyy,” puzzled, he drug out the word as he made his way through the kitchen, into her sitting room and through her bedroom. The bathroom door was closed.
“What happened, did you get locked in?” he joked as he turned the knob.
“Not exactly,” she told him and clicked off the phone.
Stepping into the bathroom was like entering his own private fantasy. In a room filled with the warm glow of candlelight, Chelsea sat in the center of a tub filled with bubbles. Two glasses of champagne sat on the rim, along with a platter of fruit and cheese. Peaks of white were barely visible in the background, the darkening shadows of an impending storm blocked out what little light was left of the day.
“Surprise,” Chelsea said softly as she looked up at his stunned face.
“I’ll say,” Mac focused on the only thing in the room that mattered, the woman who held his heart as surely as she held the champagne glass.
“There’s a swimsuit on the chair, if you’d feel more comfortable.” Smiling with her eyes, she held her glass aloft and slid to the back of the tub, making room for him to join her.
It only took Mac a split second to decide his next move. Capturing her eyes, he slowly removed his shirt, tossing it onto the chair beside the suit she had so kindly provided. Taking one step towards the tub, he dropped the rest of his clothes to the floor, his eyes never leaving hers.
Killer Romances Page 60
