by Kaylee Ryan
“Why doesn’t she?”
“She doesn’t want to deal with the staffing and conflict. She’s worked side by side with many of our employees for years. We both have. Liv doesn’t want to be in charge of the hiring, firing and all that.”
“She could do the books, inventory, things like that,” she suggests.
Leaning in slowly, I guide my lips to what I hope is her forehead. I’m in luck as they touch her soft skin. “Yeah, that’s exactly what I told her. She promised she would think about it.”
“She’s lucky to have you. Not many siblings would care that much. They’d be greedy and take all the profits for themselves.”
“I’m not most siblings.”
“I see that.”
“What about you? Paralegal, right?”
“Yeah, you remembered.”
“There’s not much about that night that I don’t remember,” I tell her honestly. Like the way her smile lit up her eyes, or the subtle scent of vanilla when the wind blew just right. The way I longed to kiss her. “Did you always want to go into law?”
“I kind of just fell into it, really. My boss, he’s a friend of my grandmother’s. I started working there in high school, just filing and answering phones a few hours a week. I stayed on through college, and he offered to pay for school if I would stay on as his paralegal since the one he had retired that year. I enjoyed working with him. Working in the field and having an attorney at my disposal for questions really helped me get through my classes.”
“Do you love it?”
“I really do. It’s always something different: a new case, new challenges.”
We lie there in silence. My hand now rests on her hip as I draw lazy circles on her skin with my thumb.
“This is easy,” she says finally.
“What is?”
“Being here with you like this. It’s easy. I mean, we’ve met not even a handful of times, so this should be awkward, but it’s not. It’s easy.”
“I agree. There’s also this….”
“Spark,” she finishes for me. “It’s like you can feel the attraction in the air surrounding us.”
“So that’s not just me?”
She chuckles. “I feel it too. It’s surprising, comfortable, and scary as hell.”
I cup her cheek. “Don’t be scared,” I whisper as my mouth connects with hers. Slowly I trace her lips with my tongue, taking my time tasting her. Her hands find their way to my hair, giving it a gentle tug. I deepen the kiss, allowing myself to get lost in her.
When we finally come up for air, her face lights with a smile.
Tucking a stray hair behind her ear, I ask, “Favorite candy?”
“Decision, decisions. I’m going to have to go with Peanut M&M’s. Yours?” she asks, tracing a small circle on my chest. I don’t even think she realizes she’s doing it.
“Snickers, hands down.”
“Good choice,” she says as she leans in and presses her lips to mine.
That’s how we spend the rest of the night, kissing and talking, laughing and getting to know one another. It’s a new experience for me, but as I drift off to sleep with her tight in my arms, it’s one I can appreciate.
The next morning, I wake to the sound of a soft feminine voice whispering, “Shit.” forcing my eyes open, I see Jamie hopping on one leg and holding the other. “What happened?” I ask groggily.
“I’m so sorry I woke you. I was trying to gather my things quietly and hit me knee on the edge of the bed.”
“Where are you going?” I blink away the sleep and focus on the alarm clock. “It’s only six. We’ve barely had three hours of sleep.”
“I know, but I leave in a few hours. I need to go see Whit.”
“How were you planning on getting there?” I ask, sitting up and resting against the headboard.
“I was going to call a cab.”
“James, you’re in Kentucky, darlin,’” I say gently.
“Shit,” she says again, louder this time.
“I can take you.” I throw the covers off and climb out of bed. After a quick stop in the restroom, I grab a pair of jeans and a shirt out of my closet. “Do we have time for breakfast?” I’m not ready for my time with her to end.
“I really shouldn’t. I feel bad that I abandoned her when I hardly see her as it is.”
“All right then, let’s get moving.” I gently smack her on the ass to let her know I’m not upset. Disappointed, but she doesn’t need to know that either.
The drive back to Whitney and Aaron’s is quiet. It’s not uncomfortable silence, just quiet. I think we’re both too tired. That reminds me that she’s driving home today, alone. “Hey,” I say, giving her knee a gentle squeeze. My hand’s been there since we pulled out of my driveway. “You going to be okay to drive home today? We didn’t get much sleep last night.” Now I feel like a complete dick for keeping her up so late.
“I’ll be fine,” she assures me. “That’s what caffeine is for.”
“I should’ve made sure you got more sleep.” Of course, I didn’t think she would be sneaking out of my bed at six in the damn morning either.
“It’s fine.”
Pulling into the drive, I see Aaron on the Gator, making his rounds from the barn. We share a wave before I turn my attention back to Jamie.
“I had a great time,” she says before I have a chance to.
“Me too.”
“Maybe we can hang out the next time I come to visit?” she asks hesitantly.
“We better,” I tell her. “Text me when you get home?”
“Will do.” She reaches for her door handle. “Goodbye, Michael.” She grins.
“Goodbye, James.”
I watch her walk up the steps and disappear into the house. Looking around, I no longer see Aaron and feel like a creeper, so I put the truck in Drive and head toward home.
I don’t remember the drive, my mind too occupied with Jamie. How it felt to hold her last night, how we laughed and talked. It’s the most fun I’ve had with a woman in… well ever.
I don’t bother with lights as I kick off my boots and trudge back to my bedroom, needing a few more hours of sleep. I make quick work of stripping back down to my boxer briefs and climbing into bed.
The bed that smells just like her.
I force myself to keep walking and not look over my shoulder. Last night was… I don’t seem to have the words to describe it. I’ve never been that close to a man in an intimate setting where he didn’t try to have sex with me. I’d feel rejected if it weren’t for the fact that I knew he wanted me. I could feel him.
“Look what the cat dragged in.” Whit smirks from the recliner.
“Good morning to you too,” I say, flopping down on the couch.
“Rough night?”
“Didn’t get much sleep.” I hold my hand up to cover my yawn.
“I bet you didn’t,” she laughs.
“We didn’t sleep together. I mean, we did, but we didn’t,” I say, too tired to explain it correctly.
“Jamie, babe, do I need to remind you of the birds and the bees?”
“Har har,” I deadpan. “I mean it. We slept in the same bed, but we didn’t have sex. There was lots of kissing, but that’s where it ended.”
“Huh” is all she says as she takes a sip of her coffee. “Nothing?” she finally asks.
“Touching, but nothing really sexual. It was more… intimate, I guess you could say. Kissing was it.”
“You sound disappointed.”
“Not really. I mean, I would have. That makes me sound like a hussy, but I’m owning that. He’s a great guy who’s hot as sin. I would’ve been a fool to pass up any time with him, sex or not.”
“Did he even try?” She sounds like she’s surprised.
“Nope. Lots of kissing and talking, laughing. It’s like we’ve known each other for years.”
She nods like she understands. “That’s exactly how it was with Aaron and me. We had this immediat
e connection.”
“Yeah, but I live in Chicago, Whit. In a way, even though I can’t believe I’m going to say this, I almost wish he treated me like a one and done, you know? It would make it easier to walk away. Now all I want to do is spend more time with him, see where this could possibly go.”
“Then move here.” She grins. “We have the space and would love to have you.”
“Like the newlyweds want the best friend tagging along. Besides, I’m a city girl, you know that. I don’t know that I would adapt to country living as well as you have. Plus, my parents are in Chicago.”
“All true, but you never know what you’re capable of unless you take the chance. Life is boring without chances.”
“Listen to you being all philosophical again. This place has changed you.” I stick my tongue out at her.
“I’m serious. When I decided to move here, sure I was in a bad place, missing Mom, but Chicago was my life. I’d spent summers here, of course, but life as I knew it was the city. Look at me now. I wouldn’t trade this, any of it, for the world. Even if I didn’t have Aaron, I would still be here. There’s just something about living the country life. It’s slower-paced, and you don’t feel like life is racing past you. Here I have the time to smell the roses, so to speak.”
“I get it, I just don’t know if it’s me. Not that it matters. I go home today, back to everyday life. Away from this fairytale weekend.”
“I’m going to miss you like crazy.” She stands, placing her coffee on the table, and takes the seat next to me on the couch. “Promise me you’ll think about it, Jamie. I know the change sounds scary, and change isn’t something that most people deal well with, but I know you better than anyone and I really think you would be happy here.”
“Gah! This is crazy talk. I’m sure if Mike could hear us now, he’d be flipping out. I’m not some crazy stalker girl,” I laugh.
“I think you’d be surprised. I’ve been around him a lot, and he’s different with you.”
I place my hands over my ears. “La, la, la, la, I can’t hear you.” It’s childish, but my head is jumbled enough right now without hearing that.
“Fine,” she laughs. “Why don’t you lie down for a while. What time are you leaving?”
“I’d like to head out around noon. That way I’m back home on familiar roads right around dark.”
“Okay. It’s almost seven, so sleep for a few hours, and then we can eat before you go.”
“I’ve missed you, Whit,” I say, leaning over and giving her a hug.
“Missed you too, J.”
I head upstairs to my room and climb into bed. It’s then that I realize I’m still wearing Mike’s shirt. I’d grabbed mine and just shoved it in my purse; it was my intention to change, but he woke up and distracted me. I lift the neck to my nose and inhale. Damn, he smells good.
I settle, in trying to get my mind to stop racing, when my phone alerts me to a text. Jumping out of bed, I dig it out of my purse.
Mike.
I climb back into bed and snuggle under the covers before opening it.
Mike: My bed smells like you.
I smile.
Me: Your shirt smells like you.
Mike: I can’t sleep.
Me: I just laid down to try and take a quick nap myself.
Mike: Want me to come over?
I actually think about it. I’m losing my damn mind.
Me: You think that would help?
Mike: Nope. No way would I sleep my last few hours with you.
Wow.
Me: Are you flirting with me, Michael?
Mike: Call it what you want. I call it the truth.
Me: You’re one of a kind.
Mike: Does that mean you want to keep me?
If he only knew.
Me: It means you are unlike any man I’ve ever met.
Mike: Is that a good thing?
Me: Very good.
Mike: Drive safe, James.
Me: Will do.
I wait for a few minutes for his reply. When it doesn’t come, I hold my phone to my chest and slowly drift off to sleep thinking about crystal-blue eyes, dark hair and soft lips.
When I wake a couple of hours later, I’m still clutching my phone to my chest. Checking the screen, I see another message from Mike.
Mike: Maybe text me when you leave too?
His concern warms something inside of me. I’ve never had a guy worry about me—sad but true. My mind drifts to a conversation Whit and I had after she first moved here and spent some time with Aaron. “Guys are just different here, respectful. It’s like a whole new world.” At the time, I didn’t put much thought into it; I chalked it up to her being interested in Aaron and all the attention he had been giving her. I was wrong. If this is what she was talking about, no wonder she fell under his spell. Then again, I’ve seen the way he looks at her. He’s just as smitten.
Climbing out of bed, I grab some clothes and head to the shower. I have just a little over two hours before I have to be on the road, so I rush through a shower, toss my hair into a messy bun and throw on some travel clothes that consist of yoga pants and an oversized sweatshirt. I quickly pack my things, taking extra care to place Mike’s T-shirt in the outside compartment of my bag. I should leave it here for him, but he didn’t seem upset that I had it. Once I do a final check that I have everything, I gather it all and head downstairs. I leave my bag and purse by the front door and follow the voices into the kitchen.
“Hey, Jamie,” Whit says from her perch on Aaron’s lap. They’re eating.
“Morning,” I say with a smile.
“We didn’t wake you, did we?”
“No, it was time to get up and get moving.”
“Long night?” Aaron gives me a sly smile.
“Aaron.” Whit smacks his chest. He laughs, grabs her hand and pulls it to his lips for a kiss.
“Cinnamon rolls.” Whit motions toward the stove. “I know they’re your favorite.”
“Thank you. You didn’t have to do that.”
“They’re not homemade or anything, just straight out of the can. I slaved over them, I tell you,” she laughs.
I grab a plate and add a warm, gooey cinnamon roll. “Milk?” I ask Whit.
“In the fridge. Glasses are left of the sink. Help yourself.”
I pour a large glass of milk, grab my cinnamon gooey goodness and take a seat at the table opposite of them. “This is so good,” I mumble after my first bite.
“So do I not get to see you again until the wedding?” Whit asks.
“I’m not sure, really. Work’s been slow, so I might be able to get away for the weekend again before then.”
“I hate you driving that way all by yourself.”
“Why don’t you let us get you a plane ticket? The flight’s a quick one,” Aaron suggests. A smile lights Whit’s face and his eyes soften when he sees it.
“I can’t let you do that. The drive isn’t that bad, just under six hours.”
“How about we see what your work schedule is like and we can figure it out then. Maybe we can even drive up and visit,” Aaron suggests.
Whit leans in and kisses him. I focus on eating my breakfast, letting them have their moment.
After I eat and help Whit clean up, she and I head back to the basement to discuss wedding plans. Time flies and all too soon it’s time to go.
Aaron loads my bags, gives me a quick hug and went to the porch to give us some “girl time,” as he calls it.
“I’m going to miss you,” Whit says, hugging me tight.
“You too. Keep me in the loop with the wedding planning.”
“You know I will. Drive safe, and text me when you make it home.”
“Love you, Whit.” I hug her tight one more time, then climb into the car. Pulling the GPS up on my phone, I hit the home icon, then send a quick text to Mike.
Me: Headed home. Thanks for a great weekend.
My finger hovers over the Send button for a second, bu
t I quickly hit it before I can second-guess myself. Immediately I get a reply.
Mike: Please be careful. Text me as you go and when you get home. I should be the one thanking you.
Me: You’re welcome, LOL. I’ll check in when I can.
Mike: Don’t text and drive.
Me: Stop texting so I can drive.
Mike: Be safe, James.
Me: Will do, Michael.
I set my phone in the holder on the dash so I have a clear view of my GPS and put my car in Drive.
Tossing my phone to the side, I decide it’s time to get my ass in gear. I need to shower, grab something to eat, and get to the bar. I’ll need to get the deposit ready for the bank tomorrow and look over the inventory. That’s something I do twice a week, which prevents having to keep a lot of money in inventory and not really knowing what I’m going to need. I place an order twice a week with my supplier, who luckily for me has next day delivery.
I park behind the bar next to Olivia’s car, unsure whether she’s here or left it here last night. Grabbing my phone, I check for messages. Nothing yet from Jamie. She’s been on the road for about two hours now. I would’ve thought I would’ve heard something from her.
I’m not going to text her while she’s driving—not yet, anyway. I’ll give her a little more time.
Unlocking the back door, I hear music as soon as I step inside. I assume that means Olivia is here, but I’m still cautious as I walk through the empty room toward the back office and inventory room. I find her sitting at the desk, bobbing her head to the music, what I assume is last night’s deposit laid out in front of her.
“Hey.” She grins. “What are you doing here?”
“I could ask you the same thing,” I say, taking off my coat and laying it on the chair.
“I heard you had a late night. David is helping his dad with something, so I decided to give my big brother a hand.”
I groan. “News travels fast in this town.”
