by Tamie Dearen
Becca knew she could have any other guy in the hiking club, but now she was determined to have Spencer. Maybe after they’d been together a few times, she’d drop him, just to let him know what rejection felt like. It was almost time for the hike to start, and he still hadn’t shown up. Then she heard Landon mention his name to a group of girls.
“Yeah, Spencer needs a dance teacher so he can dance at some wedding in a few weeks.”
“What kind of dancing?” asked Marsha.
“He said everything, even ballroom dancing.”
“Oh,” she replied, “I don’t know of a teacher for that. Our place has like a hip hop class.”
“Me, neither,” said Leah. “But I could ask around.”
Spencer wanted to take dance lessons? Becca felt like she’d been given a gift—a second chance. “I know a place,” said Becca. “The studio where I take jazzercise has ballroom dance classes on Mondays and Wednesdays.”
Landon scrunched up his nose. “I thought you and Spencer weren’t speaking to each other.”
Becca adopted her most unfairly injured look; “He accused me of something I didn’t even do, but I don’t hold it against him. Some day I hope he’ll find out he was wrong about me, but I’ll just give you the information. He doesn’t have to talk to me or even know it was me that helped him out.”
“Okay, sure. What’s it called?”
“Brooklyn Ballroom Dance and Zumba,” she said. This was a perfect opportunity. Now to make the most of it...
*****
Spencer and Emily were already walking on the Highline Park when Landon called with the information about the dance class. “Okay, thanks for the info, Landon. I appreciate it. Yeah, maybe next week.” Everything was falling together nicely. He was quickly saving up a nice nest egg for the ring. Charlie said she could help him pick out a design Emily would like. Now he had a place to take dance lessons, so he could surprise her at Sam and Tanner’s wedding. There was still one tiny little problem. He needed to be sure she would say yes when he asked her.
“What did Landon call about?” asked Emily. “Were you supposed to go on a hike today? You don’t need to miss just because of me.”
“I’m not anxious to go on another hike when Becca might be there. Your dad said we should watch out for her.”
“I don’t know. I still think he’s over-reacting.”
“Don’t be naïve, Emily.”
“Don’t lecture me—I’m not naïve.”
Of course she was naïve. She’d trusted Becca enough to call her for information about that hike, and couldn’t believe Becca had drugged her wine. But he wisely clamped his mouth shut, and searched for a way to change the subject.
“So how was your date with Josh last night?” He couldn’t help the jealousy that crept into his voice. He didn’t trust Josh alone with Emily, no matter how much he swore he liked Charlie instead.
“It wasn’t a date. We split the cost of a pizza, and he certainly didn’t kiss me.”
“I don’t trust him,” he pouted.
“It sounds like you don’t trust me.”
“That’s not it. I don’t... I don’t like to think of you alone with him—with any other guy. Wouldn’t you feel the same way? I mean, what if I spent an evening alone with Candace or Becca or Leah?”
“Who’s Leah?”
“She’s just a girl in the hiking... That’s not the point. The point is, wouldn’t it bother you if I spent an evening alone with another girl?”
“No,” she said stubbornly. Then she grinned, “You could spend an evening alone with Grace or Olivia or Hannah or Claire, and it wouldn’t bother me at all.”
“Then I won’t be bothered when you spend an evening with any of your brothers, either.” He grinned until she laughed.
“Fine, I won’t be alone with Josh again, but it really was completely innocent. And he really is miserable. He told me he’s in love with Charlie.”
“Has he told her that?”
“I hope not. She’s definitely not ready to hear that from Josh.”
Spencer swallowed hard. “Why wouldn’t she want to hear it? You’d think she’d like knowing Josh loved her.”
“She won’t believe it because they haven’t known each other very long. She’ll think it’s a line.” So much for his plan to declare his love to Emily today. She might not be ready for it. How long had they been together? It had only been a couple of months since Emily arrived in New York. But if he counted the time since they first met, it could total eight months. On the other hand, they’d only been officially dating for about four weeks.
“I don’t think there’s a set length of time you have to know someone before you can love them,” he argued. “If it’s the right person, it doesn’t take long before you know.”
“Maybe. But she might think he was saying those words to get her to... to behave in a certain way.”
“Behave in what certain way?”
Emily’s face turned beet red. “You know. Guys who are experienced, like you and Josh, might say they love a girl just to get her to sleep with them.”
So now she was putting him and Josh in the same category. “That’s not true... Well, it’s not true for me. I’d never do something like that. A guy who did that would be a real slime-ball.”
“But how could she know for sure one way or the other?”
“Maybe she doesn’t know Josh well enough to know. But you know I’m not like that. Right?”
Spencer held his breath as Emily hesitated. “Even if a guy wasn’t purposely trying to manipulate a girl, he might do it subconsciously. Especially, a guy like... like Josh, who’s been with so many girls. He’s kissed Charlie now, and maybe he thinks he’s in love, but it’s really only a physical attraction.”
Spencer frowned. She hadn’t actually answered his question. And now... Was she really talking about Josh, or was she talking about him? “Well, I don’t know about Josh, but I’ve found when you’re really attracted to a girl on the inside, you’re really attracted to her physically as well. At least, that’s how I am with you.”
He waited an eternity for her response. “But Josh has been with so many girls. Why would Charlie think she was any different from the others? Even if he thinks so right now, he could change his mind. How would she know if she could trust him?”
“Maybe Josh hasn’t been with as many girls as you think.”
“Oh, he has. He admits it. But he says he’s changed.”
“Well, I can’t speak for Josh. But as for me, I’m only interested in you. I don’t even look at other girls any more.”
“Yeah… That sounds exactly like what Josh said about Charlie.”
“I think I really hate that guy,” he muttered.
“Well, he did try to defend you, if that makes you feel any better. He said you’d be stupid to want to be with anyone else.”
“You talked to him about me?” he asked, a little louder than he intended.
Emily’s guilty face spoke volumes. “I... I didn’t mean to. I was asking general questions about things like how long a guy could go without sex—”
“You talked to him about sex?” This time his voice was loud enough the couple walking in front of them turned to gawk.
Why hadn’t he killed Josh that first Sunday morning when he was so tempted?
Emily turned her face to the side to hide her blush. Somehow, her evening with Josh sounded much worse in the retelling. She didn’t want him to be on the defensive today. It would make it that much harder to talk to him—to find out the truth. Had he really been helping his dad last night? Why would he lie to her? She could really only think of one reason—he was getting bored and frustrated with her.
She shouldn’t have let him kiss her at the pool. But he’d been so tempting, with his arm draped around her, sans shirt, his sinuous muscles flexing in his chest, his hand playing havoc with the nerve endings in her arm, which were evidently connected to every other nerve in her body.
O
riginally she thought if she didn’t kiss him anymore, she wouldn’t fall any harder for him. But in reality it was too late. If she was honest with herself, she knew it was true. She was in love with him. It was a tragedy, because she knew it was only a matter of time before he broke her heart.
Then a wonderful thought occurred. There was a bright side to this realization. She might as well kiss him as much as she wanted. Why deprive herself? At least she could enjoy him while she had him. But she had to be careful—she had to hide her feelings. After all, he never claimed to be in love with her. Grace claimed it was true four weeks ago, yet Spencer had never said it. Surely he would have told her by now if it were true.
And at least she could enjoy kissing him until they broke up—as long as they were in a semi-public and safe place where they couldn’t get carried away. One thing was certain… When they kissed, her iron willpower turned to jelly, along with her mind and her muscles.
Stopping on a large green lawn area, he spread out the contents of his backpack. They had a blanket to lie on and all the makings for a great picnic, including grapes, cheese, bread, and summer sausage. He’d even included some brownies for dessert.
“Why are you smiling?” Spencer asked.
“I... uhmm… I was thinking how perfect this is. A great picnic on the grass and a book to read. This is such a cool park, up in the air on an old railroad track. It’s genius.”
“I’m glad you like it.” He leaned over her on his elbows as she stretched out gazing up at the clouds. He was close, so close. Was he going to kiss her? She closed her eyes and waited, sensing the nearness of his lips to hers, feeling his breath on her cheek.
Abruptly, he sat up and pulled off his t-shirt, rolling it carefully. She stared hungrily at his rippling muscles as he moved. He smiled as he lay down next to her, propping his head on his shirt.
“No fair. You’ve got a pillow,” she teased.
“Just take off that shirt, and I’ll make you one, too.” He flashed his even white teeth in a grin.
“I think that wouldn’t be wise. I didn’t come prepared to sunbathe today.” She noted a number of other girls on the park lawn had the forethought to wear swimsuits. “When did you make brownies?”
“I got up early this morning before I picked you up.” He yawned, stretching his arms above his head, and she appreciated the display.
“Wow. After you were up so late last night? I saw you texted me after midnight. What project were you working on with your dad?”
“Uhmm, bathroom. You know, uhmm... plumbing and stuff. We were replacing a vanity and sink.”
“Oh. Sounds hard. Maybe you could show me at dinner Sunday night?”
“Uhmm, yeah. Well, that’s the problem. The new one didn’t fit, and we had to put the old one back. That’s why it took so long.”
“Oh. I see.” He was lying. She was almost certain of it. Her heart broke a little. But maybe there was another explanation. She didn’t confront him because she didn’t want to know the truth. She was in love with Spencer, and right now they were together.
He was sweet and caring and protective. He was the type of guy she’d always wanted—the kind who’d love you so much they’d risk their lives for you. Maybe he really did love her, but he was too insecure to say it. Maybe if she shared her feelings just a little, he’d find the courage to tell her. She steeled her nerves before she spoke in a timid voice.
“Spencer, you know... I really like you a lot. I mean, more than I’ve ever liked a guy before. And... And I don’t know, I just wanted you to know. Because I know you saved my life even after I went out with Asher, and I know I hurt you. And I’m sorry. I don’t know if I’ve ever told you how sorry I am. Except I’m glad I almost died because you saved my life, and that’s how I found out how special you are. Well, that and when you kissed me...” She paused, waiting for his response. But he was quiet. Had she said something wrong? Had she hurt his feelings?
“Spencer?” She sat up and leaned toward him, searching his face.
He was sound asleep.
Chapter Sixteen
Spencer knew he had to talk to his parents and enlist their help. It was Sunday, and family dinner was looming. If only he hadn’t used his father as an alibi for Friday night. He groaned. Even if his father agreed to back up his story, his sisters might say something to give away his lie. How could he have been so stupid? He should’ve made up a different story. Sighing, he decided to face his parents first. He could hear his mother and father in the kitchen.
“Hey, Momma. Papa. Uhmm... Can I talk to you guys?”
His mom immediately got that oh-my-gosh-something-terrible-must-have-happened-tell-me-now-before-I-die look.
“Sure, Son.” Joe took his time, filling a glass with water before he sat down at the table with Spencer.
“I got myself in trouble with Emily, and I need you guys to help me out.”
“You got Emily in trouble?” Connie asked with wide eyes.
“No. He’s in trouble,” said Joe. “Calm down, Connie. You always overreact.”
“I do not. I’m more sensitive to the underlying emotions. You, on the other hand, have the sensitivity of a shoehorn.”
“A shoehorn? Where on earth did that come from? That doesn’t even make sense.”
“Have you ever met a sensitive shoehorn? Of course not. That’s what I mean—you’re not very sensitive.”
“I still say that doesn’t—“
“Momma! Papa! Can you argue later? Emily will be here in an hour.”
“Sorry, Son. What is it?”
“Well, I told Emily I was helping you with a bathroom project Friday night.”
“I see,” he said, his eyes narrowing. “And what were you actually doing on Friday night?”
“I was working. I got a job doing valet parking to earn some extra money.”
“Are you having trouble making your rent?” asked Connie. “I thought your internship at Gherring Inc. was paid.”
“It is. I make enough to pay rent, which is better than a lot of my friends. But I don’t make any extra.”
“What do you need the extra for? To take Emily out? Wouldn’t she understand?”
“Well... I’m trying to save money, and I didn’t want her to know. For a ring.”
“I knew it! I just knew you were in love with her. You see.” Connie punched Joe on the shoulder playfully. “It’s because of my sensitivity—that’s why I knew before you.”
“Have you two talked about this? And have you talked to her dad?” asked Joe.
Spencer gulped. He’d forgotten about talking to Mr. Gherring. “We haven’t exactly talked about it. But I’ll get around to it before I actually buy the ring.” He hoped that was true. He still hadn’t figured out how to broach the subject. Saturday had been like torture. He’d been so close to kissing her multiple times, but he’d held himself back. Just barely. He hadn’t wanted to upset her, but it was so hard to resist when her lips looked so kissable.
Joe stood up and clapped Spencer on the shoulder. “She’s a wonderful girl. We’ll love having her in the family. I hope she doesn’t mind being swallowed up by your sisters. I’ll cover for you this time, but you need a better story if you’re going to keep this up. When are you going to ask her?”
“I don’t know yet. As soon as I can afford to buy the ring and think of a good way to ask her.” He hesitated, “So the other problem is my sisters—in case Emily mentions something about me being here Friday night.”
“You’re really lucky. All the girls but Grace were at a movie.”
“And Grace? Was she out with Brad?”
“Nope, he was working Friday night at the hospital, and Grace didn’t feel like going to the movie. I’m afraid she was here Friday night,” said Connie.
“Ughh! I’m going to have to bribe her, and she’s going to make me pay.”
“Sorry, Son.” Joe laughed. “You might as well get used to it. Once you’re married, it seems they spend all their free t
ime thinking of ways to make you pay.”
“Hey,” Connie said in mock outrage. “Watch what you say, you old shoehorn!”
“Hi, Gracie. You look nice tonight.” Spencer stood in the doorway of her room, wearing what he hoped was a sincere expression.
“Oh boy. You want something really bad, don’t you?”
“Can’t a guy compliment his gorgeous sister without having an ulterior motive?”
Grace rolled her eyes.
“Okay. I need a favor. I need you to back me up in case Emily asks anything about Friday night. I told her Papa and I were tackling a bathroom project.”
“I’m listening.”
“I was actually working, but I didn’t want her to know I got an extra job.”
“Why can’t she know you got an extra job?”
“She... She might think it’s because Mr. Gherring doesn’t pay me enough.”
“Hmmm. Nope. That’s not a good enough reason. I think you should just tell her the truth.”
“Gracie!”
“Forget it.”
“Okay... Fine... I’m working to buy an engagement ring.”
“I knew it! I knew it! I knew it!”
“You did not.”
“Of course I did. You’re so gone over Emily. When you’re with her I could absolutely sweep you up in a pan and toss you over the wall, and you wouldn’t even notice. I take it you finally talked about it? You told her you love her?”
“Well, not exactly.”
“Spencer! You haven’t told her yet?”
“I’m waiting for the right time.”
“But when I talked to her Monday night at the pool she still thought you were some player who was bound to leave her for another guy.”
“I told her I wasn’t going to leave her.”
“But she still thinks she’s the last in a very long line of girls you’ve kissed and more than kissed?”
