Taking a deep breath, Trudy rested her forehead against his.
Just like Dean had done to Dianna earlier.
Shit! Get the hell out of my head!
Trudy seemed unaware of his turmoil. “So, what do we do now?”
Sean knew he needed to take advantage of the second chance she’d given him. He needed to give his all, hope for the best.
Because he and Dianna were never going to happen.
“Next weekend, Josh and Trish are having an end-of-summer barbecue. Will you go with me?” He really didn’t want to go, even told Trish he couldn’t make it. In his mind that was his and Dianna’s night, a time they were at their best, entertaining and spending the entire day together. Neither of them had ever brought a date before, like it was an unspoken rule.
Times change, and he had to change with it.
“Right, Trish mentioned it the last night.” She smiled. “Okay, I’ll go. Is it an exclusive affair? I know Josh is kind of famous.”
She seemed so excited about the prospect he actually felt bad that he had to let her down. “Not this one. It’s open to everyone. They could host the whole town and still have some food and booze left over. People know it’s open house and come and go as they please.”
“Oh well.” She grinned and kissed him. “At least I get to spend the day with you.”
“I can’t wait.” And he couldn’t. By next weekend, hopefully this insanity concerning Dianna would fade, and he might actually have a chance at a real relationship.
For however long it lasted.
Chapter Twenty
ANGIE STARED UP at the night sky, hoping to find some comfort in the stars. Part of her wanted to sing from the wondrous lovemaking she and Jack had shared this past week, the other part was overcome with guilt. She’d waited all her life and over a decade in Heaven to be in Jack’s arms, but now that her earthly dreams had come true, her heart could not fully rejoice.
It wasn’t real.
They enjoyed food without the fear of ruining their health, sleep without needing to rest. Why not enjoy sex?
And, Good Lord, she had enjoyed it. It hadn’t been just a merging of their bodies, but of their beings. And for the first time in her life she’d felt right.
They’d shared such intimacy, a closeness she’d never felt before, but not once were the words I love you uttered by either of them. She couldn’t bring herself to say the words to the man she’d betrayed. Especially when he probably didn’t feel the same.
Well, of course Jack loved her. They couldn’t have remained friends for so long if he hadn’t, but it wasn’t a romantic love. It couldn’t be. He’d had over forty years to confess any feelings other than friendship he might have, but he never did.
Why would that change now?
Even if, by some miracle, he did feel the same as she did when they were alive, he certainly wouldn’t feel the same way now.
How could he when she was the reason he died so young?
“Hey, I wondered where you’d gone to.”
Angie forced a smile when Jack walked outside onto the patio, a towel wrapped around his slim waist, his hair damp.
“Just enjoying the beautiful night.”
He walked around the back of her chair and rested his hands on her shoulders, rubbing the tense muscles there. “Hoping to see some northern lights?”
“No, just…hoping.”
He leaned down and kissed her neck. “I know things look bleak now, but we have to have faith.”
“How can you be so optimistic? Sean and Dianna have not been together once this past week. Sean is with Trudy, Dianna just cries herself to sleep every night. I fear what’s next.”
“Don’t. Whatever happens, life goes on. If they get together, great. If not, we go back to Heaven and won’t remember any of this pain.”
That was Jack, always thinking about when they returned Home. A part of her had wanted to put it off as long as possible in the hopes that she would realize, just for a second, the happiness she’d never found on Earth. But what was the use now? Even if Jack suddenly declared his undying love for her, she’d still have to confess her sins to him, and that love would die. Watching any feelings he had for her leave his eyes would be the living nightmare she’d managed to avoid while she was alive.
Now she just wanted to return to the angels before he found out how being friends with her had cost him his life.
Just as that thought entered her mind, Jack rested his cheek against hers. “Why don’t we go back inside? Sean and Dianna are both sleeping. There’ll be time enough to stress over them when the sun comes up. Who knows? Maybe a miracle will happen at the barbecue tomorrow. Until then, I want you beside me.”
Angie gripped the hands still on her shoulders. She swore every time they made love would be the last, but every time her heart won out over her head.
Just this one last time, she lied to herself. Then she’d tell him the truth and let the future take care of itself.
She turned her head toward him and kissed his lips. “I like that idea very much.”
***
The guests arrived in groups the day of Josh and Trish’s barbecue. Dianna watched the numerous cars pull up hoping and praying that Sean hadn’t changed his mind and decided to come. It broke her heart that she felt this way now, but there was no way she could spend a whole day with him, and her family and friends not realize something was wrong.
They were an annoyingly perceptive bunch that really needed to get another hobby.
Speak of the devil. Dianna spied her mother walking over to her, accompanied by a tall, extremely handsome man. He wore an off-white T-shirt that enhanced his tanned complexion and khaki shorts. He looked vaguely familiar, but Dianna couldn’t quite place him.
“Dianna, my baby. Come, let me hug you.”
She obliged, wishing she could confide in her mother about Sean, but her mother had always encouraged her to remain just friends with him. She doubted very much Mom would understand how she’d managed to fall into bed with Sean and probably wind up angry with him for taking advantage of her baby. The truth wouldn’t matter.
“You know I love him to death,” she’d say, “but he’s not husband material. My beautiful girl deserves someone who will be devoted to her.”
So she’d decided it was best her mother not know about what happened between her and Sean last weekend.
That didn’t stop her from hugging Mom a tiny bit longer than average.
Loraine pulled back and studied her. “Are you okay, sweetheart?”
She nodded, proud of herself for being able to control her emotions, her long, tight hug notwithstanding. “I’m just happy to see you.”
Loraine squeezed her hands. “I want you to meet someone.” She turned to the stranger standing behind her, a small grin on his face. “This is Matt. I found him lurking outside looking very lost.”
She held out her hand, studying him. Why did she feel like she should know him? “Hi, I’m Dianna.”
Matt took her hand, his grin slowly turning into a bright smile. “You’re Dianna? I am very happy to finally meet you. I’m Trudy’s friend.”
Her eyes grew wide, and then she remembered where she’d seen him before. Walking into Donovan’s Pub the day she and Sean had lunch at the duck pond.
Well, if anyone can help her forget her woes, it was this guy. “So happy to meet you too.”
Loraine nudged her in Matt’s direction. “Honey, why don’t you introduce him to everyone?”
Oh, real subtle, Mom.
“I’d love that, if you have the time.” He smiled.
As if I could say no to that face.
“Okay,” was all she could blurt out.
Matt offered his arm, and Dianna linked hers with his. Maybe this day wasn’t going to be such a chore after all. “So how do you know Josh and Trish?”
“Actually, I don’t.”
“Ah, so you heard about the party through the grapevine, huh?”
; He was about to respond, but their hosts had just exited the house from the kitchen. Dianna called out to them. They immediately walked in her direction.
“Matt, this is my cousin, Joshua Sheldon and his wife, Trisha.”
Matt pumped Josh’s hand. “Great to meet you, I’m a big fan.” That was all he said before turning to Josh’s wife.
Trish shifted the tray that held a variety of appetizers to shake his hand. “Matt! I’m so glad you could make it. Trudy was so sweet when she called earlier, asking if you could join us today.”
“Yeah, she’s the best, but I think she had ulterior motives.” She turned to Dianna and winked.
But she couldn’t appreciate the flirty gesture, her focus being on one thing. Trudy was coming?
Dianna opened her mouth, searching for the words to speak, but just as she found them, a voice more recognizable than even her own echoed across the backyard.
Sean.
She turned in the direction of the sound, and her heart split. Yes, Sean was here, and he wasn’t alone. He’d brought a date.
They’d never brought dates before. This annual end-of-summer party had always been a day for them.
Apparently not anymore.
Dianna hadn’t had time to consider what she’d do if he decided to come. She figured she’d play it by ear, but she never thought in a million years Sean would bring someone with him.
She tried pulling in air without outwardly gasping, but even that was a chore. God, she hated herself for allowing it to hurt so much. But she wasn’t prepared for him to bring Trudy. She hadn’t been prepared to see him at all.
How was she going to handle this?
Why, with a smile, of course.
“Sean!” she hollered and waved him over. Why? Because if she didn’t, everyone would wonder what the hell was going on with them.
Plus, there was no way she’d let him see her hide.
He caught her eye, but he didn’t return her smile, nor did he head toward her. Trudy, it seemed, had other ideas. Taking Sean by the hand, she pulled him along behind her, all the while smiling and waving.
“Oh, so typical of you to get here before me.” Trudy threw her arms around Matt’s neck.
“Because I knew you’d be late.”
Dianna walked over to Sean and kissed his cheek. He stiffened. Geez, what was he afraid of? That she’d plant one right on his lips. She pulled away quickly, but it wasn’t quick enough since she’d still managed to catch his scent.
The scent she’d always loved.
The scent that now made her wince.
“I didn’t think you were coming.” After an even faster hug to Trudy, Dianna moved back to Matt’s side.
“I had a change in plans.”
Josh, Trish, Trudy, and Matt all turned to Sean at the abrupt tone in his voice. Trish then turned to Dianna, her eyes full of question.
Oh, way to keep it normal, Sean.
Dianna held Trisha’s stare, smiling as if nothing were amiss, even though she was also wondering why the hell he’d just snapped at her for no damn reason.
“Apparently,” she said with a laugh, and then looked up at Matt. “You a fan of basketball?”
“Huge.”
“C’mon, let me introduce you to my brothers. Maybe if we ask very nicely, they’ll agree to a game.”
Matt placed his hand at her waist and bowed. “Lead the way. I’m all yours.”
With one last glance in Sean’s direction, Dianna led Matt across the yard. From the look on Sean’s face, if this were one of her cartoons, he’d have smoke coming out of his ears.
Why he should be mad at her, she had no idea. She wasn’t the one to bring a date to their party. She wasn’t the one to sneak out the morning after a night of incredible sex.
As far as she was concerned, it was his problem, not hers.
***
What the fuck had happened to her?
Dear, sweet, virginal Dianna making time with Dean only a week ago, and now she was here, cozying up to Trudy’s friend, Matt.
God, he hated that guy. No one was that handsome, that charming, that friggin perfect without there being something seriously off about them.
Yeah bullshit, Donovan. There’s nothing wrong with Matt, you just hate him because he has Dianna on his arm and you don’t.
He snorted at his own thoughts.
“What was that about?” Sitting on the lawn chair beside him, Trudy balanced her plate, piled high with munchies, on her knees.
He shrugged. “Just thinking of something Tucker said.” Great, first he made an ass of himself in front of everyone and now he was lying. What was next? Irrational bursts of anger?
Oh wait, he’d accomplished that one already too.
Trudy popped a chip into her mouth, chewing slowly before she swallowed. “Why did you snap at Dianna earlier?”
He’d been so busy trailing Dianna and Matt around the property, he almost missed Trudy’s question. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Then Matt leaned down to whisper in her ear and Sean gripped the arms of his chair from the shot of jealously that surged through him. Boy, Dianna sure didn’t waste any time jumping from him to Dean to Matt.
Sean hated that she seemed to be having so much fun. He hated that she was staring up at that skyscraper and smiling so sweetly Sean wanted to vomit. He hated that she looked so damn beautiful in her white summer dress, and hair falling in long blonde waves down past her shoulders. And he hated that Matt was a great guy who would treat her right.
Usually, at a time like this, Sean would sit back and watch Dianna’s brothers make mincemeat of her boyfriend. But this time is was different. Matt had won them over with his sports talk and friggin’ bragging about how he was the lawyer for some of their favorite ballplayers.
“I’d be happy to get you prime seats at CitiField,” he’d said. “Let me work on getting them for when the Yankees are in town.”
Sean never hated someone so much in his life.
“Sean!”
Trudy’s shriek pulled him away from his thoughts, making him jump and spill a gulp of beer on his shirt. “Shit. What?”
Trudy raised her brows. “Do you really need to ask?”
His shoulders slumped. No, he didn’t. He was being an ass and for no other reason than Dianna doing exactly what he was, searching for companionship with someone else.
He sat forward and took Trudy’s hand. “I’m sorry. I’m being a jerk.”
“Want to tell me why?”
He decided on the truth this time. Kinda…
“Dianna and I aren’t on great terms right now and it’s bugging me.”
Trudy squeezed his hand. “I get it, but how about not taking it out on me, deal?”
He forced a smile. “Deal.”
***
“…yeah, I know, it’s a big pool, especially with the Atlantic just on the other side of those bushes, but I have to admit, it’s nice to have.” Dianna had been showing Matt around the house and grounds, really enjoying his company. He was easy to talk to, smart—yum, and surprisingly very funny—double yum!
“Is it heated? Do they go swimming in winter?”
“Yes, the pathway from the deck to the patio is heated, so it’s really nice, if a bit surreal.”
“Sounds like something I’d like to do during a snowstorm, you know, alone.”
“Why alone?”
He looked at her as if he was shocked she didn’t know. “Shrinkage!”
Dianna let out a hearty laugh. “It’s heated, remember?”
“Oh.” He winked. “Right.”
Dianna scanned the deserted area, knowing they should head back to the side yard where the majority of guests were.
And Sean.
“Would you like to take a swim?” she blurted out before she could stop herself.
“I’d love that, but I don’t have a swimsuit with me.”
“Are you kidding? Trish not prepared for every contingency? She’
s always stocked up on swimsuits, towels, robes, even beach toys. Find one in your size and take it home with you.”
Matt’s brows shot up. “She has all that on hand all the time? Who does that?”
She shrugged. “Welcome to the world of the super-rich.”
Dianna led him to the beach house, knowing he was about to be even more amazed. The front room was a spacious living, dining, kitchen combo with comfortable seating and floor to ceiling windows facing south and east. The south offered gorgeous views of the ocean while the east windows faced the pool.
“Geez, this is bigger than my first apartment when I lived in Manhattan.”
She wasn’t surprised. Her broom closet was probably bigger than his apartment in Manhattan, but she didn’t say that.
Once Matt found a suit in his size she then showed him to the back of the house where the changing rooms, bathroom, and showers were. No windows here, just three separate changing areas and a small bathroom with two stall showers.
Dianna grabbed the simple floral one-piece she kept on hand for her visits here and headed for one of changing cubicles.
As she pulled her dress over her head, Dianna wondered why she’d suggested such a stupid plan. Swimming at one of Patty’s barbecues wasn’t uncommon, but those sorts of water festivities were usually reserved for water volleyball or swimming races.
Well, why not have a nice swim? It was still warm, despite being the last week in September, and it had nothing to do with hiding from Sean and Trudy.
Sure, Dianna.
The suit still fit her pretty well although she didn’t remember the neckline plunging so far south. Oh, well. It was a bathing suit. He wasn’t expecting her to show up in a robe and slippers.
Defiantly, she pushed the curtain aside and came face to face with Matt and his abs.
Well, damn, he sure looked good without a shirt. And those swim trucks sure hugged him in all the right places.
He had no problem with her curves either, if his face was anything to go by. But try as she might, she couldn’t bring herself to be excited over having him all to herself, half-naked, and in a swimming pool.
No biggie. She wasn’t looking for that right now anyway.
Despite her less than enthusiastic feelings, they enjoyed a leisurely swim together before heading out to sit in the pool chairs to dry off.
Angels in Seashore Cove (Love and Laugh in Seashore Cove Book 2) Page 24
