by Robyn Neeley
“My dad built this deck years ago. It wraps around, and the best view is over here,” Grayson said.
Wow. He was right. From where they were, she could easily see the twinkling lights of Sweet Ridge below. Her gaze zoomed in on the area where she lived in her tiny apartment. How weird it was to be looking at it from this vantage point with arguably one of the wealthiest men in town.
She took a seat on a white wicker porch swing. “This view’s incredible, Grayson.”
“Isn’t it?” Grayson sat next to her, setting the chip bowl and dip between them. “We never really hung out here as kids, but Dad let me have my graduation party on the lawn since our backyard wasn’t ideal for more than two hundred people. Man, that was a freakin’ awesome time.”
Becca smiled politely. Of course, he would have good memories of it. “You know, I was actually at that event.”
Grayson turned to face her, his eyebrows now furrowed. “You were? Who’d you come with?”
“I was one of the catering staff.” She sighed. “That is, until I spilled punch on your girlfriend. My boss fired me on the spot.”
His hand went to his mouth and he lowered it. “Shit. I remember that. You had your hair back in a dark braid. I’m sorry.”
She smiled again, this time meaning it. “I’m not holding that against you. Truth be told, I was never good at balancing trays with lots of drinks. I practiced at Betty Lou’s for days after. You probably did me a favor. Now, my mother’s forgiveness, I don’t know … you may have to apologize to her.”
“She still remembers that?”
Becca nodded. Apparently some painful memories were still easily conjured. “I’m not sure what exactly she remembers.”
“Well, I will definitely apologize.” He reached over and placed a hand on her shoulder. “I’m sorry that stupid teenager was an asshole.”
Her skin tingled from his touch. Maybe it was time to change the subject. “Thanks for helping me tonight. I couldn’t have—”
Thump! The wicker swing vibrated and a black furry mass brushed her arm before tiny claws scraped her jeans. The kitten leapt over the bowl of chips and onto Grayson.
“I was wondering if you would make an appearance.” Grayson patted the cat’s tiny head. “Becca, meet Oil Slick. O.S., get used to seeing Becca’s face.”
She gulped. Was he implying they would be spending more time together here? An image of her sitting next to Grayson enjoying Christmas dinner with his brothers and their wives popped into her head.
“Her face is going to be all over Guac Olé soon.”
Okay. Obviously he didn’t mean that he would be inviting her back up here for holiday meals or any other type of family gathering. A little disappointed, Becca drank her beer and listened to the peaceful, lyrical sounds of the crickets that sang in the background. “It’s really relaxing here.”
“It sure is,” he agreed and took a pull of his beer, rubbing Oil Slick’s back.
So, your dad gave all of this to Charlotte?”
“Yeah. Every acre. I’m sure deep down it’s killing my brother that he’ll never get to drill here, even if he won’t admit it.” He lowered his beer bottle. “What we do for love.”
The back of her neck began to heat. Did Grayson even know what it was like to be in love? She still didn’t know if he’d gone to Cancun with Meg or another woman for that matter. She snatched a chip and swirled it in the ranch dip he’d placed between them. “How long has this house been here?”
Grayson leaned back. “My dad bought it in the seventies, years before having us boys, but we never moved up here. I don’t know if it was because my mom preferred to live in town.”
“Do you know who lived here back then?”
“No clue, but it’s been vacant since my dad bought it. Before I bought my condo I thought about asking Dad for it, but living out here isn’t quite my speed.” He scooped up the cat and set it down on the porch.
“It’s really been empty this entire time?”
“Yeah. I don’t know why my dad kept it all those years. Never mind the taxes, he had to hire staff to take care of the house and grounds. Why so curious?”
“Oh, nothing.” At least it was probably nothing. She pointed in the direction of the assisted living center. “My mom lives just over that hill now. I was visiting her today, and she got a little upset when we drove by. I thought maybe she knew one of the former residents, but if there weren’t any, it must have been something else.”
“I didn’t realize there were any other homes over the hill. Does your mom have land?”
“Oh no.” Becca shook her head. “It’s the Ridgemont Assisted Living Center. I moved her in there this summer.”
“Oh, that’s right.”
“How do you know about that? Did Scott from the Silver Spurs tell you?”
“No, it was Coop, actually. He just mentioned that you take your mom your guacamole.”
“Yeah, every Sunday.”
“Is she okay?” He swung his arm around the back of the swing.
“Yes, she’s actually doing great.” She leaned back and his hand brushed her shoulder for a brief moment before he moved it away.
“That’s good. It’s funny how we switch roles and become the caregivers.”
“I’m sorry you didn’t have more time with your father,” she said.
“You know …” He leaned back, apparently deep in thought. “When he made me CEO, I thought I’d finally proven my value to the company and the family. He trusted me with his legacy …” His voice trailed.
She studied his expression. Over the last two months, she hadn’t stopped to realize how hard her getting the shares was on him. Sure, she’d suspected it hurt his ego, but the sadness in his eyes told a different story. Maybe she and the mighty CEO weren’t so different, after all. Perhaps they’d both been trying all their lives to prove they were more than anyone thought they could be.
“Listen,” she started, wanting to choose her words wisely, “I’m sure Jack had total faith in you to lead his company. I don’t know what’s going to happen next month, but maybe we cou—”
“So, has Coop improved any?”
Huh? She sat back. Why did he cut her off? She’d just given him an in to talk about the enormous elephant in the room—or on the porch—and he wanted to talk about his former college roommate. “He’s doing great.”
“Good to hear it. I’m excited about the plans you two have been working on. I hear you both pulled some late nights last week.”
She looked down at her hands, a little embarrassed that only twenty-four hours ago Grayson’s friend had tried to kiss her. “I don’t know. It’s not like either of us has an MBA or anything. You’ll probably think it’s trash.”
Grayson touched her shoulder again, this time his hand lingering. “Don’t sell yourself short. You know the company and our brand like the back of your hand.”
“Well, it was Coop who put it all together.” She paused. “But don’t get any ideas of putting him in a suit and tie. He’s good for the factory.”
“So, he has gotten better on the line?”
“Not really,” she said and he grimaced.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to suggest that your buddy isn’t doing well. He’s doing fine. Everyone loves him, and Tangie—well, let’s just say she’s got one big ol’ giant crush on your friend.”
That made him chuckle. They sat in silence for a few seconds, enjoying the beautiful night and the stars that now twinkled in the sky.
“It’s such a perfect night for stargazing,” she said, breaking the silence. “Maybe we’ll see a shooting star and be able to make a wish.”
“What would you wish for, Becca?”
Well, that wasn’t a question she’d expected Grayson Cooper to ask her. “I don’t know.”
“Sole ownership of Guac Olé?”
“How did you know?” she joked, but then grew serious. “I never wanted any of this, and I certainly didn’t blackmail your
father.”
“I know.”
“You do?” Her voice cracked a little with that hopeful question.
He moved the chips and dip between them to his other side. “I know now that you would never have done that. I’m learning a lot about you, Becca Nash.”
He was? From whom? Coop? She tried to calm the butterflies fluttering around in her stomach. “And do you like what you’re learning?” she asked softly.
“Very much so.” His gaze locked with hers and he leaned closer.
She blinked. They really were going to kiss again, and this time, she was all but sure Grayson wouldn’t be apologizing afterward.
He brushed her cheek with the back of his hand, and she closed her eyes, anticipating the moment that was going to be magical.
“What the hell?” Grayson moved back as she shielded her face for the second time tonight from bright lights.
Definitely not magical.
It seemed like forever, but the lights finally turned off. Gage and Charlotte got out of their car, Charlotte apologizing profusely.
“Fancy meeting you two here.” Gage grinned.
“Just here to feed your stupid cat.” Grayson didn’t make any move to pull his arm away. Becca leaned forward, feeling a little uncomfortable being caught for the second time.
“And did you?” Gage picked up the affectionate cat and scratched his head.
“Did I what?” Grayson asked.
“Feed Oil Slick.”
“I forgot.”
“Seriously, Gray?” Gage shook his head.
Charlotte came up the stairs, her hands full of shopping bags. “Gage, honey. Come help me with these groceries.” She winked at Becca. “Would you like some wine?”
Becca’s phone rang before she could answer. She turned to Grayson. “That’s my tow.”
“I’ll take you back.” He picked up their empty beer bottles and the chip bowl, setting the dip inside. “Becca’s truck broke down around the corner. How long are you in town for?”
She listened to the tow guy on the other line while also trying to hear Gage’s response. She clicked off the phone. “They’re at the truck.”
“Hey, listen.” He handed the items in his hands to Gage, who made haste into the house. “Is it okay if Gage takes you? Charlotte needs my help hanging some pictures or something.” He lowered his voice. “Gage isn’t very good at helping around the house.”
“I heard that.” Gage came out, shutting the front door screen. “You ready, Becca? I can take you home, too, if they can’t get your truck started.”
“Okay.” Her heart sank, more than a little disappointed that her impromptu evening with Grayson was coming to an abrupt end. “I’ll see you Monday.”
Grayson grinned. “You sure will. Ten a.m., right?”
She nodded and said a quick good-bye to Charlotte, following Gage to his car. Once inside, she watched as Grayson headed into the house with his sister-in-law.
Did he not want to be alone with her anymore? Maybe she’d misinterpreted his leaning in earlier. Maybe he wasn’t interested in kissing her, or worse, he’d changed his mind yet again once they’d been caught in the act.
“Everything okay?” Gage asked, sliding into the driver’s seat.
“Yeah, fine. Thanks,” she mumbled. Just remembering why I don’t belong here.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
“What do you mean, he quit over the weekend?” Becca pulled back her phone and stared hard at the receiver. She couldn’t possibly be hearing Roselyn correctly. If so, she was down one line worker and, more importantly at this moment, one co-presenter for her meeting with Grayson and his marketing team that was to take place in one hour.
“I’m sorry, Becca. He said he appreciated the opportunity, but that his family needed him in Dallas. Something about his sister being ill. He was extremely apologetic.”
I bet he was. She began to rub her temple, massaging the headache blooming behind it by the second. How could Coop do this to her? Sure, she’d only known the guy two weeks, but she’d never pegged him for being irresponsible, let alone a flight risk. Who quit a job on the weekend with no notice?
And why for God’s sake didn’t he call her? He had her phone number.
“Becca, are you there?” Roselyn’s voice came through the receiver.
“Sorry. I’m still here. I guess we have no choice but to make do on the floor until his replacement is hired.” She stood and peeled off her suit jacket, throwing it on a table behind her. “Thanks, Roselyn, for letting me know.”
Becca hung up and sat back down in defeat. What was she supposed to do now? The clock was ticking. She picked up the business proposal and flipped its crisp white pages. Sure, she knew every fact and figure in it like the back of her hand, but Coop was supposed to be her wingman. While she was going to discuss the concept and unveil the dip, he was supposed to take on the potential product revenue piece and how it would help their bottom line based on his Internet research.
Why would he abandon her like this? This couldn’t be about her rejecting his advance.
She pushed back her chair and stood, her high heel landing on a small object. Bending down, she picked up the tiny red strawberry key chain Coop had given her. It must have fallen out of her purse. She sighed. If she knew he was going to bail on her, she would have returned his gift.
She hung it on the wall’s key holder with all the other keys.
“’Morning, boss.” Tangie breezed in, leaving a heavily scented perfume trail, and whistled, “Ready for your big meeting?”
“No, I’m canceling.” Becca fired up her computer. She’d send a note to Grayson saying that, given the fact that his friend had flown the coop, there was no reason to meet.
“Why would you do that?” Tangie slid on her white apron, tying the back.
“Because my counterpart is no longer employed at Guac Olé.”
“You fired Coop?”
“No, I didn’t fire him. He quit, and he didn’t even have the balls to do it to my face. He contacted Roselyn over the weekend.”
“Why on earth would he do that?”
Becca shrugged, her shoulders full of annoyance. “Damned if I know. Said he was moving to Dallas. Some family emergency involving his sister.” She paused. “I mean, maybe it is serious, and I do hope everything is okay. I just didn’t expect him to let me down.” She attempted to laugh. “Maybe the boots I bought him sent him packing.”
Tangie leaned against the desk. “Give a man cowboy boots, and he two-steps out of your life.” She picked up the proposal. “Is this what you’re going to present?”
“Was,” Becca corrected, snatching it out of her best friend’s hands and tossing it into the wastepaper basket next to her desk. “No proposal. No presentation.”
Tangie gave her a hard stare.
“What?”
“You don’t need Coop to be your wingman, your copilot, or your Tonto. Becca, that proposal is all you. Sure, Coop helped you with some fancy Excel program and a few ten-dollar business buzzwords, but this”—she reached down and pulled the proposal out of the wastepaper basket, placing it in front of Becca—“this is your heart. Jack Cooper knew it. Go show his son how much this company means to you. Show him what you’re capable of.”
Becca looked down at the proposal. Tangie was right. She didn’t need Coop to present facts and figures she already knew cold. What she needed was to find her backbone. She smiled up at her friend. “When did you get to be so smart?”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.” Tangie chuckled and patted her on the shoulder. “Screw Coop. It’s your dip. Did you make some for the meeting?”
She shook her head. “I was going to do it this morning so it would be fresh.”
Tangie moved toward the door, motioning for Becca to follow her. “Well, let’s go. You’ve got a new five-foot-four partner-in-crime. I’ll help you make it and set up the boardroom. I’ll be your Tonto, Ms. Lone Ranger.”
Becca picked up the
proposal and flipped its pages. She’d run off ten more copies of it over the weekend and had already dropped them off to Eleanor this morning so Grayson would have it in advance. He was expecting her.
And, yeah, things had ended a bit awkwardly between them Saturday night, and she really had no clue what Grayson was feeling for her—if anything—but this wasn’t about him. It was about her sharing an idea.
Who was she kidding? Of course she wanted the CEO to be impressed. It hadn’t been her motivation when she’d created the dip, but she’d be lying if she denied that she wanted Grayson to be blown away by the proposal. Maybe then he’d start to see her as more than a factory worker whom he was apparently too embarrassed to let anyone see him kiss.
Standing, she smoothed her black skirt. Could she really go through with it? Her friend certainly thought so. She took a deep breath and grabbed her apron, pulling it over her silk blouse.
Tangie was now talking to Franco in the hallway.
“Hey, Tonto. Let’s do it,” Becca said, surprising herself with how much conviction there was in her voice.
“Atta girl.” Tangie clapped. “I’ll go grab some avocados.”
While Tangie flew over to the peeling station, Becca headed for the break room, where she’d stored the other ingredients when she arrived that morning. As she pulled out the strawberries, the lime juice, and her other original touches from the refrigerator and set them on the counter, her confidence grew.
This was her moment and maybe things hadn’t gone like she’d planned, but she needed to accept it and move on. Tangie was right.
Screw Coop.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Grayson stared at the beautiful young woman in the old photo. He hadn’t believed Gage at first, but yes, the resemblance was there. She did look a lot like Becca.
Charlotte did not need him to hang photos last Friday. He’d suspected something was up, but no one could have predicted that bombshell.
Once Gage drove off with Becca, Grayson had helped himself to another beer. Charlotte had disappeared upstairs for a few minutes, bringing down the photos Gavin had found in safe-deposit box of their dad with a mysterious woman whom they believed was named Nora, along with the old love letters between the two that Gage had discovered last month in the attic.
