***
Back in his truck, Howard turned the heater on high since frost had formed on the windshield while they ate inside. Violet shivered and scooted over on the seat next to him. He breathed in her scent—she smelled nice, like an angel. He couldn’t remember her wearing cologne in the café. He shifted his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close. She turned her head up toward his, and he lowered to touch her lips softly. A nice, gentle kiss. Violet moaned and shifted again to face him, raising her arm to run her fingers through his thick hair. She pulled back slightly, and her eyes met his.
“Thanks for a wonderful dinner. I can’t remember when I’ve had such a nice time.”
Nice being the farthest thing from his mind right now, he circled his hand around the nape of her neck and pulled her mouth to his. This time there was nothing gentle about it. His mouth hungrily found hers. She returned the embrace with equal passion, and he deepened the kiss, pushing her lips open, his tongue finding hers and pulling her even closer. Violet moaned again and circled his neck with both of her arms. He deepened the kiss even more, moving his hands down her back, caressing her as they went. A moan escaped from his own throat. He lowered his hand until his fingers found the edge of her sweater and slowly creep underneath to caress her bare, hot skin beneath.
A sudden slam of a car door, made Howard jump and startled him back to earth. Pulling his hand quickly out from under her sweater, he blinked, blinded by headlights turned on in the car parked directly in front of them. Violet adjusted her clothing and slid back over in the seat, buckling her seatbelt.
Howard fought to control the bulge in his jeans as he fastened his own belt.
Violet’s laugh shattered the silence that ensued. “Why do I feel like I’m in high school again and just got caught making out behind the school?”
Howard laughed, too. “Those were the days. I guess I got a little carried away. Next time I’ll make sure we’re somewhere a little more private.”
As he drove back to Peakview, they fell into a comfortable silence. He kept his left hand on the steering wheel and reached over and entwined his fingers with hers. She squeezed his hand and gazed out into the night.
How he loved Peakview County. It seemed as close to heaven as you got on this planet. No city lights to stop your view of the stars filling the heavens. For the first time since his arrival thirty years prior, he felt happy—totally content with his life.
***
Violet pulled her comforter closer to her body to shut out the chilly night air and hugged Lucky purring happily at her side. She wished it was Howard snuggled up close to her. When he dropped her off a few minutes ago, she’d invited him to come up with her, wishing they could pick up where they left off in the parking lot. After all, they were much too old to spend their time making out in a car, especially since she owned a nice, cozy apartment. But Howard declined, stating that they both had to get up early for work. He gave her a small kiss on her forehead and after walking her to the outer door and making sure she was safely locked inside, he made a quick retreat. Did he regret their earlier passion? She hoped not. For eight years she hadn’t thought much about sex at all, convinced that chapter of her life was over. But now—for the past couple of months—it was all she thought about. Her body ached to be loved by a man again, and not just by any man—by Howard Crandall. It was a little surprising how quickly her body reacted to his touch. She’d gone through menopause since Stan’s death, and she wasn’t sure those feelings even existed for her anymore. Boy, was she wrong.
She prayed Howard wanted her, too. Sometimes it seemed as if he did, but then other times…. She didn’t know. As far as she knew, he hadn’t been with a woman since coming to Peakview over thirty years ago. Maybe it was all too much for him. Time would tell.
CHAPTER TWENTY TWO
Howard promised to spend Saturday helping Melanie at the bookstore. They hadn’t gotten in a work day together since before he got sick. Melanie wanted to open the doors by June first, when the tourist season got into full swing. Their friends and neighbors were such a great help finishing the exterior, now the detail work on the inside needed to catch up.
He awoke as the first ray of sunlight hit his pillow and after driving to the café and brewing an urn of coffee for Violet, he eagerly waited for her footsteps on the stairs. She entered the café, and he immediately got up and walked around the counter and gave her a quick hug and light kiss on her luscious lips.
“Good morning to you, too, Howard.” An enormous smile broke across her lovely face.
“Just wanted to kiss my girl to start my day off right. I’m headed over to work on the store with Melanie. Have a wonderful day.”
“You, too.” Violet leaned into his chest for one more hug.
He surrounded her in his arms, kissing the top of her head and then filled two large to-go mugs and headed across the street. Howard whistled as he went—what a nice start to his day. Hopefully, soon he’d start every day with Violet in his arms.
He opened the front door and took in all of the work his daughter had completed. Impressive. He felt part of this—of helping her fulfill her dream. He set the coffees on the kitchen counter and grabbed a paint brush and began staining the newly-installed the book cases. He’d barely started working when he heard the creak of the back door and Melanie walked through, her arms juggling supplies.
“Mornin’, Dad. Been here long?”
“A few minutes. There’s a coffee for you on the counter. I stopped by Violet’s on my way.”
“Speaking of Violet.” Melanie walked into the room, setting down her load and picking up a coffee. “How was your date last night?”
“Good, really good.” A smile spread across his face.
“Glad to hear it. It’s about time you two enjoyed some time alone together. Now that I have a dad in my life, should I expect a stepmom soon?”
His cheeks warmed and turned a bright crimson red. “Would you want that. A stepmom, I mean?” The last thing he would want was for Melanie to feel replaced, since their own relationship was still so new.
“Don’t be silly. What’s important is what you want, what’s a good thing for you. But, yes, I love Violet. I’d be happy to call her family. So would Sophie. I’ve never experienced a really positive relationship with a mother figure, but I’d love to give it a try.”
“It’s settled then. I’ll work on it.”
“You do that.” Melanie said with a smile picking up a paint brush and getting to work alongside him. “What time’s your follow up appointment with Dr. Johnson at the clinic on Monday? I’ll drive you over to Aspen Ridge after I take Sophie to school.”
“You don’t need to bother. I’m fully capable of driving myself, but thanks for the offer.”
“I really wouldn’t mind. I’d like to hear what the doc has to say.”
“I promise to bring you a full report.” Howard looked away and concentrated on his painting. He didn’t want his daughter to guess the real reason why he wanted to go alone.
“Okay. If that’s what you really want, but call me if you change your mind.”
Sophie joined them later in the day, and by the time they quit, the shelves were ready for the first shipment of books which was scheduled to arrive the beginning of the week.
“Now that you’re about to open, have you thought about a name for the store?” Howard asked while they cleaned up. We need a sign for out front.
Melanie smiled. “How about ‘Sophie’s Choice Books’. Too corny?”
Sophie laughed. “It’s a little corny, but I like it. Thanks Mom.”
“I couldn’t have done any of this without you, kid.” Melanie gave her daughter a big hug.
“I love you, Mom.”
“I love you more.”
Howard’s heart swelled. How lucky a man he was to have these wonderful women in his family. Now if he could just add Violet, life would be perfect.
***
On Monday morning, Howard walked int
o the Aspen Ridge clinic. “I have an appointment with Dr. Johnson.”
“Take a seat, Mr. Crandall. The doctor will be with you shortly.”
He barely sat down when a pretty, young nurse came out and escorted him back to an exam room. She took his vitals she and asked, “So how are you feeling? Any concerns or specific issues you want to address with the doctor today?”
Howard felt his face warm. “Feelin’good as ever. No concerns. I’m ready for Doc to give me the green light to go back to work full-time.”
“Very well. He’ll come in shortly.” She left the room closing the door behind her.
Howard breathed a sigh of relief. She was very nice, but some things were better left to his discussion with Doc Johnson, who he had known for years.
Dr. Johnson entered the room, clipboard in hand. “Howard. Good to see you. You’re looking much better than last time you I saw you. How are you feeling?”
“Almost back to normal.”
“Good, let’s listen to your lungs.” Howard took several deep breaths on command as Doc moved the stethoscope around his chest and back.
“Your lungs sound good. Having any problems breathing?
“No, not for the last week or so. I still get a little tired.”
“That’s to be expected. Your body’s been through a trauma and needs time to recover. Take it easy for a while.”
“That’s what Melanie keeps telling me.”
“Smart daughter.”
“Do you have any questions for me?”
Howard hesitated. “Um. Just one. Could you write me a prescription for some Viagra?”
“I don’t see why not.” Doc flipped through his chart. “Other than the pneumonia, you’ve stayed very healthy. Are you having trouble with sexual performance?”
“No. Not yet. I haven’t had sex in…it’s been a few years. It’s just that I have this lady friend. We’re getting close, and I want to be prepared. You know, in case I need some help. I’d hate to be a disappointment to her.”
“Relax. I’m sure you won’t disappoint her. Sex can be great at our age, but sometimes we need a little boost. I have some samples around here. I’ll send you home with a few to try, and then you let me know if you need a prescription.”
Doc left the room and returned with a small discreet, brown paper bag and handed it to Howard with some instructions on use and possible side effects. “I’m giving you a clean bill of health. See you for your regular checkup in a few months. And Howard, I’m glad you found someone.”
“Thanks, Doc.”
Howard smiled driving back to Peakview. One more thing he’d checked off of his to-do list. Not that he had any intention of using those little blue pills any time soon. While his mind thought of little else besides making love to Violet these days, he respected her entirely too much to try anything without first putting a ring on her finger. And on top of everything, she was his best friend’s widow. No, he’d wait and do this the right way, even if the waiting killed him. He glanced over at the small bag on his seat and grinned.
He slowed, entering their tiny town. Melanie’s vehicle was parked in front of the soon-to-be bookstore. He pulled his truck in next to hers. Opening the front door, He heard music coming from above. He made his way up the stairs to find her singing and painting away on a bedroom wall.
“Hey, kid. The yellow looks good.”
Melanie turned around, pushing a stray hair from her face, leaving a yellow streak across her forehead. “It’s cheery, isn’t it? What did the doctor say?”
“He gave me a clean bill of health. Said I’m as good as new—for an old guy. Just need to show up for my regular yearly checkup in another few months.”
“That’s great.” Melanie set down her brush and gave her dad a hug. “Want to help with some painting?”
“I would, but there’s a couple of cars waiting for me over at the garage. Did you say that you’re making a run to Fort Collins tomorrow to pick up some books?”
“Yep. I’m leaving as soon as I drop Sophie off at school. Is there something I can bring back for you?”
“Maybe I’ll ride down with you. Got a couple of errands I’d like to run.”
“Great. I’d love the company.”
Melanie gave him a quizzical look. He’d explain tomorrow—right now he needed to get to work. “See you in the morning then. Find me at the garage whenever you’re ready to go.
“I’ll swing by about nine.”
Howard stole another hug and headed out. Back at the garage he contemplated how to put the next piece of his plan into action.
***
Violet’s life seemed close to perfect now that Howard was back to work full time and coming by the café every day. She entered the kitchen to her morning coffee, grabbing a mug and smiling at Howard sitting in his usual seat at the counter. He beamed seeing her enter the room.
“You look awfully cheerful for this early in the morning. What’s up?” She set her mug next to his and kissed the top of his head as she sat down.
“Always happy to see my lady. I’m headed to Fort Collins today with Melanie.”
Violet shook her head. Howard hated leaving their community to go down into civilization, but today, he seemed almost giddy about it.
“Any particular reason you’re braving the city?”
“Nope. She’s got some books to pick up for the store, so I thought that I’d give her a hand.”
“That’s very fatherly of you. Should I fix you some breakfast to sustain you on the trip?”
“Thanks, but we’ll stop somewhere along the way.” Howard paused. “I was just sitting here thinking that since it’s almost June, maybe I’d check your air-conditioning units and make sure they’re in good working order before a heat wave sets in.”
Violet laughed and reached over to give him a hug. “That’s very nice of you, but there’s a few more weeks before there’s any chance of that. No rush.” It seemed that Howard not only looked out for Melanie, but also for her these days. A warm feeling swelled up inside of her.
“There’s no time like the present. I’ve got some time before Melanie picks me up, so if you don’t mind I’ll have a look right now. That way if I need any parts I can pick them up while we’re in town.”
“Thanks, Howard. I really appreciate it. The upstairs’s open, so let yourself in. I need to get going on breakfast.”
What a gift from God Howard was! With Stan, she’d been blessed with more than her fair share of years with a wonderful, caring man. And now Howard. Even if this relationship went no further, he was such a helpful, kind friend. But oh, how she longed to become more than friends—so much more.
***
Howard made his way up the stairs and pushed open the door to a loud squeak. He’d have to remember to bring over some WD-40 and take care of that. Maybe he should make a list of things that needed fixing, so he didn’t forget anything.
At the sound of the opening door, Lucky came running up to greet him. He bent down and rubbed the cat’s back. He wasn’t much of a cat person, but there had always been something about this little guy that he liked. And for some unknown reason, Lucky seemed to like him too. He scooped him up into his arms and sat down on the sofa to give him some of the attention he sought. After all, if his plan worked out, they’d be roommates soon. They needed to start out on good terms.
Remembering the purpose of his visit, he rose and brushed the cat hair off of his lap. He found the small air-conditioning unit and turned it off and on a few times. It seemed to be working fine. Maybe he’d pick up a new filter in Fort Collins. He looked around nervously, glad he’d chosen to be a mechanic and not a secret agent. He was no good at this secretive stuff. Before he had the chance to chicken out, he entered Violet’s bedroom and looked quickly around. There on the bureau sat what looked like a jewelry box. Walking over to it, he carefully lifted the lid and sifted through the contents until he found her old wedding ring. Now that he thought about it, she’d continued to w
ear that ring ever since Stan’s death. The first time he remembered it not being on her left hand, was that night she came over to the book store with the picnic dinner. Did she decide to move on with her life that night? He hoped so. Grabbing the piece of string he had stuffed in his pocket, he wound it around the inside edge of the ring, marking where it ended with his fingernail, while he grabbed a pen from his front pocket to mark the spot. Then he slipped the string back in a safe place and closed the box. As he left the room, he hesitated and took a deep breathe. The scent of Violet lingered in the room. He could breathe her scent forever.
Violet jumped as he walked up behind her at the stove and placed a kiss on her neck.
“How’s everything look?”
“It’s all good. I’m going to grab a filter for you while I’m in town. Then you’re good to go. Have a nice day, darling.”
“You, too. Enjoy the drive.”
Melanie drove up in front of the garage a short time later, and Howard climbed in her vehicle, the small piece of string stowed safely in his wallet. Melanie chatted away for the first part of the trip about all of the plans she’d made for the store. She seemed so happy. Relief washed over him. When she and Sophie decided to stay in Peakview to get to know him better, he worried. What if she didn’t like living in his small town? What if Sophie hated being away from the excitement of city life? Would they end up resenting him? But those fears gradually dissipated as more time passed. He was so glad he’d found them, or rather that they’d found him. Although only a few months had gone by, he couldn’t imagine his life without them.
Melanie glanced over at him, “So Dad, what urgent errands made you leave Peakview today?”
Howard took a deep breathe. “I did a lot of soul searching while I was laid up. Bottom line, whatever time I’ve got left on this earth, I’m not willing to waste a minute of it. I’m so very happy that you and Soph are in my life, but there’s one more thing I need. I need Violet. More than as a friend. I want to marry her and spend the rest of my life making her happy. So, I need to buy a ring. Today!”
Breakfast for Two (Peakview series Book 2) Page 14
