The Waitress's Secret

by Kathy Douglass

  And there was always the hope that Brandon would understand why she had lied and forgive her. If that happened, everything would be good. Somehow she didn’t think it was going to be that easy. She didn’t have to be a fortune-teller to predict that messy days were in her near future. But she would wait until after the festival was over before telling Brandon the truth. She wanted to help at the center and didn’t want to risk bad feelings on his or Joni’s part. What difference would a couple of days make?

  * * *

  “I’ve never been so happy to see the end of the night,” Arden said, slipping her feet from her gym shoes without bothering to untie them, dropping onto a plush sofa in Joni’s office and stretching out. Brandon raised his eyebrows at the way she had appropriated the entire couch, but she didn’t move. It was three o’clock in the morning and she was beat, so it was every man for himself. “I could sleep standing up.”

  The summer bash was even more insane than Joni had warned her. Kids must have come from all over the state to participate. Arden was glad that she was around to volunteer. Joni had definitely needed her help. And she was equally as glad that another volunteer had relieved her minutes ago.

  “Don’t tell me a few kids wore you out,” Brandon said as he closed the door behind them. The scent of chlorine from the center’s swimming pool clung to his hair. He pulled the chair from behind the desk, then sat across from her. The tweens and teens were scattered throughout the center participating in various activities while the little ones were sleeping off a sugar high. At least they were supposed to be sleeping.

  “They aren’t kids. Kids don’t move that much.” She ran a hand through her damp curls. She wouldn’t be surprised to discover strands of gray throughout the black in the morning. “They’re motion machines. They’re like that carnival game.”

  “Which one?”

  “You know. The one where the furry little animal sticks his head out of a hole. You try to hit him, but it’s too late. He’s popping out another hole. You can never catch him.”

  “Whac-A-Mole.”

  “Exactly. As soon as I got one kid settled down another kid popped up. It’s some kind of plot, I tell you. Kids against the adults. They’re trying to run us ragged so they can take over the world. Or at least Sweet Briar.”

  Brandon leaned back and stretched his long legs in front of him, looking completely relaxed. How could he look like he could go on a three-mile run right now when Arden couldn’t move a muscle to save her life? But, he wasn’t weighed down by a guilty secret that was beginning to make breathing difficult. Her conscience was becoming like Whac-A-Mole. Every time she felt justified in keeping her secret, guilt popped free and stared her in the face.

  Brandon’s deep laughter had her pushing that guilt down with even more determination. She was going to tell him the truth. So why not enjoy the moment? Besides, she didn’t think she’d ever seen him this carefree and lighthearted. Telling him the truth now might ease her sense of guilt, but it would ruin his pleasure. After everything he’d endured, he deserved some plain old fun.

  “Arden, don’t take this personally, but you’re nuts.”

  “Don’t laugh. I saw the mayor here earlier. He was helping Joni with a bunch of kids. I haven’t seen him since then. They’ve probably tied him up somewhere and gagged him so he can’t call for help. Something sinister is definitely happening here.”

  Brandon finally stopped laughing enough to speak. “I don’t think it’s a plot by kids to take over the world. It’s the abundance of sugar. I warned Joni that she should insist on fruit and vegetables as snacks, but she wouldn’t listen. She let parents bring all kinds of cookies and candy. Now the kids are overdosing on sugar and you’re paying for it.”

  Arden covered a yawn. Who would have thought spending the day supervising a handful of seven-and eight-year-olds would be more tiring than working a busy shift at the Heaven on Earth? “How were things at the restaurant tonight?”

  “Good. We were full all night.”

  No surprise there. The dining room was usually filled to capacity and Brandon had mentioned expanding into the building next door if the numbers worked. “How did your new special go over?”

  Brandon smiled and heat bloomed in her stomach, pushing aside guilt in a way that her mind hadn’t been able to. Arden couldn’t help being attracted to him. He was so handsome, although his looks were only a small part of his appeal. He had such a kind heart. After working in the restaurant, he had come to the youth center to help his sister with the kids. He had to be exhausted, but that hadn’t stopped him from hopping into the pool and playing water volleyball with some of the high school kids. She’d been hustling the younger kids out of the shallow end after their swim, but she’d managed to sneak an occasional peek at his bare torso. The water dripping from his hair and trickling down his muscular chest had warmed her despite the fact that she’d been waist deep in cold water.

  “I’m pleased to say it was a hit.”

  “I’m not surprised. I loved it.”

  “Thanks. Your support means a lot to me.”

  He sounded so sincere Arden felt herself blushing.

  He rose, lifted her feet from the sofa, sat down and placed her feet on his lap. Before she could guess his intentions, he began to massage her right foot. A satisfied moan slipped from her lips. No man had ever treated her with such care.

  “I take it you like that?” His voice was deeper than ever and it sent shivers down her spine. His hands were gentle yet firm as they soothed the ache in that foot, then switched to her left.

  She sighed and closed her eyes. “More than words can express.”

  “Then don’t try to use words.” His hands worked their magic as he increased the pressure on the balls of her feet, drawing murmurs of satisfaction from her lips. Surely it couldn’t be wrong to enjoy this moment. And maybe a few more.

  The silence of the room surrounded them, wrapping them in an intimate cocoon. It was as if they were the only people in the world. A single lamp offered soft illumination while a line of moonlight filtered through an opening in the otherwise closed curtains. Brandon leaned closer and Arden’s senses were filled with the scent of clean male with that hint of chlorine. His fingers moved over her feet, traveling to her ankles and calves. His hands moved gently over her legs, leaving tingling heat with each touch.

  Brandon made an agonized sound and stopped caressing her. “I know I should keep my distance, but I just can’t keep from wanting to touch you.”

  Arden opened her eyes and took in Brandon’s tortured expression. Sitting up, she reached a hand to his cheek. “What if I want you to touch me?”

  “Arden.” His voice issued a warning she chose to ignore. “I know you’ve been hurt. I don’t want to add to that. I’m still working out some things.”

  Which just proved how nice a guy he was. And since he was so nice, so caring, he would understand why she’d lied. Wouldn’t he? But if she actually believed that, why did she keep putting off telling him the truth? What had happened to all the bravery she’d felt a couple of days ago? She knew. A couple of days ago she had only liked him. Now she realized she was falling in love with him and didn’t want to lose him. Maybe with time he would fall in love with her. Then he would understand and be more likely to forgive her.

  “I’m not hurting any longer. I haven’t been for a long time.” She sat up and scooted closer to him. She didn’t want him to have any doubts about what she wanted. “And maybe I can help you work things out. Just let me.”

  She brushed her lips against his, then moved back and smiled at him. She really did want to help him move forward.

  They could move forward together.

  * * *

  Brandon pulled Arden toward him until she was sitting in his lap and placed his lips on hers. Even as their lips met he knew he was making a mistake
by giving in to his desires. She wasn’t the kind of woman who gave her body without her heart coming along for the ride. He knew her feelings for him were growing. That was bad enough. Worse was admitting to himself that his feelings for her were stronger now, too. Despite his attempts to keep her at a distance, he was constantly drawn closer in a way he’d never been with another woman.

  And it scared him silly.

  But still. The feel of her lips beneath his was too good to resist. She tasted like the chocolate icing he’d caught her licking off a cupcake earlier. The sight of her tongue sliding across the treat had been so arousing he’d known he had to get away from her before his desire overcame his common sense. He’d rounded up a group of kids for an impromptu game of water volleyball. The cold water had cooled his body but done nothing to the fire that was still raging inside at this moment. The inferno had been burning too long for him to even try to extinguish. He slanted his head and deepened the kiss.

  The sound of someone loudly clearing her throat forced them apart. “Well, well. Maybe I need to get a chaperone for the chaperones.”

  Brandon shook his head. “Joni, did anyone ever tell you your timing was rotten?”

  “No one I ever listen to.”

  “Then I won’t waste my breath.”

  Arden slid off his lap and he immediately missed her slight weight. In that moment he knew that he wanted her with him forever. Despite his best efforts not to, he’d fallen in love with her. She’d managed to work her way inside his heart. He loved her. More than that, he trusted her. The walls he’d built around his heart after the debacle with Sylvia had fallen and crumbled into dust. Even thinking of Sylvia was no longer painful. It was as if the entire relationship had happened in another life. Or to another person. The healing he’d heard about but didn’t believe in had occurred. And the reason was clear. Arden.

  Sweet Arden had healed his broken heart with her caring and innocent manner. He was ready to love again. To trust again. To open himself up to a relationship.

  He needed some time to think about things and be absolutely sure of his feelings. He didn’t want to act in haste and hurt Arden by accident. Or, worse, scare her off.

  “I’ll get to my post supervising the boys.” Unable to stop himself, he reached out and caressed Arden’s soft cheek. “Will you have dinner with me tomorrow night?”

  She nodded and he left the room, happier and more optimistic than he’d been in years.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Arden removed the envelope from her door, then stepped inside her apartment. She pulled out the folded note.

  I’ll be by to pick you up at seven. Wear something casual and as beautiful as you are. Until tonight. B.

  Her heart skipped a beat as she read the words again. A second later it plummeted to her toes. These weren’t the words of a man who only wanted to be friends. Was Brandon interested in pursuing a relationship? Was she? Sure, her feelings for him had changed and grown as she’d gotten to know him better. But was she ready for something real? Now that it was looking like a distinct possibility she had a few doubts. Just how would a relationship work? They lived and worked in two different states.

  No matter what else did or didn’t happen, she had to tell him the truth. She couldn’t expect to start a relationship with him as long as there was deception between them.

  Oh, why had she let this go on for so long? Why had she lied in the first place? Okay, she remembered why. Still, she wished she had thought things through before giving Brandon a false name. Hadn’t she always gotten into trouble by being impetuous?

  Well, she couldn’t change the past. And she might be jumping to conclusions. She could be reading more into this date than he intended. The only way to know for sure would be to let the night unfold. Then she would know for sure.

  It couldn’t hurt anything to look and smell her best. If she hurried, she would have enough time for a bubble bath. Flipping through her closet, she pulled out a pair of peach capris she’d bought at the boutique on an impromptu shopping trip. The pants were well made and fit her like a glove. Best of all, they matched a top she’d brought with her from Baltimore. She’d pair them with low-heeled sandals and knock Brandon’s socks off.

  * * *

  Brandon inhaled and knocked on Arden’s door. He held a bouquet of pink and cream roses in his right hand and a box of Louanne’s chocolate-covered almonds in his left. He’d promised himself he would never put himself out there again where his heart could be trampled, and yet amazingly here he stood, ready to begin a relationship with a woman he’d known only a few weeks. A woman planning to leave town soon. Unless he found a way to convince her to stay. He must be crazy to take this kind of risk again, yet here he was.

  The door swung open and she stood there looking as lovely as anyone he’d ever seen. For a moment he was struck dumb. Her eyes lit up when she saw him and his heart leaped in response.

  “Hi.” She sounded breathless and excited as she noticed the flowers and candy. “Are those for me?”

  “Only you.”

  “Thank you. They’re beautiful. And you know I love chocolate.” She stepped aside. “Come on in.”

  The roses were already in a vase so all she needed to do was set them on the breakfast bar. She looked longingly at the candy before setting it beside the flowers. She turned to face him and suddenly seemed a bit shy. “I hope I’m dressed all right.”

  She looked delicious in her cropped peach pants and fitted print top. “You’re dressed just fine.”

  “So where are we going?”

  “It’s a surprise.”

  “Will you give me a hint?”

  “Nope.”

  “What if I guess?”

  “Still no.”

  She giggled and grabbed her bag. “Well, then, let’s get going. The sooner we get there, the sooner my suspense will end.”

  “In that case, maybe I’ll take the scenic route.”

  “Do that and I’ll sing that song you hate.”

  “Direct route coming right up.”

  * * *

  “Is this my surprise?” Arden asked breathlessly. She had never seen anything so romantic.

  Brandon nodded. “Yeah. I hope you like it.”

  A canopy had been erected on a secluded section of the beach. The starry sky provided the perfect backdrop. Inside there was a table draped with a pink cloth and two chairs. Candlelight flickered in a globe, softly illuminating the area. Glass vases filled with pink and yellow roses lined the path to the entrance. The wind blew the perfumed air, teasing Arden’s senses. The sound of waves lapping against the shore filled the silent night. She sighed with pleasure. “It’s beautiful. How did you do this?”

  “A friend of mine owns one of the new beachfront homes. He’s out of town for the night and let me use his place.” Brandon led her to the table and pulled out a chair. Still overwhelmed by the absolute beauty and romance of it all, she sat.

  He gestured to a person she hadn’t noticed before as he took the seat across from her. A young man dressed in a black shirt and pants appeared seemingly out of nowhere carrying a bottle of wine, which he handed to Brandon. Arden recognized Tim as a waiter who worked at Heaven on Earth. She smiled at him.

  Tim grinned, nodded and disappeared as quietly and quickly as he had arrived. Brandon expertly opened the bottle and filled their glasses. He raised his in a toast. “To a wonderful evening.”

  Arden smiled and sipped her wine. “This is delicious.”

  “It’s from my private collection.”

  The young waiter returned carrying a tray of appetizers that he placed in front of them before once more vanishing.

  “I heard you once say that you loved crab cakes so I worked up a new recipe just for you.” Brandon gestured toward her plate. “Try one and let me know w
hat you think.”

  If the tantalizing aroma was any indication, they were going to be beyond delicious. She took a bite and flavor burst through her mouth. “Oh, this is great. Better than great. I could be happy eating crab cakes for the main course.”

  “You only say that because you don’t know the rest of the menu. I’ve tried to create a meal that includes all of your favorites.”

  Arden’s heart nearly exploded with happiness. He was definitely spoiling her. No one had ever put so much effort into making her happy.

  As she ate course after magnificent course her joy grew so that she was nearly overwhelmed. By the end of the meal, as she dug into her chocolate brownie, the sound of violins filled the air.

  “Boy, this dessert is better than I thought. I’m hearing music.”

  Brandon chuckled. “I can’t take credit for that. I brought a CD of my favorite music and asked Tim to play it when he brought out dessert. I thought it would be a nice touch.”

  “It’s perfect. This has been the most perfect night.”

  Brandon reached out and gently wiped a few crumbs from the corner of her bottom lip. His hand lingered and caressed her cheek. In his eyes she saw a flicker of desire that matched the longing growing inside her. “The night isn’t over yet.”

  Her heart leaped, then stuttered before returning to beat at its normal pace. Brandon put his napkin on his empty dessert plate and she followed suit. He reached out a hand and she took it, following him to the edge of the water. Waves lapped against the shore, leaving damp sand in their wake. They removed their shoes and walked in the warm water. She smiled as she remembered the night they’d met. She’d waded in cold water then and was chilled to the bone. Nothing about her was chilled now. If anything she was overheated.

  * * *

  Brandon clasped Arden’s hand, her small palm pressed against his. Her hand felt even softer against his calluses. Nothing had ever felt this right. He’d been involved with women many times in his life, but he had to admit he’d never experienced the connection with any of them that he shared with Arden. Even the feelings he’d had for Sylvia, someone he’d proposed to, paled in comparison. Nothing in his past prepared him for the depth of emotion Arden awakened in him. Those emotions were growing rapidly and showed no signs of slowing down or diminishing.