“He is. Watching him stand up to Dean helped,” Elle said. “Plus George is so good with children.” She wasn’t sure if she wanted to go into their relationship right now.
“You’ve seen Dean recently?” her brother asked.
“Lindsay came into the café one day and found me. When we arranged to meet so she could play with Toby, she called Dean.”
“Didn’t she know what he did to you?” The disbelief was clear in his voice.
Elle shook her head. “He was good at hiding it, so she didn’t believe me when I told her.”
“You two ever get married?”
“No. I’ve got a lawyer working out a separation agreement, though, and she believes I can get full custody.”
“Good. Now what’s between you and George?”
Elle sat straighter in her chair. “That’s none of your business.”
“Elle, you’ve only just broken up from a bad relationship. Is it wise to get involved with someone else so soon?”
She hissed out a breath, reminding herself James cared for her. “It’s not what you think. I’ve told George I’m not interested in a relationship. It’s all very casual.”
“Doesn’t seem that way.”
“Appearances can be deceiving,” Elle said.
James opened his mouth to say something else, and then closed it. He changed the subject and Elle was more than happy to let him.
***
At closing time, she let Drew and Mary-Beth run through the routine. They knew what to do now and they were proving to be responsible. George locked the door behind Taima and Adahy and came over to greet James.
“Nice to see you again,” George said, shaking James’s hand.
“Likewise.” Though James was studying George closely.
Elle stood and said brightly, “We should go. Drew and Mary-Beth are going to lock up. What time is your flight again, James?”
“Nine. We could grab some dinner before I have to be at the airport. Do you want to join us, George?”
Elle knew what he was doing. He wanted to scope out him some more. “George is probably tired. He’s been in California all week.”
“I’m fine. I’d love to. There’s a nice steakhouse around the corner.”
Elle wanted to swear. They were sizing each other up. This was ridiculous.
“Great.”
Before Elle could argue she couldn’t afford the steakhouse, the two men were out of the door and walking down the street.
She pushed down her irritation. Her brother was leaving in a few short hours and she wasn’t going to let them part on a sour note.
She sighed. “Come on, Toby. It looks as though we’re going out to dinner.”
***
George walked along the pavement, waiting for James to speak. He’d known an inquisition was coming from the moment he’d seen James’s raised eyebrows when Toby had climbed into his lap.
He also knew what he wanted to say.
“You weren’t quite honest when you said you were ‘a friend’ of Elle’s,” James said.
George glanced behind and saw Elle and Toby were far enough back not to hear their conversation. “I am her friend.”
James pressed. “There’s more to it though.”
George grinned. “If you want to know what my intentions are toward your sister, you just need to ask.”
James grunted. “What are your intentions?”
It was a question he’d been asking himself since day one. “I’m not sure. I’m not out to hurt her. I’m not sure she’s ready for anything too serious. It’s only been a few months since she left Dean.”
“You never did say why.”
“You’ll have to ask her.” He wasn’t going to share Elle’s secrets with him.
“What about Toby?” James asked.
“What about him? He’s a fantastic kid. Wait until you get to know him.”
“I’d like to. He seems fond of you.”
“We’re pardners.” George grinned at James’s frown. “He’ll get you to play cowboys with him. Though after meeting Adahy and Taima he might want to add some Indians in.” That had been interesting. Toby had the curiosity of a child and Adahy hadn’t minded. It was Taima who’d been touchy, but that was normal as well. After their conversation Toby would probably cast the Native Americans as the good guys.
They arrived at the steakhouse and were shown to their seats.
James sunk into the chair with a groan. “Geez, Elle. I don’t know how you do it. I thought I was fit but being on my feet all day is tiring.”
Elle smiled. “You get used to it.”
“I must say I was surprised when you said you owned a café. I always figured you’d go back to college.” He turned to George. “She was a straight-A student.”
Elle flushed. Her brother knew why she hadn’t gone back to college. She had to care for Toby and find a job. What was he getting at?
“Impressive,” George said, winking at her.
“Yes, well it was a long time ago.”
The waiter came and took their order. Elle ordered the cheapest thing on the menu and a kid’s burger for Toby. Before she could choose a safe topic of conversation, James had already asked George about his job.
The two of them spoke quite happily but Elle knew an interrogation when she heard one. Luckily George seemed to be enjoying himself.
Elle barely ate a thing. She hated being in the middle of this – two of her favorite men sizing each other up. What if they didn’t like each other?
Should she listen to James if he warned her away from George? She hadn’t listened to him about Dean and it had ended badly. Perhaps her brother had a better sense about men than she did.
Finally it was time to take her brother back to the airport.
James insisted on paying and George walked them all back to Elle’s car. James shook his hand and got into the car.
“What time shall I pick you up in the morning?” George asked.
Elle had almost forgotten about their date. She glanced at James, but really it didn’t matter what he thought. “Libby is going to pick Toby up at nine,” she said.
“I’ll drop around about then,” he said. “Are you happy for me to plan the day?”
She checked Toby was strapped in properly and then turned. “No. I’ve got everything under control.”
“Oh really?” He raised his eyebrows. Elle guessed he was used to organizing everything.
Well she wasn’t like other women.
“Don’t have breakfast,” she warned him. Then she kissed him and drove off before he could ask for more details.
***
They were halfway to the airport before James said, “I like him.”
Elle didn’t ask who he was referring to. The smallest fluttering of relief swept through her. “He passed your interrogation then?” Her tone may have been a little bit tart.
“Yep. Just looking out for my baby sister. I’m a bit out of practice.”
She couldn’t be angry at him. She’d missed him and she knew he was worried for her. She wished he could have stayed for longer.
“Thank you for flying out,” she said as she pulled into the airport.
“I needed to make sure you were all right.”
“Did I pass your test?”
“It’s not a test. I was so worried, but I should never have doubted you’d make it on your own.” He got out of the car. “Don’t come in. I can find my way.” He got his bag out of the trunk.
Elle and Toby climbed out as well.
“Nice meeting you, Toby. I hope to see you again soon.”
“Bye, Uncle James.”
Elle turned to her brother, her heart tight. She gave him a big hug. “I’ll miss you.”
“You promise to stay in touch this time?” James asked.
She nodded.
“Good. Otherwise I’ll be forced to fly out again.”
Elle waved him goodbye as he was swallowed by the airport doors.
/> She pulled Toby closer to her and hugged him. “We’ve got our family back, Toby-boy,” she said and smiled.
***
Elle overslept. She woke on Sunday morning to sunlight streaming through her window, much more brightly than it normally did. Checking her clock she saw it was seven.
She never slept that late.
Fear gripped her. Where was Toby? He always woke her at dawn.
She leaped out of bed, straining to hear the murmurs that accompanied his solo playtime. Nothing.
She rushed to his bedroom but stopped short at the door.
He was fast asleep.
Quietly she walked over to check he was still breathing, and that he didn’t have a temperature.
He was and he didn’t.
He was still asleep.
Now her heart rate could return to normal, she crept out of his room. The excitement of the last few days had obviously exhausted him. She’d let him sleep longer because he was likely to have another full day today.
Elle slipped in to the shower. As she considered her day, nerves prickled her skin.
It was the first time she would spend so much time with George without anyone else around.
She wanted to get to know him more, figure out what it was about him that tempted her to risk her heart again.
In line with that idea, she didn’t have a whole lot planned, despite what she’d told him. She hadn’t got past brunch and a movie, but she figured they’d be able to wing it from there.
Elle browsed her wardrobe. It was past time she took herself clothes shopping. She didn’t need too much – just a couple of nice tops for days when she could go out with friends and maybe a dress or two. The Texas heat meant she didn’t need much more than that at any time of the year. It was quickly creeping toward mid-summer and the humidity was already hideous.
By the time she was dressed, Toby was stirring. Seven-thirty, a new record.
She made him breakfast and listened to his excited chatter as he talked about what he was going to do that day with Kate.
She packed his backpack with the things she thought he would need.
“What about your bag, Mom?” Toby asked.
“I’m not coming, sweetheart.”
“Why not?”
“I thought it would be nice for you to spend some time with Libby and Kate.” Liar.
“You can come too.”
“I’ve got other plans.” Hoping he wouldn’t ask what they were.
No such luck. “What?”
“I’m going to go out with George.”
Toby brightened. “Can’t I come?”
“Not today, Toby.”
He pouted.
“You’ll have so much fun swimming in the pool and playing Go Fish.”
“I’ll be the best swimmer ever, one day.”
“I’m sure you will.”
The knock on the door prevented her having to answer any more questions. She went to answer it and Toby tagged along.
Libby and Kate stood there. “Ready to go?” Libby asked Toby.
Toby looked up at his mother and then nodded.
“We’ll have a great time today, Toby,” Kate said.
Elle was sure Kate was right, but she felt nervous all the same. “You have my cell number, don’t you?” she asked as she grabbed Toby’s backpack from the sofa.
“Yes and I have George’s too,” Libby told her.
“Toby’s not a strong swimmer. He’s only been swimming once, so if he goes in the pool, you need to keep a close eye on him.”
“I will,” Libby said and smiled at her.
Relaxing a little, Elle handed Libby the backpack. “Toby’s got a change of clothes, a towel, sunscreen and water. Do you need any money for entry fees? Meals?” She wasn’t sure what their exact plans were.
“No, we’re good.” Libby took the pack.
Kate held her hand out to Toby. “Come on, Toby.”
Toby took Kate’s hand.
Elle stopped him and gave him a kiss. “Have fun today.”
“Bye, Mom,” he said and walked away with Kate and Libby without looking back.
Elle’s heart panged. Mentally she knew Toby was getting older, that he was going to kindergarten soon, but emotionally she wasn’t sure if she was ready for the separation. He’d been her focus for so long. It was hard to let go.
Footsteps on the stairs had her coming back to the present. It was George, looking delightfully casual in black cargo shorts and fitted blue T-shirt. Elle smiled as he walked closer, her heart fluttering a little.
“Waiting for me?” he asked.
“Toby just left,” she said.
“You OK?”
Elle sighed. “Yes. He’s growing up.”
“Kids tend to do that,” George told her and pulled her into her arms.
Elle hugged him back, drawing comfort from him. She’d forgotten over the years with Dean how lovely a hug could be.
When George drew away she smiled up at him, shifted up on to her toes and kissed his mouth. “Thank you.”
George gave a wicked grin and said, “No, thank you.” He bent his head and took possession of her lips.
Possession was the only word for it. Elle clung to him as he deepened the kiss, sliding his tongue over her lips and parting them. He tasted like coffee and strength. Perhaps it should have scared her but it didn’t. She felt safe and desired – a heady combination. Her skin tingled and warmed and her head felt light as she matched him kiss for kiss.
When they broke apart, George was breathing as unsteadily as she was.
“The plans you had were for staying in, right?” he asked, his tone light but his eyes intense.
Plans. That’s right, they were going out. She shook her head. “Don’t think you’re going to get out of taking me on our first date,” she said, keeping the tone equally light. “Give me a second.” She left him at the door so she could grab her purse, then checked she had her keys and locked up behind herself.
He took her hand as they walked down the steps to the parking lot.
“My car or yours?” she asked.
“Mine. I’m always afraid something is going to fall off yours.”
“So am I,” she admitted. The car had been given to her by the brother of one of the waitresses she’d been working with, after he’d won a brand new one. She’d been lucky to be in the right place at the right time. The shelter-associated mechanic checked it over because it did look like it was about to fall apart, and he’d assured her it was in good working order.
George’s car on the other hand was shiny and silver. He held open the door and she slid on to the leather seats, breathed deeply and smiled. It still had the new-car smell, along with a subtle hint of George.
“Where to?”
She gave him directions and he pulled out.
In the close confines of the car, she suddenly wasn’t sure what to say. It was just the two of them, not separated by a telephone line, or with a child in the next room, or with others around them.
“What time is Toby due back?” George asked.
“Around five.” A whole eight hours. What were they supposed to do for eight hours? Her mind flitted to the bedroom but she blocked the thought.
“He seems to be getting along well with Kate.”
“Yeah, he is.” Glancing out of the window she said, “Pull over here.”
George did as he was told and they got out.
“It’s down this way,” Elle told him and took his hand to lead him into an alleyway.
“Where are you taking me?” George asked checking over his shoulder.
“To brunch.” She rounded the corner and tucked into the space was a café she’d discovered when she’d been researching what to do with hers. She’d read the menu, checked out the décor and the atmosphere, and taken notes.
“How did you know this was here?” George asked surprised.
“Research,” she said. Hoping there was a table free, she walked in.
/>
The aroma of coffee and freshly baked pastries hit her first. She breathed deeply and headed for a table for two in the back corner. “This way.”
There was something cozy and secretive about the café. It had blue-green tones on the walls and the temperature was a good deal cooler inside than out. Some country music played softly over a speaker and voices spoke quietly.
“This place is fantastic,” George said as he took his seat. “I can’t believe I didn’t know about it.”
Elle grinned at him. “When I was checking out all the cafés in Houston I came across this one. It was marked as a best-kept secret. I promised myself I’d come back and eat here when I could afford it.”
George frowned. “I can’t begin to understand how hard it must have been for you. You had nothing when you left him.”
Elle shook her head. “I don’t want to talk about me. I want to know about you. Tell me about George Jones.”
Chapter 15
George sat back, surprised. “What do you want to know?” He wasn’t used to talking about himself. He spent most of his dates finding out about his date. They were never really interested in him, except for finding out what Adrian was really like.
“Why talent management?”
He grinned. “That was easy. Adrian was so damn good and he needed help getting out there.” Adrian’s crippling anxiety had been one hell of an obstacle but between him and Adrian’s brother, Daniel, they’d managed it.
“But what about you? What did you want to do?”
The question stopped him for a moment. "Really the first time I heard Adrian belt out a Foo Fighters tune I knew he had what it took to make it big.” He smiled. “We were fifteen and were stuck inside because of the rain. My sisters decided we should put on a concert and insisted Adrian and I take part.” He could never say no to them. “Adrian hated the idea but Rose could always convince him. He chose ‘My Hero’, and he rocked it. It was just the stereo and a cheap microphone that Rose had, but by the end of the song we were all blown away.” The picture was so clear in his mind even now. “I grabbed the guitar I never played and gave it to Adrian. Within weeks he had mastered it and was putting together his own tunes. We started making plans for him to perform and that was my focus from then on.”
“How did you know what to do?”
George grinned. “I made it up as I went along.” Though the internet had been a big help. “Myspace was a big thing back then.”
The Texan Quartet (Books 1-4) Omnibus Page 72
