Back to the Heart

by Sky Corgan

  I like weddings,” she stuttered. “I’m just still a bit tired from the move. I’m happy for my sister, though.” She was enjoying the night. Being around Ryan just made her feel flustered. “What about your family?”

  My family is far away from here.” He let out a sigh, as if the subject made him uncomfortable.

  I know that, Mister Wanderer.” She cracked a smile. “Tell me about them. From the way you look right now, I can’t help but wonder if you’re trying to escape them.” The second the words left her mouth, Ana realized how rude they sounded. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t assume anything like that.”

  No. It’s fine.” He placed a hand on her shoulder, sending electric signals throughout her body. His hand was so warm. She didn’t want him to draw it away, but he did. “My younger brother is the vice president of a corporation. My parents live on a ranch similar to the one your mother owns. My grandparents on both sides passed away.”

  That’s a shame,” Ana said, feeling bad for asking.

  Death is a part of life, but let’s not talk about that.” He took the final sip of his champagne.

  It must be hard living in your brother’s shadow.” Ana could relate. Celia was the good daughter, always traveling the path of least resistance. Ana had been the wanderer, leaving home in search of something better. Maybe Ryan was doing the same thing. She could only hope that he had better luck than she had.

  We don’t live that way.” He smiled, scanning her face in a way that made Ana feel small and hot. “No one is better than anyone in my family. That’s how we were raised to think.”

  That’s how I was raised to think too, but it’s hard to feel that way sometimes.” She cast a glance at her sister, who was smiling and laughing with her new husband among some friends.

  What does your husband or boyfriend do for a living?”

  Husband?” The question caught Ana completely off guard. Surely he’d realized she wasn’t wearing a ring. Disappointment coursed through her at the thought that he might have never looked. Perhaps he wasn’t as interested as she had assumed. “I don’t have a husband or a boyfriend.”

  Then the father of the child.” His eyes fell to her stomach.

  She cradled her belly, an overwhelming sadness consuming her. So he could tell? Maybe everyone could. “He’s back in New York.”

  I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry.” Ryan held a hand up.

  I know.” Her shoulders slumped. “He’s not in the picture anymore. He didn’t want anything to do with me once he found out I was pregnant.” The confession made her ashamed, like she was admitting to being naive. She and Rick should have never happened, but she’d held onto false hope that everything would turn out okay.

  Now that’s a true shame. Leaving such a beautiful woman after making a precious gift with her.”

  Their eyes locked. Was Ryan being serious? Did he really think that her getting pregnant out of wedlock was a gift? Would he still be saying that if it had been him who had knocked her up?

  She knew then that he didn’t care that she was pregnant. He liked her anyway. It showed in his eyes, in the sensual way that he looked at her.

  How long are you going to be staying with us?” Her voice sounded small as she tried to pull herself together. The fluttering of emotions inside of Ana was so strong that she couldn’t even force herself to look at Ryan as she asked the question that suddenly meant so much to her. She already knew the answer. In another week, he would be gone. Whatever they had together right now would be over, and he’d be moving on somewhere else, making his trek across the country to God knew where.

  As long as it takes me to finish all the jobs your mother has for me.”

  Shiny black loafers came into Ana’s view as Ryan took a step closer to her. When she looked back up, he was gazing down at her beneath heavy eyelashes. A tightness rushed to her chest as she realized how close he was. He was going to kiss her right there.

  Ana, we need to get seated for the toasts.” Celia tugged on Ana’s arm, rescuing her from the kiss that she would have regretted after Ryan was gone. What was she thinking, allowing herself to get close to a man who was just going to disappear from her life in a week or two?

  I’m sorry, I have to go.” Ana glanced at Ryan a final time before following Celia to their table, sighing in relief as she went.

  Even after she was seated, Ana couldn’t take her eyes off him. He had already seemingly forgotten about her and was integrating himself into her family. She longingly stared at his backside as he walked to one of the tables at the far corner of the room, and when he turned back around, she pretended like she had never been paying attention to him at all.

  Celia gave her a sarcastic look. “Don’t pretend like you weren’t just staring at Ryan’s butt.”

  What?”

  Ana.” Celia leaned in to whisper to her sister so that her new husband wouldn’t hear. “I know he’s gorgeous. I get that. Any girl would have to be blind not to notice, but you just got out of a bad situation with a man. Don’t get into another one.”

  The concern in Celia’s voice ripped through Ana and sent her spiraling back down to reality. Celia was right. Ana couldn’t allow herself to get caught up in Ryan. He was sexy, and sweet, and amazing, but he was also wrong for her. Just like Rick had been.

  Ana listened to the toasts and recited her own like a robot. Why did this have to happen to her? Why couldn’t she have just come home to a house with her mother and her sister and no alluring stranger? She had wanted some normalcy back in her life—not this complication.

  If she could just ignore Ryan, she would be fine. That was a lot easier said than done when he seemed zeroed in on her, as if he were programmed to seek and destroy her heart.

  CHAPTER THREE

  Ryan stared across the crowded room at the woman who had captivated his heart. He could see the uncertainty in her eyes. Her sister had whispered to her once they had taken their seats for the wedding toast, and Ryan was almost certain it had something to do with him.

  Celia’s timing couldn’t have been worse. Ryan had been just about to steal his first kiss from Ana’s lips when her sister had spirited her away. How sweet that kiss would have been. Ryan could almost taste it. Oh, well, anticipation was half the pleasure.

  Ryan didn’t care that Ana was pregnant. While he had always wanted children, he didn’t mind the thought of being the father to a child who wasn’t biologically his. After all, anyone could make a baby, it took a real man to be a father. And after meeting Ana and all of her family, Ryan was definitely up for the challenge.

  Now that she had reciprocated his interest in her, it was only a matter of time before he claimed that kiss he so desperately wanted. For now, though, he would have to bide his time, look at her from afar, eat the meal that was presented to him, and wait until the bride and groom had danced together before he could take Ana into his arms.

  Would you care to dance?” Ryan offered Ana his hand when all the noteworthy dances were over.

  Ana’s pale cheeks flushed as she placed her hand in his.

  They came together on the dance floor, hand in hand, and she followed his lead as they two-stepped to the country music. Just gazing down into her pale blue eyes filled him with a sense of warmth, and then there was the way she smiled at him, the sway of her hips, the feel of her dress lifting with her movement and swooshing against his slacks.

  You’re a good dancer,” she noted. “Is there anything you don’t do well?”

  I can’t line dance, so if they start playing ‘Boot Scootin’ Boogie,’ you’re on your own.” It was a weak offering, but she grinned nonetheless. “You like to dance, don’t you?” She moved effortlessly in time with him across the floor.

  I used to, when I was younger,” she confessed, dropping her gaze for a moment. “When I was in college, I used to go to this dance hall every weekend. I had a lot of great times there.”

  Well, you certainly haven’t forgotten your moves.” His eyes fell to her lips
again, and once more he thought of kissing her. It was too soon for that, though. He’d learned his lesson the first time around. It was best saved for when he had her alone, when there wouldn’t be any distractions.

  I think dancing is like riding a bike. You never forget how to do it once you’ve learned.”

  What’s your favorite dance?”

  She stared up at the ceiling, thinking for a moment, then she laughed, a sweet sound. “Line dancing. I just like the feel of being in sync with so many people at once. It’s like you can all relate on some level. Even if your lives are different, you all share this strange bond.”

  He smirked. Your love of line dancing?”

  Yes. Exactly.” She beamed at him.

  Then I suppose I’ll have to learn how sometime. I never really thought about it that way. I’ve always much preferred the intimacy of dancing like this.” He gripped her hand a bit tighter.

  Why do you do what you do?” Her eyes narrowed.

  What do you mean?” he asked, quirking an eyebrow.

  Help people without accepting pay for the work you do. Surely you need more than room and board to get by. I know your truck doesn’t gas itself up.”

  He grinned at her question. Ana was every bit as interested in him as he was in her. Answering her was difficult, though, telling her the truth without giving too much of himself away. “I have money put back in a savings account. Gas isn’t much of an expense with as little as I explore the places I travel.”

  Why don’t you explore? Why not find some place to settle down?”

  You assume that I don’t have a home.” His grin broadened.

  You’re very vague about your life,” she pointed out.

  I do have a home, and a life away from this. Sometimes, it’s just nice to get out and show yourself that the world is bigger than just you. Does that make sense?”

  She nodded, and he could only imagine that she was thinking of her time in New York. “Do you have a girlfriend . . . back home, that is?” Her eyes darted to the side.

  No.” He shook his head.

  I’d like to know what your life is like when you’re not sanding barns and fixing fence posts.” She stepped in to him, resting her head against his chest. His heart beat faster from the close contact.

  My life is hectic,” he sighed, somewhere between contentedness and regret at the knowledge that he would eventually have to leave this place. Hopefully Ana would be willing to come with him.

  Your life is hectic here,” she reminded him, “working from sunup to sundown.”

  It’s a different type of hectic where I’m from. I have business meetings and conferences and banquets and—”

  You sound important.”

  No more important than the next guy.”

  They danced for what felt like forever. When one song ended, Ryan feared that Ana would pull away from him, but she didn’t. She stayed pressed against him like she belonged there.

  Her mother smiled at them fondly. He had charmed the woman from the get-go and was more than happy he had her approval. Celia was a lot harder to convince. She cast a glance now and then at the two of them, and her silent stare said very clearly: Stay away from my sister. Ryan knew this wasn’t out of cruelty. Celia liked him just as much as her mother. But he would have to leave eventually, and her sister had just gotten over being hurt by one man.

  If only she knew that Ryan had no intention of hurting Ana. Sometimes, though, the worst consequences come from the best intentions.

  Time to cut the cake,” someone announced, pulling Ana out of her dreamlike state.

  She never wanted the night to end, feeling like Cinderella to Ryan’s Prince Charming, minus the wicked stepmother and evil stepsisters. But nothing lasted forever The music stopped playing, and she was forced to pull herself away from him. It was nice to know that he wasn’t the vagabond she had assumed. Somewhere out there, he had a life of his own—a good life. It just made her sad that he’d have to go back to it someday.

  Ana glanced at Ryan a final time before joining the guests who were waiting to watch the cake be cut. He followed behind, standing only inches away when they were cutting the cake. Ana was so distracted by his presence that she could barely pay attention to anything going on around her. Her mind was stuck on the dance they’d shared. She loved the way his large hand had nearly enveloped hers while they were dancing, the heady smell of his cologne, the grace with which he moved. He was more sophisticated than he let on, she could see that now. The sweet, hardworking country boy whom she had met in her father’s barn wasn’t entirely who he really was, and she was curious to unravel his secret. Doing that was dangerous. He was sending signals so strong that they reverberated from the walls. And she was fighting the urge to reciprocate.

  After the cake was cut, they stood in line to be served. When Ana received her piece, she thought about breaking away from Ryan, but everyone seemed engaged in their own conversations, so she relented, scarfing down her cake like she’d been starving for it all night. In reality, she felt starved for something else. Affection.

  This cake is good,” he commented, staring down at the piece of cake that was balanced on his fork.

  It was our favorite as kids,” Ana informed him. “Italian cream cake with cream cheese filling and almond icing.” There was no way she’d ever be able to forget the combination. They had eaten it at a baby shower when they were kids and had demanded it for every birthday since. It was nostalgic to Ana that Celia would serve it at her wedding.

  I can see why.” Ryan scooped the cake into his mouth, closing his eyes and sighing contentedly. Ana couldn’t help but grin at him. The man sure loved food.

  They ate the cake together in silence, too consumed with the delicious flavor for words. For some reason, the casualness of it made Ana feel more at ease. Ryan was rather adorable when he was enjoying cake, though her eyes kept landing on his lips, wondering how sweet he would taste right now. She caught him staring at her mouth as well—she thought they were staring for the same reason until he took his napkin and wiped frosting from the corner of her lips.

  That’s so embarrassing.” Ana drew her hand up to her face.

  I’m sorry. I was just—”

  “Not that you did that, but that I made myself look like a pig.”

  You were fine.” He let out a short laugh. “I doubt anyone noticed. The only one staring at you is me.”

  Her cheeks flushed even more at his sweet words. They were simple enough, but she could feel the double meaning behind them.

  Isn’t this cake delicious?” Gayle, one of Ana’s older cousins, walked up to greet them.

  Oh, hi.” Ana beamed at her, holding her cake out to the side to give her cousin a hug. She was thankful for the reprieve from being alone with Ryan. While she enjoyed the intimacy of having him to herself, she was having a hard time controlling her hormones.

  Michael and I are about to leave. I just wanted to sneak in real quick and give you a hug before we go. Sorry if I was interrupting something.” Gayle pulled away from Ana and turned her attention to Ryan. “And look at you. Aunt Molly didn’t tell me you brought a party favor home from New York.”

  If Ana’s cheeks could have gotten any redder, her face would have exploded. Oh, no, she thinks Ryan and I are a couple. Ana opened her mouth to speak, but by the time she found her voice, Gayle was already moving on to say her good-byes to the other guests.

  Oh my God, I’m so sorry about that,” Ana stuttered.

  Don’t apologize,” Ryan said with an ear-to-ear grin.

  Everyone is in such a hurry. They don’t give me time to explain,” she fumed.

  Ana.” Ryan placed a hand on her shoulder, sending that familiar heat coursing through her body. “It’s all right. We’ve been together for a good portion of the night. It’s natural for people to assume.”

  Ana, dear, help me box up some of the groom’s cake so that the guests can take it home.” Molly approached them. Ana couldn’t be happier for the dis
traction. It would help her to get her mind off Ryan, if only for a little while.

  She left Ryan alone to follow her mother to the cake table. “You fold the boxes, I’ll put the cake in the boxes,” Molly told Ana.

  They continued working in silence for a while before Molly finally spoke. “So are you having a good time?”

  I suppose. I’m glad it’s almost over, though.” Ana sighed. It had been a long day. Ana would sleep soundly tonight.

  I’d never be able to tell.” Molly cast a smile over at her daughter.

  Well, I’ve got to at least pretend I have energy.”

  That’s not what I’m talking about.” She shook her head, and a twinge of discomfort shot through Ana’s heart.

  Oh?”

  “You and Ryan have been awfully close tonight.”

  Ana groaned. “Can we not talk about this? Celia already lectured me about him once tonight.”

  Oh, did she?” Molly grinned.

  Yes. She kindly reminded me that he’ll be gone in a week. I’m well aware of that, and I assure you that nothing is going on between me and Mister Black.”

  That’s a pity. I’m quite fond of him.” Her mother frowned at the piece of cake she was boxing.

  Mother! You know I just got over being hurt by a man.”

  I know. But I don’t think Ryan is like that.”

  What do you mean you don’t think Ryan is like that?”

  He’s just a sweet kid.” Molly shrugged. “He seems genuine. And it’s quite obvious he likes you.” A smile crept into her voice.

  Ana looked over her shoulder to find Ryan, and her cheeks heated up when she noticed he was staring at her from across the room. Somehow, he had managed to integrate himself into a group of David’s friends, though he kept his gaze fixed on her while he spoke. She could only imagine what he was saying about her.

  I don’t need to get hurt again.”

  I was kind of hoping you could make him stay. He’s been doing an amazing job around the house. He’d make a great son-in-law.”