Blue Ridge Sunrise

by Denise Hunter

  But she knew Kyle better than anyone. He was eager to believe she was coming back to him. Eager to believe he was so incredibly clever for having found a way to make it happen.

  All she had to do was play to his ego. Then she’d have him right where she wanted him.

  chapter thirty-nine

  Cruz stopped at Brady’s place to check on him first thing the next morning. The baby had apparently been up since the break of dawn, and Brady looked pretty spent. Cruz was glad to hear Hope was coming over later in the morning to lend a hand so his friend could have a break.

  Cruz looked up at the clear blue sky as he approached the Peach Barn. It was a beautiful day for Zoe’s grand opening. The sun shone bright, obscured only by fluffy white clouds. A light breeze, carrying the scents of pine and loamy earth, ruffled the trees that towered over the red building.

  He was so proud of Zoe. She’d taken a lot of hits lately, but she’d come up swinging. It was good to have his leona back.

  He walked through the entrance, the sweet smell of pastries teasing his senses. Baskets filled with a dozen peach varieties sat atop the skirted tables, along with apples and produce from other area farms. The tables featuring the bakery items were lined up neatly near the register. Miss Ruby had sure outdone herself.

  Zoe was behind the cash register with her new hire. His girl looked cute as can be in her red apron bearing the slogan “Sweet as a Georgia Peach.”

  Zoe rubbed her forehead, scowling at the register, as she punched buttons. She looked a little frazzled, and the day hadn’t even started. It would be officially open for business in—he checked his watch—twenty-five minutes.

  “Happy Grand Opening Day.” He came around the makeshift counter and gave Zoe a peck on the lips that he would’ve gladly extended—except for the teenaged girl hovering nearby.

  He reluctantly drew away from Zoe. “Hi, Ava. How’s it going?”

  The girl smiled at him, a slight blush blooming on her cheeks. “Hi, Mr. Huntley.”

  While Ava went outside to sweep the porch, he and Zoe took a moment to catch up on Brady and the investigation. Cruz didn’t mention that the deputy had been by to question him again. She didn’t need more stress today.

  “So . . . ,” he said, looking around. “What do you need done right now?”

  “Well . . . now that you mention it. How much do you know about stubborn cash registers?”

  BY THE END of the day Zoe was feeling cool and confident as she rang up a bag of peaches for a customer. She gave the couple a smile as she finished the sale, then watched Cruz helping a customer.

  “These are the clingstones,” he was saying. “They have a soft texture, and they’re very sweet and juicy. Great for snacking. These are freestones. They’re lower in sugar and less juicy, so they’re ideal for baking. You’ll see here we have a cross hybrid. And these Red Tops over here are great if you like a little tartness.”

  “My wife wants to make a cobbler.”

  “In that case I’d definitely advise the freestones.”

  Cruz finished helping the man before turning him over to Ava at the register and turning to another customer. Zoe felt her pocket, suddenly realizing she hadn’t checked her phone all day. In all the chaos of the opening, she’d forgotten to charge it last night and had plugged it in as soon as she’d arrived this morning.

  She slipped into the office, wondering if Kyle had responded to yesterday’s text.

  “Everything all right?”

  She jumped as she looked over her shoulder, placing a hand on her heart. Cruz had followed her. “You scared me.” She pocketed her phone without checking it.

  “Sorry. You seem distracted today.”

  She gave him a lame smile. “I’m a little on edge. All this stuff with the fire and Deputy Mosley, I guess. I feel responsible.”

  “This is not your fault. It was my decision to swing by the barn the night of the fire, and I wouldn’t take that back even if I could.”

  That detour had probably saved her life. “Nothing’s working out like I thought it would.”

  “Hey.” He brought her in close, locking his hands around her waist. “Let’s think positive. God’s got your back, and mine too.” He nudged her toe with his. “Let’s not talk about that today. It’s your grand opening, and it’s going pretty darn good, don’t you think?”

  She settled her arms around his neck. “It’s been steady. I think everyone I know has been through here today, and a bunch of new folk besides.”

  He rubbed her back. “And everyone was buying. It’s been a good day.”

  “I’m glad you were here. I underestimated how many would turn out.”

  “It’s a supportive community. Everyone wants to see you succeed. Me most of all.”

  Her gaze darted away. “Well, I still have some pretty big obstacles.”

  He set his finger over her lips. “Not talking about that today, remember?”

  His lips replaced his fingers. He’d only been going for a soft brush, but once that was done, he couldn’t seem to help himself.

  Zoe didn’t mind. She tightened her arms around him, and he pulled her closer. He fit against her like he was made for her. He deepened the kiss, and she responded wholeheartedly. His fingers threaded into her hair, making a chill race down her arms.

  His hands moved restlessly, seeking her curves and bare skin. His touch felt like home and he tasted like heaven. She was the luckiest woman alive.

  They’d been so distracted lately by the fire investigation and the grand opening, they’d hardly had a spare minute alone. She wasn’t even sure when he’d kissed her last. Unacceptable. And a mistake he was, apparently, all too happy to correct.

  Her phone buzzed in her pocket.

  She pulled away, sliding her hands down his chest. She would’ve pulled away completely if he hadn’t kept his hands locked around her waist. Apparently he wasn’t done.

  “I should get back out there,” she said. “And you were going to go check on the orchard.”

  “I’d rather kiss some more.”

  Her eyes smiled. “Me too, but I don’t want Ava overwhelmed on her first day.” She gave him a quick peck. “I have to stay till closing. Ava’s up for Miss Georgia Peach, so she has to leave early to get ready for the parade.”

  “I hope she wins.”

  “Me too. Want to just meet in town then? At seven, outside the barbershop? We can watch the parade together.”

  He buried his lips in the curve of her neck. “And eat our way through junk food alley.”

  “Sounds like a plan.”

  “Need me to pick up Gracie on the way?”

  “No, that’s all right,” she said. “I’ll want to go home, shower, and change anyway.”

  “I can’t wait to ride the rides with her. She’s tall enough, right?”

  “For some of them.” She lifted her shoulder as he hit a ticklish spot. “She loves carousels.”

  He planted random kisses on her neck. “I might have to buy her cotton candy. And a candy apple. And maybe an elephant ear.”

  “I can see where this is headed.”

  “Miss Zoe?” Ava said from the doorway.

  Cruz released Zoe, allowing her to step from his arms.

  “Sorry,” Ava said, her cheeks going pink. “Didn’t aim to interrupt. A large group just came in on a bus, and I thought—”

  “Thanks, Ava,” Zoe said. “I’ll be right out.”

  Cruz took Zoe’s hands, pulling her closer again, setting his forehead on hers. Her lips tingled with the need to kiss him again. But if she did, she didn’t think she’d be able to stop, and she had a bunch of customers waiting.

  “Stupid customers,” he said, reading her mind.

  “They tend to be good for business.”

  “Stupid business.”

  She chuckled, darting away even as she gave him a shove toward the door. “Off to the orchard, Mr. Huntley. Or there will be severe repercussions.”

  “Do these reper
cussions involve kissing?” he called over his shoulder.

  Zoe could only laugh as he slid out the door. She was still smiling as she pulled her phone from her pocket, but the grin quickly slid from her mouth. There were seven unread texts, six missed calls, and a voicemail. The texts had started at 9:06 that morning.

  I knew you’d come around. Drive up today. I’ve got a busy schedule tomorrow.

  Zoe?

  Answer your freaking phone!

  YOU texted me

  Done waiting on you. I’m coming there

  Flight lands at 5:30. Be there to pick me up.

  You’re really ticking me off! Where are you? Devon picked me up. I’ll be at your house at 6

  “Oh, no!” She checked her watch. It was 5:40.

  She had to divert him from the house!

  I’m so sorry I missed your messages! I won’t be at the house. Meet me at the Ferris wheel. I’ll be there at 6.

  She sent the text and paced the office. Please get the message. She grabbed her purse and keys. She’d have to leave early and tell Ava to lock up when she left.

  She checked her phone. Nothing. She sent another text.

  Did you get my message?

  Should she head toward home just in case? Take Gracie somewhere safe? Oh, what had she done?

  A text dinged in. So you can make me wait hours and you can’t wait two seconds for me?

  I’m really sorry. My phone was dead. Meet me under the Ferris wheel?

  Six o’clock. Don’t be late.

  I won’t be.

  Zoe rushed through closing instructions for Ava, apologizing profusely for leaving her with a busload of customers.

  She started up her truck. She’d be lucky to make it by six with the festival traffic. At least her daughter was safely tucked away at home. At least she’d been able to divert Kyle. She sent Miss Ruby a quick text to let her know she’d be late and hoped that didn’t ruin her plans for the evening.

  It was going to be okay. This isn’t the way she planned it, but she could work with this.

  Thank God she’d gotten the recorder from Hope last night. It was in her purse and ready to go. All she had to do was clip the thing into her waistband. She took a deep calming breath as she pulled from the lot. She had to plan what she was going to say. How she was going to get him to confess. All was not lost. If tonight turned out as she planned, this turn of events could work in her favor.

  chapter forty

  The atmosphere on Main Street was celebratory, despite the June heat. A heavy bank of clouds rolled in, offering Zoe a welcome reprieve from the sun. A portion of the street was blocked off for the coming parade, so she rushed down the crowded sidewalks, skirting the folks who waited curbside in their lawn chairs.

  A large banner reading 41st Annual Peach Fest! was draped from one side of the street to the other. Colorful flag banners waggled in the breeze, and twinkle lights spiraled up lampposts, awaiting nightfall. A light breeze cooled the perspiration on the back of Zoe’s neck. Her stomach twisted at the smell of peach cobbler and elephant ears.

  Nerves, not hunger. As much as she wanted to nail Kyle for what he’d done, the thought of being with him again made dread unfurl in her gut like a coil of barbed wire.

  The far end of Main Street was blockaded for carnival rides as the parade route took a turn up Maple Street. She followed the crowd around the barricades and began weaving between rides. The squeals of children and the hum of the rides’ motors filled the evening air.

  She’d quickly clipped on the recorder in the truck and turned it on. Hope said she had at least an hour’s recording time. That should be plenty. She hoped it wasn’t too noisy to pick up Kyle’s voice. But she couldn’t get any farther from the band playing at the other end of the street and still remain in public.

  Up ahead the sphere of the Ferris wheel extended high into the sky, the spokes already lit red, white, and blue. It was the slow kind of Ferris wheel, offering more in the way of grand views than high motion thrills.

  Her mouth went dry at the thought of what she was about to do. What if this ended in disaster?

  No, she couldn’t think that way. She was doing this for Cruz.

  As she neared the Ferris wheel, she spied Kyle through the crowd. He was frowning at his phone, which gave Zoe a minute to get her game face on. She was right on time.

  He wore a ball cap, the brim pulled low, and a black T-shirt hugged his lean upper body. The girls went crazy for him when he was onstage, and Zoe got that. He was muscled and handsome, and he could sure turn on the charm when he was of a mind to.

  But he was also demanding and demeaning, and he had a nasty backhand.

  She felt the vibration of a call coming in on her phone, but just as she registered the thought, Kyle looked up from his phone, his eyes zoning in on her, a direct hit. His gaze raked her over from head to toe and back.

  She forced a smile as she closed the distance between them. “Hey there.”

  She knew she had her work cut out when he only scowled in return.

  She touched his arm, hoping to soften him. “I’m really sorry I didn’t get your messages. I missed you.”

  He looked at her long and hard before pulling her into an embrace that somehow felt more like possession than passion.

  Her heart stalled as his hand settled at the small of her back. But she’d anticipated this and had put the recorder at her side. Though every instinct begged her to push away, she softened into him, praying his hand wouldn’t edge over.

  “You owe me.” His breath on her ear made a shiver shimmy down her spine. The familiar smell of him made a fist tighten in her gut.

  “You’ve been very patient. Thanks for coming all this way.” She gave him a squeeze before releasing him. Her smile felt carved in stone.

  He pinched her chin gently, holding her head still. His eyes roved over her hair before they narrowed on her eyes. “Heard you dyed it back.”

  Her chin nudged up before she could stop herself. She was never letting a man control her again. Not her hair color or her decisions or her future. She was done being a doormat.

  His lip curled as he stared at her, his eyes going dark. He tsked. “My little wild child. Taming you is half the fun.”

  She bit her tongue. Hard. And worked to keep the disgust off her face.

  She thought of Cruz and his patience. Of the tender and reverent way he touched her. She felt such a longing for him right then, it took everything in her to stand her ground.

  Kyle was oblivious, though. He was already looking around, scoping out the area. “Where do you want to do this? The diner’s closed, and the park’s a madhouse.”

  “There’s a bench over there.” But just as she said it a little boy with a blue cloud of cotton candy parked himself on it.

  She bit her lip.

  “Let’s just go sit in your car. Or better yet, go somewhere quiet and make up for lost time.” He slipped his arm around her waist and pulled her into his side, leering at her. “Been looking forward to that.”

  “I-I had to park way across town at the post office. And I’d really rather talk first.” And last. Because the thought of touching him again turned her stomach.

  Kyle scowled at her. “I don’t know what we have to talk about. This place is a dead end for you, Zoe. Especially now.”

  Because of you. She bit back the words. He was getting antsy, and she needed to calm him down.

  She made herself smooth the cotton material at his chest. “You promised we could talk this out. Please, Kyle?” He loved her eyes, and she used them to full advantage. “I want the chance to apologize properly. I was wrong before.”

  After a moment the tightness at the corners of his eyes relaxed. “Whatever. Let’s just ride this thing. We can talk up there. But after that we’re leaving.”

  Zoe’s pulse stuttered as she followed him to the ticket line. After that they moved to the short Ferris wheel line. She didn’t know how she was going to get rid of him when their tal
k was over.

  She looked up at the slow-turning wheel with its little cages. She didn’t like the thought of being trapped in that seat with him, thigh to thigh, but she needed him close. And it would be quieter up there, right? In full sight, more or less, of the viewing public. Safe.

  Kyle took her hand in his as they waited. His grip was too tight, and her palm soon began to sweat. They stepped forward as they worked their way up in line.

  She needed to ease into this. Get him relaxed. “How was your flight?”

  He gave her a sideways look. “Expensive.”

  She bit the inside of her lip. “How’s the band doing? How’s Brandon’s little boy?”

  “The band’s good. Eli came through the bone marrow transplant all right. He’s still pretty tired, but he’s home. They think he’s going to be okay.”

  “I’m so glad to hear that. I can only imagine how scary that was for Brandon and Beth. Are Dave and Joelle still together?” They’d just started dating when she’d returned to Copper Creek.

  Kyle grunted. “Hardly. He’s been through two more girls since.”

  “That’s too bad. I really liked Joelle.” She tried to think of something else to say and came up blank.

  Kyle pulled his phone from his pocket and responded to a text, tucking it back when he was finished. “We’ll leave after this and drive back tonight. I’ve got a lot to do tomorrow.”

  She fiddled with the hem of her shirt. “I really need a week or two to tie up loose ends, Kyle. And besides, this is not all settled between us. I missed you but—”

  He pressed a hard kiss to her lips. Then he backed away, still hovering over her. “As far as I’m concerned, there is no but.”

  She fought the urge to wipe his kiss away.

  “You were made for me, Zoe. You’re coming with me. We’ll make music together, become famous together.” He nuzzled his nose in her hair. “Everyone will want to be us.”

  So full of himself, she thought, as they took another step forward.

  The Ferris wheel stopped, and two women emerged from a chair. Their heels clanked as they descended the metal ramp. As they passed by they caught Kyle’s eye, giving him flirtatious smiles. His shoulders went back, and his lips curled. The women faded into the crowd, giggling like a couple of schoolgirls.