My Wildest Dream: Whisper Lake #2

by Barbara Freethy

  "More like a terrible thing to feel," she said quietly, her heart aching for Chloe. Even though they tried to stay on positive, cheerful topics, there was always a moment when Kevin came up, when Chloe's loss filled them all with pain. It made her problems seem very small in comparison.

  "I miss Kevin so much," Chloe continued. "The waiting is horrible. But then I think if I stop waiting, that means there's a definitive answer. He's either coming home or he's not. I can't handle the second choice, so maybe this purgatory I'm in is better than the alternative. Although, it doesn’t matter what I tell myself. I have no control over anything. I just have to keep hoping for a miracle."

  "We're all hoping," Lizzie put in.

  "I know. You're the greatest friends a girl could have. Now, Hannah, it's your turn," Chloe said, forcing a smile onto her face.

  "Nothing to report. Everyone I meet turns out to be either stupid, self-obsessed, or completely uninteresting. I'm beginning to think I should move to a bigger city."

  "No way. You're not going anywhere," Keira said. "Not with the new airfield starting up only a few miles away."

  "What are you talking about?" she asked, surprised by Keira's words.

  "Anderson Aviation is repurposing the old Cantwell Field Airport," Keira replied. "It's going to be a test facility, which means all kinds of daring and exciting pilots will be relocating to our neck of the woods."

  "That does sound interesting," Hannah agreed.

  "I think so, too," Lizzie said. "There's something very romantic about pilots."

  Chelsea laughed at the dreamy expression on her sister's face. "You think everything is romantic."

  "Not everything or everyone, but I can see the possibilities. When does the airfield open?"

  "Sometime within the next few months, but some of the guys are already here, and two of them are coming to our barbecue. I was showing them houses in the area yesterday." She checked her watch. "In the next fifteen minutes. If anyone wants to freshen up, now's the time."

  "So, the test pilots are your hot mystery guys?" Hannah asked. "Because, if so, bravo!"

  "Some of them," Keira said with a laugh. "Adam is also bringing Jake MacKenzie, who runs Adventure Sports."

  "Nice," Lizzie said with approval.

  "And then, of course, there's Zach and Brodie," Keira added. "But I think they're both taken."

  It felt odd to be paired up with a man again, but she couldn't deny that she wanted to slide Brodie into the taken column.

  "Well, I think I'll run a brush through my hair," Hannah said, getting to her feet. "This party is getting more interesting by the minute."

  She couldn't agree more.

  Brodie parked behind Adam's truck, noting the number of cars in front of Keira's lake house. It looked like it was going to be a big party. A Jeep pulled in behind his car, and Jake MacKenzie stepped out.

  "The life of the party has arrived," he joked.

  With sandy-brown hair, a short beard, friendly brown eyes, and a spontaneous personality, Jake was usually the center of any party. He grabbed a case of beer out of the trunk and smiled. "I'll be even more popular now."

  "I agree." His two family-sized bags of chips paled in comparison.

  "Hey, I heard about your rescue the other day," Jake said. "Nice stuff."

  "It wasn't a big deal."

  "Not for someone like you." Jake paused. "I've been meaning to talk to you, Brodie. I'm heading up the volunteer search and rescue team this year, and a few of our volunteers recently moved away, so I'm recruiting. With the year-round population doubling in Whisper Lake, not to mention the influx of stupid hikers, skiers, etc., who come up here, we need more people ready to jump into action when needed. You're the perfect candidate. We could use someone as fearless as you, someone who understands mountain terrain, especially when winter comes. Are you back to skiing?"

  "I could ski," he said slowly.

  "Good to know. So I can count on you?"

  "Sure."

  "Great. I'm going to set up a meeting in the next week or two. Adam said he's on board as well, and I'm going to tap his cousin, Hunter, too. Now, let's go get this party started."

  As he followed Jake into the house, he wondered why he'd told Jake he could ski. Not that he couldn't ski; he just didn't know if he wanted to. There was also a chance he might take his father up on his job offer and leave Whisper Lake entirely. Although, as he walked out onto the deck and spotted Chelsea in a bright-red bikini with a multi-colored see-through skirt wrapped around her hips, he didn't know how on earth he could actually leave this town, no matter what offer he got.

  He exchanged hellos and hugs with what was becoming his usual group of friends. Then he moved over to Chelsea, who was standing by the pool, sipping a margarita. Her hair was pulled back in a messy ponytail, her blue eyes sparkling, her face pink from a day in the sun. But it was the easy smile on her face that really got to him. Telling Austin off and facing the press had definitely freed something inside her, and she was even more beautiful, if that was possible.

  "Hi, Brodie," she said softly, a welcoming smile on her face.

  "You look like you've had a fun, relaxing day."

  "Just what I needed," she agreed. "How about you? What did you do? Did you have to go in to work?"

  "Nope. I went for a bike ride and got some exercise."

  "Brodie," Keira interrupted. "What's your pleasure? Chicken or burger?"

  "Do I have to choose?" he asked.

  She smiled. "Got it. One of each."

  "Can I help?" Chelsea asked.

  "Nope. Adam is going to grill, and I have plenty of sides chilling in the fridge. My mom and I did all the cooking this morning."

  "How is your mother?" Brodie asked, knowing that Keira's mom had suffered an accident a few years back that had left her mentally impaired.

  "She's doing well. She's in the house. She doesn't like crowds; they confuse her a bit. But she'll probably wander out at some point." She paused, as two more men walked out onto the patio. "Excuse me."

  "Who are those guys?" he asked Chelsea. "I don't think I've seen them before."

  "Neither have I, but I'm guessing they're test pilots. Keira said Anderson Aviation has taken over the old Cantwell Field Airport to test new aircraft, and she showed two guys some houses the other day." She paused, as Keira brought the men in their direction. "It looks like we're about to find out if I'm right."

  "Chelsea, Brodie," Keira began. "I want you to meet Shane Channing and Cooper Nash."

  Shane and Cooper were night and day. Shane had dark hair and eyes while Cooper was blond and fair. They both appeared to be in their early or midthirties. "Brodie McGuire," he said, shaking hands with Shane, then Cooper.

  "And I'm Chelsea Cole," Chelsea added.

  "Chelsea Cole?" Shane echoed. "As in the singer Chelsea Cole?"

  "Yes," she said shortly. "You must be a country music fan."

  "I was born in Kentucky. How could I not be? You live here in Whisper Lake?"

  "I do. I don't sing anymore. I'm a teacher now."

  "Seriously?"

  "What do you guys do?" Brodie interrupted.

  "We're working for Anderson Aviation," Cooper replied. "We'll be testing aircraft starting in a few weeks."

  "Former air force?" Brodie asked.

  Both men smiled. "You got it,” Cooper answered. "What about you?"

  "I'm a cop."

  "We just met Adam. You must work together."

  "We do."

  "Let's keep going," Keira interrupted. "I want you both to meet everyone."

  "I wonder if it's going to get loud with test flights going over the lake," Chelsea murmured as the men moved away. "Whisper Lake seems to be growing by the minute. I guess nothing stays the same."

  "It would be boring if it did," he said.

  Her gaze swung back to his. "Sometimes boring is comfortable."

  "And sometimes comfortable is overrated."

  "Maybe," she conceded. "You need a
margarita."

  He actually needed her, but he'd settle for a drink. They moved over to the bar where Zach was mixing margaritas and joined the rest of the group. For the next two hours, it was nonstop conversation with drinks and plenty of food. After three months in Whisper Lake, Brodie was starting to feel like he'd found his tribe as well as his woman. Not that Chelsea would appreciate him thinking of her as his woman, but he couldn't get the thought out of his mind.

  And, tonight, she was more relaxed around him and everyone else than she'd ever been. He was catching a glimpse of the real Chelsea, the woman she'd been before she'd gone into hiding. He hoped she didn't disappear again.

  As the light started to fade, Keira's mother Ruth came out onto the patio.

  "Keira, honey, there's a man here," Ruth said, interrupting their conversation. "He says he needs to talk to Chloe."

  "What?" Chloe asked, a startled look flashing across her face. "Who is he?"

  "I'm not sure." Ruth stepped back as a tall, dark-haired man wearing jeans and a dark polo shirt walked onto the patio.

  "Oh, God," Chloe murmured. "Michael. Do you have news?"

  "Let me take Leo," Chelsea said, immediately sweeping the baby out of Chloe's arms.

  Chloe staggered to her feet, keeping her hand on the table as if to steady herself. "What are you doing here, Michael?"

  "I have news," he said. "Can we go somewhere and talk? I don't want to interrupt the party."

  "Say what you have to say. These are my friends."

  "He's alive. Kevin is alive."

  "What?" Chloe asked in a daze, putting a hand to her mouth. "I thought you were going to say the complete opposite."

  "He's hurt," Michael continued, his mouth drawing into a tight, grim line.

  "How badly?"

  "I don't know. He's on his way to the hospital in Germany. He should be there within the hour. The doctor will be in touch as soon as he examines Kevin."

  "But he's alive? He's going to be okay?"

  "I believe he will be, Chloe. I didn't want to wait until I knew everything to come here. You've been through hell the past month. As soon as I knew he'd been rescued, I jumped on a plane."

  "He was rescued? From where?" she asked.

  "All I can tell you is that he's safe now and he's going to get excellent medical care."

  "I need to go to Germany," Chloe said, her voice and expression dazed. "But—but how can I go to Germany?" Her gaze swung to Leo. "Leo is barely a month old. How can I take him? How can I leave him?" Chloe held out her arms and Chelsea handed over her baby.

  "Let's find out the extent of Kevin's injuries," Michael said. His gaze moved to Leo. "God, he looks just like Kevin."

  Chloe gave him an emotional smile. "I think so, too. I can't believe Kevin is alive. I was trying to be hopeful, but every day made it so difficult."

  "I'm sorry it took so long. The entire team has been working nonstop to bring Kevin back. He's our brother."

  "I know. I appreciate that. I need to call Kevin's parents. Or should I wait until I know more about his injuries? Oh, I can't believe this is happening," Chloe rambled on without waiting for an answer to her question. "Don't tell Kevin I was losing hope, Michael. He would expect more from me."

  "I won't tell him," Michael promised.

  "How did you know I was here?"

  "I went by the café. Your assistant manager told me where to find you. I'm sorry to interrupt."

  "You're not interrupting, not with this news," Keira said.

  "These are my best friends," Chloe added. "They've been helping me take care of Leo and they've also been taking care of me. And this is Michael, one of Kevin's best friends." She let out a breath. "I need to go home. I want to be ready when the doctor calls."

  "I can drive you," Michael said.

  "I have my car, and the baby's car seat."

  "Then I'll follow you."

  "Are you sure you're okay to drive?" Adam asked sharply. "I can drive your car and get a ride home from there, Chloe."

  "Well, maybe," she said. "If you don't mind. I feel a little dazed."

  "Not at all," Adam replied.

  "I can pick you up on my way home, Adam," Lizzie said.

  "Great."

  "Keira, thank you for all this," Chloe said.

  "I thought it was fun before, but now it's the best party ever," Keira said with a laugh.

  As Chloe, Michael, and Adam left, Chelsea looked at him with her heart in her eyes, and he felt the same overwhelming rush of happiness for the very sweet and kind Chloe.

  "Can you believe it?" Chelsea asked. "Chloe got her miracle."

  "It's wonderful. I just hope her husband isn't too badly injured."

  "I guess that's something else to worry about, but he's alive and that's the most important thing."

  "It is."

  "This has been a great day," she added.

  "The party might be over," he said, as everyone started to clean up. "But the day has a few hours left. Did you drive here?"

  "No, I came with Lizzie."

  "Since she's going to pick up Adam from Chloe's house, how about I take you home?"

  "I'd really like that." She gave him a slow, sultry smile that he hoped meant what he thought it meant.

  Chapter Twenty

  Brodie didn't know why he felt nervous, but his entire body was tense on the drive home. He didn't know if he was afraid Chelsea would change her mind or worried that she wouldn't. Because as much as he wanted her—God knew how much he wanted her—he also didn't want to hurt her. He'd liked seeing her happy tonight, carefree, just enjoying her friends and being with him. But he was no longer sure of his long-term plans. He'd already made airline reservations for a trip to LA on Wednesday. He needed to talk to Chelsea about that. He needed her to know that he might be leaving Whisper Lake.

  But if he told her that, this night would probably be ending sooner rather than later.

  Still, he needed to be honest and up-front.

  On the other hand, there was a good chance he wouldn't take the job, that he wouldn't leave this Colorado town for the Hollywood lights. Maybe it would be better to wait, see how his meetings went before stirring up possibilities that might not happen.

  It was a good rationalization, but he knew he couldn't stay silent. Not with her. Chelsea was too…important.

  That thought hit him so hard, he sucked in a quick breath.

  How had she gotten to be so important in such a short time?

  They were completely in tune with each other. He understood the way she thought, why she acted the way she did. He might not have come from her world of music, but he'd come from fame and celebrity. He knew how fake that world could be, how difficult it was to know who liked you for yourself and not what you could give them. He knew what it meant to feel the weight of public expectations and enormous personal disappointment. He knew how it felt to start over, to reinvent, to become someone completely different.

  And she knew all those things, too.

  Which was why he had to be honest now—no matter what happened.

  He pulled into her driveway. She looked at him in surprise. "You don't want to park in your garage?"

  "I'd like to see the inside of your house," he said, knowing that if their conversation went south, he'd prefer to be the one leaving and not her.

  "Well, I do have more furniture than you," she said with a smile.

  "I'm sure you do." He glanced around the quiet, shadowy yard. "It looks like the paparazzi are gone."

  "And Austin, too, thank goodness," she said, as they got out of the car.

  But when they walked up the steps to her front door, they both stopped abruptly at the sight of the guitar case leaning against the door, and an envelope with Chelsea's name scrawled across the front of it. He frowned. "Or maybe he's not completely gone."

  She let out a sigh and punched in the code to her door lock. She opened the door then reached for the guitar and took it into the house, leaning it up against the
wall. She tossed the letter onto the side table, along with her purse.

  "You're not going to read it?" he asked.

  "Not now. I don't want to think about Austin tonight."

  The gaze in her eyes made his pulse jump. "What do you want to think about?"

  "Actually, I'd rather not think at all." She moved toward him, putting her hands on his shoulders. "Want to help me not think?"

  "More than I want to take my next breath. But we should talk first."

  "We've been talking for days. I don't want to talk anymore."

  "There are things we need to discuss."

  She put her fingers against his lips. "Can those things wait? Because the only thing I need right now is you."

  Anything else he'd thought about saying completely fled his mind.

  She dropped her hand from his mouth, putting it against his chest, as she pressed onto her toes and kissed him.

  She tasted like strawberries and summer, and his body tightened as he gripped her hips, pulling her even closer to him. The thin T-shirt and gauzy skirt did little to keep her body from his, and he reveled in the slide of her breasts against his chest, the feel of her bare legs against his. But it wasn't enough. "Let's see your bedroom," he murmured.

  Taking his hand, she led him up the stairs.

  Her room was as pretty and feminine as she was, and surprisingly bright with a white and yellow comforter, coral-colored pillows on the bed, a chaise lounge with more pillows, and an e-reader on the nightstand next to a bright red mug.

  "What do you think?" she asked.

  "It's you—the real you. I've been seeing her a lot today."

  Her gaze turned thoughtful. "What do you mean?"

  "The room is happy and so are you."

  She gazed back at him. "It feels happier now, because you make me happy, Brodie. I know it's fast, but I feel a connection to you that I haven't felt before." She licked her lips. "I—I haven't done this in a long time. I'm a little nervous."

  "So am I."

  She gave him a disbelieving look. "You? I don't believe that. You're so confident."

  "I want to make it good for you."

  She put her hands on his face. "It's going to be amazing."