“Like I said. Maybe I should be flattered.” Kyle pulled his brows together, but I still caught the playfulness behind his gaze.
“I’m so sorry. I guess I just assumed you knew you were more than welcome.” I shook my head.
He peaked his fingers together and studied me. “I can’t quite figure you out.”
“That makes two of us.” I smiled.
“A wise woman once told me that if I found someone who made my days better merely by being in them, I’d found the one I should hold onto.” His gaze stayed on mine. “She went on to tell me that finding that one person who makes you laugh, understands your tears, and hears your dreams is worth waiting a lifetime for.”
A shiver ran down my spine.
“I’d say whoever told you that understands love deeply.” I cocked my head and saw Kyle’s eyes brighten.
“My daughter is a smart girl.”
“Abigail told you that?” My eyes widened.
“You may not believe it, but I tend to get most of my dating advice from my sixteen-year-old.”
“Well, she seems to know what she’s talking about.”
“More than you can imagine.” He let out a deep breath. “Which is quite worrisome if I think too hard on it.”
“I can understand that.” I nodded just as our food arrived.
“Do you go to her often for dating advice?” I asked, taking a bite of my burrito.
“Only recently.” His eyes softened and I felt my body relax. “She’s actually surprised you’re even speaking to me.”
“Is that so?” My brow quirked slightly in surprise.
“I can see her point.” He nodded. “She’s a sweet girl. Very empathetic.”
He took a bite of his food, and I wondered if he was going to bring up the letters or if I should. I hated acting like I didn’t know they existed.
“Chance told me he filled you in on the letters I wrote.” Kyle took another bite. “Trying to explain to a sixteen-year-old girl the sequence of events without giving away too much is…”
“Impossible,” I supplied and Kyle laughed.
“Couldn’t have said it better myself.”
“What did the letters say?”
He let out a low whistle. “What didn’t they say? I was pretty torn up when I first got sent away. I wrote things to you that even my brothers don’t know. Maybe I felt safe knowing you weren’t ever going to read them, but they were brutal.”
“And Abigail found them?” I prompted.
“She did. They were up in the attic.”
“How many were there?”
“I think there were twenty-five or thirty.” For the first time ever, I saw a hint of a blush run up his neck. “I actually think there were more, but they must have gotten tossed at some point, but I can tell you I literally felt the pain rolling off the pages. I missed you.”
“How did Abigail take it? It’s not every day you want to see your parent acting like a teenager.”
“Well, it helped I was a teenager when I wrote them.” He laughed. “But she’s an old soul.”
I finished the last bite on my plate and pushed the plate away.
“So I’ll be visiting Abigail when you have your event and then that following week.” He stretched to the ceiling, and I couldn’t help but catch a little peek of his abs as his shirt lifted.
Amazing.
“I’m kind of bummed that I’m going to miss this show with everything going on.”
“Show? What show?” I scowled, pretending I had no idea what he was talking about.
“Two ex-boyfriends vying for a girl’s attention that they’re obviously not over.”
“Believe me. They’re over me. It’s just a coincidence.”
“I’m glad I’m not there to make it three.”
My heart did a jump and I glanced at the table.
“It’s not like that with them. Honest truth.” I held up my hand. “I think they’re bored.”
Kyle threw his head back in laughter and I was instantly insulted. I was the one that had been in the relationships—if that was even what they could be called—and he was making crazy inaccurate assumptions. These guys were nothing more than acquaintances at this point.
“Whatever you say, Sahler.”
He handed the server his credit card and turned his attention back to me.
“God, you’re beautiful.”
“It’s the lighting.” I smiled, feeling the sexual charge coming from him. “As long as there aren’t halogens around, I look like I belong with the living.”
“You always knew how to throw the attention off yourself.”
I tilted my head and looked at him. “What is it you want?”
“You.”
One word.
That was all it took to make the most complicated set of circumstances completely untangled and without mess. I drew in a slow breath, wondering if I’d ever be able to let myself give that one thing to him.
I wanted to, but I wasn’t sure if it was possible.
The sound of the live mariachi band suddenly snaking through the restaurant brought me back to the here and now. I saw a family in the corner of the restaurant clapping as the servers all wound through the tables carrying a birthday cake with a sparkler sticking out the top.
“Isn’t your birthday coming up?” he asked.
“Don’t you dare, North. I swear. I would never speak to you again.”
“Come on. That’s what will throw you over the edge?” He chuckled, and I shot him an icy stare as I smiled.
The server dropped off the receipt and Kyle picked up his card, left a signature and tip, and held out his hand for mine.
We left the restaurant and found ourselves walking toward the dock. He laced his fingers through mine as we quietly walked toward the water. The warm spring air caressed my skin.
When we got to the end of the pier, Kyle spun me around slowly and pulled me into him as he leaned against the railing.
“This has been the best errand day ever.” I looked up at him.
“Good. That’s what I like to hear.”
I looped my arms around his neck and brought in a deep breath. I noticed his eyes fall to my chest before bringing them back to mine.
“I’m glad you changed your mind about seeing me.”
“I never decided I didn’t want to see you,” I whispered.
“You’re not a very good liar.”
Kyle’s fingers skimmed along my cheek, and my body trembled against his. Just being in his arms made my entire body sway deeper into his embrace.
“I don’t want to do anything to screw it up this time.” His words shocked me to my core, but he didn’t give me a chance to run.
Desire flared though his gaze before his lips came crashing to mine. I dug my fingers through his hair as his mouth parted, welcoming me deeper. He tasted so sweet as all the memories flooded back of being in Kyle’s arms. Feeling his body press into mine as our kisses intensified made my world spin out of control. The idea of being with Kyle, truly letting myself feel all of him was almost more than I could bear. His kisses slowed and he moved his thumb over my bottom lip. I shuddered from the light touch and looked into his eyes.
“Just like when we were young,” he whispered.
“You always knew the way.”
I heard the ferry in the distance, and I let out a defeated sigh.
“I guess that’s my cue to exit, or I won’t make the ferry from Fireweed to Hound.”
“God forbid or we might have to find a hotel here in the city…”
I giggled and he brought his mouth to mine for one more kiss before breaking free.
“I love that sound.”
“The ferry?” I asked.
“Your giggle…your laugh.”
“Yours isn’t so bad either.”
He let out a husky laugh, and I reveled in being in his arms before he let go.
“Now promise me you won’t invite any other strays to your event on Satur
day.”
“I swear to you. I just don’t know why all these men keep popping back up in my life. There was nothing ever there.” I quickly looked at Kyle. “Present company excluded.”
A smile returned to his lips, and he lowered his voice, moving closer. “You just don’t get it. You’re impossible to forget, Brooke. You leave a mark.”
Chapter Seventeen
“Everything is coming together so fabulous,” Carrie said, giving me a quick hug.
I nodded in agreement. “It really looks great. The signs should be here soon.”
The conference rooms housed all the auction items, and a large white tent had been set up out front.
The theme of the party was in honor of the white snow owl so everything was white—the twinkling lights, the floral arrangements, the candles, the tablecloths, and the corridor of drapes leading from the tent to the main building. It made me proud to be part of the event.
I glanced at my phone. Roger should be here any second with the signs. Thankfully, Brent missed the earlier ferry and wouldn’t arrive on the island until the event had already started.
“I’ve already heard several attendees looking over excitedly at that ski trip. I think tonight is going to raise so much for our rehabilitation efforts.” She squeezed me one last time and took off toward the main building.
“Hey, my wonderful do-gooder niece,” Aunt Hildie exclaimed. “What a beautiful event. I brought a few of the wreaths and spa baskets for donations. Carrie took them back with her.”
“That’s so sweet of you.”
Aunt Hildie was dressed in a long, flowing purple dress, and her hair was in a messy twist. Her eyes sparkled with an intensity to match her sons’.
She drifted over in my direction. “So, is Kyle going to be here?”
“No.” I shook my head. “He’s over in Idaho with his daughter this week.”
My aunt furrowed her brows and went to say something but thought better of it.
“What?”
“Nothing, dear.”
She walked over to the bar and got a glass of water.
“Brooke.” The voice grated me, but I silently reprimanded myself for unwillingly mustering that response. It wasn’t his fault he was annoying. “I got ‘em. Barely made the ferry, but here I am with everything you need in life.”
I highly doubted that, but I plastered a smile on my face and turned around to see Roger, holding the rolled up banner under his arm and the two large posters.
“That’s just so sweet of you,” I told Roger and he grinned.
My stomach twisted into a large knot. I couldn’t believe I’d actually slept with him. I was sure most women would find him extremely attractive, but I certainly was no longer one of them.
In fact, all I could think about was Kyle. His ‘let’s pretend’ shenanigans at the Mexican restaurant had kept me spinning for the last several days, and I couldn’t believe I’d have to wait a week to see him. Not that I knew what I’d do to him once I got him in front of me but still…
I motioned for Roger to follow me but took the posters from him. I found Carrie, and she grabbed the banner from Roger with a quick thank you while I found the large marble pedestals to prop the posters on.
“Looks fantastic,” Roger said, stepping closer than I expected.
“They really do.” I nodded and felt Roger slide his arm around my waist.
I froze in disgust, but I didn’t want to make a scene.
“Well, I need to go check on my cousins.” I slithered out of his grasp. “I’ll be floating around. I think the bar opened a few minutes ago.”
I made my way back into the large tent and spotted my aunt, taking a seat at one of the open tables.
“I don’t mind following you around, helping out where I can.” And apparently Roger had followed.
“That’s really kind of you, but the event is pretty much set. Feel free to mingle.”
“You know,” his voice lowered, and I got a funny feeling, “I reserved a camp spot not too far away from here. We could head back there and—”
Oh, dear.
“I’m actually kind of seeing someone so while that’s certainly tempting…” As Kyle put it so aptly and I had to agree, not if Roger were the last man on earth. “I’m actually not—”
“Brooke,” Brent’s voice vexed me just as much as the voice of the one standing in front of me. “You look amazing.”
I spun around to see Brent walking over toward me with his arms outstretched.
Ugh.
“Thank you.” I gave him the world’s fastest hug and took a step back, nearly tumbling into Roger.
“Your body looks sensational in that dress.” Brent’s eyes widened as his gaze slid over my body, and my chest tightened. I ran my hands over the crimson dress and wanted to shrink away. The large tent suddenly felt like the size of a shoebox.
Things had definitely changed. Mindless flirting like this used to work on me even though back then it did little to get the juices pumping. I, at least, could offer some friendly banter back. Now I just stood staring awkwardly at the men in front of me, wishing I was nowhere near either of them.
“How is my favorite saver of all woodland creatures?” Billy’s boisterous voice boomed through the tent and I finally took in a breath.
I spun around and nearly dove into Billy’s arms.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” I whispered, and he chuckled as I took a step back, and he spotted the two visitors.
The two men took a few steps forward toward Billy, and I started to do the introductions, but Billy took over.
“I’m Brooke’s friend, Billy.” He stuck out his hand to Roger.
“I’m also her friend,” Roger clarified and I held in a groan.
“So am I.” Brent shook Billy’s hand next.
“Interesting,” Billy muttered, glancing at me. “Where’s Kyle?”
“Is he another friend?” Brent’s brows lifted.
“You could say that. He’s in Idaho and couldn’t make it.”
“I wouldn’t miss something like this,” Roger informed me.
“I wouldn’t either.” Brent shook his head.
“Well, I would, but I’m offering up a few items for auction, and thought I better stop by and bid on them if no one else does to save my fragile ego from shattering into a million pieces.”
“Billy, you are wonderful.” I laughed. “Everything you donated is going to go for an amazing amount and bring endless help for our furry friends.”
“I’ll be sure to bid on it, captain,” Roger patted his shoulder, and Billy suddenly looked like he wanted to slug the guy.
I had to hide a smile.
There were a couple of names you didn’t call Billy unless you knew him really well, and those were captain, boss, or buddy. Sunshine probably wouldn’t go over real well either.
Billy lifted a brow and brought me in for a squeeze.
“Are these your friends from Colorado?” Aunt Hildie asked, swooping in to help save the day.
“Yes. Brent and Roger.” I pointed at both and Aunt Hildie nodded slowly.
“I see,” she said coolly, reaching her hand out to Roger first.
Brent’s gaze ran over Roger like he’d suddenly turned into a cockroach.
“It’s so nice of you to want to support my niece and all her causes,” she drawled. “It’s not often that friends from the past pop up without a reason other than pure generosity.”
Billy let out a low, guttural laugh and he squeezed me again.
“The auction rooms are that way.” My aunt pointed toward the exit of the tent. “I need to discuss a couple things with my niece.”
Roger and Brent looked stunned, but they both wandered off in the direction my aunt had specified. There was something about Aunt Hildie.
People just did what she suggested whether it made sense or not.
“Boy, Brooke.” Billy grimaced. “Those two are really something.”
“Indeed.” I
nodded.
“Kyle would have a field day with them.”
“He’s already met Roger,” I revealed and my aunt’s eyes widened. “I don’t think he was impressed.”
My aunt chuckled.
“So did you really want to chat or did you only say that to save me?” I grinned.
“I actually wanted to inform you that there are two properties I’ve narrowed the farm expansion down to.”
“Really?” Excitement pulsed through me. It wasn’t like I was owning the land, but it would be my home where I could enjoy the peaceful days gardening and helping to grow Aunt Hildie’s business.
A group of thirty or so guests wandered into the tent, making their way to the beverage stations, and my heart fluttered. Between seeing the turnout for the event and hearing Aunt Hildie’s news, tonight was going really well in spite of Roger and Brent.
“One is over on Fireweed Island, abutting Jake’s property, and the other is a piece of property the North sisters own over near Silver Ridge. The soil is rich at both sites so it’s really going to depend on what works best for you.” A glint of mischief dashed through my aunt’s gaze. “I’m hoping over the next week or two, you can take a look at both pieces of property.”
My cousin Jake walked in with Jewels and joined us.
“Absolutely.” I nodded, feeling nearly euphoric.
“Each property has its pros and cons. The one next to Jake already has a small home situated on it, along with a couple of sheds. The property the North sisters own doesn’t have a home, but it does have irrigation and a greenhouse.”
“It’s got a great view,” Jake added.
“It will be fun to go check them out.”
My aunt clasped her hands together. “Perfect. I bet we’ll get another location up and running this time next year.” Her expression instantly fell once we heard Roger’s voice coming from the entrance.
“Yeah, Tweedledee and Tweedledum are back.” Billy folded his arms and waited for them to return to our small group.
“Find anything you can’t live without?” I asked Roger as Brent trailed behind him.
“I saw a few things that seemed interesting, but I don’t want to artificially inflate the bidding.”
“Yeah, God forbid you do that at a charity event.” Billy shook his head, but a smile darted across his expression. I quickly followed his gaze, but I saw nothing.
Irresistible Love at Silver Falls (Island County Series Book 7) Page 14
